Chapter 17

I walk outside and the cool breeze brushes across me. I love Fall. I go into our backyard and go down to the stream. I shove my cold hands into my pockets. It's like twenty degrees out here! I zip up my jacket up as far as it will go. That's a bit better. I jump over the stream. The leaves crunch under my feet as I walk. I go down to the river and take a seat at the edge. Josh isn't here yet. He normally is here like ten minutes early. I look at my watch. He should arrive any moment. I sit and look out into the water while waiting. I hear leaves crunch in back of me. I guess Josh is here. I turn around and he is standing at the way back of the dock. He starts to walk up.
"Hey," he says out of breath.
"Hi."
My lungs are like frozen. It almost hurts to talk.
"Sorry I'm late. Cassie called."
Cassie, Cassie, Cassie. Can I go one day without hearing her name?
I sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Actually everything. I hate living here.
I have like no friends at all and I have to worry about Cassie every stinking day. I just want to tell Josh everything! He's the only one who will understand!
"Oh, okay."
We just stare at the water.
"So, um, why'd you want me here?"
"Oh yeah! Me and some friends are going bowling then going to a movie tonight. You wanna come?"
"Sure! What time?"
"Hmm. Around six thirty. I'll drive you."
"Okay."
We are quiet for a minute. I totally forgot about Ashely and Ryan!
"Are Ashely and Ryan going to be there?"
"Do you want them there?"
"Yes."
I giggle.
"Then yes, they will be there."
A smile spreads across my face.
"Well, I have to go eat lunch. Bye!" I say as I get up.
"Okay bye! Don't forget six thirty!"
"I won't. Bye!"