Ruby's P.O.V
Cole seemed a little on edge as we pulled up, getting out of the car in the middle of the woods. I chuckled a little, sensing his nerves. I grabbed his wrist, pulling him behind me, going towards our destination.
"Would you please slow down?" He stuttered out.
"Sorry," I said, giving him a small smile, slowing down.
I know these woods like that back of my hand so I wouldn't get us lost. I could sense that Cole was nervous about being in the woods; the only light we had was the torches on our phones. I led us to where we were going, sitting down on the grass, Cole following my lead when I did.
"Wow! This place is beautiful. I never even knew it was here." He said in awe.
"Yes, it is, as I said, it is my safe place," I said, looking ahead of me.
"Why do you need a safe place?" He asked.
That was the thing; everyone thought I had a perfect life because that is what I make them believe. Only my two best friends knew the truth. I guess I could tell Cole; he wouldn't tell anyone.
"Everyone thinks I have a great life, that isn't the case. I tell everyone my mother passed away when I was young; the truth was she walked out, taking my older sister with her. I was six, and I have not seen either of them since. As for my dad, all he does is work, drink and disappear for nights at a time. He does not have any time for me, and I think I remind him of my mum. He gives me a credit card and thinks that will keep me happy. I think that is why I get attention everywhere else because I don't get it at home." I said.
Whoa! I didn't think I would tell him all that so quickly. I don't usually open up to anyone except my friends.
"I am sorry to hear that Ruby. I can't imagine what that would be like for you. Hopefully, your dad will realise what he is doing and start treating you like a father should." He said, reaching over, giving my hand a quick squeeze.
I turned to him, smiling. I appreciated it kind words; he did seem sweet. But I never wanted to spend the night talking about depressing stuff like this. I decided I would get to know him because only things I know about him is his name and that he is smart.
"What about you, Cole? Family? What do you like to do in your spare time?" I asked.
"I live with my parents, little brother and sister. Not a lot, to be honest, I don't have anyone to do anything with." He shrugged.
I felt horrible hearing him saying that. Everyone needs someone.
"Why is that, Cole?" I asked.
"It is my own fault, well kind of. I am just awkward and shy, you know?" He said.
"That must suck," I said, looking at him.
"I am used to it. I have come to terms with it." He shrugged.
"That saddens me to hear you say that. You should hang out with me and my friends, we wouldn't mind." I smiled at him.
Yes, I had a game plan, but I wasn't that much of a b***h I would let him continue to have no one. I don't mind if he hangs out with us, neither will my friends. At least he wouldn't be so lonely. It must be lonely not having anyone at all.
"I don't think you want someone like me hanging around with you Ruby." He said.
"Why? I told you, Cole, I don't care what people think. Think about it." I smiled.
"I will thank you." He smiled.
I don't mind being his friend and maybe if he is friends with me, with my friends, then people will stop giving him hassle because no one messes with us. Yes, we get the snide remarks from the bitches, but that is about it. Everyone knows we could kick their asses if needed. A comfortable silence fell between us. I sat there shivering, still regretting not bringing a jacket with me. All of a sudden, I felt something being placed over my shoulder, making me look over and see Cole's jacket put over my shoulders, leaving him in only his tee.
"You never had to do that; you will be cold now," I said.
"I don't mind. You were sitting there, shivering." He smiled.
"Thank You, that is very sweet," I said, reaching in, kissing his cheek.
I watched as his full face turned red, turning away from me. He was too cute. I rested my head on his shoulder, making him fall still.
"Do you want me to move my head?" I asked.
"No, it is OK." He said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"You sure? You don't seem very comfortable with me doing it?" I asked.
"No it is not that, just not used to it that's all. I don't mind." He smiled.
We sat there; my head rested on his shoulder, which was quite comfortable. The two of chatted, well I mostly talked, he listened, he was not one for saying much which is understandable I guess since he is never really around anyone. I knew it was getting late, that he would probably need to head home soon.
"I should head home. I told my parents I would be back in an hour." He said.
"OK, well, let's go then. I don't want you getting into trouble." I said, removing my head from his shoulder.
I stood to my feet, putting my hand out for him to take which he did, and I helped him to his feet. I held onto his hand, leading us back through the woods. All of a sudden, I felt myself trip on something, falling forward and hitting the ground hard.
"Ouch, you fucker," I said, annoyed.
"Shoot, Ruby oh my God are you OK? Are you hurt? Do you need a hospital?" I hear Cole's voice say panicking.
"I am fine, I think." I found myself laughing.
I moved every part of me, making sure nothing was broke which thankfully everything seemed OK…no injuries. I rolled onto my back, laughing too much to get my ass off the ground. Once Cole knew I was OK, he laughed too, reaching his hand out for me to take. I took it, but instead of getting up, I decided I would pull him down also, making him fall right on top of me.
"Um…hi." He laughed nervously looking down at me, laying below him.
"Hi. That is what you get for laughing at me." I giggled, sticking my tongue out at him.
I could tell he was feeling slightly awkward being on top of me because it is probably the first time he has been this close to a girl. I pushed myself up on my elbows, looking at him and smiling widely at him. He sat up on my stomach, looking down at me. And then I did something I knew he would not be expecting. I did something he has probably never done. I grabbed him by the scruff of his tee, pulling him down towards me and kissed him. Cole let out a small squeak sound, not kissing me back, well at first. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pushing his lips harder into mine and eventually kissed me back. You could tell he was inexperienced, but he has sweet soft lips. It was only a kiss on the lips, no tongue. All of a sudden, he pulled away, jumping to his feet and stepping back.
"Why did you do that?" He asked.
"Cause I wanted to." I shrugged, getting to my feet.
He shook his head, running his hands through his hair.
"We should go." He said, walking away from me.
Well, that was not quite the reacting I was expecting from him. To say the ride back to mine was awkward would be an understatement. We never said a word; he never even looked at me. He seemed mad that I kissed him, which is a first for me.
"I will see you at school." He said as we pulled up outside my house.
"Yeah. See you then." I said, climbing out the car before heading inside.
Cole pulled away, and that was when I realised I still had his jacket. I will give it to him tomorrow because I don't think he will come back tonight. I was still confused about the way he acted when I kissed him. I yet don't know why I did kiss him, it was a little too soon, but it seemed like he never wanted me to do that at all. I think he was going to be more of a challenge than I first thought.