nowhere by Marysue Hobika

as a kind-hearted guide. I paid little attention to the luscious green surroundings—I was too busy enjoying the view of James’ broad backside. We walked in comfortable silence. I listened to the sounds of animals scurrying and birds tweeting.
    “Have you taken this trail before?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
    “Yes.”
    “Have you taken this trail with other girls?” I hadn’t meant to ask that out loud, but I had a habit of saying whatever was on my mind. I didn’t want to come across as a jealous girlfriend, because I wasn’t, but this place felt intimate and special and secretly I wanted to be the only one he’d shown it to. 
    He laughed. It was a hearty laugh, but it sounded rough and raspy, like he didn’t laugh often enough. When he calmed, he turned around to face me. His dimples showed prominently, momentarily stopping my heart. “No. Why?” 
    “Just wondered.” I couldn’t hide my smile at hearing the answer I wanted.
    “I’ve always come here alone. It’s a great place to clear my mind and think. I never wanted to show this place to anyone, until now.”
    “Really?” I questioned.
    “Really.”
    “Why me?”
    “I like you. You seem different than the girls around here.” It wasn’t a long explanation, but it was all I needed. Soon the trail widened and he reached for my hand, and I welcomed the feel of his strong hand in mine. A rush of heat flowed through me,
    Wanting to get to know him better, I asked, “Have you lived here your whole life?” 
    “Yes.” His one-word answers were beginning to frustrate me. How was I supposed to get to know him if he didn’t ever elaborate?
    “Do you like living here in such a small town?”
    “It has its advantages and disadvantages.”
    “Like what?”
    He didn’t answer my question, instead turning it around. “Did you like growing up in a big city?”
    “It had its advantages and disadvantages.” Two could play at this game.
    “Touché.” He laughed. My heart warmed at having made him laugh again.
    I heard the creek bubbling before I could see it. I loved the relaxing sound of water rushing over rocks. It turned out to be a small creek with scraggly trees lining the banks. It appeared to be ankle deep with crystal clear water. I could see rocks and small stones lining the bottom. 
    “Do you want to walk in it for a while?” He asked, and I grinned, instantly liking the idea. “I have to warn you that it’s cold, but not too cold.”
    “I’m not afraid of a little cold water.”
    “Excellent.” He nodded. “It gets deeper and picks up speed a little further down just before it empties into the pond. We can rest there and eat our lunch on the big boulders.”
    “Sounds like a plan.” I was hot and the idea of wading in the cool water appealed to me.  I let go of his hand and bent down to untie my sneakers.
    “Leave ‘em on. The rocks on the bottom are sharp. You don’t want to cut your foot.  Also, it’ll be easier to walk on the slippery rocks.”
    “Oh, okay.” I felt like a silly city girl. 
    James rolled up his jeans and stepped down into the creek. He held his hand out to help me down the slight bank. We continued to hold hands as we waded through the cold water. It was a good thing, too, because several times I gripped his hand tighter to avoid falling. Normally I wasn’t so clumsy; I think it had to do with being near James. He was confident and sure of every step he took. Except for the babble of the creek and the splashing of our footsteps, it was quiet and peaceful. I didn’t ask James any more questions. Talking right now would have been intrusive.
    Once the creek picked up speed, we climbed out and walked on the trail. A surprisingly large waterfall cascaded over big boulders and emptied into a pond. We stopped, and I marveled that such a beautiful oasis existed here in Nowhere. The pond was just as clear as the creek had been. It looked to be eight or nine feet deep. The woods were