(Colton Cypraes)
I don't know if I should be happy or not. I'm confused. I don't know what is right and what isn't. I'm trying to make my heart stop doing these weird things when I'm around Orion. I don't know whose side of the story to believe. On one hand, my childhood friend and someone I used to have a massive crush on. I'm beginning to think it wasn't a crush to begin with. Why aren't there just answers to everything? Why did life have to get so complicated?
Like right now, the person occupying my mind lately is this little bubbly person. I'm having second thoughts, on what Finn told us. It's not adding up, everything I've come to know about Orion is different from what he told us. Like right now, he's just singing along to a tune I have no idea existed. It's not the normal hip-hop, it's a mix of J-pop, mandopop, K-pop, and hip-hop, and I'm pretty sure he is listening to a show opening. He is either a major geek or a dock, or just a whole person who was stuffed with every personality possible. Is that even possible?
"Are we there yet? We've been driving for a while now."
Well, scratch what I said about him being a whole other person. He's just annoying the fuck out of me now.
"We are almost there, but, the scenery is breathtaking. Would it kill you to just enjoy it?" I fire back.
That makes him give me the look as if I've just said something stupid.
"Sure, why not? Let's just pretend that last time we tried something similar, we almost ended up being eaten by werewolves." He snaps back.
"Werewolves?" That is the only thing I ask because, okay, maybe the first time we almost got lost was because of my pride. In hindsight, I didn't know why I did that. Something just came over me. I don't want to repeat what happened, but I do not voice that. I'm afraid I might do something stupid, which has been happening a lot.
"We are almost there."
Once we pack the jeep, he is full of glee. Sweet...?
He seems like a different person. It's hard to explain, but he reminds me of a young child who has just eaten a lot of sugar. He has a strong energy, almost like a sugar rush that lifts his mood and makes him bounce as he walks. This excitement might come from the lively festival around us, filled with bright colors and happy sounds, or maybe it's just the sweetness of the strawberries he loves.
I still don't get it. They are tasteless. Who even found out that strawberries are edible? You can't even tell if they are supposed to be sour or sweet. I mean, pick one, are you sour or sweet? Why the heck is something tasteless so expensive, and it's small?
"Please stick close to me, hey, are you listening to me? Orion?"
Well, now I know his one weakness, strawberries. I don't know what came over, but the second I did it, I didn't regret it at all. His little face went crimson red, squishy. Why do I want to hold him and never let go, to taste every inch of his skin?
These simple defining moments have been happening a lot around him. I find myself doing things I would never dare do in normal circumstances.
"We...ummm...should get going, the festive is in full swing?"
Cute...? Did I just think that was cute? Fuck I'm doomed.
Orion gets out of the car quickly and walks towards the stand. I follow behind him because I'm sure someone might kidnap him if I'm not around. He gets easily distracted when it has anything to do with Strawberries or food in particular. I've noticed.
"You guys made it!" A squeal makes us turn to see the old couple who gave us a ride when we had been stranded. I forgot their names.
"Betty! Frank! How are you guys doing? Where is your food stand? So what did you guys make with your strawberries? Jam or is it cakes or muffins? I can't wait to taste whatever you guys made."
Orion burst out with a barrage of questions which saves me the embarrassment of not knowing the names of the couple who saved our lives.
"It's even better it's a strawberry pie."
The man who I assume is Frank answers Orion, with the glee I see in his eyes, I'm pretty sure these two are going to be a problem.
"Oh, aren't you a curious one?" Betty laughs and watches as Frank leads Orion to their food stand.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the cravings for strawberries talking," I reply to Betty. Who just gives me a stare, I'm not sure I quite get.
"Young love, so how is your honeymoon going?"
Betty's question throws me down a rabbit hole. How am I supposed to answer that question? I just look to where Orion is stuffing his mouth full of strawberry pie, and it doesn't sound bad for him to have a C on his name.
"It's alright, he's just everything I didn't know he is?"
"Listen carefully, my son. You've discovered someone truly special, a diamond in the rough that one. It's rare to find people who can express their emotions so openly. I want to share something important with you. I see a deep wound in his eyes, but it seems like it's starting to heal. Please, take good care of him and protect that precious soul."
I don't know what to make of that. Orion, hurt, I hate it. Why would anyone hurt him...It clicks, I think everything is starting to make sense. Quincy was onto something. I think Finn is lying about everything. I may not be a hundred percent sure, but I can still feel the cracks in his side of the story. I don't know anymore, but what I do know is that I want to protect Orion at all costs, which is stupid because I don't even know him that well, but my soul screams to protect him, my heart wants to beat for him. It hurt just thinking someone might have hurt him, and worse, Finn.
I feel sick, I want to throw up. I want to punch something. What is happening to me? Oh God, I think my friend is a monster. Worse, I defended him and directed all my negative energy to the wrong person. Does that mean that what he told us he did to him? What kind of monster does that?
"Colt? Are you okay? "
His hands find my back and bring me back to reality, the warmth sipping through the fabric against my skin and igniting a spark of connection. In that moment, the dam I've built finally shatters, and the world around me comes into sharp focus, as if I can finally see for the first time. I find myself completely captivated by this little kitten, its playful energy weaving into the fabric of my heart. I want to protect him. This is a new emotion I can't tell, I've never felt anything like this. It's warm, I want it to stay forever.