Someone's Company

My phone screen read ninety-two degrees. My skin felt the heat, Levi felt the heat, and so did his popsicle. It was turning into a liquid orange mess. I think popsicles are classic during the summer, ice cream and snow cones are also nice. They're sweet, cold, and delicious. I think they’re much better to have when you’re with someone. I handed him a napkin and he gladly took it, wrapping it around the wooden stick as he tried to salvage the running liquid. 

There was a small breeze every now and then. It would ruffle the leaves and the tall grass that we were settled in. This picnic probably would’ve been better in a shaded area, but Levi insisted on being in the heat. I was thankful for the breeze. 

I laid on my back with my hands under my head, looking at the blue sky. No clouds here. I hear him discard his popsicle stick into the trash bag we brought. Levi turns to face me on his side putting his head on his hand asking, “What are you thinking about?” I don’t know if it was the heat getting to my head or if I was just zoning out. I let out a sigh, “I’m not thinking about anything. My mind is tv static when it loses connection.”

“I’ll give you something to think about. Have you talked to Niko?” Niko, Niko, Niko. Have I talked to him today? My cheeks felt hot and I’ll blame it on the sun rather than my emotions. “He texted me this morning, but I don’t remember if I texted him back or not.” I hear shuffling and tap tap tap, “He said hope you enjoy the picnic with Levi today. Don’t forget sunscreen. Smiley face,” Sweet, he thought about my skincare. “You’ve been talking to him since, what, April? It’s July now. Also, it’s nice he thinks about your skincare.” 

I sit up on my elbows and bring my sunglasses down a bit to look at Levi holding my phone, “There’s nothing wrong with a bit of a chase and waiting. I like him and I’m assuming he likes me, but we’re starting college soon, so what’s the point? I should focus on that.” It wasn’t abnormal to brush off an oncoming relationship. I’ve had friendships or benefits here and there, but nothing serious. He locks my phone and sets it down, “I know college is starting soon, but maybe you don’t have to focus on just school. You hang out with me and group all the time and still have straight A’s and you’ve kept that streak for like two years. I’m not forcing you or anything, I just think you should do something or someone for yourself.” Do someone for myself. I’ve done a few people. 

I take my phone and unlock it, going to Niko’s conversation, “Thank you, I did remember my sunscreen. Maybe you can come by later today and we can hang out at my apartment.” I look at Levi to see a smile form. “That’s much better. Now, even if it doesn’t work out, you’ve got seventy years ahead of yourself to find someone else to die with.” I chuckle and throw my phone at him and he swiftly catches it.

The cooler and blanket was packed into the trunk of my Corolla. Levi was already in the passenger seat, seatbelted in when I got into the drivers. I selected my “happy playlist” from Spotify, Levi said I needed to make a separate playlist from my main one because the main one was too sad. 

“Do you mind if we grab groceries for my mom? She sent me a list.” I wonder when Niko is going to text me back. It’s only been about twenty minutes though. No sweat. “Yeah, of course,” I say putting the car into drive.

Forty-five minutes later we were at our small-town Walmart. What a place to be at at six-thirty on a Thursday. Levi gets out first as I check for a text from Niko. My phone shows that I had two messages. We’re not dating, he doesn’t have to text immediately, moron. I get out of the car and start reading the text to Levi as we walk towards the entrance, “I’d love to come over. I get off at seven. Can I come at eight.” The sound of carts and people fill my ears when we walk inside. “Sounds interested to me,” Levi smirks while grabbing a cart. “I’m texting back, that’ll work see you then. Smiley face.” 

We’re walking about in Walmart slowly, but surely getting everything on the list Levi had gotten. Levi would grab an item and I would push myself off the ground to roll with the cart. It was pretty fun in my opinion, Levi, on the other hand, didn’t because he would have to walk faster to keep up with me. 

I watched the cashier as she scanned and bagged the items. I was putting the bags into the cart as they were coming. Levi paid and we walked back to my car, which was in the very back since everyone decided to go to Walmart at this time. 

It was seven-fifteen by the time I had gotten home after dropping Levi off at his house. I decided to shower to wash off the day's sweat and dirt. Even though it was still hot and humid outside, I preferred warm water. My bathroom was steamy when I got out, but it made it easier for my moisturizer to seep into my skin. I changed into athletic shorts and a tank top and made my way to my bed. My phone read seven-fifty. He should be here soon. 

I hear knock on my door and I get off the couch to open the door. Right on time. Not like he’s usually late when we hang out though. I open the door to reveal a tall brown-headed boy. I step out the way, “Hey, come on in.” He walks in with a bag, “Thank you, thank you. I brought over some sweets.” My face beams and I shut and lock the door. “Are sweet-tart ropes part of those sweets by any chance?” I ask, rubbing my hands together excitedly and taking a seat next to him on the couch. He grins, handing me the pack of candy, “Of course, how could I not bring your favorite candy?” 

A couple hours go by along with many watched Criminal Minds episodes. All the candy was devoured and we were cuddling. It felt nice and I can’t remember the last time I did this with someone. I turn my head to look at him, “Are you tired?” He’s got a handsome face, for sure. His eyes don’t leave the tv, “Not really, are you?” I stop staring at him before he notices, “Not really either. Do you want a popsicle?” I felt him look at me now, “I would love one.”