Harry was so confusing. Really, I couldn't keep him straight. One minute, we were joking around and having a nice conversation, then next, he was short and cold. I just don't get it. 

His mood changes give me headaches. 

I really just thought I would better understand him by now. We've been friends for awhile now, and we've gotten pretty close. Actually, we've gotten closer than I thought we ever would. 

I never expected any of this to really happen. When I suggested we be friends, I thought he would give it a fair go in the beginning, and eventually we would drift our own ways. But it has been the exact opposite. When I first woke up from my accident, I swore up and down I'd be mad forever at the person that did this to me. But I can't be. Not when it's Harry. 

Harry is nothing like I judged him to be. And I guess that is my fault. I made a judgement without really knowing him. And he could have been the egotistic jerk I expected him to be before the accident, but he wasn't that person anymore. In spending more time with him, I feel like I've gotten to know him inside and out.

He's got such a warm heart, and I wish he would show it more often. He is genuinely sweet and caring, and actually really thoughtful, but he plays off the bad boy act in front of everybody. I know he doesn't have a close relationship with his family, but he has a good sense of humor.

But enough about Harry. I should be focusing on Will. 

I'm very excited for my date tomorrow. Will is just so perfect. I mean so perfect. 

I still don't know what I'm going to wear, so Hattie told me she would facetime me after her afternoon class and help me pick out my outfit. I went up to my room and set out a couple suggestions on my bed that I think would be good for a hike. 

About twenty minutes later, my phone started ringing from the dresser, a stupid picture of Hattie blowing bubble gum popping up on the screen. I grabbed the phone and pressed 'talk', my face joining hers on screen. 

"Hey!" She said.

 "Hi," Might as well get straight to the point. "Alright, so I have some things laid out. Tell me what you think." I walked over to the bed. "And keep in mind that we're going on a hike." 

"Alright."

"So this one is like yoga pants and a pullover." I said, putting the phone up to it. "This one is like leggings and a sweater. And this last one is kind of similar to the first." I looked back to the screen, biting my lip awaiting her advice. 

"Hmmm.." she said. "Well, I think the one with the sweater is really cute, but the athletic ones seem more fitting. And Pay, you can pull off the whole 'cute-athletic' thing."

"So you're saying you would go with the first or third one?" 

"I mean, I like them all, but yeah."

"You're right." I said, looking again at the ones she liked. I liked them too. "I'll go with one of those." 

"So are you excited or nervous." She asked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. 

"A little bit of both, I guess." I said, sitting back on my bed and leaning against the wall. "I just really like him. He's perfect, Hattie." 

"Oh, I believe you. You always had a way to attract the high-grade guys." 

"Are you calling me a slut?" I asked, even though I knew she was joking. 

"No, I'm saying guys stop and stare at you and you don't even notice."

"Well, I just hope he likes me as much as I like him."

"Don't worry your pretty little head too much. It will all work out fine."

"Thanks Hattie."

The two of us talked for a little while longer, but Hattie had a study group to meet at the library, so she had to go. I spent the rest of the night doing homework and eating dinner with my mom and aunt, before going to bed early, just so tomorrow would come faster. 

* * * * * * * 

I woke up on Sunday feeling excited and refreshed from sleep. I showered and ate breakfast, then got ready, putting on the outfit Hattie had helped me pick out. I did some light makeup and put my hair in a low ponytail with a braid going across the top of my head like a headband. 

After checking myself over a couple of times—okay, a lot of times, I went downstairs and waited in the foyer for Will's car to pull up. I wonder what kind of car he will drive. I'm used to Harry's big SUV, but for some reason I picture Will as more of the guy to drive a truck. 

I stood by the window, peering out. I waited a little more. I looked at my phone to try to pass the time. I waited a little more. I paced through the foyer. And I waited a little more. And then it was ten minutes after he was supposed to be here. 

My mom always told me a gentleman would be on time. But it's Will we're talking about, so I cannot be mad at him. 

Another ten minutes later, a small blue car pulled into the driveway. I backed away from the window, not wanting him to think I was totally anxiously awaiting his arrival, as he walked up the front sidewalk and to the door. The doorbell rang and I immediately went to answer it. 

"Hi." I said, swinging the door open to reveal his extremely adorable face. 

"Hey there." He said, engulfing me in a hug. "Ready to go?" He asked. 

"Yep, just let me grab my phone." I grabbed my cell from the table nearby and closed the door behind me as we walked down the driveway to his car. 

"You look nice. All ready to go on a hike." Will said, and he smiled. 

"Thanks." The sun was shining brightly and it was if the heavens knew what a great day it was. Will walked over and opened my door for me and I slipped into the car. He walked back over to the driver's side and got in beside me. 

"So, I'm not really sure where I'm going." Will started. "Which trails are your favorite?" 

"Hmm, well I guess my absolute favorite has to be Rainbow Lake. It's right off the highway in a woodsy park. It's a good hike, but not too tiresome. And the lake at the end is very peaceful and pretty." I told him. 

"Sounds good to me. We'll go there then." Will pulled out of the neighborhood and eventually got onto the highway. The drive there was only about twenty minutes, and we spent most of the time just talking about school. 

Will is exactly like me. Turns out, he's taking mostly honors classes like me. He plans on joining the swim team when the season starts. He's driven, accomplished, and determined. What more is there to love about him?

When we got to the park, Will parked the car and we got out. 

"I've got to grab something." He said, and went towards the back of the car. I waited patiently by the trail entrance, and he came back a couple minutes later with a basket in his hand. "I brought some stuff for lunch." He said, and my heart swelled. I'm pretty sure he's what every girl dreamed of. 

"Oh, that's nice. I didn't even think of that!"

"Good thing I did." He said and winked. More heart fluttering. He walked up to me and grabbed my hand to entwine it with his, not even faltering or questioning it. "Ready?" 

"Yes." We started hiking up the trail. The sun was shining and everything was peaceful and happy around us. There were some birds chirping above us, and the park wasn't very quiet at all. The trail was only slightly tough, mostly being pretty flat and easy to walk. 

We talked a little bit while we walked, but for the most part, we just enjoyed the scenery around us. The silence wasn't awkward or anything, but I still felt this sort of yearning to just talk with him, just get to know him better. 

About forty-five minutes into the walk, we reached Rainbow Lake. It was a good sized cross between a pond and a lake, with greenish blue water and benches all around it. The sun reflected off the water, making it look like it itself was sparkling. Will and I just stood at the top of the trail, looking it over. 

"Wow. This is a pretty sight." Will said, looking out towards the water. 

"A hiker's paradise." I said, not moving my gaze. 

We eventually found a flattish spot of land and decided to settle there. Will had thought of everything, naturally, and packed a square, plaid blanket for us to sit on, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes, brownies, and juice boxes. 

"So, being the outstanding chef that I am, I made all of this food myself." He said jokingly, smiling that obnoxiously adorable smile that he has. 

"I'm impressed. This is the best peanut butter and jelly I've ever had." I said.

"Thank you. Only the best for you." 

"Well don't I feel special."

We ate our lunch and watched a child and her father feeding ducks some bread across the lake. 

"So I heard Harry is in your Ancient Civilization class?"

"Harry Styles?"

"Yeah."

"Yes. We're actually working on a group project together. He mentioned something about you the other day." Oh gosh, what did he tell him?

"What we're you guy talking about?"

"He just asked if you were in my psychology class and then we talked about how well the both of us did on the test." I sighed in relief when I heard this. Harry hadn't told Will about my little crush. I guess I know he's trustworthy. 

"Cool." There was a pause before Will spoke again. 

"I didn't realize you guys were that close." He wanted to know more about Harry and I's relationship. Making a statement like that, I knew he just wanted to know more. It's a tactic I'd used many times myself. 

The thing is though, I don't really want to tell Will about how everything went down with Harry and I. I know what Harry did was wrong, but I've forgiven him for that and I don't want anyone to view him badly for it. We all make mistakes and Harry shouldn't be judged for his. 

"Yeah, we're pretty good friends." Will looked surprised. 

"I would have never guessed that. It just doesn't seem like you two have a lot in common."

"Yeah, I can see that. We do though, I guess it's not apparent to everyone."

After that, Will must have sensed my hesitation because he dropped the subject. 

We finished our picnic lunch and then packed everything back up again. The hike back down took a little longer than it did on the way up, probably because we were full and tired from Will's spectacular PB&J's. 

At the end of the trail, I felt Will's thumb rubbing against my palm, and the small gesture made me giddy. We reached the car and got in, and Will drove me back to my house. The day was very enjoyable, and I felt definite sparks for him. Although, I still didn't feel like I got an overarching idea of who he was. I want to get to know him even better the next time we hang out. 

"Well, thanks for taking me on my first hike in Denver." Will smiled, walking me up to the door. 

"No problem. I had fun. Thanks for the picnic."

"No problem." Will reciprocated. He looked me in the eyes and started to lean in. This was game time. 

I puckered my lips and closed my eyes as he got closer. His lips met mine, and all too soon were gone. It was just a peck, but it was enough to send my heart running for the hills. 

"Bye, Paisley." 

"Bye, Will." He walked back to his car and left, and our date was over. 

* * * * * * *

Hey guys!!

I'm sorry I didn't update last week, I was super busy!

I hope you like this chapter, though. We're getting to the good parts soon!! Let me know if you liked it and what your favorite part of the story has been so far!

And I would super love it if you would vote, too! I work hard on all these chapters and I'd like to know that people are reading them!!

Macy xx