Chapter 44

"What's on your mind?"

Atlas' voice broke her train of thought and she swallowed, avoiding his gaze and trying to find the right words to explain.

"I'm having a hard time figuring this out." She peeked at him from

"This?" Atlas knew what she was talking about, but he wanted to hear her say it,

Makenna scoffed and pulled her hand out of his grasp. She fisted her hands underneath the table not feeling comfortable with the conversation. Every bone in her body screamed for her to run but she stayed seated against her nature.

"Don't make me spell it out."

Atlas found that he loved watching the expressions that played on her face. He knew the conversation was making her uncomfortable, but it was something they needed to have.

"What part of it?"

"All of it."

"Well, you start by actually looking at me." Atlas leaned back in his seat,

Makenna didn't want to make it obvious that she was nervous and uncomfortable with the conversation. So, she sucked it up and met his gaze.

"Better." Atlas wanted to drag it out but didn't want her to lose her mind, "To clarify, I don't go around kissing everyone. Just the ones I like."

"Do you make it a habit to kiss everyone you like?"

Atlas smiled,

"Ok, maybe that was the wrong thing to say."

Makenna smiled to herself, liking that he was also nervous about this.

"And no, I don't kiss everyone I like. I guess what I'm really trying to say is," Pause. "I like you, Makenna."

Makenna wanted to pull her gaze away from his piercing blue ones but found that she was unable to.

"I enjoy your company and I find myself wanting to spend more time with you. That much I know, everything else, I'm still trying to figure out like you."

"Of all the things I'd thought you'd say, enjoying my company was never on the list."

"You are fascinating and I like being around you."

Makenna was hit with a wave of nervousness,

"I like being around you too."

Atlas' smile grew slowly, not believing that she shared the same sentiment or that she'd voiced it out.

"It's unbelievable, isn't it?"

"There are so many things that are. But what are you referring to?"

"This." Atlas gestured to the space between them, "How quickly so much has changed in just three months."

"I know." Makenna couldn't agree more.

She remembered she'd been living the same way in the same pattern until she met him. Nothing has been the same ever since. Getting to know Thea and Atlas had changed her in a way. She was yet to determine if it was a good thing or not.

Makenna watched Atlas have a first sip of his drink and she smiled at his expression after tasting it.

"How bad is it?"

Atlas looked at her,

"It's...not. Want to try it?"

She tilted her head at his offer but reached for it anyway. She picked a new straw and was surprised to find that she liked it.

"What's this drink?"

"We'll have to ask someone."

"Here." She slid her drink towards him, "I think you'll like mine better."

She didn't miss the look he gave her and she watched him try it. His expression was much better than earlier.

"That's not bad."

"Good. We'll swap drinks."

"Are you sure? That's..."

"Tasty. I like it."

"If you're certain,"

Makenna smiled to herself and nodded,

"I am."

"Alright."

They got started on the side dishes.

"Thea tells me you're the reason she's been single before my brother."

"Oh, we're going there."

"We don't have to. You can just tell me something new about yourself."

"If Thea hasn't told you everything."

Makenna smiled and stayed quiet.

Atlas paused,

"Has she?"

Makenna looked at him and shrugged,

"Only one way to find out."

"That little..."

"Doll."

Atlas smiled,

"I can't think of anything to tell. My life was pretty boring."

"I still want to know."

"I'm sure you would, but I can tell you that my life has been pretty interesting ever since I came here."

"Tacoma is...something."

"It's beautiful here." Atlas said, "I look forward to seeing more of it. Any suggestions?"

"Well, that depends on what you're into. There are artsy places to check out, gaming, and outdoor activities. Oh, there's also a comedy club."

"Wow, I need to get out more."

"Not while you're juggling your final year." Makenna said, "That's got to be hectic."

"It has its moments." Atlas said, "But I should take one day out of the weekend for this."

Makenna looked at him,

"I'm going to take a guess and say you have till the end of the year which is more than enough time. You'll see it all."

"And are you going to be my guide?"

"Can't." Makenna didn't miss a beat, "My schedule is packed."

Atlas blinked,

"Oh, alright."

Makenna tried to hide her smile but he caught it just in time to realise what she was doing.

"That was cute."

Makenna said nothing as she picked a fry.

"Makenna?"

Makenna looked at him, surprised to find him looking very serious.

"Will you be my guide in exploring Tacoma?"

Makenna stayed quiet because she wasn't used to being asked something so simple yet too much.

"I don't know," She shook her head, "I might have grown up here but there are still so many things I haven't tried."

"Name one."

"Parasailing."

"That sounds like fun."

"Hm hmm."

Atlas studied her, unsure if she was scared or uninterested.

"Alright. Then just show me Tacoma through your eyes."

Makenna blinked.

"Take me places you've been and let's do things you've done." Atlas said, "And if you're feeling up for it, we can try new things together."

"Like parasailing?"

"Like parasailing." Atlas watched and waited, "So? Are you in?"

Makenna took a deep breath and tried to come up with reasons this wasn't a good idea but she couldn't think of any. She lifted her gaze to meet his.

Atlas waited,

"Do you want to explore Tacoma with me?"

Makenna smiled and nodded,

"I do."

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Watch it here and drop a comment when you can. -->

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