15. Mason
Chapter 15
Mason
Sophomore Year
I’m sitting in biology having trouble paying attention. Between school and football, I haven’t been sleeping very well. It seems every one of my classes has been piling up homework the closer we get to the end of the year. Next week is our final exam prep in most of my classes. Some teachers have already started this week to make sure we’re fully prepared.
Between all of that, I still want to fit in time to see Callie. I’ve got a date planned this weekend and the only thing she knows is that she has to wear something comfortable. I haven’t given her any more details. I wanted to plan a day where we could both relax and not worry or think about school or exams.
We are doing a picnic in the park then heading back to my house to go for a horse ride through our property. I hope she loves it.
“Masonnnnn can you please just tell me what we’re doing now that we’re on the way there?!” Callie whines and it’s the cutest thing ever.
“Hmmmm.” I say teasing her. “Nope, you’ll have to wait a little longer.”
“Uhhhh how rude.”
“Okay, Stephanie Tanner.”
We both start laughing and I only compose myself so that I can tell her to close her eyes because we’re getting close.
“Fine.” she huffs out while covering her eyes.
“You better not try peeking.”
“I won’t. Promise.”
I pull into the parking lot and walk around to get her out. “Keep your eyes covered. I’m going to lead you to where we’re going.” I loop my arm through hers and pop the trunk to grab the basket with our food.
“Okay, open your eyes,” I say, turning her to see the view of the pond, ducks and geese swimming over near the gazebo.
“This is beautiful, Mason. Have we been here before? It doesn’t look familiar.” she says, turning to take everything in. “Those little babies are adorable. Look at them following their momma.”
“We’ve never been here, no. Josh and I found this place while out hiking and I knew you’d love it.”
I take the blanket out of the top of the basket and spread it across the grass. Then lay out the fruit, veggies, and crackers that I brought to go along with our club sandwiches.
“I love how thoughtful you are with dates like this, Mason,” Callie says as she wraps her arms around my neck.
For the next hour, we eat and watch over the pond. There are a few people around the edge fishing but we’re the only people here on the hill. The ducks and geese have swam from one end of the pond to the other and back again.
“There’s one more part of our date. Let’s pack up and head out.” I say, breaking the silence.
“Wait, there’s more?!” I love how excited she gets over the smallest things.
“Yep. I think you’ll love it.” I say with a wink.
After putting the blanket back in the basket and throwing away our trash we get in the car and make our way to my house.
“What’re we doing at your house?”
“Well, this is the second part of the date, come on.” I grab her hand and pull her towards the barn.
As we enter the barn I see Dad getting Luna and Star ready for us.
“Act like I’m not here, Cal,” Dad says, laughing.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Cal replies, laughing along with him.
“We’re going to be riding them out to the back of the property to watch the sunset.”
“Mason.. You’ve outdone yourself with this one.”
“Mason, make sure you take your sunscreen with you.” My mom calls from the kitchen.
Rolling my eyes I reply, “Yes, Mom. I’ve got it in my bag.” She’s so worrisome.
“I’ll remind you three more times, at least, before you leave.” She calls back in her mom tone .
“I believe it, Ma.” I chuckle.
I love my mom to death. However, sometimes she worries a bit too much for her own good. She and Dad have always been cautious when it comes to our health and well-being, which is a great quality to have as a parent. It just comes off in a different way to us kids.
I grab my bag off the couch and make my way into the kitchen to say bye to Ma before taking off to Callie’s.
“Ma, I’m leaving. Don’t get into too much trouble while I’m gone.” I say grabbing her into a hug.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about Mason.” Ma squeezes me back and winks when she pulls away. “Your dad is out in the barn if you want to say bye to him before you leave. Follow your own advice and stay out of trouble this week.” That last part is said in a stern tone to get across her point.
I nod in response before heading out the back door to the barn. I say a quick bye to Dad and walk around the front of the house. I decide to walk to Cal's house since it was only a couple of blocks away. Although, I'm not sure if it's worth saving the gas in this heat. I swear summer in Georgia is a killer and by the time I make it to her house I'm covered in sweat and feel like I need a gallon of water.