Time flies when you’re avoiding someone. It’s been a full two weeks since I last spoke to Mina. I did, however, I saw Jackson three days ago. We went to the park together and sat on the swings, talking about different stuff. Since then, I’ve been thinking a lot about our conversation and I’ve started to feel like I should’ve taken that as an opportunity to tell him the truth. I didn’t when I should’ve. Now it’s starting to feel like I’ll never be able to tell him. Part of me feels like I can’t put him through that while the other part of me is begging me to talk to him. After lying in bed and wallowing in my self-loathing and regret for a good two hours, I decide to get up and get ready for the day. I tug on a pair of jeans, a sweater, and my black Vans. I walk downwards and go to tell my mom I’m going out when my phone starts to ring. It’s an unknown number. I answer it and bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello?” I answer, gesturing to my mom.

She nods as the voice comes through the other end of the phone, “Hey.”

It’s Mina.

“Uh, hey.” I try to say coolly, but it mostly comes out awkward.

“I’m sorry about the last time we hang out. Like I said, I’d love to make it up to you. Besides, I have to get close to my future sister-in-law, right?” She teases.

I roll my eyes, but the idea of Mina wanting to hang out with me gets me excited. I frown when I remember our last encounter, though. Maybe this time could be an opportunity to make amends. Maybe she’ll even start to act like a normal human being around me. I’m about to open my mouth when Mina starts up again.

“Before you say no, I’ll pay for whatever we decide to do. Plus, you can probably even spend the night if you want! My entire apartment is all put together and I even have some booze.” She informs me, although I’m still stuck on the part where she suggested I spend the night.

I grin slightly to myself as I head out the front door, “Okay, you’ve got my attention. What do you want to do?”

“Well, I’m with Jackson at the moment. He’s getting gas, so I’m sitting in the truck/ I can have him drop me off anywhere.” She tells me.

“Do you like paintball?” I smirk to myself when I start the car and back out of the driveway.

“Does a bear in the woods?” Mina retorts with a laugh, “Alright, I’ll meet you at Lakeview Paintball Park, then?”

“Mmmh,” I reply, “Come battle-ready.”

I hang up the phone and begin the fifteen minute drive to the paint balling course. I smile to myself. I’m kind of excited to hang out with Mina, but also a bit nervous. On the bright side, paint balling isn’t usually the time to make conversation. It puts my mind slightly at ease to know that I’ll at least have that crutch to stand on. I just want to have fun, though. I tap on the steering wheel eagerly as I drive on the freeway. I turn up the radio and I’m there in what feels like no time at all. When I get there, I see Mina talking to the guy who stands outside the gear shed. I park my car in the gravel lot and approach them casually.

“Hey.” I greet them cheerfully.

“Hey, you ready to get d