9

Beth stared into the midnight sky. Her mind wondering away on questions which needed answers.

College applications?

Babysitting the boys?

Part-time job?

She sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. There was no way around it, she needed the money for her own daily spending, and she needed to save up for college.

Her parents were always at work, and she as their personal slave, was expected to babysit her younger twin brothers, who were either always on a sugar high or on reruns of Spongebob.

All thoughts faded when his rust-red coloured towtruck pulled into view. His curly black hair banging over his eyes. He ran a hand through his scruffy mob and smiled at her, signaling her to come in.

"Hey," he leaned in for a kiss as soon as she sat down.

"Reed," he loved the way she said his name. Her voice was so soft and and sweet, but there was something lingering at the tone of it.

"I can tell you've been thinking, alot. So lets just go somewhere, okay?" he asked.

Beth just smile and nodded. Reed was laid back, really laid back, and that was what she needed right now. Eventhough his truck smell of rust and grime from all the tow work he does, it felt like home to her. It made her forget. Forget all her problems, all her worries.

Beth took a breath and sunk into the seat. She knew this road well, familiar and comfortable. But it felt as if being here with Reed made it all seem different to her. The endless void of darkness didn't feel creepy, the way it did when she came alone. Beth felt a warmth whenever Reed was around her, she felt safe.

"Okay, we're here." Reed announced, turning off the engine.

It was the playground. The one which Beth use to go to when she was younger to play. It took away all her worries and nothing mattered.

The playground was only slightly lighted by the street lights, but Beth knew where was what. She had known this place since she was a little girl, and the memories were stuck in her mind. She smiled and walked over to one of the swings, which had Reed going on to the other.

"So, what do you think?" Reed asked, anticipation in his eyes.

Beth smiled and put her arms around him. She hugged him tight and barely managed a whisper, "Thanks." Reed felt her being overwhelmed with emotion. He held her and she filled his arms perfectly.

After a while, Reed loosened his grip around her. He wanted to let go, but she held on. Beth missed holding someone. All the stress was leaving her as she held on to Reed.

Beth held on for what seemed for like eternity. She finally let go, the tangled metal unhooked itself and they were seperated. She sank into the swing, back hunched, moving back and forth slightly.

Reed saw this and immediately stood up from his swing. He walked over and started to push Beth on the swing. Beth looked up, seeing heavy clouds in the sky. She felt a drop of cold on her cheek. The night sky began to drizzle, then poured heavy rain.

Beth rushed off the swing and grabbed Reed's hand, pulling him under the nearest tree. It was big enough for the two of them and the leaves were think enough to shade them from the rain. Reed looked at Beth, smiling and flushed. Her clothes and hair were soaked.

Reed leaned down and kissed her, long and gentle. Beth wasn't expecting that, but she liked it. They stood there kissing in the rain and despite the cold, feeling perfectly warm.