Chapter 8

Ron Pov.
-You're kidding me, bro. Max says running his fingers through his hair. What do you mean you haven't told her that you like her yet?
I take a healthy mouthful from the beer can and look at the trees in the forest. Amanda is with Karla in the kitchen making something quick for dinner, and Joe and Paul have no idea what they're doing in the woods. Max and I decided to chill with a beer, and he suddenly became curious about my love life.
- I can't tell her. I say feeling defeated.
-Why? She will kill you?
-Don't be an idiot...I can't tell her because...What if this will affect our friendship? What if she doesn't want to hear anything about me? That would kill me. I'd rather like her from the shadows than find out about my feelings and run away from me.
And this is the truth. That is my biggest fear. To lose Amanda completely.
-Now who's an idiot? My dear friend, we are not leaving here until we find a solution to your problem. Max says and I snort.
-What problem? Amanda asks appearing out of nowhere and I almost choke on the beer I was just gulping down.
- I don't think you want to know. Max says pressing his lips together, and I know I'm not going to like what I hear.
-Why not? You were referring to Ron having a problem. I want to know if I can help.
- Well... Maybe you could help. Ron's problem is with his penis… Max starts to say and my face falls as Amanda blushes.
-Jesus, Max...I don't care. Amanda says and almost runs inside.
-You're an idiot, did you know that? I ask Max and he just laughs.
-You have nothing to be shy about, Ron. Amanda was with that little kid. She also knows what a penis looks like.
And that's what annoys me the most. That idiot didn't even deserve a look from Amanda. Not to mention the fact that he was lucky enough to touch her...
Well…I should calm down though. She is here with me.
Amanda's cry immediately sets me in motion and faster than I can blink I'm next to her trying to figure out what's going on. I see her hand under the kitchen sink and grab her hand to see what it is.
-I...I just... She says stuttering like when I intimidate her and I think it's nice, but at this moment I'm too nervous about her inattention.
-Why aren't you paying attention, Amanda? I ask her in a raised tone and she just nods her head.
-I am sorry…
-Come over. I think I have some burn cream in my room.
Amanda looks up at me and I can only see now that she has tears in her eyes.
Is she crying because I almost yelled at her or because the burn on her palm hurts?
I drag her to the room that used to be mine whenever I came to see grandpa and motion her to sit on the bed while I rummage through the drawers for that salve.
When I find it, I go straight to Amanda and sit next to her, taking her palm in mine. I look into her eyes trying to reassure her that everything will be fine and she takes her bottom lip between her teeth making me want to…
Now is not the time to think about nonsense.
The burn, Ron. Deal with the burn…
I put a small amount of ointment from the tube over the injured area and begin to massage gently.
-How is it? Better? I ask Amanda, wanting to know if the pain has subsided.
-Better. She says with a smile on her face, and my heart skips a beat every time she smiles at me.
You're lost Ron, and Amanda doesn't even know the intensity of your feelings for her.
-Ok…Let me bandage you up so you don't accidentally bump or touch, then we join the others.
She just nods and I continue to finish my work without any rush. I like to be alone with her without the rest of the world bothering us.
-Ready. Now we can go. I say after I finish the bandage.
Amanda gets up from the edge of the bed and hugs me putting her head on my chest.
Shut up, heart. Don't rush it now.
I also wrap my arms around her and rest my chin on the top of her head.
- Thanks, Ron. You are the best. She says after a few moments of silence, then pulls back from the hug.
We leave the room and join the rest of the gang who have already finished eating and moved on to the fun.
The boys each drink a beer while Karla explains the rules of some game they suggested they play to pass the time.
-Finish eating, guys, then come join the game. Karla says cheerfully and I already have a feeling that it's not good if she's so...ready for the party.
My eyes immediately fly to Max who is just smiling slightly and I already know that I will regret it if I get involved in their games.
-You should know that Amanda prepared all the food. It was delicious. Paul says and I just nod as I sit down at the table, face to face with Amanda.
I know how Amanda cooks and somehow I didn't see Karla cook. We've been friends for a long time, and more than once Max complained about his girlfriend almost setting the apartment on fire.
I start eating as soon as Amanda brings me the plate of oriental fish and rice, and I know for sure that I must marry this woman one day. Not only because she cooks with so much love, but also because she is the kind of sincere and warm person. She is the kind you don't often find these days. And it is made exactly according to my wishes.