I tell mom we’re going to walk the trails, and her eyes shift a little as she looks into mine like she is searching for something, “OK, just be careful.
As we head out the back door, I grab a couple flashlights from the pantry and hand one to Erik. It’s not dark, yet, but it is mid September. Night will come soon and fast.
I take the lead, since I know the trail well. I feel James stride up beside me, “I think Erik, might be a little smitten with your friend.”
I listen to their feet crunching through the leaves behind me as they banter back and forth, “Really?” I’m surprised by my own disbelief.
James chuckles, “Yeah. I think he likes the challenge.”
“Oh she’s a challenge alright,” I can hear them arguing about the influence and responsibilities of the media. “She likes to play devil’s advocate. Whatever position he takes, she’s going to oppose him.”
This time James laughs out loud and turns to look at Alex.
“What?” she snaps at him.
“Nothing,” James says. Turning back to me, he leans closer to my ear, “Why does she do that?”
“What? Play devil’s advocate, or snap at you?”
“Oh I understand her issue with me, but why does she always want to argue?”
“She’s a rescuer.”
“A rescuer? That prickly cactus?”
“Yeah, she always takes the side of the least defended.”
“Who is she defending?”
“Probably herself, but she imagines others I guess, people who can’t or won’t speak up for themselves, so she does it.”
“Explains why she is so protective of you.”
I like your style of writing! Thank you for sharing!
Great read! Your writing is wonderful!