Page 47 of Give Me a Sign
“This might be a tight squeeze,” I say to myself.
Isaac crouches and sits against the trunk, knees pulled to his chest. I follow suit and clutch my backpack in my lap, to make sure the straps aren’t visible and giving away our hiding place. There’s just enough room for us to sit side by side, but even then, he has to hunch forward. I wish I’d worn leggings instead of shorts today, knowing that I’m dooming myself to a million bug bites.
“Fun new game,” Isaac signs, barely able to turn and face me since our shoulders are wedged together.
I nod, unsure how much chatting we’ll do. Last night around the campfire was actually decent, so we’ve made progress.
Sitting here together in the tree, Isaac reaches for his pocket, putting his hat back on and scrolling through his phone. I guesswe’re not talking now. I try to think of anything other thandoes he like me or does he not?
Then my backpack buzzes. I’m careful to avoid elbowing Isaac as I reach to unzip my bag and get my phone.
Sure enough, I have a text—my very first one ever—from Isaac.
Isaac:So... Why’d you try to steal my spot?
His eyebrows are narrowed in an amused way. I tilt my head, but he points to my phone.
Lilah:I clearly did not know you were here because you scared the crap out of me!
Isaac:You’re not supposed to scream during hide-and-seek. I think that gives away the hiding spot...
Lilah:Good thing probably no one heard me :) My heart is still racing so fast from all that running.
Isaac:Whoops sorry
He nudges my shoulder as an apology, which certainly doesn’t help the situation. The campers better find us before I die in this tree.
This feels like the point where our conversations up until now have tended to fizzle out. I’m nervous and unsure of what to say next. Even though we barely know each other, I feel like I’ve known him forever.
I haven’t responded to Isaac’s last text, so he drops his phone on his lap. I’m going to make more of an effort here.
Lilah:So... dogs or cats?
Isaac grabs his phone so fast. I turn to hide my obvious smile.
Isaac:Hmm
Lilah:Obviously dogs
Isaac:Wrong, the answer is cats
He includes a GIF of a cat waving hello with its paw.
Isaac:Favorite candy? Can’t beat M&M’S
Lilah:Except with strawberry cheesecake jelly beans
Isaac:Cheesecake jelly beans?
Lilah:Don’t knock it till you try it
Isaac:All right, favorite vacation?
Lilah:Hmm I like road trips
Isaac:Me too! Especially hiking at national parks
Lilah:Hence that Yosemite hoodie you have
