I know it's been a while and i'm sorry for the delay. but i've had a lot of things going on. but now that school is out i will try and write as much as i can.

Chapter 5 - A Walk

Lilly and Squid left the tent and started their walk.

"So, how long have you been here?" Lilly asked.

"I've been here for about, lets see now, 6 months. And I got 'bout 10 more.

"Wow. That's a pretty long time."

"Yea, but it's better than being home. Home is just bad…I ain't even sure I can call it-"

"-home," Lilly finished. "I know what you mean."

"Wait a minute," he said, holding her back. "How do you know when 'home' isn't 'home'?"

"Well I may not know exactly, but my home isn't always all homey and stuff. We have our problems just like nay other family, but sometimes it can just be too much for me. Like I can say one thing, and to them, meaning my parents, it can be something different."

Squid looked at her for a moment thinking what to say. Here was this girl that he had just met, and they were already starting to get kind of personal.

"Well, I'm sure that it's not the same as being in my house."

"Well yea. I mean, I understand that."
"My house is really bad. I have no mother, since all she does is drink. My ol' man left us long time ago, and I ain't got any friends, sides the ones here. The ones back home will turn their backs on you in a second! If it means that they ain't gonna get caught."

"Wow. That's a lot to deal with. And you're only, what, 15, 16?"

"17 and I've been going through this for a long time now, since I was a little kid. But let's get off this topic."
"Yea," Lilly said not minding the change in conversation.

"Ok. So how old are you?" Squid asked as they continued their walk.

"I am 15 going on 16."
"Really, when?"

"Well my birthday's July 8. So I will be here for my big day!" Both teenagers laughed at this. It was just a calm and nice feeling around them both.

"Wow that must suck. You're gonna be stuck here digging holes on your birthday, when you should be out celebrating."

"Yea, but what can I do? Oh well. Anyway, when's yours?"

"Oh it already passed. It was May 31."

"Wow, and you passed it digging huh? Dam! Well anyway, where do you actually live?"

"I live near the border of Texas. You?"

"Oh, I live in L.A. My parents have a lot of work there, except in summer, than they have to travel more." They were nearing their destination and both kind of felt sad to have to stop the conversation, but knew they had to.

"Well do you like it here more than in L.A.?"

"In the past summers, part of me misses my friends and parents, but who knows? Maybe this year will be different." Lilly said smiling at him, while going up the simple 3 step stairs.

"Well I'm sure that it'll be interesting for all us who have never been here with you before."

"I'll try and make a memorable time for you guys." She said smiling. "Goodnight Squid."

"Goodnight Lilly" He watched as she turned away from him, and went inside the house.

"What took you a long time?" asked Aunt Barlow as soon as Lilly walked into the living room.

"Oh, I was just getting acquainted with the boys. If I'm going to be digging with them, then I might as well know a little 'bout them." Lilly responded.

"Ok then. Well you better get to bed. I'm sure you've had a long day hmm?"

"Yes Aunty. Night then"

With that Lilly went to her room, and locked the door. She took out some comfortable Capri pants and a tank top for the night. She laid down in her bed, and thought about what the rest of the summer will bring her.

Stay Tuned for next time