I nervously stand in front of Gale's door as I check the address again. I haven't worked up the courage to knock yet. I don't want to have a repeat of Wednesday night, when I just met him and it was awkward. Back then, my hair and clothes were a mess. I was very intrigued by him, even with his rumpled shirt and boxers.

I struggle to think of something to say that isn't creepy or weird. This is harder than I thought. Last night, I did some research and looked for stuff to say during a first date. Well, this isn't a first date, but I'm sure as hell treating it as one. Anyways, that site was full of shit. They told me to start the conversation with a "what do you look for in a girl?" Well, I guess a dating website isn't the best resource for conversation starters.
Gale suddenly bursts through the door. "What are you doing here?"
So much for not being awkward. "I- um.. I just.. I was just about to knock on your door, you know, so we can go hunting."
"Oh. I was just about to go to YOUR house."
"Whatever. Let's just go." I said, without knowing where we're actually going.
"I know a forest a few miles from here. It's an hour drive, but don't worry. It'll be worth it. That forest is amazing." He said, as if reading my thoughts.

Gale's car was messier than I imagined. For a guy like him, I pictured some sort of shiny, neat, and expensive car, but the one he has is messy and rusty. It's very homey in an old-fashioned way. I like it.
"Sorry I didn't clean the car recently," he stated. "Hop on. I get control of the radio, by the way."
I smile. His sense of humor is interesting. I'm wondering what kinds of songs he likes anyway.
I claim my spot in the passenger's seat while he flips to an alternative station. I sneak a glance at him, and he looks content with the song playing. Me too. I'm thinking we might have more in common than I thought.
"So, you like Bastille?" I ask.
"Yeah. They're my favourite band."
We don't talk much during the car ride to the woods. (It distracts him, he says) but when we get to the forest, it takes my breath away.
The trees are thicker here than any place I have ever seen. Their leaves are green too, my favourite color. We're still pretty far, but I can already hear the familiar rustling of the woods, a sound I haven't heard ever since my father died.
"Pretty amazing, right? I love this place." He says, as if reminding me he's still there. I'm too busy looking at the view, and I'm running now. I just want to go in.