“Meet me on the overlook hill, it’ll be fun.”
Those were the words that ran through Page Turner’s head throughout the day. The creme-colored cat went about the school day with those words repeating in his head, distracting him from the curriculum. It was yesterday that a certain coyote asked to meet on the hill; Page had found himself hanging out with him after an misfortune encounter earlier that week. He was carrying his books when the coyote ran into him, knocking them all over the brick road.
“Oh shoot, you alright?” He asked.
“Uh, umm…” Page muttered.
The pale red canine took him by the hand, “Here, I’ll help you out.” He brought him back on his feet and helped pick up his textbook. “Sorry about that.”
“Thanks.” Was all that Page Turner could muster in the moment. He was too focused on the stranger that had helped him out. His ragged black hair, his healed-over facial scars, his bad leather jacket. Page was straight, no doubt about that, but this boy made him feel things, things he hadn’t felt before. Something about him was infatuating.
“Right, see you later.” The coyote said and began walking off.
“Ah!” Page couldn’t find the words, so he made that noise instead.
“Hmm? What?”
“Ah. Um…” Page avoided his gaze. “Hi.”
“‘Sup.”
“...” Any confidence Page had mustered diminished in an instant. He hid his hands behind his back and looked down. “You’re… uh, you’re cool.”
“Heh, thanks. You look very…” The coyote looked the feline over, “Preppy?”
“Oh…”
“Woah, hey, sorry, didn’t mean it like you were stuck up. You just dress pretty fancy is all.” The coyote looked Page over, noting his green sweater and brown slacks.
“Oh, yes, thank you.” The cat still refrained from looking up.
The canine sighed, “Look, hey, you wanna get a coffee or something? I’ll make it up to you.”
Page’s ears perked up and he finally looked up at the coyote, “I… I’d like that.”
The stranger smiled, “Sure, we can go together. Just name a time.”
“Sure, okay.”
“The name’s Marius, by the way.”
Now, about a week later, they were going to meet on the overlook outside of campus. It was a scenic spot, surprisingly underused as well given the majestic view it provided. Page Turner walked the trail leading up to the spot and observed the wildlife that passed by. The birds chirped and squirrels darted to and fro, making for a lively scene. The felines wondered why he hadn’t gone out here for walks more often.
Then he saw it. The overlook spot, just past the treeline. The setting sun shone brightly through the trees, nearly blinding him as he looked at it. To the side was Marius, leaning against a tree and looking over at the view. Marius turned and saw Page and smiled.
“Hey man, how’s it going?” The coyote reached out for a hug.
Page eagerly accepted it, “It’s good. Thank you for asking.”
“Hey, I said you didn’t have to be so proper with me. Relax a little! Do I look like one of your snooty preppies? No, I don’t.”
“I’m… not a preppy.”
“Nah, I’m just teasing. Come sit down, I got a blanket to sit on.” Marius pointed to the red and white picnic blanket set out on the grass. Page took a seat on it, crossing his legs.
Marius took his spot, “Right, here we are, sure is beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Mhm.”
“Yeah… Oh hey, want something to eat? I got some snacks.” Marius unzipped his backpack.
“Oh, sure.”
The coyote passed him a granola bar filled with chocolate chips. He learned the cat liked those kinds and made sure to get them for this outing. Page bite into the snack, tasting the sweetness and letting the chocolate bites melt in his mouth. The granola provided some crunch, but not too much, lest it derive from the chewiness. Each bite provided a decadent satisfaction of honey, chocolate, and grain.
