Corrine clings to Rolo's arm and shivers. She isn't used to being near wild animals. Her father had made sure to keep them far away from the mansion. Her brothers too. As far as she's concerned, that coyote could gobble her up and not bat an eye.

"C-could we pray f-for that thing to go away? I don't like it..."

She buries her face in his arm.

"Hey? What if that coyote thing is real?! I mean... of course it can't be... but what if it is?!"

"Don't worry little darlin. Those critters won't hurt us. They can't even reach us up here anyway." placated Rolo.

"I mean, you could pray for those coyotes to go away, but then the great coyote would just laugh at you." said Rolo.

He cuddled Corinne while she buried her face in his arm. She felt so warm yet so fragile. She was so fun yet so adorable. Rolo couldn't help but be smitten.

"We haven't even gotten to the spooky part yet." said Rolo playfully.

He took yet another swig of bourbon. The soothing burn and that heady feeling. That hit the spot! He then continued his tale with gusto. The setting was just too perfect. Romantic and eerie yet wild and untamed. Truly it was Rolos most memorable date yet.

"Anyway, there were two people who went to these gatherings all the time. But the reason why they went was different to the reason why the other people went." explained Rolo.

"They were teenagers, about our age. A boy and a girl. The boys name was Khalo and the girls name was Lakhi. They saw each other all the time, but they were too shy to talk." said Rolo.

He paused momentarily before continuing. "They each prayed into the stone that the great coyote would give the other the courage to talk. Maybe ask them out on a date or something." revealed Rolo.

"But one day, the great coyote heard one of their prayers, or so they thought. Everything changed after that." explained Rolo further.

He could tell that Corinne was getting really interested in the story. Rolo could also tell that she was bursting with questions. And so Rolo paused every now and then so as to allow Corinne to satisfy her curiosity. For a brute, Rolo was so very gentlemanly at times.

Corrine was practically bouncing up and down. It had been so long since she's heard a good story.

"Well, what happened?! Did the coyote do something?! Did they get together? Or did one have to sacrifice themself?! Oh! Oh! What if they never really did get together?! Tell me, Rolo tell me!" She tugs his arm roughly.

"These people shouldn't have to pray to a rock if they love eachother! Just blurt it out! If you really love them you should be able to accept if they reject your feelings! You should want the best for them!" She starts taking her words into consideration. Maybe she should just say how she felt. But later.

"Ahh, easy there little lady."cautioned Rolo. Corrine tugged on Rolos arm a little too roughly. He took it as a compliment though, so no harm done.

"And yeah, I agree Corrine baby, I do. But that's just how the story goes." said Rolo in response to Corinnes dating advice. It seemed that Rolo could stand to follow that advice himself. There were so many things he wished to say to Corinne.

"Well, back to the story! The good parts comin up!" announced Rolo enthusiastically.

"The Esselen people of the Salt Bay Area prayed to both the great coyote and the great raven. They came to this very special rock to better pray to the coyote, for you see, the great coyote created the land." Rolo explained.

He took a deep breath before continuing. "But before sleep that very night, the people prayed to the raven, the creator of the sky. And they did this on their own, like how we say our bedtime prayers. For the raven is always there, listening. Not like the coyote, who's too busy playing tricks to pay attention to a single person. The Esselen people believed that they had to get into a large group and go to his sacred site to get his attention." Rolo explained further.

"And it is said by the Esselen people that a message is sent from the spirit world if one hears first a raven and then a coyote beforehand. The Esselen people believed that messages from the underworld must always be taken seriously, for they contain wisdom that is beyond this world." said Rolo.

"And so we return to our star-crossed lovers Khalo and Lakhi. Now that we know a little bit of history of these people, we'll better understand the stuff that happens, and why." explained Rolo.

Some parts of the legend Rolo had remembered verbatim. Mostly though, Rolo was paraphrasing. But he remembered enough to properly tell the tale. It was so long ago when he first heard it from an Esselen elder. Back when the local tribe still had their gatherings. Sadly though, that tradition died out as more and more natives moved away from Sea Salt Bay and into the city. Only a few elderly Esselen people remained in the town.

"You want another swig Corinne?" Rolo asked whilst handing the bottle of bourbon to Corinne.

"Come on! You know you wanna." Rolo urged jokingly.

She looks at the bottle. She knows what's coming, but takes it anyway. She stares at the contents inside, remembering that horrible burning she felt. She took a small sip and coughed again. It wasn't as bad as before, but it was still terrible. She hands him the bottle and coughs a bit more.

"Yuck! I'll never understand how people like that stuff. I guess I have to be more grown up to understand it."

"Hey! Get on with the story! I wanna hear the good parts!" she pouts. He must be doing it on purpose. Building suspense is nice and all, but it's no fun when you're as impatient as Corrine.

"The taste may not be pretty but the buzz sure is. Who knows, it might grow on ya." replied Rolo.

Rolo took the bottle of whisky from Corinne and took another swig. At this rate, Rolo would be finishing the bottle on his own, not that he's complaining. I wouldn't be the first time he spent the night taking swigs from a full bottle of bourbon alone.

"Here's where it gets good." announced Rolo.

"The great coyote heard the prayers of the two shy star crossed lovers. Those prayers in particular, interested him greatly. Such prayers allowed for a lot of mischief, without bothering the boring old raven. Not that the coyote cared what the great Raven thought. He just didn't want the great Raven to ruin his mischief. He could be a real party pooper, especially when it came to mischief involving people. And so the great coyote secretly hatched his mischievous plan." explained Rolo.

"It was during one of the Esselen people's hunting trips when a storm hit. The hunters themselves knew that it was coming, but they needed the meat of the deer. And so they hunted through the rain. The teenage boy known as Khalo was one of the hunters. He was amazing with the bow, his shot went through the deers head.

After bagging themselves a prized buck the hunters made their way back to the camp. Along the way Khalo tripped over a smooth stone, which was placed there by a coyote. Khalo fell flat on his face, hard. While he was stunned the coyote snatched his necklace from around his neck and ran off. Because it was raining so hard, most of the hunters didn't notice it, even Khalo." explained Rolo.

"And then the coyote ran back to the Esselen people's village, where the girl known as Lakhi waited anxiously. She worried about Khalo, for the heavy rain made it difficult to walk through the woods. Her heart plummeted when she saw the coyote, with Khalos necklace in its mouth.

Meanwhile, another coyote placed a big pile of dead squirrels near the village that day, and buried them. It was when the coyote with the necklace reached the village did the other coyote dug up the dead squirrels. The nearby ravens were so excited to see such a feast that they flocked around the pile and cawwed excitedly.

After Lakhi heard the ravens crowing did the other coyote howl. It was the sign from the spirit world, remember!? It was then that the coyote with the necklace ran off into the woods. Lakhi chased after it, hoping to find Khalo. She was willing to do anything for him, at any cost." explained Rolo.

"Almost there little darlin." placated Rolo.

Corrine was on the edge of her seat. Not even Oliver could tell a story as good as this! Corrine held on to Rolo's hand tightly.

"Rolo stop doing that! Finish it! What happened to Khalo!? And Lakhi?! Will they be ok!?" She beams. If you look hard enough, you can see the stars in her eyes. She can barely sit still. Even if Rolo wasn't telling a story, shes just excited to be around him. Her heart nearly skips a beat when hes near. She just feels so happy! She just cant understand why.

"And so Lahki wondered through the woods. Through the rain and blowing debris. She never returned." Rolo said rather dramatically.

"When Khalo returned with the hunting party, they discovered a commotion in the village. It turned out that Lahki went missing during the rain storm. The people were confused, for they could've sworn that Lahki was there in her hut before the storm hit. Many people were deeply worried that something bad might've happened to the poor girl.

And so they held a brief village meeting with the elder of the tribe. They quickly came to the conclusion that Lahki must've ran off. For the life of them they couldn't fathom why. What was supposed to be a celebration of their hunting success turned into a frantic scrambling for a search party. Of course, Khalo volunteered in the spot. He was desperate to find Lahki.

Try as the might, they couldn't find her. Searched they did for days on end with not a trace to be found. People wondered what happened to her, what terrible fate befell her. Some said she fell off of a cliff, others said she got sick and died while taking shelter inside a log, some even said that she was still lost, still wondering the woods." narrated Rolo.

This time around, he gave the bottle of bourbon a good chug. He then put an arm around Corinne and held her tight. Rolo knew that Corinne despised the bourbon. He also knew that because of that, she'd probably shiver a little out in the wilderness in the middle of the night. Perhaps coming out there wasn't the best idea when they were still in their party clothes. But it was a romantic and adventurous spur-of-the-moment thing. And it turned out to be a heck of a lot of fun.

"If you're cold Corinne I can give you my leather jacket." offered Rolo.

Corrine cocked her head to the left.

"O-oh thank you. But wont you be cold? You should keep it. Ill just steal your body heat." She giggles and leans against his chest. She takes his arm and wraps it around her shoulder. She didn't need his jacket. As long as she had him he was fine. Nice and comfortable and squishy!

"Ok, keep going! What happens next?"

Corrine was such a sweetheart, Rolo thought. He felt that he definitely made the right decision. No other girl was this fun nor this sweet. To be fair though, no other girl was like Corinne. Rolo held Corrine with one arm while he took some sips of bourbon with the other. To Rolo, this was bliss.

"Stricken by grief and desperation, Khalo made his way back here, to this sacred site. The place they called Ghost Rock." said Rolo, whilst patting the stone beneath them.

"Day and night, he prayed into the stone. He neither slept nor ate. Every gathering on the night of the full moon he was always seen there. He ignored people when they tried to speak to him. He even got enraged and lashed out at them when they insisted. They even tied poor Khalo up and took him back to their village, but somehow, he always escaped, he always made his way back to Ghost Rock.

This strange and worrying incident with Khalo began to make the villagers think that Ghost Rock was cursed. That Khalo was no longer human, but a ghost walker himself. One of the living dead." explained Rolo.

He took a massive gulp of bourbon this time. This part of the story always emboldened him. Also, a part of him kinda believed it. And so he drank not just for enjoyment, but to alleviate the spooky feeling he conjured up.

"Nobody knows why the great coyote did what he did. Despite what happened the Esselen people didn't believe that the great coyote was evil, merely indifferent to humanity. Many people came to believe that the great coyote wanted to teach them a lesson about dealing with ones own problems. That if one was not willing to test oneself, then someone else would, and not in the way they could necessarily handle.

It is said that the great raven was so mortified about being tricked by the great coyote, that the moon shone red with both embarrassment and pain every time the raven remembered the incident. Thus, this is why we have the lunar eclipse.

Some people say that Khalo still haunts Ghost Rock, even to this day. That people have seen him, back when they still visited Lovers Haven. Praying into the Rock and snarling at anyone who got close. People often felt a sense of dread and foreboding whenevr he was near.

Of course, this is just a cautionary tale passed down by the Esselen people of the Sea Salt Bay area. But there was an incident a few years ago. One that stripped Lovers Haven of the popularity of being the local hangout for dates and stuff. One that reignited the belief of the haunting of Khalo, the living dead." explained Rolo.

Corrine laughs.

"Oh, Rolo! Ghosts aren't real! Its all just a fairytale! It's a shame that story had such a sad ending. And that this place isn't very popular. But I really liked your story! I guess that just means this spot is for the taking now, huh?" She sighed happily. She felt something churn in her gut. She felt like she was forgetting something. A few things actually. What could they have been? She thought and thought. Until she remembered her question. The thing she wanted to ask Rolo all night!

"Hey, Rolo? Um, could I ask you a question? I've been wondering about something for awhile now. It's been bugging me all day. I tried asking you earlier but I got too scared or distracted. Well I guess now that we're here and all... I can ask you. I-If you want! I mean, if you feel uncomfortable I won't push you! Honest!" She blurts out.

Her face turns red. Shes normally much more composed than that. She felt so embarrassed. What was wrong with her? Why was she making things so complicated?!

Rolo took one last gulp of bourbon. It was the biggest gulp of the night. Such a big hit made his head spin. He began to think he had too much. With half the bottle gone, his head was starting to swim. But Rolo has had been in similar scrapes with alcohol before. This time though, he was with Corinne. That changed things, in fact it changed everything.

"I'm glad you liked it Corinne. An Esselen tribe elder told me that story when I was a kid. The tribe used to have gatherings in the wilderness on the night of the full moon. I was always taken to them by my parents when I was a kid. They never had them at Ghost Rock though. Because of the curse and stuff." Rolo explained.

He could tell that Corinne was feeling nervous yet excited about something, she practically said so herself. Rolo could only guess what it was. He hoped it was what he was thinking it was, but at the same time, he wasn't sure how he'd feel if it was so. Rolo liked Corinne, that much was true. It was for that reason that he had a feeling of trepidation. He didn't want his relationship with Corinne to end up like his last one. It was wild and fast, but that was all it ever was. Never once was the relationship with his ex as sweet and as genuine as it was with Corinne. Rolo felt that he needed a relationship like this, more than anything. Especially during such uncertain times.

"Ya know there's an urban legend connected to this place right babe? Based off of that legend I just told ya." asked Rolo.

He wished to avoid what he feared Corinne was gonna ask. But Rolo knew that he couldn't avoid it forever. Such things couldn't be avoided, no matter how much he wanted them to be. Not until the perfect ending, Rolo thought to himself. Not until then.

Drat! Avoided again! The third time hadn't worked it's charm. Maybe the fourth time would do it?

"O-oh! Really? What is it? I don't believe in rumors like that but... I guess I could give it a shot!" It was true. Her father forced her to only believe in reality along with the rest of her brothers. That meant no Santa Claus, tooth fairy, Easter bunny or any type of fairy tale. Urban legends were just rumors spread by locals to scare children, her father always said. You should only believe in facts, they'll guide you in life.

She brushed off what her father taught her and decided to listen to his tale. Well, half listen. She needed to ask him! It was eating her alive!

"Not many people know this, but Sea Salt Bay has been host to many mysterious disappearances over its history. These people have all been teenage girls. And do you wanna know something really creepy? Those disappearances have been said to occur around the area of Lovers Haven." said Rolo dramatically.

"The thing was that those who disappeared were never the locals. This of course made a lot people disbelieve the rumours of those mysterious disappearances. explained Rolo.

"People who did believe though, they had their theories. One was that Lovers Haven was a place teenage runaways were seen before disappearing out into the open world. Another was that Khalo, or some mysterious serial killer, got them. Most people though, believed that suicidal teenage girls always made their way to Lovers Haven, to enjoy the beauty of this place, before ending it." said Rolo sombrely.

"It was about five years ago now, when yet another disappearance occurred. What was strange was that in the couple of weeks before the incident, an odd figure was seen, touching this rock formation with both of its hands. It was always seen on the night of the full moon.

The girl that disappeared this time, was found. She was found dead in the woods due to mysterious circumstances. Seriously, not even the coroners could figure out the cause of death. But ever since then, people have linked the incident to that old Esselen legend of Khalo and Lahki. People have stayed away since." said Rolo.

"I myself don't know what to believe Corinne. But let me tell ya, this town has secrets. Some of which you're better off not knowing." Rolo explained eerily.

"But at least we get to enjoy this place together. No squares around to ruin the mood. That was always a pain back when this place was popular." said Rolo cheerily.

"Do you remember when we ran into that raven on the trail? Then later we heard those coyotes? I wonder, is the spirit world trying to tell us something? Rolo asked.

For once, Corrine actually felt scared. Not only did the rumor sound true, it seemed likely that it could happen again. Everything seemed to connect; the girl dying, the animals making a racket, the place of where it happened.

"I-I mean, maybe it was just a coincidence! This place is beautiful after all. All the nature and such must attract them, right? It certainly does attract me." She shrugged it off with a chuckle. Her heart sank when she looked up at the sky to see a round, milky moon. His legends could have been true.

"Rolo! You got me all scared! These rumors cant be true! They're just stories! O-oh dear..." Corrine whimpers. She heard a small crack coming from a bush and quickly hid herself in Rolo's arms. Her imagination ran wild. Maybe it was one of the coyotes or crows Rolo was talking about. She didn't want to stay and find out if it was going to hurt her.

"Relax Corinne, I'm the biggest, scariest thing in this forest." stated Rolo with bravado.

"Wasn't there something you wanted to ask me babe?" asked Rolo.

She perked up. Now was her chance! This question that was tearing her apart for days!

"O-Oh, uh, well.... um.... you know, I've been thinking lately. I've been thinking a lot. I've been thinking about you, and me, and well, everything. From my move here to meeting you, or just from going to school, everything is changing. I think I'm finally growing up." She pauses for a minute to reflect on what she just said.

"I guess even though Daddy tried his best to keep me as young and little as possible, it didn't work. There's stuff I've never felt before. Some good and some bad. I've never hated someone so much before, but I've also never really cared for someone so much before. I'm a little scared to see what's to come. I almost don't want to grow up. But I guess I should! I mean, if I didn't, I wouldn't get to spend time with you anymore! And well... I like you a lot!" She couldn't believe she said it out loud. But she didn't feel bad or embarrassed. She felt a great weight being lifted off of her chest.

"You make me feel safe, Rolo. Like I'm at home. Sometimes I feel really nervous around you. Like, I can't speak or do anything right. But it's a nice kinda feeling! I like being with you, Rolo. I really do. I guess that wasn't a question. It was more of a confession. But my real question is, uh, well... do you like me? It's ok if you don't. I can take a hit. I mean, we only just met yet I feel like I've known you forever!" She laughs nervously. She didn't care about his answer anymore. Just saying all of that made her feel as light as a feather. She couldn't help but smile. But fleet had for Rolo. That was a lot to pour out on the big guy. She hoped he didn't think ill of her or made fun of her.

Corinnes confession was a lot to take in, that's for sure. The prospect of such a confession made Rolo admittedly nervous. But the actual confession itself, unsurprisingly, made him happy. In fact it made him happier than he had ever been. His heart felt like it was about to burst. He felt like signing from the very rooftops themselves. He felt like howling at the moon. No doubt all of Sea Salt Bay would've head Rolo if he did from Lovers Haven.

That feeling passed though, as soon as it came. Rolo had to tell Corinne how he felt. She deserved to know. He didn't want to lie to her, nor lead her on. Rolo cared way too much about Corinne to do anything of the sort.

"Listen Corinne, I like you to. I mean I really really like you. Baby girl you've made me the happiest guy in the world. It's just that..." Rolo hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"There was this girl, that I was seeing. We broke up late last year, and it wasn't mutual. Our relationship only lasted a few months but it was the first real relationship I've ever had. I was in love with her Corinne, so very in love. But then she...she...she broke my heart." Rolo barely whispered out those last couple of words.

"She broke my heart into a thousand pieces! I gave her everything and it still wasn't enough! And you wanna know the worst part!? It wasn't just that she dumped me. She made me feel like a total dweeb! I let that stupid whore get the best of me! And she almost made me lose my friends! My brothers for life, the Salt Bay Turbos! If it wasn't for the fellas I..I." Rolo could barely hold back his tears at this point.

"You wanna know what's truly nuts Corinne? A part of me still loves her. A part of me always will. whispered Rolo.

"You're the only other girl who's ever made me feel this way. The thought of losing you. I, I just can't." Rolo said gravely.

Rolo sniffled a little. He then wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket. He hoped against hope that his eyes didn't betray his emotions.

"I'm sorry Corinne. I must've had a little too much. I'm not too drunk to ride though, honest. Maybe I should take you home." offered Rolo.

Something in Corrine snapped. She couldn't tell if it was good or bad. It must've been bad. It was such a tragic tale. Someone Rolo cared about so much went and broke his heart. She must've been horrible to hurt him like that! How dare she?!

"Rolo I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel so sad. Please don't cry I'm sorry! I didn't realize... oh god what have I done?!" She stood up and covered her face. Corrine felt like crying now. She hurt someone she cared for. Someone else hurt someone she cared for! Shame washed over her like a tidal wave. She never should have said anything! She never should have said her feelings out loud! Something bad always happens and she broke her friend's heart! She's such an awful person! How could she have done that?!

Tears welled up in her eyes and stung as they slid down her face. She couldn't let Rolo see her cry. That was selfish. Rolo was the one who was hurting! Yet she couldn't understand why she was feeling so awful.

"Rolo no... I don't want to go home! Please don't take me home!" She begged. Her voice was shaky and weak. She knew he would force her to go home. She had to. She had a visitor coming over from somewhere far away. It would have been rude to keep him waiting. She didn't care if her brother's saw her. She felt like jumping off of that magic rock and never waking up. If she prayed hard enough the coyote would listen to her prayers and save her the pain of what was to come.

"No Corinne, you've got it all wrong. I don't want you to leave. I never want you to leave. That's what makes me so afraid. I never want to lose you, but I can't make you stay." said Rolo quietly.

"If forever isn't promised Corinne then let's just enjoy this one moment, together. I don't want to be afraid no more." whispered Rolo.

Rolo leaned in slowly as he gazed into Corinnes dazzling eyes. Their faces inched closer and closer with each passing breath. Rolo knew what he wanted, and he wanted it more than anything.