-last edited on Sept 30, 2018 22:58:06 GMT by TeaLeaf❀
Post by TeaLeaf❀ on Sept 30, 2018 22:56:29 GMT
Lillian meets his gaze through the rear-view mirror. “Well, why not?” “It’s none of our concerns.”
“I am free to talk about whatever I like.” She says dryly.
“Stop it. Stop doing this!” “Why—”
“Ah, Mrs. Wesley, I just remembered…” He interjects himself into the conversation. “I haven’t thanked you yet, for the clothes.”
The mother swallows her reply, a bit surprised by the stranger’s uninvited intrusion. She clears her throat. “It’s Lillian, mister. And don’t mention it…it’s what anyone would do.” “I don’t deserve your generosity,” he continues. “Both you and Théo have been very kind to me today, and yet…” He looks down with an apologetic smile. “…I have nothing to give back.”
The youngster sits up, startled by his serious tone. “Mister…?”
“Which is why I have decided to not burden you any further. I will find another place to spend the night. I’m sure the hotels have a room available—” “Now? It’s very late.” Lillian frowns. “And you don’t have any money.”
That’s true: he can’t deny that. And even if he does find a place, he is penniless. No hotels in their right mind would take in someone like him, and at such an hour, no less. “That…brings me to another topic. How much did the clothes cost, Mrs. Wesley?” His heart drops when she discloses the total amount (slowly, with uncertainty, face low and eyes averted), but he gulps down the fear. “Very well. I…” He takes in a sharp breath. “I will pay you back.”
Théo clutches the lime green scarf tightly in his hands. “Mister, you don’t have to—” “I-I’ll get a job!” he snaps up, his hands fumbling around in senseless gestures as he searches for his next words. “And when I’ve earned enough, I’ll—”
Midway through his proclamation, the car takes a sharp turn to the right without warning and departs from the asphalt road.
-last edited on Sept 30, 2018 23:11:46 GMT by TeaLeaf❀
Post by TeaLeaf❀ on Sept 30, 2018 23:06:15 GMT
All three of them toss around in their seats, confusion and terror hurling them into utter chaos as the vehicle aggressively shakes and trembles on the uneven, muddy turf. Deafening sounds of rubber against crystallized grass pierces the once-peaceful atmosphere, and they are forced back with a harsh jolt when the automobile finally screeches to a stop at the edge of the lake. For a moment, none of them spoke, and uneven, labored breathing fills the interior.
Then Lillian breaks into a maniacal laugh.
“…And that’s why you should wear your seat belts,” she states with amusement. “Mom, what was that?!” The youngster screams. “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!” “Shh.” Ignoring the boy’s angry protests, the mother holds up her hand and motions for them to quiet down.
When the last of his shouts fade away, Théo buries his head in the scarf and continues to fume in silence. But as a hush befalls the trio, music of the outside world float in from the opened windows. Crickets join in a spontaneous symphony orchestrated by Mother Nature, singing a repetitive tune that grows into a melodic verse joyous for all who hears. The wind graces them its presence with a playful whoosh over the grasses and the water weeds, adding soft rustlings to the rising anthem of the ancient earth. There are no pauses in between each movement, and the notes march on in a never-ending parade.
Nothing seems powerful enough to hinder its theme; nothing dares to interrupt its soul.
“Do you remember this place, Théo?” Lillian asks quietly. “We used to come here every Saturday afternoon, especially when the lake hasn’t completely freeze yet. You always insisted on staying longer so we can watch the sun fall behind the mountains.”
“…That’s a long time ago.” The youngster replies, his face still covered by fabric.
“Your father picked this spot, you know? He likes it because—” “—because it’s right in the middle of Birchwood…the middle grounds of the East and the West of the community,” the boy answers. “A path parallel to the sky bridge.”
~~~~~ Double update! ^)^ I hope I didn't scare anyone.
All three of them toss around in their seats, confusion and terror hurling them into utter chaos as the vehicle aggressively shakes and trembles on the uneven, muddy turf. Deafening sounds of rubber against crystallized grass pierces the once-peaceful atmosphere, and they are forced back with a harsh jolt when the automobile finally screeches to a stop at the edge of the lake. For a moment, none of them spoke, and uneven, labored breathing fills the interior.
Then Lillian breaks into a maniacal laugh.
“…And that’s why you should wear your seat belts,” she states with amusement. “Mom, what was that?!” The youngster screams. “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!” “Shh.” Ignoring the boy’s angry protests, the mother holds up her hand and motions for them to quiet down.
When the last of his shouts fade away, Théo buries his head in the scarf and continues to fume in silence. But as a hush befalls the trio, music of the outside world float in from the opened windows. Crickets join in a spontaneous symphony orchestrated by Mother Nature, singing a repetitive tune that grows into a melodic verse joyous for all who hears. The wind graces them its presence with a playful whoosh over the grasses and the water weeds, adding soft rustlings to the rising anthem of the ancient earth. There are no pauses in between each movement, and the notes march on in a never-ending parade.
Nothing seems powerful enough to hinder its theme; nothing dares to interrupt its soul.
“Do you remember this place, Théo?” Lillian asks quietly. “We used to come here every Saturday afternoon, especially when the lake hasn’t completely freeze yet. You always insisted on staying longer so we can watch the sun fall behind the mountains.”
“…That’s a long time ago.” The youngster replies, his face still covered by fabric.
“Your father picked this spot, you know? He likes it because—” “—because it’s right in the middle of Birchwood…the middle grounds of the East and the West of the community,” the boy answers. “A path parallel to the sky bridge.”
~~~~~ Double update! ^)^ I hope I didn't scare anyone.
For a second there I thought they were in trouble. Double update, nice!
-last edited on Oct 7, 2018 5:17:42 GMT by TeaLeaf❀
Post by TeaLeaf❀ on Oct 7, 2018 5:16:17 GMT
Lillian grins. “You can see both banks of the lake and the Glaciers Barrens far beyond the forests. You can see the sun swallowed up by the valleys—” “—and the moon rising above the canyons. I know, mom. I know.” “I thought we’d take a little break here before we get home, just to enjoy the scenery and prepare for tomorrow. It’s a school night, after all. You didn’t forget that, did you?” “I’ll be fine. These assignments aren’t due for another day or two.” Théo peeks out from the scarf before adding an embarrassed “thank you” to his mother.
“Well, why don’t you step out for a bit? Shake off your legs. We’ll be home by seven-thirty.” “Alright,” the youngster opens the door. “Wanna come, mister?” “In a minute,” he responds, and the two of them exchange a brief smile. Before he leaves, he gives Lillian a curt nod. “I’ll keep an eye on him.” “Thank you,” the mother closes her eyes, evidently exhausted. “I’m sorry about earlier, mister. We don’t usually get into fights, let along arguing in front of strangers.”
“No, it’s okay,” he lowers his voice. “Both of you are tired from the shopping trip. It’s easy to get annoyed when you’re feeling drained.” “About tonight…you don’t have to look for a hotel. You are very welcome to stay over. We have enough room. And the money—” “I’ve already made up my mind. But thank you.” He steps off from the vehicle. “It’s been nice to meet you, both of you.”
“At least let me drop you off. I know a place several blocks over from our home.” “Alright,” he finally gives in. “I should go. Théo’s probably looking for me.” Lillian opens her eyes and smiles. “Have fun.”
The stranger shuts the door and runs off into the night, the brisk wind warping around his skin and running through his hair. He still hasn’t changed out from his dirtied rags, and his hands are starting to feel numb from the evening chill. But he doesn’t care; he might as well get acquainted with the weather. After all, who knows how long he’d stay in Birchwood, working off the rest of his life to repay the debt?
-last edited on Oct 7, 2018 5:29:46 GMT by TeaLeaf❀
Post by TeaLeaf❀ on Oct 7, 2018 5:27:03 GMT
“What took you so long?” The young boy asks once he arrives. Unlike him, Théo doesn’t seem to be bothered by the cold; the lime green scarf shields his entire body from the worst of the bitter temperature.
“Sorry about that, I got lost.” He rubs his hands together for warmth. “Why is it so dark? Where are the lamps?”
“Last I checked, there aren’t any,” the youngster chuckles. “I guess the local committee got too lazy to install some near the lake. But look what I found, mister!”
“A switch? What for?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out!” Théo laughs as he flips it on with a loud click.
Looming shadows surrounding their current location are suddenly dispelled when thousands of tiny lightbulbs burst into brilliant radiance. They are all connected by a lengthy cable darting back-and-forth on the overhanging trees and what is actually a series of obstacle courses leading to the highest point in the area, which stands at a considerable measure away and above the surface of the lake. Each individual level is linked together by cables and wooden structures, blending perfectly into the background forest.
“A zip-line!” The boy exclaims, his eyes gleaming with eagerness. “I didn’t know they built one here! This is awesome!”
“A what now?” He frowns.
“I’ll show you! Let’s get up there!”
“Wait, shouldn’t we tell your mom first?”
Théo waves off his suggestion. “It’ll only take a minute. C’mon!”
He blinks, uneasy about the unplanned adventure, but he doesn’t want to spoil the youngster’s joy. The stranger soon finds himself climbing up a rope ladder and crossing each obstacle after the boy, prompted on by Théo’s encouragements (“There you go, mister! You’re doing great!”). He’s almost certain that the metal hooks and safety ropes (that they conveniently found hanging on a vertical plank, held in place by rusty nails) will fail to help them cross some of the harder levels, yet they manage to press on undefeated. Is this trespassing? he wonders. Two illegal acts committed on the same day, merely minutes away from each other. He’s not sure whether he should be proud or ashamed.
~~~~~~~ Posting them early...'cause why not? A new adventure begins!
Lillian meets his gaze through the rear-view mirror. “Well, why not?” “It’s none of our concerns.”
“I am free to talk about whatever I like.” She says dryly.
“Stop it. Stop doing this!” “Why—”
“Ah, Mrs. Wesley, I just remembered…” He interjects himself into the conversation. “I haven’t thanked you yet, for the clothes.” ***
That’s true: he can’t deny that. And even if he does find a place, he is penniless. No hotels in their right mind would take in someone like him, and at such an hour, no less. “That…brings me to another topic. How much did the clothes cost, Mrs. Wesley?” His heart drops when she discloses the total amount (slowly, with uncertainty, face low and eyes averted), but he gulps down the fear. “Very well. I…” He takes in a sharp breath. “I will pay you back.”
Théo clutches the lime green scarf tightly in his hands. “Mister, you don’t have to—” “I-I’ll get a job!” he snaps up, his hands fumbling around in senseless gestures as he searches for his next words. “And when I’ve earned enough, I’ll—”
Midway through his proclamation, the car takes a sharp turn to the right without warning and departs from the asphalt road.
All three of them toss around in their seats, confusion and terror hurling them into utter chaos as the vehicle aggressively shakes and trembles on the uneven, muddy turf. Deafening sounds of rubber against crystallized grass pierces the once-peaceful atmosphere, and they are forced back with a harsh jolt when the automobile finally screeches to a stop at the edge of the lake. For a moment, none of them spoke, and uneven, labored breathing fills the interior.
Then Lillian breaks into a maniacal laugh.
“…And that’s why you should wear your seat belts,” she states with amusement. “Mom, what was that?!” The youngster screams. “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!” “Shh.” Ignoring the boy’s angry protests, the mother holds up her hand and motions for them to quiet down.
When the last of his shouts fade away, Théo buries his head in the scarf and continues to fume in silence. But as a hush befalls the trio, music of the outside world float in from the opened windows. Crickets join in a spontaneous symphony orchestrated by Mother Nature, singing a repetitive tune that grows into a melodic verse joyous for all who hears. The wind graces them its presence with a playful whoosh over the grasses and the water weeds, adding soft rustlings to the rising anthem of the ancient earth. There are no pauses in between each movement, and the notes march on in a never-ending parade.
Nothing seems powerful enough to hinder its theme; nothing dares to interrupt its soul.
“Do you remember this place, Théo?” Lillian asks quietly. “We used to come here every Saturday afternoon, especially when the lake hasn’t completely freeze yet. You always insisted on staying longer so we can watch the sun fall behind the mountains.”
“…That’s a long time ago.” The youngster replies, his face still covered by fabric.
“Your father picked this spot, you know? He likes it because—” “—because it’s right in the middle of Birchwood…the middle grounds of the East and the West of the community,” the boy answers. “A path parallel to the sky bridge.”
~~~~~ Double update! ^)^ I hope I didn't scare anyone.
![[nerd]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/CCtiBbSMRtImQAQydMtT.png)
![[derp]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/YqNTPqyQUocVMYXZgUAI.png)
But I'm pretty sure I did just now. ![[y]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/WYWPH2VRo26pOFDid7QZ.png)
