🍫Chocolate Flowers💐

Chapter 9

A Meeting of Fated Lovers

Rose, Charlie, and Honkers made it to the lake. There was something comforting about this particular lake. Perhaps it was the way the sun reflected off the water in the day, and the way the moon would illuminate the water at night? Maybe it was the smell. The smell of the water and the smell of the planets combine was enough to put you in a trance. Or, maybe it was the calming sound of the water? Or the waterfall that was off in the distance.

Either way, the two Buckets felt safe at this lake. That's why they chose to do their laundry here. Honkers immediately waddled into the lake. "Oh boy, the water is especially soothing today!"

Rose giggled. "Good to know for when Charlie takes a dip"

"Will you be going for a swim, Rosie?" Charlie asked.

"I'll probably take my shoes off and wade around in the water" Rose decided. She reached into the laundry basket and pulled out the first piece of fabric. "But right now, I have laundry to do"

Charlie walked up beside Rose. He reached into the basket to grab a piece of clothing, but Rose grabbed his hand gently to stop him. "Charlie, you have fun today. Go for a swim, go explore the forest, go climb the trees, do whatever your heart desires" She told him.

"But--" Charlie was about to protest.

"No, buts Charlie" Rose shook her head. "A young boy needs to have fun. I can handle the laundry"

"Are you sure? There must be at least one thing I can help you with"

"Tell you what, I'm going to need the other basket of laundry soon and I left it at home. When I need it, I'll whistle for you, and you can go fetch it for me. Does that sound fair?"

Charlie nodded. "That's fair"

"Good" Rose smiled, kissing Charlie on the cheek. "Now go have fun. Oh, and I brought this for you" She pushed away some clothes in the basket. She took out a little wooden slingshot. Nathaniel had given it to Charlie. "Remember the rules?"

"No hitting animals, and if you knock a fruit down with it, it must be eaten or used in a pie"

"Such a good boy, Charlie. Now go. Have fun!" Rose urged. Charlie gave a grin before running off. Rose watched him until he disappeared further into the woods. She knew he wasn't too far, as he wanted to make sure to be able to hear the whistle if she needed help.