The Peregrine Passage

Chapter Twelve: Hazel

As Adam and I are leaving the Boxcar, I debate whether or not I should tell him what Mr. Fuller talked to me about that one day after class. I don't want to explain my ADHD or how I know so much about the drugs associated with it, but my knowledge could end up being really helpful to our case.

"So, what happened with you and Fuller?" Shit. I guess I have less time to think about this than I thought.

"Oh, nothing, really." I try to buy myself some time but he can tell I'm stalling.

He puts a hand on my shoulder and stops us walking down the icy sidewalk. As he looks down at me, I can see the snow flurries hanging on his thick eyelashes.

"You don't have to tell me, you know. But if you want to, I'm here." I give him a small smile and change the subject.

"Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, you know." Thankfully, he rolls with it.

"Yeah? What's your favorite holiday movie, then?"

"Home Alone, hands down. It was always my dream as a kid to have the house all to myself around the holidays."

"Isn't the point of the movie that family is important and he almost died without them?" He raises his thick brows.

"He defended his house and learned to do his own laundry! It's a valuable lesson if you ask me."

I sigh and pick up the pace a little bit to stay warm.

"So, Adam, any brilliant ideas on our next step?"

"Actually, Hazel, yes I do." He mocks my tone, but I'm too intrigued to fight him on it.

"Care to share?"

"I think we should go to the woods and try to find the tree that the Order symbol is based on."

"Look, I love the enthusiasm, but do you genuinely think that we should look at each individual tree attempting to find one that vaguely resembles some Maple carving? Are you aware how many trees are in the woods?"

"Hey, I have some reasoning. I checked out another Peregrine family history book from the library last week and read that they used to follow this one trail down Evergreen Pike every year to chop down their Christmas tree. That page was bookmarked. I know it's a small lead, but what else do we have to go off of?"

I smile when I hear that he went to the library by himself, I feel like I've converted a new fan.

"Respectfully, how do we know the maple tree is even real? Are there even maple trees in evergreen woods?" He remains undeterred by my inquisitive tone.

"I don't know, but we can find out, right? Besides, doesn't a nice woodland hike sound fun? It'll be gorgeous with everything covered in snow."

"It sounds cold." He nudges me and I cave in.

"Fine, but only if you provide trail mix." He grins.

"Deal, it's a date. I'll pick you up Saturday morning at 11?"

I nod and he walks me back to my apartment.

Saturday morning comes and I catch myself spending a little too long getting ready. It's just Adam and it's just hiking, right? Besides, this is to solve the reasons behind a teenager overdosing. I should not be excited about this. Does that make me a terrible person? Probably.

I decide not to focus on the drug-related death and put my unruly hair into twin braids. Flyaways still line my forehead so I opt for a cable knit beanie that matches my huge cream cowl neck sweater. I pull up my lucky Christmas tree socks over my dark jeans to capture a little bit of the Christmas spirit. They might help us find a clue, who knows? As I'm chucking on my bean boots, I hear the unmistakable honk of Adam's car from outside. I throw on my brown coat and leather mittens and run out the door.