Forever Us

Chapter 1: Avery

Specks of snow fell from the sky, coating the window where Avery stood as she took in every piece of quietness that surrounded her. She was ready for a fresh start with the beginning of the new year, and her relationship with Philip couldn't be going better; setting aside the pressure of being closely watched by the people within the institution.

Philip and Damien had taken her and Amber to spend the holidays at the log cabin in the mountains, where nothing but trees and snow surrounded them. During their stay, they did all sorts of winter activities, from sledding and snowball fights to winter walks and cozying up next to the fireplace.

In the far distance, the peaks of the mountains were wreathed in a blanket of snow with the sun coming up behind them, looking like a glowing torch, and a gentle hush could be heard even behind the window glass; but she was soon brought out of her thoughts and away from the window by the beeping sound of the oven, signaling the cookies were ready to be taken out.

"I wish we could stay longer," Amber said as she stirred the hot chocolate on the stove.

"Yeah, if only the bakery was in walking distance from here," Avery agreed, "and speaking of which, how excited are you to be fully in charge?"

"I'll definitely miss having dad there all the time," she said, "but I've never imagined myself doing anything else."

"And Tom has Charlie to keep him company."

"Yes," Amber smiled, "he spoils him so much, though," Charlie was the puppy that Damien had given her for Christmas, a month-old golden retriever.

The door creaked open, and the guys came in, setting the chopped wood on the side and shaking the snow off of their jackets, "okay, let's get this fire going before we freeze to death," Damien said rubbing his hands together to warm them up.

Avery stacked the cookies that had recently come out of the oven into a large plate while Amber poured the hot chocolate into the mugs, and topped them with a handful of marshmallows.

They sat in front of the rustic fireplace in their comfortable pajamas. Amber snuggled up against Damien, and Philip draped his arm around Avery, sending goosebumps all over her arm.

"I can't believe we have to go back today," Damien said.

"let's make a toast to the beginning of a new year," Philip offered, "a fresh start for all of us, and of course, to the inauguration of the new orphanage, which couldn't have happened without all of you."

They brought their mugs together with smiles on their faces, and then sipped the warm beverage, enjoying the white cloud of sweetness on top.

"And speaking of..." Philip looked directly at Damien as he set his mug down, "I know our relationship hasn't always been the easiest, and I also know how much you enjoy being around kids, that being partly because you're are a kid yourself–"

"Hey! Watch it."

"No, but seriously," Philip continued, "I think you'd be an excellent patron of the orphanage."

"Are you sure? What about–"

"Don't worry about him, I already cleared that up," Philip assured.

"Thank you, Philip, I really appreciate it, and I promise I won't let you down."

Even though Avery would rather stay at the cabin than go back into town, she was also looking forward to her brother visiting soon; they had spoken a while ago, and he told her that he intended to visit them as soon as he got his annual vacation from work.

They hadn't seen each other in over a year, and he had only spoken to Philip through phone calls, although, Avery was sure he would like Philip once he got to know him.

They spent the rest of their stay enjoying the peace and quiet and the rest of the cookies until they had to finish packing and heading out before it got late.