Not My Home Anymore

Chapter Thirteen

Avery’s POV

I woke up to the faint smell of my familiar bed sheets that were secured around my dirty body, the sheets hiding the fact my clothes were almost black from mud and dirt. I was disoriented for quite some time before I remembered about the entire sequence of running, sweating, vomiting, and being forced unconscious. My next thought was if anyone was trying to search for Victoria or if they just gave up and went along with their business.

“We have some of your friends in the spy units canvasing the surrounding forest. Victoria hasn’t been found, but I am positive we will have a better idea on how to save her soon.”

Adrianne’s voice flowed smoothly from her mouth, the words tickling my ear like cotton. Her voice was soft, like a mother’s should be yet it could tame lions in a single breath. “Now Avery,” Adrianne continued, “You must be getting up soon, I didn’t want to undress you purely because I wanted to wait for Tosh or Rowen or someone to show up around here!” Her voice sounded agitated, and I slid out of bed to follow her instructions, smirking.

I bowed my head politely before I stepped into my bathroom that was situated at the back of my little home, taking my clothes off seemed to be a harder task then what was a usual ten second deal. Both my shirt and pants were caked in mud, creating a predicament when I slid my shirt over my head sending mud flying against the door and mirror. My pants were an entirely different matter; the mud was mostly still wet so sliding them off only turned my tiled floor into a small puddle of brown sludge.

Having those two layers off let my skin finally breathe a scent of fresh air, it also letting me catch an accidental glimpse of myself in the mirror now spotted with mud. My tattoos spread across my body, and twisted into many different vines all the way down to my fingers, and stretched down the length of my legs to my feet.

“Well Avery, this sure show how much you waited for acceptance.” I snorted and turned my face away. My eyes becoming blurred letting my mind wander.

His loud voice commanded at me huskily, “Avery, you must know that when people see you they will not understand the meaning of these marks.” Pops touched my shoulder, having a warning look in his eyes.  “You must find many people who look past these birthmarks you have been given by the forests. In order for you to feel fulfilled you may also find a girl,” At this he winked down at my small figure.

“Pops, girls are gross, and I got you; I don’t need anyone else,” I said shortly, bobbing my ten year old head in defiance.

Laughing, Pops ruffled my dark hair and continued, “Avery you will soon be introduced to many people, many environments. You will do well, and become a strong man this I am certain. Unfortunately my son I will not always be here to cheer you on. You must find a group where they will teach you to grow and love.” Pops finished seriously, gripping my thin shoulders.

I nodded my head, trying to show a serious expression before exclaiming, “When will we eat next?”

Pops smiled and ruffled my hair, “This is when you must learn to hunt my son.” His eyes drooped and became weary with sadness, and expression my young self already knew so well.

I watched as he turned on his heels and hitched his old body over to the door, and without looking back… walked out.

“Guess I should go hunt then, hey Pops?” I shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose trying to forget the memory of long ago.

A soft knock finally got me to focus a bit better, “Avery,” Adrianne’s voice chimed on the other side, “Tosh and Rowen are ready to move out, should I tell them to wait for you to get prepared?”

I smiled and turned my head glancing at the already prepared black suit and bow beside the bath, “I’ll be right out.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a deep sigh and took a step to grab the clothes only bothering to wash my skin quickly with a cloth. “Things are going to get dirty anyway,” I whispered to myself as I slid the dark pants and shit onto my body.

Walking out of the bathroom, I was yet again hit with the soft fragrance of my home, nothing smelled of neither mud nor blood, it was welcomed because I knew somewhere inside that nothing about the next few days would smell or look this clean.

Adrianne chirped bringing me back to what I now had to do, “Everyone is waiting for you Avery, and Rowen will be there to prepare a first-aid section in the forest for everyone. Tosh, well… You know how he operates,” she smiled at me, and with a few steps forward and a bow in her direction I stepped passed her to meet with my comrades.

Sorry for having you guys wait so long... Hope you guys liked seeing a bit more for Avery.. :)

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