And She Became Queen

Chapter 20: Noah At The Doorstep

The brittle and branches of thick tall trees chattering the warm breeze as I finally opened my eyes. I tried to simply concentrate on what I heard–the motorbike halted against the thick earth.

"So... Why are you here?" My eyebrows pulled up in unison, my hands held his shoulders as I climbed down. I gent took off the helmet and handed it back to Noah.

"We aren't there yet. We'd have to walk a little farther." He smiled at me.

"Omg! Where are we going?"

"Don't worry, just chill out." He cooed. "It's my detour."

"The forest is your detour? It really scares me you know? It makes me think of horror and paranormal." I admitted.

"Don't worry, Sylvie. You'll love it... Just trust me." He held my hand into his and pulled me along. Just then, the sound of water splash caught my attention.

"Is that what I think it is?" I jerked off and ran forward, towards where the sound was coming from.

Lo and behold! I startled at the open space, unexpectedly. It was a beautiful view of  waterfall and spring flowing in a garden beautiful flowers. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Whoa!" I murmured as my lips fell apart. Out of words to say, I turned back at Noah that joined me.

"I told you you'll like it."

"Wow! So this is your detour?"

"Yeah, I love nature. There's something about here that reminds that I also deserve freedom and happiness. Well, I think everybody do. Even you."

"It's beautiful... I'm totally speechless. I ran to one of the flowers." And where on earth is this

"It's just fifty meters away from school. He pointed out our tall school building with a red flag on it that served as the landmark."

"Look at these... I love being around flowers. They remind me of my dad. He along side my mum used to plant colorful flowers during weekends at the backyard. I used to join them sometimes only when they allow me." A memory blew through me and I chuckled."They prevented me from touching dirt."

"Wow, that's nice."

"Yeah, it used to be beautiful just like this." I explained, noticing I haven't talked about them in a long time. I looked towards the flowing spring and sat on the bed rock. I folded up my baggy jeans with my legs in the water and I looked up at him. "You want to join me?"

"Yes, sure." He replied and did the same without hesitation. "You sure had a happy family. Sometimes, I wonder what it feels like."

Looking into the clear water, I saw tiny fishes dancing through. 'How lucky they must be.' I pondered.

"It feels good. Having whatever you want, whenever you want it. Being loved and cared for, being celebrated every single day gives a sense of belonging." I looked at him and blushed. "It used to be the best. It was."

"So now you stay with your uncle? What does it feels like?" Noah deepened his hands into the flowing water, fondling with it.

"Good...  I guess." I faked a smile to distract him.

Anything about Collins makes me guilty and gives me goosebumps. I'm scared I'd get more punishments if he somehow knows. Exposing him means exposing me so, I would have to keep it a secret as long as possible. "So how did you get this place?"

"It was about six months ago. My parents got into this crazy bear fight. It went on throughout the night. The next morning, I wanted to get to school but de ides not to. I just wanted to leave everything... Home, school, family and friends. I drove into the woods, finding something that was missing... Peace. I just wanted to be alone. Even when I beat up kids in school, that never satisfied me. I feel guilty by the day, I still blame myself for everything. Even my parents argument." he explained.