Talk // Chris Martin

17.

For the rest of the drive, nobody but Aunt Alison spoke. For some reason, Thomas didn't seem to want to see me. He wouldn't even look in my direction.

I couldn't even guess why, unless he was upset with me for not visiting him for eight years.

After about an hour, he had fallen asleep, and I looked over at him.

To me, he still looked like a four-year-old sleeping.

I laid back a little, looking out the window. We were now in the country area, passing farms, fields, and possibly millions of cows.

The sun was now high in the sky, and I guessed that it was about noon by now.

I began to wonder if Chris had tried to find me down in the woods. I hoped Phil would be able to hang out with him. I would hate for him to be alone.

Breaking me out of my thoughts, Aunt Alison looked over at me, pulling her sunglasses down to view me clearly.

"Thomas is sleeping, eh?" She Asked. "He does that. Car rides bore him."

I nodded a bit, before looking back out the window.

"And look at you." She Said, clicking her tongue, before looking back at the road. "You've grown quite well."

I looked down, and she chuckled, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"When Joseph told me you wanted a visit, I was rather excited." She stated. "I haven't seen you since you were a titchy girl."

She was right; the last time we visited was Christmas of '86. I was nine, then.

"Why is it that you wanted to come?" She asked curiously. "It's the beginning of the school year, and it was so out of the blue."

I just shrugged, mentally cursing Joseph for telling her that I wanted to come. If this was meant as a punishment, he could've just told her so.

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad you wanted to come." She Said. "You can help me milk the cows like you used to."

I bit my lip. Oh goodie.

"Oh, and I have some herbs for you!" She Exclaimed suddenly causing Thomas to Jump awake.

When we finally got to the farm, Aunt Alison parked the car in front of the small barn, which I was surprised was still standing.

She opened up her door, and I opened my own, grabbing my backpack and stepping out. I took a deep breath, looking around.

The sky was clear, and there was a slight cool breeze. You could smell the flowers, grass, and the slightest bit of the animals, but it still smelled wonderful. It reminded me of when things were still good, and mom and dad would bring me and Joseph Here. We used to have fun, before things got dark. Now this place only reminded me of how wrong things went.

Thomas And Aunt Alison walked up to me, following my gaze.

"It's been a few years, yeah?" Aunt Alison Asked.

I nodded a little, and she patted me on the back. "I'll take your bag." She Said. "Thomas, why don't you show her your treehouse?"