Meet me in the Emerald Forest

Chapter 24 Clementine

I didn't realize how tired I was until Lukas showed me to my room and my eyes landed on the bed. It was only 5:00 in the evening, but this day had me exhausted. I decided to investigate the adjoining bathroom and take a shower.

The bathroom was large and extravagant with textured, non-slip tile flooring that ran the whole way through the large shower. The shower had a glass door and two shower heads with a complex control system. There was also a white porcelain soaker tub with brass knobs and faucet. The large vanity had a matching brass bowl sink, knobs, and faucet as well. The top of the vanity was a shiny green tile with white cabinets surrounding it. Inside a separate sort of closet was the toilet.

Next to the vanity was a floor to ceiling cabinet with other, smaller cabinets surrounding it. I opened the tall rectangular door and dug through the bath products inside. I was surprised to see it fully stocked and wondered who stayed here often enough to require so much stuff. That got my stomach churning unpleasantly and I immediately stuffed the idea into the back of my mind.

Deciding on a mint smelling shampoo and bodywash set, a green washcloth, and a matching towel, I shut the door and shuffled back to the shower. I hung up the large, fluffy towel on a hook beside the shower and sat the products on the shower ledge. Stripping out of my clothes, I folded them on the counter top and began fiddling with the controls. It took me a while to figure out how to set the temperature and water pressure, but I eventually got it sorted and stepped inside.

I took a long, hot shower and scrubbed vigorously at my skin and hair. I had a pretty strict shower routine that I hadn't been able to do for several days now and it was starting to make me feel gross. When the water started to run cold, I shut it off and stepped out. Wrapping the heavy towel around my now wet body, I stepped out of the bathroom with a cloud of hot steam blowing around me.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Luna!" Someone jumped and bowed their head.

I was startled to find that I wasn't alone in the room. Lily was sitting on the edge of my bed with her hands covering her face as if she was trying to give me some privacy.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you come in." I mumbled, tugging the towel tightly around my chest, "Lily, right?" I double checked.

"Mhm. I knocked but it was unlocked so I thought I would wait for you. I brought dinner." She motioned towards a tray sitting on top of the small desk in the corner.

"Just let me get dressed quick." I said, shuffling towards my bag on the bed.

I dug out a pair of loose fitting sweat pants, a short T-shirt that stopped just above the waistline of my pants, and a set of bra and underwear before disappearing back into the bathroom to change. I got dressed in a hurry and tied my wet hair up into a messy bun. Lily was standing now, leaning against one of the bedroom walls.

"Lukas asked me to check on you just to make sure you were settling in okay, and I thought maybe you were hungry." Lily shrugged.

"Thank you, I appreciate that. And, please, call me Clem." I said, remembering how she addressed me as Luna earlier. Lily smiled,

"How are you doing, Clem?" She asked in a sweet voice.

I walked over to the desk and examined the food. It was a simple house salad in a chilled bowl with a plate of steak and potatoes. I sat down at the chair in front of the desk, but turned it so I was facing Lily.

"I'm okay, really." I said,

"If you ever want to talk about anything or just get out of the house, I'm here, okay? I know my brother's an idiot so I'll always be on your side." She teased with a wink. I couldn't help but laugh,