Before the Ever Green (BTEG #1) ✔️

Chapter 4

I am still outside on this small plot of grass, when I wake up. Mom is above, me looking frustrated, but she always does when I sleep outside, "Good morning," I say, trying to pretend like I don't see the look on her face.

Turtle slowly comes over to me, and I pick him up, Mom can't help but smile, before saying, "You really need to stop sleeping outside, you'll catch a cold,"

"It won't help, I will still get sick every month, besides, I sleep better outside," I say, laying back down on my back. I look at Turtle, he must be hungry, because he keeps opening his mouth. He does that when he wants a strawberry, and it's hilarious watching him try and eat it.

"Well, fine. I'll let you sleep outside if you start wearing dresses," I give her the are you freaking kidding me look, but she just smiles, thinking she's won, but she hasn't and I prove it to her by saying "fine," and walking into the house and up the creaky stairs. I open my wardrobe door, and rummage through my million pairs of pants and shirts, until I find a long white dress.

I really hate dresses, but I hate sleeping in that bed more. I hate being between 4 walls more. I keep my head tall, trying to seem proud as I go back down to see Mom, with her mouth wide open, and total shock in her blue eyes, "Wow," she says, "You look beautiful, sweetie."

"I know," I say, going to give her a hug, and grabbing my book of the end table, so I can read outside.

Mom was never one who liked reading, she could never get into any books, except for cookbooks, which she spends all day in. She encourages me to read, because I like it so much. The only problem is, books cost, and food costs, and clothes cost, and everything costs.

Everything costs in this world.

I read lots of stories about how the world back before my time, but I'm not sure they're all true. I read a story about dragons, and I am pretty sure they weren't alive in the past hundred years or so. Just like I am pretty sure people didn't sell other people. It's a crazy idea.

History books are where you find real information, but only the wealthy can afford knowledge. And, though in this neighborhood I may be 'wealthy', in one only a little bigger, I have no money at all.

At least sight doesn't cost.

I take in the beautiful view, as I go to sit in the meadow and watch as the sun rises. Mom hates it when I sit in the meadow, she says a snake will bite me, or I will be mauled by a bear. I just think she's over protective.

Odd thing I do #3: I love making my mom insane.

I really do love my mom, it's just sometimes she can be a pain. She is super over protective, never lets me do what I want, and she never answers any of my questions, especially when they are about her powers, or Dad.

There are so many questions I have about Dad. For me, Dad is just a 3 letter word for everyone in the world except me. I know nothing of my dad, besides he had blonde hair, green eyes, and that he loved to read and make people laugh. You can't get a good description of a person based on that.

How am I suppose to know the truth, like did he have siblings? Did my father like to fish? Where did he grow up? What was his job?

Deep breathe.

The air in the meadow seems so much cleaner. So much nicer. I wonder is Mom has ever just breathed the mountain air. If she had, she'd probably be a lot more calm and relaxed. I know I am. Who wouldn't be?

Nature can help you relax.

It really is the best medicine; just sitting and enjoying a nice view, while taking in the smells surrounding you. Oak. Pine. Water.