UNGIFTED

CHAPTER 15

S light wind blew softly caressing the skin of their faces as they made their way through the woods. The Silverleaf Woods was truly beautiful during that time of year. With a warm and welcoming weather, it was easily one of donumdellians’ favorite spots. The perfect place to spend a Sunday out in the nature.

The sun shined brightly on the first cloud-free sky of the season. Its light sipping through the tall trees and reflecting on the silver side of their long leaves created a magical atmosphere around them. The group friends calmly hiked their way along the river and towards Highland lake. Picnic by the water was what Rowan had proposed as their weekend activity, and everyone had agreed. Even the weather it seemed. 

“Guys! Over here!” Taena yelled as soon as she saw them stepping into the clearing. Her arms wiggling in the air trying to catch their attention between the rest of the people at the lake.

“There’s your sister.” Steve told Ben, pointing his finger in her direction.

Tired of being the only couple in the group, Rowan had decided to invite her and her boyfriend, Tom, to spend the day with them. And they had happily agreed. Every chance Taena got to spend time with her brother and his friends, she took it. It reminded her of older days when, things were simpler and, she was just a little girl who all she wanted to do was hang out with her older brother and his ‘cool’ friends as much as she could.

“Hi guys!” Taena said greeting everyone, and giving each a hug. “I didn’t think the lake would be this full of people today.” She commented. “We found this big tree and thought maybe we could sit under it?”

“It’s perfect.” Rowan said placing her things on top of its thick roots.

The rest followed suit, as they got ready to set everything up. Blankets; Baskets; Plates; Glasses; Napkins. All things picnic had been neatly placed under the tree, and between its magnificent roots. Once happy with their results, they sat around it. Ready to enjoy the nice weather, some game of cards and fun conversations with friends.

Ameria found it ironic how what could be her last day with them ended up being quite similar to the first time they met. During a field trip, while they were just starting high school, the group had been paired together to look after each other. Little did they know they would spend every year, ever since, at that very same lake. No longer under obligation, but because of friendship.

And although technically that would not be her last day in Donumdell, she had chosen to remember it as if it were. Whatever happened after, whatever the outcome of the trial, it would not matter to her. She still had that day, and that was all that counted.

“Ameria!” Some kids yelled running towards her. A few of them jumping to wrap their tiny arms around her, blatantly ignoring everyone else.

“Hey!” She said greeting them gladly. They were a group of kids Ameria had tutored some time ago, and was happy to know they still remembered her. “What are you guys up to?”

“We’re going stone skimming.” One of them said. “Would you like to join us?” He asked, and a choir of ‘please’ followed him, waiting for her to accept their invitation.

“Okay.” She chuckled.

“You’re playing with kids now?” Ben questioned, with a muffled laugh. 

“Kids aren’t judgmental.” She replied standing up to follow the group of children waiting for her, leaving him behind before he could say another word.

Kids laughter filled the air as they happily walked away. The younger member of the gang holding tightly onto her hand. Stone skipping was a game she had taught them, and the fact they had considered inviting her to a match made her heart swoon.

“Why are you always like that with her?” Eroan asked as they watched them pick up rocks at the lake’s shore.

“Because he’s madly in love with her.”  Taena stated using her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. “Too bad he behaves like a five-year-old.” She added mumbling.

“Is that so?” Eroan said.

“What?”

“C’mon Ben, I’m your sister. You might’ve been able to fool everyone else, but not me.”

“Hey, I haven’t been fooled!” Eroan said in his defense. “I also saw some things…” He commented peaking Taena’s interest.

“Really?”

“No!” Ben responded at the same time Eroan nodded as if he knew something the rest did not.

“No?” Taena questioned. “Then I guess it won’t bother you to know that she might be considering marrying Jamie?” She asked.

“What?” Eroan asked playing along.

“Yeah.” Taena nodded. “I heard he proposed it to her. You know he still hasn’t found his soulmate.” She commented. “I believe it could give her a chance to stay longer, or at least prolong her trial.“ She said. “And besides, Jamie is quite a catch, you know what I mean?” She added fanning her face with her hand.

“That explains the papers.” Eroan thought out loud.

“What papers?” Taena asked intrigued.

“The other day; they were talking at the library and he showed her some papers. Then they held hands for a moment. I think he was trying to convince her.”

“So, it is true then? He proposed…” She said, thinking.

“Well, it doesn’t bother me. Good for her.” Ben told them with a shrug. Interrupting them so they would stop talking about it.

“And Jamie is not that good looking.” He added after a brief pause, like the words weighed on his tongue.

“Oh, but he is.” Taena stated with a soft chuckle. “Alright then! I’ll let her know you said that. I can’t believe she ever considered asking for your opinion.” She commented.