Lost, Then Home: The Third Book in the A Tale of Two Sisters Series

Part Two: Sherwood Forest

Aaron woke up the next morning from one of the best nights of sleep he had ever had, only to be caught off guard as to where he was at. He looked around at the ice blue walls that surrounded him and the white bookshelves that were set against the far wall that were filled with books.The blond rolled over in the queen size bed to find the ravenette that he loved so much. It was looking at her that made him recall the night before and the time they had at Prom and the fun after. Aaron smiled to himself before lightly kissing the top of Reagan's head, trying not to disturb her.

He slowly got out of bed, quietly slipping on the clothes he had packed for that day before slipping out of Reagan's bedroom. Aaron tiptoed down the hallway and down the stairs, going into the kitchen to find something to eat, only to find his girlfriend's mother looking out the window above the sink, holding a cup of coffee.

"Regina," he said, making her look at him. "I didn't expect you to be up."

"I'm usually up early on Sundays," she replied with a soft smile. "Did you need something?"

"I was just going to find something to eat."

"Help yourself. There's cereal and oatmeal in the pantry, fruit is in the fruit bowl, eggs are in the fridge, and I believe Reagan got a box of frozen waffles the other day."

"Thanks," he said quietly, going to the pantry to grab some cereal.

"How was last night?" Regina asked, watching him.

"It was good."

"The dance or the time after?"

The teenage boy froze, "Well the entire night was fun, we watched Netflix—"

The mayor sighed, "I check on Reagan every night before I go to sleep. Her dress being lazily crumpled on the floor can only mean one thing. What are your intentions with my daughter?"

"She initiated, not me. She told me about her stepfather before we even continued. I promise you, Regina, your daughter is not a toy to me. I will love her even if she ever stops loving me."

"And your long term intention?"

"I—I don't know. Marriage maybe? I mean we're kids, and . . ." Aaron became lost for words when Regina walked over to him.

"Reagan means the world to me," she said in a low voice. "If you so much as scratch her, I will have your head. Do you understand?"

Aaron looked down, "Yes, ma'am."

*  *  *  *  *

The Enchanted Forest, months ago

Aaron cautiously made his way through the forest, constantly checking his surroundings as he came closer to Western's palace. He just had to sneak in, find Elphaba, and get out as quick as possible. Not hard at all.

The snap of a twig made him quickly turn, drawing an arrow, only to find the green girl standing behind him, a hood over her head, "Aaron?"

"Elphaba," he smiled, going to hug her, only for her to pull out a dagger.

"Where's Reagan? Where have you taken her?"

"Correction—I chose to go with her, so she kind of took me," he said, causing the young witch to raise her dagger more.

"Where is she?"

"I'm not saying! Look, Reagan doesn't even want to step foot onto the border of Western ever again, so I will not give up her location."