Wow, I'm really loving this rundown place I thought recalling my irritating encounter. Hopefully I never see her again, I thought tiringly. But somehow I knew that I'd see her again. I shook the annoying voice of the girl out of my head and ran back to my aunt's place.
I burst through the front door panting from my distanced run. "Oh, you're back already?" my aunt said while cutting up some freshly baked bread. The toasty scent tickled my nose as I placed the heavy basket on the kitchen counter, "Yeah, I'm back. I even bought a few things for dessert," I replied with a small smile. "Well that's wonderful dear! I'm sure our guests will appreciate these delicious treats," she said with pure joy in her voice. I force a smile on my face and quickly jogged upstairs.
I shivered as I splashed my face with ice cold water. Droplets of water slid down my face slowly as if weaving though every part of my sharp face. I stare at myself in the mirror in awe by how much I still remember from the attack, the heat of the flames, the white ashes flying through the dark night, my fierce father fighting and my mother. My mother, who never stood down to anyone was not going to give in then. In her eyes I saw no panic or fear almost as if she knew it was her time to say goodbye. I stood frozen staring into the mirror as all of the memories I had of my parents flew through my mind, before I knew it tears were running down my cheeks. No, I thought. I can't cry, I can't. I splashed my face with more water and sobbed quietly, making sure my aunt wouldn't hear. I need to clear my head I thought.
"Hey, Aunt Olivia! I'm going out for a little walk, I'll be back in a bit," I yelled as I opened the door. "Oh alright Tamra, just make sure to be back before our guests arrive," she replied.
I dashed out the door and ran, running was the only way for me to release all of my emotion and anger. I ran until I reached a large row of peach trees. Then collapsed under the shade of it's thick branches. After a few moments of catching my breath I stood up suddenly craving a peach. I closed my eyes and my fighting skills kicked in. I ran up the trunk of the large tree and jumped hoping I would land on a secure branch. As soon as my feet planted solidly on a strong branch I dove downwards flipping once and slightly kicking one of the tree's ripe peaches. Tucking and rolling as I slid to the ground I stuck my hand out and felt the velvet texture of the peach fall into my hand. Smiling proudly at my prize I took a big bite letting myself savour the sweet nectar that the fruit had to offer. "Not bad," said and anonymous voice behind me. I spun around with great speed I thought I was going to fall over. There leaning against the rough trunk of a peach tree was a boy around my age with smooth chestnut that just brushed over his green eyes.
"Who are you?" I asked with a harsh voice. I just couldn't trust anyone these days.
"You know when people give you complements you say, "Thank you".
"Well, it's your fault you surprised me".
He slowly stood up from the leaning position on the tree. He's quite tall I thought to myself, as he slowly strided towards where I was standing.
"A strong, swift girl like you, I highly doubt I even startled you a little".
"You don't know me".
"I'd like to. Here, I'll start first. My name's Jaycob Northwynd, but everyone in the village either call me or know me as Jay. I'm 17 years old, and I like apples." He said with a charming smile. "Your turn."
" Tamra," I said hesitantly, "Tamra Amberbrite, I'm 16 years old and I like kicking fruit off trees."
Jay lightly chuckled," Yeah and I can see you're quite good at it too, where did you learn how do that?" I paused for a moment remembering that I just met this person and debating whether I should even be talking to him. I sighed, " I taught myself how to fight, but I mostly watched my father. He was able to take out more than 30 men just by lifting a rock." Jay's eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, "You've got to be kidding me?!" He said with enthusiasm, "CAn I meet him?" I face fell as I told him the news, "He died. The village I grew up in was attacked, and he died defending the people in battle." I said with my eyes on the ground.
"Oh.....I'm sorry" He said.
"It's alright, I'm fine." God I can't cry now I thought as I blinked back the salty liquid in my eyes. "Well, I have to go back to my aunt now, I have something to go to tonight in a bit."
"Oh uhh yeah I guess I kinda have to go now too, so maybe I'll see around then?"
"Yeah" I said with a smile as I walked away from the peach trees. Maybe this place won't be too bad after all.
