Sparkler Snapshots

X | Tree Huggers

"Of all the trees we could've hit, we had to get one that hits back." – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Date: April 28th, 2017
(the final Friday of April each year)

Occasion: Arbor Day (US)

Country: Worldwide (dates vary)

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X | Tree Huggers

For the record, I actually like trees.

Unfortunately, fate had a strange way of involving favorable objects in unfavorable scenarios, such as forcing you to hang around the person you least wanted to be stuck with. I suppose the Fates were cackling with mirth, weaving two silver strings of fate together, creating a juxtaposition of personalities.

In this case, I'd found myself blinded by a stream of early morning sunlight flooding into my room, followed by an apologetic phone call from my friend, explaining how he couldn't make the event for some unexplained reason. First, I was forced into a pair of worn jeans and a clover green may the forest be with you shirt. Soon after, I was forced by my parents to attend this stupid event alone.

If you think that sucks, you haven't heard the worst of it. My Arbor Day was like a boulder rolling down a hill. A slow start in the initial descent, before accelerating rapidly into a blur of unfortunate incidents.

I got the impression that I must have done something to piss off whoever was controlling my fate, because otherwise, I wouldn't have been forced to plant trees with my least favorite human, April Kennedy.

Upon arrival, I scanned my surroundings in a disdained manner. In front of me rippled a sea of green, from grassy to pistachio to avocado. Clusters of people had wandered off in their own cliques, leaving a broad area displaying a heavy box of shovels. I strode briskly to the ring of graphite grey concrete, reaching for the one on top. Instead of cool metal under my fingertips, someone else quickly beat me to the chase, placing their hand on top of mine. Electricity sparked between our skin, sending us both reeling back in shock.

My gaze travelled upwards to meet a crimson visor, which read One Tree Hill and Chill. The girl glanced up, a luxurious sheet of chestnut hair flicking away to reveal chocolate irises studded with golden flecks. The combination would've made my jaw hit the floor and drool fifty percent of my water weight.

That is, if they weren't so familiar.

"What are you doing here?" April and I exclaimed in unison, she having recognised me at the same time I realised who she was.

"I came here to plant trees, obviously," April snapped, gesturing to the pile of shovels and large seeds that laid there, unmoving and abandoned. She turned to me, lips curling in a sneer. "What're you here to do, scare off the plants with your ugliness?"

"Ha, ha," I said sarcastically, picking up a shovel and leaning casually on it. "Strangely enough, I came to plant trees too."

"No way!" April shot back furiously, snatching up another shovel and mimicking my action. "This is my territory. Back off, Dukes!"

Annoyance began swirling in my chest, building up a thick layer of anger. Who did she think she was, claiming this territory for herself? I'd pored enough over books, believe it or not, to know that tree planting festivals began with teamwork. Not that I was trying to quote High School Musical or anything, but we were all in this together.