Adopted by Lams

Chapter 8

   "Should we wake her up?" I heard a familiar voice say.
    "Nah, let her sleep for a little longer." Another one said.
   "She looks so beautiful when she's asleep. Ow!" A third voice with a strong accent answered. This was definitely a dream. At least,  I thought it was until I felt the freezing water hit me.
   "AHHHH! Theodosia!" I screamed. Ambrose and Theodosia were doubled over with laughter. I thought I heard Jacques but I guess not. Then I felt two arms wrap around my waist. I screamed again and Jacques began laughing. He looked so cute when he was laughing that I couldn't help myself joining in with him.
   "What are you guys doing here?" I asked as I stripped my bed. I was going to put the sheets and quilt outside so it could dry faster.
   "We told you we were going to see you." Theodosia laughed.
   "Oh right. I forgot. Now get out so I can get dressed." I smiled.
   "Aw, come on. I was hoping you'd let us stay." Jacques joked. Even though I knew he was joking, I couldn't help the pink color that appeared on my pale face. I put on the dress that I wore the day that I was adopted then quickly brushed my hair and put a ribbon in it. Then I exited my bedroom with my wet dress and bedding in hand.
   "Are my parents here?" I asked my three friends.
   "No, they said they had to do some things in town when we came over here. They told me to tell you that they would be home before supper." Theodosia said. I nodded and the three of us stepped outside.
   "What would you guys like to do?" I said as I hung the wet fabrics in my arms.
   "We were thinking that we should go down by the lake and play in the water since it is going to be a really hot day." Ambrose said.
  "Oh, then do you mind if I go change into a different dress?" I asked. The three of them nodded and I rushed back inside and put on my work dress. When I went back outside, the four of us began the walk to the lake.
   "Can we stop at my house? We can make a picnic lunch to take to the lake with us." Theodosia suggested. Jacques, Ambrose, and I nodded. We turned down a road and came up to a large house which I assumed was Theodosia's.
   "You guys can come in or stay out. I'll be right back." She skipped inside and Ambrose followed her, leaving Jacques and I on the porch alone.
   "So how was your night last night?" Jacques asked me breaking the comfortable silence that surrounded us.
  Fine, since I got to meet you, I thought. "It was fine. I was so tired after the party. I went to bed almost immediately after everyone left." I laughed.
   "Yeah, meeting everyone can be exhausting. When I came from France, meeting everyone was really fun but really tiring." He nervously put his hand through his hair. I smiled.
   "Gosh, what is taking them so long?" I asked Jacques. "Actually, don't tell me. I don't want to know." The two of us smiled.
    "I sure hope they aren't - "
    "Jacques!" I was full on laughing now. Then Theodosia and Ambrose came back holding hands with a basket full of food.
   "What's with her?" Ambrose asked looking at me laughing.
   "Oh nothing." Jacques winked at me.
  "Alright, secrets don't make friends!" Ambrose joked. "Let's go.  After a few minutes of the four of us walking together, Ambrose and Theodosia took the lead holding hands. While we were watching the couple, Jacques and I accidentally bumped hands. It may sound crazy but butterflies erupted when it happened.
   "Oh sorry!" We said at the exact same time.
   "Hurry up slowpokes!" Theodosia called ahead of us. Jacques and I looked at each other then began sprinting down the road.
    "I think Jacques found the girl version of him." I think I heard Ambrose say as we ran past them. Soon we finally made it to the lake. Jacques and I laid down in the grass, out of breath from running. A few minutes later, Theodosia and Ambrose came and laughed rapt the two of us laying on the ground. The four of us took off our shoes and made our way toward the water. Theodosia and I were standing in the refreshing water. The next thing we saw was two shirtless boys running into the water.
    "Hey, Elsie Mae. Quit staring!"Theodosia yelled to purposely embarrass me. I scowled at her, then we both started laughing.
    "One, two, three!" I heard Ambrose yell. Before I could turn around, Theodosia and I were both thrown underwater. I rose up to the surface coughing and laughing. When Jacques was turned around, I jumped on his bare back, startling him. He threw me back in the water and started laughing. I swam up to him and splashed him then ran away. Jacques then began chasing me.
    "Hey! Are you two hungry?" Theodosia asked when Jacques finally caught me. The two of us nodded excitedly and went up to shore. After we ate, we decided it would probably be best if we all went home, since it was later in the afternoon. The four of us promised to meet again the next day.
   "Elsie Mae?" Jacques said getting my attention. "Can I uh... Can I walk you home?" His face flushed bright red.
    "Of course Jacques. I would like that." I replied. "See you tomorrow Theodosia and Ambrose!" I called to the couple who was walking in the opposite direction.
    "Goodbye Elsie. See you tomorrow!" Theodosia called back. Jacques and I walked back to my house joking and laughing about how fun it was swimming and playing in the lake.
"Well, I will see you tomorrow then?" I said to Jacques as we got to my house.
   "Until then Elsie Mae." He kissed my hand again. I blushed as I walked inside waiting for my parents to come home.