Two In A Million

Chapter 19

1 week later Lila's POV

I lug the miniature pine tree into our room. One of the nature kids was selling them for 5 dollars, smart. Now all the nature kids are charging for them. We figured out yesterday that we wont be able to go back home for Christmas. We weren't too upset, because of the things that happened before we left.

I toss it against the wall, and flop down the stairs, exhausted from dragging it up 2 flights of stairs. Tessa walks in a few minutes later. She got permission to head in town for a few hours to grab a stand, ornaments, wrapping paper and presents. I take the bags from her, and she plops down right there in the doorway.

"Tired?" I ask, laughing a little. She sighs,"You have no idea how long the lines were. But I got a good deal on some wreaths for the rest of our friends."

I smile,"Well atleast you got back in time. Chris and Audrey invited us for dinner in the park tonight. We still have an hour, so we can get the tree up and let the branches settle. Probably put up some stuff too."

She reluctantly gets up from the floor, and helps me screw the tree into the base, and fill it with water. We place it  by the wall near the heads of our beds.

"Great. And still 45 minutes to go!" Tessa says, sitting down for a minute. I grab the bags from the kitchenette counter, hand her her gifts, and start pulling out the decor.

2 packs of ornaments, we can put those up later. Some garland. Great for our beds. Lights for the tree and extra. We can put that on our door. Lastly, wreaths for us and the others.

"Got it." Tessa says smiling. I guess she was listening. I grab our wreath and hang it up with a command hook on front of our door.  Then, I grab an extra setting of lights and pin them on the door frame.

When I walk back in, Tessa has the garland pinned on the top of our bedframes. To say we love Christmas is an understatement. 

Once we finish, I grab my phone, slip my shoes on, and we head downstairs to the garden.

The twins, Nadia and Aaron are already there. The girls, late as usual. I almost get knocked down as they run through from behind us, breathing heavily.

"Sorry, We were doing each other's outfits!" Molli says. They both curtsy in their little skirts.

I smile, "Too cute." They both giggle, running to the big blanket laid out on the luscious grass. We sit beside the Aaron and the girls.

Today, Chris and Audrey made all the food. "So chef, what did you make?" Aaron says, sounding like a judge from Food Network.

I giggle,"Weirdo." He flips imaginary hair from his shoulder,"Oh I know."

Audrey cuts us off before we can talk again, telling us what they made. "Our  mom sent us some recipes. We have Mac and cheese, hand made sausages, bags of chips, stuff for sandwiches, a lot of cheese sent from our family farm, Angel food cake,  and handmade strawberry ice cream." Chris lists off.

I rub my belly like a 3 year old,"Yum." I load a plate with everything I can, and dig in. It's nice to have an uninterrupted lunch out here.

Our talk is quiet and minimal, but we are friends that don't have to make noise to enjoy each others company.

Suddenly, I get an uneasy feeling in my stomach. Like somebody is watching me. I glance around, only seeing Tessa glance at me a little, but she is nothing to worry about. I put it in the back of my head.

"Thank you so much!" I rave,"You are the best 14 year old chefs ever!" Audrey smiles,"Thanks Lila. But I know it isnt true."

I tilt my head,"Something wrong girlie?" Nadia and Tessa both draw their attention to Audrey. Molli and Karli are flying around a bird's nest, too entertained to get involved.

Audrey sighs,"I don't know. Just a little homesick... I guess. Me and Mama used to cook all the time. We were the best cooks in town. I guess I was just thinking of how much better she is."

"It's ok darling. We are here now. You'll be able to see your family soon enough, but for now, you're stuck with us." Tessa says with a wink.

She smiles,"Thanks guys." I guess everyone gets homesick every once in a while. I know I'm a little homesick... to see my mom. I'm positive my dad still thinks I'm a freak.

I'd love to see Elle again too, whenever possible. She would love to come visit here for sure. She always wanted to go to London, and it would be a great way to show her my abilities.

My head is pulled from the clouds when Aaron snaps in my face. "We are going inside... you ready?" He asks.

I jump up, "Yah I'm good." I insist, helping him throw trash away and gather their things.

Once we finish, we head our seperate ways. Instead of helping Tessa with whatever other decorations she wants, I leave her to design it herself, and get ready for the school gym. It's a little late, but I need it.

I change into a crimson sports bra and leggings and black tennis shoes. Tessa pulls my hair back in a braid.

"Thanks sis." I say, hopping up.

I grab a water bottle, my phone with headphones and some extra clothes to change out of, and head out.

The gym is in the next building over, so I get a nice workout jogging there.

When I walk in, there are only 3 or four people. I set my things down by the treadmill, and turn on some Christmas music, cause why not.

I go at a steady pace for a good 15 minutes before someone arrives beside me.

I pull out an earphone. "Hey." I grunt, sort of out of breath. I set the speed lower, still walking, but paying attention to the girl too.

My jaw drops when I finally get a good look at her. She has perfectly wavy golden blonde hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and a body that could be described as 'Perfection'.

She giggles,"Hey yourself.... just noticed you all alone over here. Wanted to say hi." She says in a voice like silk.

I wipe my skin a bit with a towel before sticking out a hand. "I'm Lila. Fire." I introduce. She shakes my hand, smiling,"Rose. Nature." She says, creating a flower in her hand, and putting it in my braid.

I blush,"Thanks Rose. That's a gorgeous name." I compliment. As we begin talking we make our way to the seats.

She smiles that bright smile,"I'm named after my grandmother. I know this may feel odd, but I felt like I know you from somewhere." She says.

I lean into the chair,"Oh yeah? Where from?" I ask, intrigued.
Rose thinks for a moment,"Oh... Are perhaps... You know." She sheepishly shrugs,"Their daughter?"

I smile,"You don't have to say it like that. I know people are a bit drawn back by it."

She shakes her head,"Oh no no. That's not why I asked. My mother, Lavinia, was friends with yours before she turned."

Sort of cliffy. I really hope y'all are enjoying this story! Spam me with votes and comments for a quicker update! :)