Removed

33

 We've been here for a while. I'm not sure if it's been a few days or a week. Everything has blended together.

I sit outside, dewy grass tickling my legs. Teresa's garden is breathtaking. Vivid colors surround me, sweet odors invading my nose. A strong breeze flutters over me and I embrace the cooler weather. It reminds me of home, of playing out in the cold with Ash and my dad.

No tears are left to shed for nostalgia. So, I simply enjoy the nature around me. I feel as though it took an unfortunate situation to make me appreciate things more. I definitely appreciate my friends and their loyalty more. Also, the simplicity of nature, the convenience of electricity, and tasty food.

Flowerbeds encircle the yard, the flowers waving their greeting. A large tree stands in the middle, offering me shade from the glaring sun. Although it drops the temperature, I enjoy leaning against its trunk, rough bark against my back. Leaves and branches form an intricate canopy, slightly swaying with the breeze.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?"

I glance up at a grinning Teresa. Worn garden mits cover her hands and she grips a faded red pair of pliers. "Too bad I don't have much water to spare for them."

"Hey, you still tend to the plants! You've done a fabulous job so far!" I praise, slightly shivering from the cool.

She shrugs, the grin never leaving her face. "Thanks, Autumn."

I smile. "Yeah. I love it out here!"

She turns to leave, then spins back around to face me. "Do you want to help me tend the garden?"

I nod, barely giving her offer a second thought before accepting. Hurriedly, I hop to my feet and follow an eager Teresa to the flower beds.

Teresa points to the weeds shooting through the dirt. "If you want, you can yank up the weeds. I don't have anything fancy for that, nor another pair of gloves. I understand if you don't want to get your hands dirty, but-"

"I don't mind," I smile, cutting her off.

Her smile shines brighter than the sun, a strand of hair blowing into her face. The sun shines against her back, making her golden hair seem like an ethereal glow. "Thanks a bunch! Once you're done, you can move onto the next. It might take a while, but I'll happily chat with you!"

I nod, enjoying her company. Oddly, Teresa and I have gotten along well the last few days. At least, I think it's been days. When I was younger, I never imagined I'd befriend her. I never thought I'd come to her when I was running from the government. Yet, here I am.

However, I don't regret this experience. Oddly, if my Chip hadn't fallen out, I wouldn't have gained a lot of things. I wouldn't have Cody, Eva or Jared. I wouldn't be in this wonderful garden and I wouldn't know the matured Teresa. Plus, I feel like I've grown with this experience.

Man, my outlook on things have changed, and it's all thanks to Cody and my friends.

"So," Teresa begins, snipping away at a small plant, "you and Cody."

I blush, wrapping my fingers around a weed and giving it a tug. It easily comes loose, dirt flying in the air. "We're not officially anything."

She nods, tossing a dead branch to the ground. "You're just two teens that have fallen in love in the worst of times."

"I wouldn't call it love."

"What would you call it, Autumn?"

I jump, dirt-covered hand flying over my heart. "Darn it, Jared! You scared the heck out of me!"