Removed

34

 "They're still not back," Cody mumbles, brushing the dirt off himself.

The sun's last rays reach across the sky, oranges and yellows blending together. I sigh, trying to swallow the worry and nervousness within me. My head leans against his shoulder, his arm firmly wrapped around me. We lay under the tree, having plucked all the weeds after our little dirt fight. Now, we're awaiting the other's return, chatting about anything and everything.

"I'm sure it takes a while to lug cases of water, cartons of milk, and food all the way here. I bet they're going to make multiple trips. I mean, they didn't leave that long ago."

He shrugs, my head lifting with his shoulder. "Yeah. I guess we'll just wait. Do you want to go inside? It's getting chilly out here."

I shake my head, content where I'm at. The tree casts shadows around us, orange hues dancing against the house and reflecting off the sliding door. The leaves cause the shadow's to be patterned, beautiful to watch. It's as though this is nature's masterpiece, and I've missed it all along.

Shivering, I snuggle closer to Cody. "You know, I never thought my life would come to this."

His chin rests against my head. "To what?"

I shrug, glancing at the swirling pattern of leaves, some of which are beginning to change colors. "I don't know. Me running away from the government, meeting such amazing people, and finding out so many secrets."

"Did you imagine you'd have such a hot boyfriend?"

I smack his chest. "I imagined I'd have a hot boyfriend and you're not it."

"I'm so offended, Autumn," he jokes, pulling me closer.

"I'm sure you are," I respond.

We rest in silence for a bit longer. Then, Cody pulls himself to his feet, leaving me to lean against the tree.

"I'm going to wait for them inside. You can stay here if you want, but I'm just really worried."

I nod, playing with my fingers in my lap. "That's fine. Let me know when they get here, alright?"

"Alright," he responds, walking back towards the house. I watch his retreating figure, a silhouette against the faint shimmer of orange. A smile tugs at my lips as I think of how lucky I am. I'm surrounded by people who care about me, even if they bicker sometimes.

The sliding door clicks shut as my eyelids drop downwards. The breeze toys with my hair, flinging it to and fro. I wrap my arms around myself to retain heat, scooting closer to the tree. Then, I allow sleep to taunt me, slowly pulling me into it's arms.

Before I drift off, I'm awoken by the sound of feet crunching against the grass. Thinking it's Cody or the others, I open my eyes, ready to greet them. However, the person who stands before me isn't who I expected.

I rise to my feet, my grin exposing my teeth. "Ash! It's so create to see you again!" I shout, rushing forward and wrapping my arms around her.

Her arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. She smells sweet, like peaches. "Hey, Autumn."

Pulling away from her, I stare into her equally emerald eyes. "How did you know where I was?"

She shrugs. "I have my ways."

I frown, taking a step away from her. Her tone sends shivers down my spine. "Ash, what's wrong? I'm so glad to see you! Why don't you come inside and chat with everyone! I've missed you so, so much since that time you saved me."