The Baron and his Lady

Fourteen: Alpine Forest

Dad didn't came home for supper, it was just me and the boys in the kitchen. Louie proved to be excellent with the laddle, he cooked a lot and we ate until out stomach screamed surrender.

For a moment I forgot about our misunderstanding, the upcoming competition, homecoming date and schoolworks. For a brief time I was enjoying my teenage life, eating carbs, drinking beer and even cussing. No one reprimanded me, I was totally detached from my city life.

"I hid the six pack on the trunk, cuz Dr. Neville wouldn't allow alcohol while you stay here.." Louie was popping another bottle for Tristane, "so please, don't rat out on us."

"Why should I? I'm as guilty as you are."

We laughed like we were the best of friends. I raised mine and enjoyed the bitter cold taste.

"Slow down Krista, the bottle's not going anywhere." Tristane attempted to take my beer but I held onto it.

"Hey, you've finished one already. Don't be so damn greedy!"

"Ohh, you cussed!"

"O' course I did! Wanna hear some more?"

"Yeah, what you got?"

I took another swig before answering, "Faggot."

Both men exchanged glances before roaring with laughter.

"Oh you think you're funny? You ninny hammers! Nut-a-crackin'-nip! Jello bennies! Cocoa butterscotch vanilla toddles!"

"Hey, hey.. you made your point. We get it, you can cuss." Louie was still chuckling.

"Like a five year old, that is!" And they broke into another hysterical laughter.

I joined in, there's no prim and proper Mom to yell at me and no Dad to tell me otherwise.

I finished the bottle and was quite feeling warm, I never liked beer but the I was getting used to the taste. My hand reached for another but Louie was quicker than me.

"That's enough for a first time."

I pouted, "But I want more!"

"Your face is flushed, I'd say you're drunk already Krista."

"Am not!"

"And that's what drunk people would say. Off to bed, now!"

I glanced at Tristane for help but he ignored me and attended to his drink instead.

"Fine! You'd better throw these out, Dad might be back anytime soon."

I left the men and ran for my room. My heart was beating so fast I feared I was going to collapse.

30 minutes later

I waited until the house was silent. Louie and Tristane finished the rest of the beer and called it a night. Slowly, I opened the door and tiptoed down the stairs. I managed to lock Oggy in Louie's room before he retired, and I was sure he wouldn't mind.

I reached the living room and felt the walls, I have familiarized myself with the house already that I wouldn't need a light. Plus the moon was bright, bathing the indoors with a soft glow.

I found the backdoor atlast, it was locked so I picked it. Louie took the keys from me to stop further explorations. When in fact I was on my way to another exploration without them. The lock proved to be an easy one, I swung the door open and led myself out.

With a map in hand I drew out my penlight. The Alpine Forest was about a mile or two from the house, I dared not swing my light towards the trees, careful not to disturb the night creatures.