Wronged

• 35 •

QOC: Where ya'll from?

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- Anna's POV -

Colorado is beautiful. I'd been here once, in this little town called De Beque. A woman and her new husband wanted to try to offer their little brother an older sister. So the foster system sent me to them. It didn't last long since the kid kept stealing what little things I had and hitting me a lot. Not that it hurt, but it was annoying. I just acted out so they'd send me back.

Anyway, I got to see a small portion of the state before I left again. It truly is gorgeous. Forests are everywhere on the mountains, and air is so fresh. Rivers, lakes, and creeks are literally in every place you go to. And the wildlife is just abundant and full. It's perfect here. I enjoy it plenty more than the city.

But now on the mountain and not in a town, it is even more beautiful. There are flowers budding everywhere. Colors of purple and blue mainly appear, and of course the signature luscious green of the thick bushes, grass, and trees. I immediately compare the scenery to Aiden's eyes.

Since we're up high, there is a bit of snow, and the climate is colder considering the change. But most of the white stuff is melting away as the next season rolls in, and we're not so high up that it has feet of winter's fluff. There's an area closer to Parachute, Colorado, up on the mountain. It's the Mesa, and it's absolutely stunning. This isn't too bad either though.

After a long drive and a long plane ride, we've finally arrived and settled in. Everyone sits around the fire Aiden knew how to make as the purple, orange, and red colors of the sky blend together over the lake next to us. It's quiet, and I enjoy it a lot. It gives me time to think and appreciate how the beauty of the sky touches the edge of the lake water, creating the blue liquid to turn into a water paint mess. I notice Hayley pick up her camera around her neck and snap a quick photo.

You see, we got all of our tents put together and kept our food in the Jeep so animals wouldn't get to it. But even after preparing everything, I was still starstruck by the scenery. We set up in the trees and on a soft part of the grass, right next to the lake. But there is a small spot that opens up, moving the tree branches that are beginning to bud out of the way. And that's what the opening to the lake is. It's perfect.

All of us are gathered in a circle with our foldable chairs, warming up by the fire comfortably. The temperatures have dropped considerably, leaving us to all wrap up in blankets and coat jackets. Our style hasn't changed since New York, obviously, since the rain offered the sort of same climate. It was a little warmer there, but still cold.

I lean my head against Aiden's shoulder, gazing out at the lake. We're definitely going to have some fun tomorrow with swimming and canoeing. Nico brought two canoes in the bed of his truck. I've never tried, but it sounds pretty cool. Also, I bet it's harder than it seems.

Hayley yawns, eyes closed now. Nico smiles at her in the dark and stands up, grabbing her bridle style. She smiles through sleep, resting her hands on his chest. Her head nuzzles against his shirt.

"I think we should all probably hit the sack," Nico says lowly.

Lyma nods in agreement, sighing as she stands as well and stretches her arms. "I second that thought." She turns and smiles at me. "Get to sleep soon, guys. We've got a long week ahead of us."