Mirror, Mirror (Book 2)

Chapter 33: Tyson and Jane

As Jake, Jonah, and the other children wandered freely in the woods, Harriet and Oliver took the time to walk back to camp, holding each other's hand. As they strolled across the forest, Harriet lovingly rests her head against Oliver's right shoulder.

They passed through thick, tall trees, bushes, and a dozen ants trailing across the red dirt. A cool breeze lightly bristled the hairs on Oliver's neck, as he tries to keep Harriet from freezing.

Every now and then, Oliver would warm Harriet's hands, shoulders, and sometimes, her cheeks by softly kissing them.

In return, Harriet would either stare at his high cheekbones or stroke Oliver's brown hair.

His eyes glanced at hers for a second then complimented shyly,  "you have very pretty eyes."

Harriet smiled embarrassingly. "Thanks, Oliver, but your eyes look more beautiful than mine."

"Really?" Oliver laughed.

Harriet exclaimed, "well, they are!"

Examining his face, she adds, "they're like glittery emeralds."

The boy laughed again, a little flattered by her compliment.

"Thank you," he responded. "but I think your eyes are more beautiful than mine."

Harriet smiled as she quickly kisses his right cheek.

"Thanks," she says.

"You're welcome," Oliver replies back. "Hey, Harriet?"

"Yeah?"

Oliver cleared his throat then said, "do you mind if I put my arm around you?"

Harriet gives him a lovely smile then nods her head.

Releasing her hand, Oliver slowly rests his right arm on her shoulder and sweetly kisses Harriet's temple, making the girl giggle.

Then all of a sudden, she turns her face to Oliver.

"Hey, Oliver?"

"Yes?"

Harriet takes a deep breath then asked, "are we a thing?"

He stares at her blankly, not understanding what she'd meant. 

"We're holding hands, we're talking face to face, and I think this is the fourth time I have kissed you on the cheek."

"Oh," Oliver blushed. "Are you okay with it?"

Harriet nodded in embarrassment. "Of course I am okay with it, but I am starting to wonder about us."

"Us?" Oliver questioned with both his eyebrows raised. "Like boyfriend and girlfriend?"

Harriet smiled back then chuckled, "yeah, I guess you can say that."

Oliver blushed as she clenched his hand tightly. Her head leaned against his shoulder, as they strolled casually across the woodsy terrain. Meanwhile, the sky looks like it was about to rain; the dark, gloomy clouds made a soft quilt above the trees. 

On cue, the small animals—who were lingering on the red clay—glanced up at the weather then scurried for shelter.

The wind made Harriet's red hair dance in an ecstatic fashion, making it cover her entire face. Grumbling, Harriet tries to wipe the messy locks away, but they kept tickling her rosy cheeks.

"Ugh," she groaned, angry tucking her hair behind her ears. "I should have brought my headband. My hair is a disaster."

Oliver shakes his head. "Your hair looks beautiful."