Clawen • What comes next

|| CHAPTER 74 ||

"We could go for a walk in the woods" Owen suggested to Claire, who was laying with her head in his lap on the couch. It was a lazy Sunday and Claire felt like doing something, but had no idea what. Owen had tried many suggestions, before coming up with the simple solution that was, just taking a walk. "Yea alright" Claire said and got up from her comfortable position to get the girls ready.

Maisie heard a couple knocks on her door, before her mom entered with a hopeful smile on her face. "Hey sweetie. We're thinking about going for a walk in the woods, want to join?" Claire asked. She had started suggesting and asking Maisie if she was interested, instead of demanding her to come with them. The girl was 14 and had her own interests. She had started becoming more independent and making a life for herself. One that didn't always include them. It hurt Claire a bit, Owen as well, but it was natural and they weren't disappointed or sad. They weren't going to stop it from happening and keep Maisie as isolated as she previously had been in her life.

So, when Maisie slammed her laptop shut and stood up from her chair to grab her red flannel that was hanging by the door, Claire smiled delighted at her. Happy that she still wanted to spend time with them, even if it was just for a simple boring walk, as it probably sounded like to Maisie.

When they got downstairs, Owen had Charlie ready. Thus, they left the house and started making their way towards the forest that laid at the outskirts of their property.

Even though Maisie had grown quite a lot from when they moved out there, she was still a beast at climbing trees. Enjoyed it just as much, as well. She might have grown and become more mature, but she still felt like she could see the world from the crowns of the trees. And beneath her, she could see her own little world. Her parents, walking hand in hand, keeping a careful eye on her younger sister, who was having the time of her life. She might be growing older and older and developing a life of her own, but what was currently walking beneath her feet. She would always cherish.

The trees were so close together, that most of the time, Maisie could basically walk from one branch to the other. Never having to come back down to earth. When she finally did though, Charlie came stumbling towards her, throwing herself and Maisie's legs. The smile that appeared on Maisie's face, was one meant only for Charlie. Nothing and no one could bring out that smile, other than her precious baby sister, who's red locks were all over her face, despite the small beanie on top of her head.

Charlie reached up to grab Maisie's hand, barely able to reach. They continued their journey to nowhere, with the two sisters walking hand in hand, laughing and enjoying the other's company. The sight was cherished as much as any other moment, those two girls had, by their parents. Squeezing the other's hand, before Claire reached up to hold onto Owen's arm with her free hand. Leaning her head against his shoulder, when the girls stopped walking.

Maisie found another tree that looked interesting to climb. One that would be able to make her feel the rush of being ontop of the world.

"I'll be right back" Maisie told Charlie, as she let go of her hand to take her first step into unexplored territory. Charlie let out a small scream when the touch of Maisie's hand disappeared. When she came to realize that Maisie wasn't going anywhere, just up, she started yelling and laughing as she jumped up and down, cheering Maisie on. When Maisie came to a stop and made her self comfortable on a thick branch, she laid herself out on top of it, having her arms and legs dangle from each side.

Charlie went wild, jumping up to try and reach her sister. Owen had found a stump to sit on while Maisie explored. Claire was pulled over to him by the hand and came to sit on his lap, with an arm around his neck. His arms were swung around her middle, holding tight. Claire let her head fall against Owen's, as they both enjoyed the sight of their girls having fun.

Maisie was so far up that Charlie couldn't possibly reach her, no matter how high she jumped. After having had a couple of laughs at Charlie's determination, Maisie decided to climb down a branch or two and hang from that one, giving the toddler a chance. Charlie started laughing more sincerely when Maisie came closer.

As Maisie made her way down slowly, on purpose, Charlie started making noises. Like she thought Maisie understood her. "Aaiiiiiiii" Was shouted more than anything else. When Maisie finally came into reach and Charlie touched the bottom of her boot, she shrieked loudly, jumping again to make contact again. Maisie was just chuckling from her comfortable spot, enjoying the laughs she got out of her sister.

"Mei Mei Mei" Was shouting from the little redhead, still jumping. Charlie obviously hadn't noticed the stump right next to her, that would make it possible for her to reach Maisie without even jumping. Maisie started to feel tortured, that Charlie didn't see the easy solution, so she decided to help the girl out.

"Hey Charlie" Maisie said in a cheerful voice, catching the attention of her sister instantly. "You see that?" Maisie then said and pointed towards the stump. Charlie instantly understood and ran towards it, stumbling into it with a laugh, before making her best attempt at climbing it. Without luck, Claire stood up to help the poor child, wanting to be able to catch her in case she fell, as well. "Here baby, let me help you" Claire said and lifted Charlie up under the arms and placed her on top. She stayed right by her side, in case she lost her balance.

Maisie reached a hand out for Charlie, who took it in an instant. Smiling from ear to ear, happy that her sister was within her reach.

All four were chuckling, having a good time.

"MASHIE" Charlie screamed out of nowhere. It almost knocked Maisie off her branch. Her and Claire's eyes met instantly, before they both looked over at Owen. The shocked look on all of their faces, were very clear. Neither of the adults knew how to react or what to say. The first one to speak again, was Maisie. She looked down at her baby sister who was still holding onto her hand for dear life. She was giggling up at her, as she tried her hardest to pull her down with her small arms.

"What did you just say Charlie?" Maisie asked. Her voice low and filled with shock. Charlie didn't notice any of it of course and just screamed Mashie again. Claire pick up Charlie from behind and cuddled the girl to her, forcing her to let go of Maisie's hand, which she wasn't quite happy about. Owen stood up to come join them in their hug. When Charlie had had enough, she started trying to wiggle out of their arms and reached for Maisie, hoping she could pull her out.

Maisie chuckled and reached a hand out to hold Charlie's.

After Claire and Owen let go of Charlie and let her down on the ground, Maisie joined them and they started heading home.

I'm so sorry again...

In my defense, I got really sick and didn't have the head to write. And lazy me didn't write before I got sick...So I guess my excuse goes out the window.

Welp that was that.

Hope ya enjoyed?