Lilac

Chapter Four

Eventually, we arrive at the wooden gates of my backyard. 

I clamber over the top of the barbed wire fence with Parker in tow. I make sure not to cut myself though, but Parker isn't so lucky. He hisses in pain for a second and sucks the blood off his dirty palm. 

"Careful where you step, the ground's always gross and messy. This is a farm after all" I call over my shoulder, warning him of the mounds of Tauros poop that pile up on the paddock grass. Guess my little brother hasn't done his chores yet. It's his job to clean it all up every three days. I guide Parker around the barn and tool sheds as we make our way to the house. 

"Nice place" Is Parker's comment on it, his eyes glued on my hands flipping the latch of the white picket fence. 

Then I spot my mother flinging open the front door. 

She shrieks loudly, "Lilac Wisteria Greenes. I thought I told you not to talk to strangers ever, and to never bring a boy home without my prior knowledge!". 

"Yeesh, is she always like this?" I hear Parker mumble into my ear. 

"Yes, she is..." I whisper nervously, bringing my wicker basket closer to my body for the sweet comforting scents of the greens inside. 

"I'm sorry, Mother. But Parker here is a weary traveler just wanting directions. I couldn't just ignore him" I say politely, skipping up the cobblestone path to the house with fake enthusiasm. 

"What's his last name?" Mother asks angrily, pinching my arm as I shuffle past here and through the door. She blocks Parker's path to follow me. 

"Greetings, I assume you're Miss Greenes' mother. My name is Parker Graham Jordan and I mean your daughter no harm. All I wanted was directions to this fine town. I was horribly lost when I stumbled upon her in the clearing." Parker keeps a cheerful tone in his voice, inviting and sweet. Just the tone he'd first used on me. His normal voice really, just stronger than before as he was talking to an elder. 

"Welcome in then. If I may ask, why are you out here alone? Where did you even come from to look so scruffy?" As usual, my mother comments on Parker's outer appearance and polite tone alone. 

She invites him in, I place my wicker basket on the kitchen counter and run up the stairs instantly.