Ten Too Many Boys ***Old Version!!!***

Chapter Eleven: I Nearly Self Combust

Tom got the badger problem solved, turns out it was just scared by Aiden screaming and hid under the garden shed. I mean, I would be scared of him too.

Molly came outside and we took a little tour around their place. We walked past the pool and through the tree path I ran through when I first got here, which leads down to the garden shed, that had the little kittens, and after looking around in there she led me over to her garden.

Different types of flowers line the edge, giving it a kind of magical feel. There are some roses, whole bunch of lilies in all sorts of colors, some daffodils, a few hyacinths here and there, and lastly some really petty lilacs.

They go all the way around the edge of the garden, and in the middle is all the produce. I recognize most of the plants like peppers, tomatoes, sweet peas, beans, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

I know, I know. I'm pretty smart with plants.

Even though there are some I don't recognize.

I point at a plant sprawled all over the ground, with pointy, triangular leaves, and little yellow flowers. "What plant is that?"

She looks where I'm pointing. "Oh, that's a cucumber plant." She reaches under some of it leaves and pulls out a cucumber. "They produce a lot of cucumbers but since we got so many kids, we have to have at least five plants. I make cucumber salad with them."

I nod. "Neat." I point at another plant with long, stringy, tube like leaves. "What's that one called?"

"That's chive. I use that in my cucumber salad, and in omelets. Gives the food a little extra flare."

I point out more plants that I don't know, and she tells me about them and what food she uses them in.

I end up getting hungry so we actually eat a few sweet peas and some raspberries, which are very good.

After that we walk over to a small grove of trees. At first I don't know why we are walking over to these trees, but I don't say anything. When we reach the edge of the grove, I see why.

A huge oak sits on the edge, a tree house nestled amongst it's branches. A rope ladder dangles down from a hole in the bottom of the floor.

I stare up at it, my mouth hanging open in amazement. "Wow! A tree house! I've always wanted a tree house!!" It's true, I always have, especially when I lived in New York.

Having a little hideout all to myself just sounds like heaven to me.

I am definitely coming up here to read one day. I love it already.

Molly hasn't said anything, she's just staring up at the tree with a smile on her face.

She turns towards me. "Well, that's all I have for a tour. If you want to know some cool hiding spots, you'll have to ask the boys. They know them all."

I nod my head. "I will."

I turn toward the house and spot the pool. "Hey, Molly? Can I go swimming?" I turn toward her excitedly, bouncing a little.

She nods her head. "Sure hon, go ahead. Just don't forget sunscreen or you'll get burned!"

I nod my head, already walking toward the house. "Ok! Thanks Molly!"

At that I turn around and sprint toward the house, excitement fueling my body.

I sprint all the way up into my room, nearly running into two boys and speeding past some more.

When I get in my room, I search around for my one specific suitcase. It's got summer-y clothes in it, but more importantly, my swimsuits.

My room's still a mess, so I have to do a lot of searching before I finally find it hidden next to my dresser.