The Forest (Complete Unedited)

The Forest chapter 39

BRIAN

It's so peaceful here but I need to go back to work. I've been off for two weeks, I don't even think a year is enough to process this. My uncle told me Alice was working once a week so I admit I'm avoiding her.

This retreat has taught me a few things too. I really enjoy working in their garden, it's an eye opener for me. I've never done outdoor work before, I feel fitter than ever. All this time I thought my gym workouts were enough.

I swear my personal trainer is a con man! We always had a gardener to do the work at home, I think I should take over. The poor guy won't lose his job anytime soon though, my skills are pretty basic.

I've just finished weeding one of the vegetable patches. I step back admiring my work. It's not that I don't like my office job though. I love my job, but this was a welcome break. I better get cleaned up and start packing. The only thing I didn't like was no phones or photos. But it wasn't a prison, we got to call outside once a week on the full retreat and you can leave whenever you want.

I walk back to my room. After packing, I had to clean the room myself. I didn't mind as since I had my own place, I'm used to it. Dad wouldn't understand, he's had a cleaner since mum got sick twenty years ago. It had started as a way to help her but since she'd passed away the maid had stayed.

I carry my sheets to the laundry room. We hand wash here, there's no electricity allowed. After I wash them and hang them out to dry I have to get my phone back. After waiting for the room check so they can see I've cleaned up, I can sign out. I refuse the deposit. I'm happy to donate it. I'm ready to face the world, kind of. Well at least it's ok to care about Alice even though it's not how I'd like things to be. She's family now, I still can't believe it. Working with her again is going to feel strange, I'm not sure how to act around her.

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MARY

I don't know how long Alice is going to take before she shakes it off. I know it's partly my fault. What I said about Aiden was wrong. Maybe because of that, Alice won't even talk to me. Sighing to myself, I regret being so quick to judge. Poor Alice, she's been trying to be strong this whole time. She needed to let me help but I hadn't been very supportive. She must have lost faith in me.

But it was really surprising how independent Aiden has become in such a short time. He was like a child when I first met him, now you can see he is a responsible adult. It was only me that couldn't see that.

I know I was being overprotective but Alice has been the only other person in my life for so long. That's why I'm so worried about her. I have my suspicions about her odd behaviour too. I'm sure she hasn't even thought about the possibility. Poor Aiden is clueless too.

They are both so innocent, I should be helping them out not fighting against the two of them. I always thought I was open minded but as soon as there was any issue with Alice I became a scary mad woman. I think my guilt won't allow me to act like that any longer

I'm not sure if Aiden realises how bad I feel, so I've been extra friendly. While Alice has been blocking everyone out he's been doing all the cooking and cleaning. It just makes me feel guilty all over again. He must be really smart to pick up stuff so quickly, he's actually a good catch.

The only issue now is his *identity problem, it's going to cost a lot to sort out. But the police had called me about it today, so hopefully Aiden will be able to work soon. I hope I'm not putting pressure on him, it's just that if my suspicions are confirmed we are going to need the money. At least Alice isn't on her own though, she has a rich family to back her up too. But I don't want us to be a burden.