Scattered Souls

Chapter 27 - Unicorn Charm

We continued our hike after our small interruption, the sun was out in full force and we were sweating buckets, although we were actually pretty close to our destination. Which is why I kept declining Xypher's offers to stop or head back home.

I definitely hadn't psyched myself up to come this far just to head back when we were so close. A part of me also worried that I might not have the guts to come back another day. I might as well push ahead while I had enough determination.

"We're almost there." I reassured him, as he brought up heading back for what felt like the sixth time in a short space of time.

"But it's going to get dark just now." I rolled my eyes at that statement of his,  I mean that's the most ridiculous thing I've heard come out of his mouth all day.

"It's noon." I pointed out, matter of factly. "And the way back is a lot longer than this. I think it will be best for us to continue towards the cottage, especially if you're getting tired."  I added, realizing this could be the only possible reason behind his urgency to suddenly head back home.

"I... I just...I feel very weak." he suddenly blurted out.

"You didn't seem too weak by the waterfall, a few minutes ago." I teased him.

I turned to look at him. Why did I have a feeling that he wasn't being serious? He didn't look like he was weak or struggling for that matter.

"You look fine." I determined. He definitely wasn't showing any signs of paleness or exhaustion as I eyed him up and down.

"Robyn, I really don't feel fine." he looked at me, almost as if he was trying to convince me that he wasn't well.

This was a bit odd. I mean why would he be trying to convince me that he wasn't well. It's not like I didn't believe him, I was just pointing out that he looked fine to continue on the short journey that was ahead of us. I'm sure he wouldn't pass out from a few more steps now.

"Here, have an energy bar." I offered, holding it out to him.

"Thank you." he took the energy bar, but made no attempt to open it. "I think we may need to take another break." he added with a dramatic sigh.

"Come, we're almost there." I urged him on.

"I just need a little break." he whined.

What was with him all of a sudden?  When did he turn into a whiny 5 year old?

"It's just a short walk left, Xypher. We can rest at the cottage. Look, there it is. We're so close" I said, pointing at Gran's cosy little cottage.

"I don't think I'm going to make it." he exaggerated.

"If you're trying to seduce me for another one of those waterfall sessions, it really isn't going that well for you." I declared, exasperated with his antics.

There was no way he was as tired as he claimed to be. Especially since he made no attempt to eat the energy bar or even drink a bit of water ever since he started claiming he was feeling weak. It had to be an excuse to get us to stop and perhaps continue our make out session. He was very sneaky, I'd give him that. However, I was far too focused on our destination and what we might discover to give in to his tactics.

"You caught me." he held up his hands in surrender. He even looked slightly guilty.

"I knew it." I declared. "You're going to have to work a lot harder mister." I teased.

He laughed in response. Although, he did look a bit disappointed as well.

"We'll have plenty of time for that at the cottage." I pointed out, to reassure him.

"You have the keys?" I asked, as we reached the front door of the stony little cottage, with a tiny lake behind it. It was beautiful and inviting, just like I remembered it. 

He tapped his pockets for what felt like a really long time. Then he started scurrying through his backpack. "I'm afraid I've seemed to have forgotten them in a hurry this morning."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"I guess that means we'll have to head back." why did I get the impression that he was excited by the fact that we'd have to head back?

"Actually, I threw in my spare set this morning." I said, pulling out the set Gran had made for me when I was little, with a pretty unicorn charm on it.

"Wow, you seem to be prepared for anything." he pointed out.

I had no idea whether or not that was supposed to be a compliment.

"I just found it this morning." I explained. "It's a good thing I decided to throw it in my bag."

"Since I forgot." he pointed out.

"It must be the old age." I teased, shuffling out my key and unlocking the door.

I could feel him visibly tense beside me. However, I decided not to question it. Perhaps he was just grouchy from the long walk, and he had mentioned he was feeling weak, perhaps I was wrong about him using that just so we'd make a stop and have another make out session. Maybe he really just needed to rest. I mean who was I to question his state of health after all. Certainly no doctor.

"Welcome!" I beamed, as I ushered him in.

Both of us looked around. With him taking in the essence of the place for the first time. I on the other hand, was basking in the comforting familiarity of it.

Gran's rocking chair was still in her favorite spot by the fireplace. I was glad Dad continued maintaining the place even after she was gone. Everything looked just as good as I remembered it. 

"This is nice." Xypher said, still looking around.