Royally Falling

~ 08 ~

"Do you remember, we were sittin', there by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing, that's ever been mine"
Mine - Taylor Swift

oOoOo

The rest of September passes in a blur. Blair, Grace, and I get closer. Grace ended up joining Alpha Chi Omega. She has been pretty busy with her sorority, but we've found time to hang out at The Brew and in the penthouse. Kaden and I also continue hanging out after classes a few days a week. We are stuck in a limbo between friends and something more. Grace keeps telling me she can practically feel the sexual tension between us.

I have gotten used to living in Boston. Blair, Marc, and I have done some of the tourist attractions, like the Swan Boats in the Public Garden, walking the Freedom Trail, and seeing the architecture in Beacon Hill. We also discovered Newbury Street and have been shopping in the clothing stores there every weekend.

It's now the middle of October, and we've been told that the leaves are at their peak colors. Like Kaden promised, he is going to take us on a hike at Walden Pond, where the colors are supposedly beautiful.

On a Sunday morning, Marc, Grace, Blair, and I pile into the car to go to meet Kaden on Campus. We pull up next to the Theta Alpha house, where Kaden lives. I roll down my window to call out to him. When he reaches the car, he hops in the backseat. I slide over to the middle seat and get squished between Grace and Kaden.

"So, I was thinking we take the path that loops around the lake," Kaden says. "It's definitely the best trail there."

"That sounds good to me," I say.

"Are there any good lookouts for pictures?" Blair inquires, turning around to face Kaden.

"Yeah, there are. I can show you a spot where professional photographers tend to set up."

"Great, thanks!"

oOoOo

Thirty minutes later, we arrive at the crowded parking lot. Marc offers to drop us off at the visitor center while he looks for a parking spot.

Minutes later, Marc jogs up to here we are standing. The five of us start on the trail. Kaden and I walk side-by-side, while Marc and Grace walk in front of us. I can hear Blair a little bit behind us, snapping pictures on her camera.

"So what do you think of fall in New England so far?" Kaden asks, looking down at me.

"It's beautiful," I say. "I wish the trees changed colors like this back home. Some of the trees up north change colors, but most of them are the types that don't. In Carcalles, we are too close to the coast for colorful foliage."

He hums in acknowledgment. "If I remember correctly, the coast is beautiful there. I thought you told me last week that you lived in the countryside?" he quirks a brow.

"You must have misheard. I have extended family in the countryside, but my house is in the city," I tell him. I was hoping he wouldn't catch on, but Kaden is more observant than I give him credit for.

"Oh, okay," he says, still sounding unsure.

"Do you go hiking a lot?" I change the subject.

"I like to, but I don't go as often as I'd like to. I've been busy with work and school lately. I actually went home last weekend and went on a hike with my sister and parents, though."

"Oh, cool! Where are your parents from, again?"

"They live in the suburbs near Worcester," he informs me. "It's about forty minutes west of Boston."