8

    We reach the entrance of the woods. Wind whistles and sways the leaves on the trees. The wind brings the scent of all of the newborn flowers into your nose. The wind brings a chill but sets some ease.  Caspian lightly taps my shoulder. 

   “You weren’t kidding, were you?”

    “No….No, I wasn’t.” 

    I sign for them to follow me, and take them down a path of oak trees that I am very familiar with. We pass so many trees that I lose track of time as they pass. I used to count them so I knew how close I was to town. 111 trees we shall pass before we reach the mansion.  I start to count just for the hell of it.  I guide them through what at first can make you feel like you're in a jungle. The woods really aren't that bad. All you have to do is watch your step. 

  “Watch your step guys,” I say, as I look behind me. 

    I then see Layla slowly start to fall. It’s like time slowed down. I have to protect her. Before, I could think about anything else she was in my arms. I caught her? I caught her! How? 

    I slowly helped her stand up, and regain her balance. She sighed and gave me a smile. 

  “Thanks, Ash.” 

  “No, problem.” 

   I start to walk and the others follow. 

   “How did you do that?” 

   “What do you mean Jax?” 

   “That was really quick. I mean all I saw was you look at her and it was like everything went black. Next thing I know, you caught her mid-fall.” 

  “I’m not sure. I guess I just did.” 

   I mean it did feel fast but, was it really all like that? Just a flash of darkness, and then next thing you know I had her? First my black eye now this, what's wrong with me? 

    Jax sighs and gives me a casual grin,”That's not really an answer but, sure.Guess you just have really good reflexes.” 

     I sigh and give a grin back,”Yea,Sorry, I can’t give you the answer you want.” 

     He nods, “It’s fine. Just a bit odd I suppose.” As I turn and walk as the others follow.

    I learned to withstand all kinds of different temperatures during my life. Even the coldest of temperatures can’t make me shiver, and even the hottest can’t make me sweat.  So, no matter what comes my way, I’m practically already prepared. 

     As we reach the mansion I sigh. It feels good to be back at home. I look back at them but their expressions are not what I expected. They look both upset, and shocked. 

    “You live…here?” 

    The pause in Cas’s question made me feel ashamed. 

       “Yeah,” I look at the others ,”Is there something wrong?” 

      Layla looks sad. Did I do something wrong? Jax then sighs and pats me on the back. He gives me a reassuring smile. 

      “We are just a bit shocked, is all.” 

        Shocked? I did say I live in the woods didn’t I? Maybe they didn’t expect an abandoned mansion. 

        “You wanna see inside?” 

        Jax looks up at my crooked home,”Sure.” 

       I head towards the front door. It all looks a bit better now as I managed to repair most of it.       Although it still isn’t as clean, nice, and really as great as most other people’s homes.  The bright side is that you no longer have to climb in through the window. However, the first time I did it, I didn’t even know the door was jammed. All in all, the place is cleaner now, and a bit fixed up.  

     I open the door, revealing the inside. I hold it open as they walk inside. They look around, and I follow them as I close the door behind me. It looks like a regular living room to me. Now that I’ve actually seen a real one that isn’t just a picture or description in a book. I’ve done well. 

    “Please pardon me but,” Caspian looks back at me, “you live in this abandoned mansion?” 

     I nod, “Well, it hasn’t been truly abandoned for almost a year, technically.” 

     “Well, I have to say, you’ve made this place look pretty nice.” 

      “Thanks, Cas, that means a lot.” 

      “You're welcome,” he smiles at me. 

     I look over at Layla.  She seems concerned. 

       “Are you ok, Layla?” 

       “Yea, I was just wondering if you ever get cold in here.” 

         “Oh, no need to worry about that. I assure you that I don’t. The cold doesn’t bother me.” 

         “When did you come across this place anyway?” Jax asked, standing by the staircase. 

         “Almost a year ago.” 

           Jax nods as he looks around. I’ve never had anyone in my home before. Do they think it’s ok? 

           “Looks like you’ve been slowly restoring the place,” Jax said as he looked up the stairs. 

             “I have been. It's been a long process, but it’s getting there.”