Chapter 63 · Moss

The gardens themselves were wooded but tame. The grass stood at ankles hight with the odd follower poking out waving in the sooth wind that blows as nightfall begins. The odd birdsong was still present along with the sound of rustling wild brushes that stood untamed and twisted.

The air was still warmed by the last streams of evening light as the sun sank so low that soon it would be no more. The air was fresh here unlike inside where it had been stuffy becoming old and stained but this breeze flowed filled with the scents of nature, untouched and free.

The soft sound of footfall and the odd snapping branches could be heard as Zoe and I wandered along the overgrowth dusty dirt path. I held my head low to avoid the odd low branch, the odd papery leaf tingling my cheek when I failed to stop them in time.

"I still don't think this is a good idea," I called to Zoe up ahead.

"It's fine, I'm here with you and if there's a path it must lead somewhere cool, right?" She called back as she swatted aside the spider-web that had been glinting in the light.

"If you say so," I whispered more to myself than her.

We carry on the path weaving at a small incline up to the hill. Each step seemingly harder as my breath grew shorter.

I wasn't sure how long it took for Zoe to finely stop but it must have been at least twenty minutes.

I quickly stumbled to catch up with the small gap between us. As I got next to her I sat down on some mossy stone to catch my breathe and ease the weight off my legs.

"Jade you're telling me you never came here before," Zoe said seemly shocked at something.

"What do you mean?" I asked looking around.

It was then that I noted where I was. The woods still stood surrounding us however a small patch almost perfectly round seemed to have stopped the encroaching of nature. The tiny clearing we stood in seemed to be nearing the top of the hill giving a perfect overview of the woods below and the sun just barely visible.

Odd rocks poked out of the ground with moss coving them like an artist paints a canvas, filled with deep earthy greens and passive yellows. Perhaps the oddest addition was a wooden bench mostly eaten by woodworm with ivy weaving between the bars reclaiming it for itself.

"I've never... No," I whispered back to her.

"You really didn't have much of a life before did you," She seemed to state more than ask as she sat down next to me her hair seemingly almost glowing in the light.

"I guess not," I replied feeling my chest sink a little.

"Guess I just have to change it then won't I," she said with a nod before clocking me in the arm. I didn't see it coming as I sent me off my rock onto the soft earth.

I gave my arm a rub as I felt the forming of a bruise. All I asked was "why?"

"Sorry that's what Bane does to me so I fault that it would work with you," she squeaked before rushing over the rock to leaning almost on top of me "where does it hurt?"

I lifted my arm that she hit and turned my face to look away. She was a bit to close to me and I didn't want her to see my cheeks or hear my heart beating faster and faster with each passing second.

I felt her hand run across my arm sending little shocks few me. Her hands felt so soft and warm.

It seemed to be taking a while as I tried not to look and slowly I started to turn back. I couldn't work out what was taking her so look to look at.

As I turned I saw her eyes. Not looking at my arm but locked onto mine. Her deep red hair fell around her as she sat looking down at me.

"Are..." I started to say before she leaned forward and I felt her lips on mine. I felt her heat enter me as my open mouth was filled with her tough.

I went stiff. Was this right. This was my first kiss. Was this my fault. I looked at her, at Zoe, and at that moment I... didn't care. I closed my eyes to the world and lean into her.