Chapter 96 Home again
Chapter 96 Home again
“Arhhhhh ” I stretched as I yawned. Klaus wasn't beside me, where he slept wasn't so warm anymore. He must have been up for a while. I walked out of the tent, Maya and Charlotte's tent was already packed, even Ethan's. Only a basket that was filled with what should be our breakfast was left, the rest was all loaded up in the rented car.
“Klaus?!!” “Maya?!!” “Where are you guys?” maybe I should try calling them. I unlocked my phone to see a text from Klaus. “Good morning potatoes, we’re all at the creek. I couldn't bear to wake you up when you look so cute sleeping peacefully. Come and wash up as soon as you see this, love from your amazing super hot boyfriend.” Oh Klaus, he is so silly I can't believe there was a time where I couldn't say a full sentence to him. How time flies.
I maneuvered my way through the bushes like I've done a million times before. Honestly there should be a path that leads to the berries and the creek but I guess it's more fun diving into the bushes than walking on some lame path.
Arriving at big Oaky I remembered all the fun me, Stella and Maya used to have as kids and now I'm having that same fun before I'm off to experience the stress of college life. If only she could be alive to see me fulfill our dreams now. I ran a finger along her palm print then along mine before fitting my fingers into the one I did yesterday. Sigh!
Wait, there's another heart. How didn't I notice it before? Tessa and Nico together forever and ever. Of course it was just recently made.
“Awwwwww, so sweet” I could recognize Klaus' handwriting anywhere, even on a tree bark.
“Guys?!” I called as I was nearing the creek
“Hey guys, what the…” Ice cold water hit my face so harshly I stumbled back for a bit.
“Sorry we didn't see you there.” Maya said in between fits of laughter.
Klaus the culprit quickly rushed out of the water looking worried and sympathetic.
“Tessa I'm so so sorry, Maya was taunting me and I was aiming for her and I didn't see when you arrived”
He tried to explain as he hugged me. “Hey get off me you're soaked and hugging me aren't you cold?”
He hugged me even tighter then I did the only left for me to do—I tickled him. He immediately let me go and I sprung out of his grasp. The others were already out.
“Good morning y'all.” they replied as Maya dragged Charlotte somewhere where they could change their clothes. I urged Klaus and Ethan to do the same too then Ethan walked in the opposite direction muttering something about how it's beneath him to change with a peasant. I decided not to wash up till we got back.
Soon we were back at the campsite and Maya was with a basket of berries talking all about my mum using it to make a blue berry pie. We all had our breakfast and after that we were heading home.
This would forever be a treasured memory. Klaus dropped Charlotte at her apartment then Ethan at their home then Maya. I asked him to go back, return the car and rest but he insisted that he wouldn't leave till I'm in the comfort of my home.
“And that was how I realized that my bag was gone…” I'll recognize that voice anywhere.
“Dad!!!” I saw him on the couch as soon as I opened the door. He was eating some scones and probably talking to my mum about his last trip. I rushed forward and lunged myself into his arms.
“Hey princess, how was your trip?”
“It was fine dad Klaus took a lot of pictures”
“Is that so I'll love to see them.”
“Good afternoon Mr and Mrs Marlowe” Klaus stood at the door with my bag I totally forgot about.
“Come on in son. Why don't you two freshen up then come down for lunch” my mum said from behind me.
“You can use the downstairs bathroom Klaus”
After lunch we all went to the living so that Klaus and I could show my parents the pictures. I already dropped the berries in the kitchen and my mum promised to make some pie tomorrow.
“Wow Klaus you really took this, I must say you are really talented.” I heard my dad say so I inched closer to have a better look.
“Woah ” I was stunned. The pictures were breathtaking but the one that caught my eye the most was the one we took by the sunset. Klaus positioned us all in a way that our faces were visible and our hair flew in the wind. The sky was a shade of orange, red and a bit of pink. Smiles were etched on our faces—genuine ones. And our reflection in the creek is the best part, it just looks like time just stopped…for us. Despite the fact that the picture wasn't taken professionally. Klaus' outstretched hand holding the camera did nothing to dull the picture's beauty, instead it made it look real and just looking at it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
“Its not that good I wanted to capture the sun reflection too but I couldn't.” Klaus said rubbing the back of his neck. “Nonsense! As a travel blogger I've seen my fair share of pictures. I've even taken a lot myself and I'm telling you boy this is talent.”
"In fact I've been looking to recruit a photographer, that's the reason I came home. It's hard trying to document things about the places I've been and still handle taking scenic pictures. I could really use talent like yours.”
“Dad! Don't pressure him.” I said as I folded my hands.
“I’ll be leaving in two days, why don't you think about it.” my dad said completely ignoring me
“Yes sir, I'll think about it.” Klaus said as he shook hands with my dad, hugged me and left but not without taking a scone with him. “I’ll text you after I return the car. Bye Mrs Marlowe thank you for the delicious scones.” And he was gone.