Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity

It's practice, and I'm already nervous... my voice shakes... but then I float softly to the land beyond the song...
The lyrics speak out to me, so much makes sense... no one will bring me down from my sky that i am freed into when I sing....
I open my mouth, sometimes I frighten myself with illegible sounds...sometimes I suprise myself with a booming voice trying to blossom before warm ups are over...
I'm not nervous! Let me hit that stage! I can grace over line for line, my facial expressions beaming, my heart racing, my blood pumping! An exhilaration you can only get from singing!
So let me hit that stage and wow my audience, let them be amazed by the sound I know that is in me...but i never let it out...

The Wood Chapter 8

Chapter 8~

            Sandaled feet slapping the cobblestone road. Waist length hair billowing behind her. Thoughts jumbling in Cos’s mind. Complete confusion and an unexplainable desire to collapse into her dear father’s lap like she used to when she would scrape her knee or got teased by children. He always was able to make the world seem right. Why did he have to die? Throwing open the front door and slamming it behind her she tromps up the familiar stairs to the upstairs room. The boys and Fin are wrestling in a heap. Abruptly Fin stops as he notices her tense body and slightly teary-eyed do eyed stare.

“Coal, watch the boys. Feed them left overs for lunch if you get hungry. Cos and I need to go for a walk.” Lowering his voice he whispers to Coal. “If anything is suspicious, something sounds or feels off, take the boys to the cave as fast as you can ok? I can’t take you guys there now or else they will know we know something’s up.”

Solemnly shaking his head, Coal’s eyes show he understands the severity of the situation.

“Come on, grab your coat lets go.”

Out the back door, to the back yard they go to the Wall. Giving her a foot up, Fin gently pushes Cos up and over the wall. Pulling himself over, he grabs her hand and runs to the Oak. In the blink of an eye they are arrive. Cos breaks out in tears and leans against Fin’s chest. After a few minutes of holding her close, he cuts in.

            “What’s wrong?”

            “I’m so confused. Everything I’ve been lead to believe is turning out wrong! I… how do we protect the boys and keep them safe from harm? What if I did make the mistake of taking them with me to the City? I went to see the king and I feel like I’m just now seeing things with open eyes. That man is just the face of the Elders. he has no power! And obviously does not care for me as I once thought him to…” Peering up into his eyes, he gently squeezed her arms reassuringly.

            “Cos, I’m so sorry. Sorry that it took you so long to see what I’ve seen all along. Now your hurt from the falsehood you were raised in. What can we do? Will you come out to the Woods? Bring the boys and live here? Or venture deeper in? The weather is beginning to warm up and it will be perfect for traveling.”

            “Yes, I think that’s what we should do… should we go back now and pack up?”

            “We cant risk anyone noticing you packing. How about I go back with you and sneak back over the wall. You can pack the boy’s things and yours, I’ll take Callabear back to the cave till dark. Then you three can join us as soon as darkness can protect you. I’d really feel more comfortable being with you but that would be too suspicious. And Bear is going to be the biggest handful to deal with…”

            Leaning against his toned chest, Cos sighs.

            “Come on, let’s head back and get started. The waiting till dark is going to be the worst.”

            Glancing up, Cossette realizes it’s only one p.m. Quietly, the couple make their way back to the wall.

            “Fin?” She stops short.

            “Hmm?” Cocking his head to the side he looks back where she paused a few steps behind him.

            “I know I’m probably just worrying, but whatever happens, do know you mean so much to me. I care about you in a way that I don’t quite understand…” She slips her arms around his waist. Cupping her face he lifts it up and searches her eyes.

            “Oh Cos, I’ve cared for you since I first met you. An awkward, sweet, concerned girl who grew up into a stunning young woman. I want to help you, to show you there is so much more to this world than this little cliquish society. But you have to take that step to me. I don’t want you to be dependent upon me. Whatever happens in these days to come, and they are looking bleak, I hope to be near you.” Lowering his head he plants a gentle kiss on her forehead. Going up on her toes she kisses him on his cheek, and whispers in his ear.

The Wood Chapter 7

Chapter 7~

The following day, Saturday, Cossette heads out midmorning to the Library to check records of any recent moves. Walking into the dead quiet marble floored room, she heads to the long table in the middle of the spacious room laden with books of records. Going to the head of the table, she searches for the Aldins’ paper work; it’s all kept in alphabetical order.

Flipping through the volume A, the name she searches for is isn’t there. Scanning through a little closer, the Aldins’ name is completely nonexistent. The Akluse’s name is followed by Amners. All of the Aldins’ records are gone, when they got married, when they had their children, when their grandparents had died, everything is gone. An idea sparks in Cos’ head. Running down toward the end of the table she finds Volume Q and searches for Quilyne, Fin’s father’s name. His job position, when he joined the City, who he married, all of the basic information that’s kept on each member of the society was not there. Like he never even was here. Flipping a few pages over she finds Quitter’s name. Under where he lives the address of the old lady he had stayed with years ago is still listed. Like he never moved.

What is this? Who has been messing with the records?? Hmm… Another idea pops in her head. Finding her own last name she begins searching for her parents information. They died ten years ago, shortly after her 12^th birthday. Cossette can’t find their names. Only their birthdates and deaths. No information about what they used to do or when they married. Like their very existence had no meaning at all. Her father helped design and strengthen the Wall after the City had been attacked! Her mother was the best female doctor before she quit when she married.

Fury and confusion swam inside Cossette’s mind. Taking off into a dead run she dashes to the King’s house, just a block away. Telling the secretary behind the desk that there is an emergency with the school, she is immediately ushered in for an audience with the King.

“Ah, Cossette my dear, how are you?” The King and Cossette’s father had been close friends when he was first sworn into the royal family. He has always been like a second father to Cos.

“Hello sir, I’m fine but I have couple questions-”

“About the school, yes. I’m afraid your idea about adding an upper floor and hiring another teacher for the older students simply won’t fit into the budget. But we can higher on another teacher’s aid if you would like.”

“Sir, I didn’t come to discuss that. What happened to the Aldins? Little Anna and Alfred weren’t at school yesterday and no one was at their house, so I checked the records but they had been removed!”

“Ahh yes the Aldins. The entire family was expelled Thursday night. Mrs. Aldin was planning to hold a fundraiser for the school’s upper story by selling unapproved art made by the children. Mr. Aldin did not report the idea to the Elders and was supportive of the plan! When we tried to talk to the children why that was not an acceptable way, they were not receptive. They have been brain washed by their parents. Sadly, we had to expel the entire family to the Tower. Now Cosy dear, this information must not be told to anyone alright my pet?”

“You.. you what? Why? It was just a fundraiser! I saw several of the children’s art that they had begun to work on for the art history lessons I’ve been teaching. They weren’t religiously based or offensive in any way. Just pictures of trees and animals.”

“About that art history lesson. Did you get the approval of the Elders before teaching new material?”

“No, I didn’t think it mattered. All I’ve been teaching them is how to use different kinds of mediums, like water color or charcoal. And I made sure the children understood the rules of the society. You expelled an entire family over a fundraiser?”

“I did not, the Elders did, but I supported their decision. The couple was given several opportunities to admit to their mistakes, we would have expunged the matter, but they refused. But Cossette, for going behind the Elders back you are suspended from your position for a month. The teacher’s aids will take over until then.”

“What? Are you mad! Only I can handle 35 students in all different grades in one room! I didn’t do it on purpose, call a meeting with the Elders, I will apologize.”

“It’s not that simple. You are on the watch list, I’m sure you know that. You committed an infraction, that’s one warning and a discipline. Watch yourself Cossette, I also suggest you break contact with that forest friend of yours. And you need to enroll the three charges of yours into the Records as soon as possible. This is not a suggestion, as your King I command it or else you will be committing another infraction. Is that clear?” Peering down at her from his tall chair he gives her a look like a father scolding his misbehaving child.

“Of... of course. I’m sorry I’ll get right on that.” Stunned and confused Cos turned to go.

“That’s a good girl Cossette, I knew you would understand.” A warm smile in his accomplishment took over. It looked more like an evil grin to Cossette. 

The Wood Chapter 6

Chapter 6~

            “Boys are tucked in bed, the front door is locked, and dinner’s all put away. Can we go for a walk in the woods?” Cos stands next to Fin in the backyard, he’s looking up at the stars. Slightly startled, by shy Cossette asking him to go for a walk he searches her face, she smiles wryly at him.

            “Come on, I’ll give you a boost over the wall.” He replies.

            Into the dark forest the couple plunges toward the deep creek, already the height is beginning to lessen as the season is warming up. Closer to their destination Fin reaches out and touches Cos on the hand.

            “Tag, you’re it!” Taking off into a dead run he dashes away, Cos laughing and right on his heels. Veering right and around a huge tree, over the roots that poke through the soil and under looming branches he tries to shake her off his path. She’s not fooled and keeps up, only lagging slightly behind to conserve energy. He reaches the cleared out area by the water first and bends his knees and almost pants as he tries to catch his breath. Not noticing that he stopped Cos speeds up, and runs right into him.

            Tumbling to the ground they both fall in a heap, Fin on top of Cos. She giggles.

            “Woops, sorry I didn’t ahh notice that you stopped.” A small chuckle escapes Quiterfin’s mouth at her response, and he rolls over to his back, slipping his arms around her and bringing her on with him.

            “Should I get up?”

            “Do you want to?”

“Not really.” Cos smiles and blushes a little. “I’d like to talk with you though…” Standing up, she plops down next to him, Fin sits up and turns so he’s face to face with her.

            “What’s up?”

            “I’ve… I’ve come to the realization that I’m completely and utterly stupid. You could have easily moved to some deep unexplored part of the woods or started dating some girl rebelling from the society yet… yet you stayed here, where you hate the community and cant stand how controlling they are. Why did you stay?

            “Because you’re here.” He studies her face. Too afraid to even hope what he’s dreamed about her saying.

            “And that’s why I’ve been so stupid. Too blind to see the society for what it really is, a prison holding me back from reaching the potential you have always believed I have. Too afraid to see how much you care for me. And how all these years I’ve been denying my returned feelings. Fin, I really care about you, and, if you’ll have me, I would love to date you.” She looks down at her lap. She’s sitting cross-legged with a purple skirt half covering her calves. Glancing up, afraid of what emotions might be splayed across her Robin hood’s face, she smiles at him sweetly, and that familiar red creeps back up her cheeks. A huge burden has been lifted off her shoulders at her confession. She sits up a little taller and waits for his response.

            Chuckling, he reaches out and grasps her around her waist and pulls her into his lap. Wrapping his strong arms around her, she leans against his chest and sighs. She pushes herself back, looking up into his dark green eyes.

            “The guy generally asks the girl out, did they not teach you that in school?” He winks at her and she blushes redder. “Would you be my girl?” Cos smiles bigger and shakes her head yes. “It’s a nice night, want to go for a swim?”

            “I didn’t bring a suit!” She retorts. Standing up he sweeps her up into his arms and carries her like a baby to the water. Pounding on his chest she protests. “Fin! Fin don’t you dare!!” Laughing at her antics he slips out of his shoes, she kicks off her slippers, and steps into the cool water.

            “Fin!” Cossette shrieks when her body touches the water. He’s waist deep and walking deeper in. He gently puts her down when the water is up to his middle chest, slightly higher on herself. Again he wraps his arms around her waist and holds her close. She hugs him around the neck, and slips her hands into his dark brown wavy hair. Loosening his grasp, she leans back against his arms, and stares into Fin’s face, one she never really thought to look at closely. A scar along his jaw line adds dimension, and slight stubble is peeking through. Those eyes are framed by eyebrows perfectly manly, without being too bushy.

            “Cos…” His lips barely open to bring her attention back in. Cocking her head to the side she responds.

            “Hmm?”

            Fin moves one hand from the small of her back to the nape of her neck, underneath her waist length hair that is parity floating around her. Cos tilts her chin up, and smiles at the new sensation that sends shivers down her spine. He fingers the little wisps of hair at the beginning of her hairline. Her hands tense, still hiding in his hair. Lowering his head by her ear he whispers.

            “Relax babe, you’re ok.” Pulling back, his face is close to hers. Smiling at her, his lips barely graze hers. Butterflies twitter in Cos’s stomach. Fin tilts his head slightly right, and kisses her gently. An explosion of colors flash in her mind, her eyes close. Cos presses harder, tightening and loosening her fingers in his thick hair, deepening their kiss.

            Pulling away slowly, Fin’s eyes devour Cos’s face. She giggles and smiles, and blushes a deep red and giggles again. The corner of his mouth twitches up, and he gives her his roguish smile. Guiding her out of the water he gently helps her around roots and rocks hiding beneath. On the shore, Cos’s clothes stick to her figure and her hair drips with water. Ringing it out, she smiles and shakes her head at his rashness.  

            “I wonder what time it is? It’s getting quite late…” Her logic is showing. Taking a step nearer she stops talking and smiles up at him, and wraps her arms around his middle. He follows suit, and kisses her on the top of her head. Pulling away, they put on their shoes, and walk back into the dense wood. Fin reaches out and holds her hand. Enjoying each other’s presence they walk in silence to the wall.

            Hoisting her up over the wall, she almost falls back but he catches her by her butt. Burning red she throws him back a look of embarrassment and he returns the face with a piraty smile, not in the least bit apologetic.  Following her over, he walks her to the back door. Cos leans up against it and he puts his hands on either side of her head, his body inches from hers. Pinning her to the door, he kisses her. Gently he opens her mouth and explores with his tongue. When he pulls away she gasps, and her hand flutters up to her lips.

            “Good night.” He smiles at her reaction, and walks to the wall. Slipping inside the door she closes it behind her and leans against it.

            “Oh my…” Cos smiles to herself, then quietly tiptoes upstairs.

The Wood Chapter 5

Chapter 5~

 “And that is why the wall was built around our strong City. To more easily reach that Utopiam dream our oldest Elders strived for. Alright you’re dismissed for the day. Don’t forget the 4^th graders have a quiz on Tuesday, and we don’t meet Monday for the annual King’s celebration is on that day.”

The hubbub of thirty some students gathering their belongings and jotting down last minute notes is background noise as Cossette collapses into her chair behind her sturdy wooden desk.

“Mary Anne, do you know why Alfred and his younger sister Anna were not in school today?” Cos stops one of her students as they all pile out through the one door.

“No, ma’am. They weren’t at the corner where we meet to walk to school together, maybe they were sick?”

“Thank you, I’ll have to check in on them. Don’t forget about the test, alright? Have a good day!”

“Thanks for the extra help this morning before class, bye ma’am!”

Calla comes up to the front of the desk as Mary Anne shuffles out. On tiptoes his nose peeks over at Cossette.

“School isn’t so bad after a week of getting used to it, is it cutie?” Ruffling his hair she walks around the desk and pulls him into her lap as she sits on the desk.

“Not too bad…” Bear repeats tiredly, rubbing his eye with his fist and cuddling close. “Can we visit Quitter?”

“Now why would you do a thing like that?” The storage room door next to the chalkboard stands open.

“Quitter!!” Calla wiggles out of Cos’ arms and runs to Fin, arms held up. Coal and Lib come from the coatroom in the back with their jackets and practically run to Fin. Quickly hugging the kids he looks at Cos and winks her way.

“No hello hug for me?” That piraty grin melts Cossette’s heart. She slowly stands obviously stunned.

“How did you get in?”

“My dad helped build this schoolhouse, he showed me the secret door in the back. I haven’t seen you in a week and all you do is question me?” His light flirty voice breaks the spell and she throws her arms around Fin’s neck. Wrapping his strong ones around her waist he pulls her close.

“I’ve missed you.” Fin whispers into Cos’ ear. A slight giggle escapes her lips as she smiles and blushes under all the attention.

“Come on lets go home I’m hungry!” Coal cuts in. Cos pushes slightly on Fin’s chest and he loosens his grip.

“Ok I’ve got to make a stop at a student’s house. Fin can you take these kids home? I think there’s some chocolate chip cookies left in the cookie jar to munch on, I’ll be home in fifteen minutes tops!”

“Of course. Come on boys let’s go, Teacher Cos still isn’t off the job yet.” Another wink as he guides the boys to the storage room to show them the secret door. Cos is still blushing as she walks out the front door, which is really on the side wall, and locks it behind her. Practically jogging she runs in the opposite direction of her house, where her Robin Hood waits, to visit two of her students.

Panting and slightly sweaty she knocks on the door. No response. No sound. Knocking a little harder she tries again. A nosey neighbor pokes her head out of her window a house over.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking on a couple of my students. Have you seen the Aldins?”

“Go on home girl, you won’t be seeing them around here.” With that the old spinster slams her window and closes the curtains.

Odd… maybe they moved. I’ll have to check tomorrow at the King’s library and see if they did. Sprinting toward her house she arrives breathless, with pink cheeks and the wind whipping around her hair which hangs down to her waist in a tousled mess. Smells of chicken soup being warmed up on the stove greet her nose.

To her delighted surprise the boys re sitting at the table doing their homework, and Fin is stirring the left over soup he found in the icebox.

“You look out of breath! Did you run all the way there and back?” He walks casually toward her as she shuts the front door. Pulling her into another hug he puts his lips close to her ear. “You look gorgeous; defiantly leave your hair down more often.”

“When did you become such a flirt?” She whispers back.

“When I wasn’t able to see you almost every evening, you visited the boys more then you ever visited me!”

“Oh hush you big baby you know that’s not true.” She says flirtatiously back. “Now let me go I need to help the boys with homework and put some bread in the oven to-”

“Be warmed up for dinner. I know, and already done. But fine, I’ll let you go.” Another pirate smile. Goodness I miss that smile…

“How’s the homework coming?” Walking to an empty chair in between Coal and Lib Cossette’s hips sway slightly.

“Fine, hey Quitter do you remember that big storm last Friday?”

“Yeah Coal, I didn’t expect a thunderstorm this late in the year! Didn’t even see it coming. Was every one ok?” He takes a seat across from her.

“Mhm. We told a story!” Lib chimes in. “It was about a Forest Fairy and snow king and a pig and a treehouse!”

“Nawah! It wasn’t just about that!”

“So? That’s all the important stuff!”

“Lib, Coal stop. You both are tired and hungry, chill for two seconds. And I do believe dinner’s ready. Calla would you help me set the table?”

The Wood Chapter 4

Chapter 4~

Letting herself quietly in to her house, Cossette hurries up the stairs to her room. The butterflies haven’t gone back to bed yet, and they are flapping wildly in her stomach. The thought of Fin’s pirate smile adds an extra beat to her heart. He almost kissed me…. I thought he was going too! He almost kissed me! In her slippered feet she does a little twirl and her dark purple skirt billows out around her. A giggle escapes from her lips as she opens her bedroom door. Quickly slipping into her night gown and snuggling under the covers, as she closes her eyes, a thunderous bash of noise startles her. A flash of light shines through her curtains. A storm this late in the season? Another crash of thunder is followed by a timid knock.

“Cosy?”

Out of bed and to the door she opens it to see wide eyed fearful Callabear standing there, thumb in his mouth quivering. A taller dark shadow hangs back.

“I don’t like thunder either Calla.” Cossette scoops up the little toddler and holds him like a baby. Tucking him into bed with her she holds him close and strokes his baby soft hair as his trembling begins to slow.

“I don’t like the noise Cosy. Can you turn it off?”

“I can’t Bear, but you can sleep here with me tonight, ok?”

Nodding his head he snuggles close. Another knock on her partly open door.

“Come on in Coal, bring Lib with you.”

The two older boys, about seven and ten to Fin’s estimation, walk in.

“Come on, you can keep me and Bear company. We don’t like storms.”

With a responsibility to take care of Callabear and Cossette in mind, Lib climbs up into bed and plops down next to Cos.

“There’s still room Coal if you want to join us.”

“No that’s ok.” Coal drags a rocking chair close to the bed and sits down, pulling his knees to his chest. As Calla’s heart quickens with the next beat of the far away drum, an idea pops into  Cossette’s head.

“You guys have had storms living with Fin right?” Slow head shakes all around. “Well you know what Fin does when there’s a storm! We will tell a story, I’ll go first. And when you hear a loud drum beat in the music again, my turn is over and Calla you add another piece to the story. And so on. Make sense?”

“But Cosy we don’t have any music.”

“Don’t you hear it? Listen close, there’s a dancer on the roof tap dancing to the beat quite quickly. There that big bang? That’s the drum beat. And that whooshing sound is a wind pipe. Fin has a wind pipe, it’s like a flute except makes a more deep sound when you blow into the top.”

Coal keeps his face straight, uninterested but still slightly apprehensive.

“I hear it Cosy! It’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t, Lib? It’s my favorite song. Ready to begin our game then? I’ll start. All good stories start the exact same way. Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, there was a Forest Fairy and a Lost Boy. Except the Lost Boy wasn’t a boy anymore, he had grown up into an adult. The Forest Fairy and the Lost non-Boy were very good friends. They took care of the forest animals. There were only three forest animals.” A low rumble breaks the tap tap of the dancer on the tin roof.

“My turn! Ok so there was one raccoon named, um Lintin and a squirrel named CalBin and a uh…”

“A pig named Cowin!” Fits of laughter took in, even a small smile crossed Coal’s lips at Lib’s teasing. Another rumble.

“The Forest Fairy and Lost non-Boy loved the three animals, even the pig even though he could be grouchy sometimes.” A giggle from Calla broke into Lib’s story. “The Forest Fairy lived in a treehouse and the Lost non-Boy lived in the tree with the three forest animals” A deep boom cut the air.

 “The Fairy and non-Boy liked each other, that mushy gushy kind of like. But they wouldn’t tell each other cuz they were wusses. But one day the non-Boy asked the loyal pig Cowin to give the Fairy a note. You see the non-Boy’s heart still hurt from sad days a while back. But he didn’t want to lose the Fairy. A lot of guys liked her because she was very pretty and kind.” Rumble rumble.

“But above all that silly like, the Fairy and non-Boy loved and took care of those animals very very well. Because those animals taught the Fairy how to love again. You see the Fairy’s parents had died and left her all alone when she was just 15. And the animals showed her it’s ok to love.”

By now no one is paying attention to the thunder and lightning, and is soly focused on Cossette as she tried to change the plot.

“Well the animals taught non-Boy how to sing like the birds! They taught him all kinds of bird sounds. Sounds that were taught to them by their sky parents.”

“What’s a sky parent Call?” Coal asks suspiciously.

“I don’t know, but it sounds cool.”

“What happens next?”

“Oh um the five of them go to the top of the mountain and live there in the snow!”

“That’s a good idea Call! Lib what did they do in the snow?”

A big yawn is Libtree’s first answer. “Well they build snowpeople! And have a snowpeople wedding! The snow Fairy queen and the snow Lost man king.”

By this time Cossette and the boys are all laughing. But she couldn’t get that day when the five of them had gone swimming and Fin had shook his head like a dog sending water droplets everywhere as his ear length dark brown hair hung flat and heavy by the water. His toned chest and strong arms that threw Calla in the air and easily caught him. Those arms that tossed reluctant Coal into the water. Those arms that had dunked Cossette under. Those arms that held her close mere hours ago. Cos misses him. Really misses him. And wishes he was there for the story.

“And the snow family and the crazy animal fairy Lost family lived happily ever after!”

“How’d you know all stories end like that Coal?” Cossette is pulled out of her dream land and realizes she missed the end of the story as well.

“That’s how Fin always ends his. Oh look Calla’s asleep.” Coal looks over at his baby brother.

“And the storm passed.” Another yawn from Lib.

“And I think that yawn means bed time. Come on under the covers with both of you.”

Snuggling in her big bed like the boys are used too, everyone quickly fell into dream land

The Wood Chapter 3

Chapter 3~

For the past ten years, Cossette has been scaling the City’s wall to go to the Wood’s oldest oak to visit her dearest friend. Quitterfin hasn’t always lived in the Wood though. He began a very normal life with his parents, until the Dark Days. Those began with the death of his mother, when he was just a baby. Fin’s memory is outstanding. One day he was starring up into his mother’s peaceful green eyes and then it was brown, cold, pained ones the next. The contrast was strong enough to imprint itself in a young two year olds mind.  

His understanding has also always been ahead of its time. Quickly he realized his mother was the one that kept Quilyne accepted in the City. Quil would take Quitter to the Wood for weeks on end to study roots and enjoy nature. He did not depend on the Society’s doctors or fresh food supplies. Quil also did not agree with the politics and controlling demeanor of the Elders. With Quitter’s mother gone the fake acceptance that Quil and his son had received dissipated immediately. Quilyne’s wild ideas and head strong will lead to him getting expelled from the City.  

 The society has always strove to be a Utopia, and to expel any ideas that didn’t line up to the Elders perspective. Any person with vocal “wrong” ideas was given two warnings, then sent away to the Tower. The Tower is a tall building with one door that only opens from the outside. It’s about a half a day’s walk from the Wall in the opposite direction of the Wood. It’s heavily guarded with men who live in cabins surrounding it who provide basic human needs to the prisoners locked up inside.

Fin was just three on that Dark Day when he saw his father, “Crazy Quil” riding in a rickety old wagon, hands and feet bound. Quil had held his head high and reminded his son that he would always love him. An old woman took Quitter in, but at the tender age of eight he ran away to his father’s Wood.

Cos had literally stumbled over young Quitterfin, living like a Lost Boy sleeping under a tree. A young seven year old girl can’t keep the secret of a strange boy living in the feared woods for long. The fold accepted Quitter back in, blaming his wild up bringing to his bizarre antics. But after five years, Cos and Quitter made a pack. She provided basic needs for him and he taught her how to love the mysterious Wood and live off the land.

The oak, where Cos had first tripped over Quitter had become their secret spot. Together Quitter showed Cos a world beyond her imagination. It was in those adventures that Quitter fell deeply in love with the innocent, hope-filled young maiden. Watching her grow from a quirky preteen to a strong-minded 22 year old woman was astounding. An unexplainable and undeniable love that he had just began to act on.

The first time Quitter had invited Cos to the Wood, he had walked a well-worn path with his arm around her shoulders, keeping the cool night air away. By the third rendezvous, the two held hands and spoke about their dreams. This night is their fifth “date”.

“Fin? I can’t stay long… where are you?”

A distant voice called to her through the trees. “Right over here, by the creek.”

Glancing to her right she sees his strong masculine form in the moonlight and briskly walks toward his welcoming shape.

“Remember when we found the Lot Boys? It’s almost been a year now. Right over there by the boulder.” He stretches his arm to the left to point in the direction of the large rock. Cos ducks under it and tucks herself against his side.

“Calla came out first, and tripped right in to my arms. I lost my heart to his sweet chubby face right then!” A warm smile light up her face as the moon casts strange shadows over her small nose and rosy cheeks.

“Your idea to not tell the Society about them was right, Cos. Now with them behind those walls someone will see and report them… please come live in the forest with us!  I could build a cabin for them, for you…” he glances away, a little embarrassed but trying to sway her.

“The city knows I visit here. They monitor me very closely. I’m on lists! They expect me to abandon the school and run away to the woods. I can’t do that to the kids I’ve taught for years.”

“So you’re going to sacrifice me, for the bratty kids being raised in that brainwashing jail? How long did you think you could visit and not actually commit to something?” He pulls himself away from her touch.

“Fin, please stop!”

“For all you know the police will repossess the boys and take them away too. It would kill me if I was forced to abandon them like I was abandoned”

“Quitter, the City wouldn’t make those young boys field workers! Or send them to the Tower. Yes the Society is ridicules sometimes but not cruel!”

“Oh? Is that so? And sending a broken hearted man away to the Tower forcing his son to raise himself and care for a deranged old lady wasn’t cruel? That wasn’t cruel at all, what was I thinking!” His voice is saturated with sarcasm and his eyes daggers.

“I’m not going to talk to a brick wall Fin, calm down. I’ve got ears in high places; if I hear something is up I’ll walk the boys back to the cave. There’s no reason to stir up unnecessary worries.”  Frustration wells in her heart, she walks forward to the edge of the creek, turning her back to him.
“Cos…” His voice softens and he walks a step to her. “I’m sorry, I can’t trust the City. Maybe they have changed but I won’t trust in that. If you hear anything at all, please just grab the boys and bring them back to the cave.” Touching her arm, her body tenses.

“Of course.”
Peeking around her shoulder and putting his face close to hers he whispers, “Pinky promise?” His pirate grin dances across his face. She breaks, and a smile twitches at the corners of her mouth. Raising her hand up in a fist with her pinky up she wraps her finger around his which was waiting for her. She giggles at the old habit.

Slipping his other arm around her waist he twirls her to face him and tugs her close. His chin tucking her head close to his chest. His other hand gently g rubs the small of her back, which is finally not toward him anymore. Lifting her chin up with his thumb he gazes down into those much too trusting eyes.

“I like fighting with you, seeing your fiery side keeps things interesting.” The pirate smile is dancing again. He places a sweet kiss on her forehead and Cos’s cheeks redden slightly as her smile broadens.

“It’s…. it’s getting late. I should probably go home”

“Yeah… I guess you right.” Fin loosens his hold around his Heart and watches her slip out of his arms.

“Good night Fin.”

“Night Cos.”