Page 104 of Into the Mountains
Sophie wrings her fingers together as she nods in confirmation of whatever telepathy her and Avery have going.
“When—how—details,” she squeals.
“Anybody want to fill the two of us in?” Sky asks, pointing between the two of us before she catches on too and starts squealing along with Avery.
“Charlotte, please tell me you’ve caught on by now.”
“Avery, just tell me what we are screaming about so I can scream too.”
“Axel.”
And that’s all it takes for me to join them all screaming and now it’s my turn to beg for all the details. Those details are Axel running through the town covered in his usual grease, harassing everyone until he figured out where Sophie was. When he did, it was like the ending scene of a romantic comedy. The two people who have been in love for the whole movie—and also spent the whole time denying it—are frozen in their steps, their eyes meetand they stare, wondering who is going to say something first. Chests heaving, until they both talk at the same time, trying to profess their love to each other first. They run into each other’s arms, her legs wrapping naturally around his waist and they kiss after years of dying to kiss each other, their lips press together, and it’s like they’re the only two people in the world. The townspeople that popped their heads out of their shops had followed Axel, because none of them were going to miss those two finally figuring it out. And they cheered and it took Axel shooing them all off for them to leave them alone finally.
The night passes with gossip, watchingHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,a few more drinks, and a way too competitive game ofScrabblethat Sky won. My mind easily drifts back to Eli and Ethan back home bonding over whatever board game they picked out to combat each other.
One thing Eli talked about a lot over the last week was Ethan’s birthday coming up. It seemed like he would start talking about it without even realizing it. I think he’s more stressed about it than he’s letting on.
“You have that look on your face again and I’m not sure where this is going.” Avery knows me too well.
“I need your help with something.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
ELIAS
Red hair fans across the pillow next to me. Soft snores filling the space between us as Charlie shifts herself in bed once more. Her body comes closer to me and I don’t hesitate to pull her closer, the inches between our bodies nonexistent.
She lets out a soft “mmmm” as she settles her forehead against mine. “Are you ready for today, love?”
I hold back a groan only because I don’t want to sound ungrateful. Truly, I am. I’m excited for Ethan’s birthday party. It doesn’t feel real that I have a nine year old. It also never feels right to celebrate something Sarah should get to be here for. Will it always be like this? A dash of excitement mixed with a tablespoon of grief? A cup of guilt to go along with it? All baked into a weird day that rises and forms into a strange shape.
“Yes and no. I’m excited for Ethan. And to give him his gift—”
“Another kitten?”
“No,” I say, unconvincingly. I did get him another one. I fully blame Jacob this time. I’ve gotten used to the kitten chaos around the house and adding another didn’t seem like it’d be that much of a change. Jacob had one more kitten looking fora home, so who was I to leave her there all alone with no other companions?
Charlie places her finger on the side of my jaw and tilts my head over to face her. “Today is going to be great. Sarah will be here for him and you in her own way, okay?”
I nod my head and try not to let the tears I already feel welling up, take over and lean in to kiss her. “I’ll go get coffee and then I’ll get started on the decorations. Sound good?”
A sly smile spreads across her face as she fully opens her eyes to look up at me. Seemingly awake now.
“What?” I ask. By the look on her face, there’s something I missed.
“Did you even look outside?”
“No, I just woke up. I don’t get up and look outside my window first thing in the morning.”
She raises her eyebrows, waiting. I get up and make my way to the windows to the left of the headboard. They overlook the backyard perfectly and give me a view of Hobbit themed birthday decorations galore. Tables are set up and covered with tablecloths that showcase the Shire. There’s a spot on the fence with a Hobbit hole backdrop and props for pictures. Colored streamers are draped along the fence, games are set up for the kids, something I wouldn’t have even thought of but should have been an obvious thing to include at a child’s birthday party. There’s a table with what looks to be meticulously put-together party favors for the guests. And in the very back, there’s a blow up projector screen ready to go for what I assume is going to be a watch party later.
She thought of everything. I can only guess there’s food and cake ready to be set out in the kitchen. Just as I’m about to make another assumption that people are going to show up to help set those things out, I can hear Ethan let in George and Isabellealong with Avery and Hudson. I’m sure Sky and Jacob aren’t far behind.
“How did you— When did you—”
“Girls’ night,” she says, like it should have been an obvious fact.
“I asked them for help and they didn’t even ask questions. Well, they did ask in the sense of where things should go, but they didn’t hesitate to help is what I mean.”
