Page 93 of Collision
“Thomas, that must be more than fifteen feet up! The last time I climbed anything that high, I was taking the escalator at the mall.”
“You’ll get to the top in no time, you’ll see,” he answers, unconcerned.
“Are you blind, perhaps? Can you not see how huge that thing is?I can’t handle that!” He looks at me with a wicked grin, and I redden as I realize what I’ve just said.
“Stranger, you’re really serving them up to me on a silver platter today.”
“I didn’t mean… I was obviously referring to the tree.” I shake my head vigorously. “And I have no intention of climbing this tree, unless our little jaunt today also includes a detour to the hospital.”
“I’m right down here. If you fall, I’ll catch you.”
If you fall, I’ll catch you?That’s it?
“Is that supposed to reassure me, King Kong? What if you don’t catch me?”
“I lift heavier in the gym.”
I see he never misses an opportunity to brag about his performance.
“Perfect. I’ll die splattered on the ground like a cockroach, just because some hotheaded egomaniac wanted me to experience the thrill of climbing a freaking tree!”
He approaches with determination and looks at me intensely.
“I said I’ll catch you. I promise,” he reassures me. I examine the oak tree from the roots to the highest branches with a certain reluctance, and I force myself to think of a good reason to give in to him. I can’t think of a single one. Yet, for some stupid, crazy reason, I do.
“You better hope to God that there really is an enchanted valley up there or I’m going to make you pay,” I threaten, poking a finger into his chest.
“And how exactly do you intend to make me pay?” he asks, looking down at my finger and laughing.
“I don’t know yet, but it will be terrible.” I narrow my eyes to two slits.
“Mmh,” he murmurs mischievously. “I can’t wait.”
I take a deep breath and try to concentrate. Then I think about the fact that I’m about to climb a tree. I cannot believe it!
With trembling legs I begin to slowly climb up, grasping the rope ladder in both hands as it sways with my every slightest movement. In some places, I even feel some resin sticking to my hands. Gross. I climbhigher and higher, with the sun filtering through the foliage. After a minute, I stop to see where I am but I regret the impulse instantly.
Too high.
Too. High.
Another deep breath. I can do this.
“You’re doing great, Ness.” Despite the affectionate tone of his encouragement, all I want to do is throw a shoe at his head. Stupid, jerk-faced idiot. When I’ve almost reached the top, I catch a glimpse of a small wooden house, hidden among the leaves. I’m stunned—it’s so beautiful!
“I think I’ve found it, Thomas!” I cry out, elated like a little girl.
“Oh yeah? It’s not Wonderland, it’s a tree. How many houses did you think you’d find up there?”
I lean down slightly to glare at him. “Don’t you dare crap on my enthusiasm! Not after you forced me up a tree full of ants,” I shout. “And stop looking at my ass like you want to…”
“Fuck it?” He interrupts me, making me flush with embarrassment. I glare down at him, while he smirks.
Five more steps and I finally reach the house, wedged between sturdy branches. With a little momentum, I manage to climb in without breaking any limbs. Inside, I find a blanket, a couple of empty beer cans, some snacks, and a notepad with some sketches in it. I settle in, and, while I wait for Thomas to join me, I give in to my curiosity and examine the notebook. I find several drawings there, each one more incredible than the last. Out of all of them, I am most enchanted by a winged snake, a phoenix rising from flames, and some sketchy tribal designs.
A few seconds later, Thomas arrives.
“You’re fast.”
