Finally, arriving at the quaint cottage nestled at the edge of the clearing.
"Where is this place?"
Taylor asked, glancing around.
"Oh, this it's just the cottage my father uses for blacksmithing."
Liam explained, pride evident in his tone.
*Although faint, but I do remember his face from these memories."
They hurriedly stepped inside.
"Dad, I'm home!"
Liam called as he stepped inside.
"Back so soon? Oh…."
Liam's father greeted.
His voice warm and welcoming.
"….And I see you brought with you."
"I heard from Liam, that you woke up and he's been visiting you."
Liam whole heartedly brushed his nose from the comment.
"It's good to have you back!"
The words sent a wave of comfort through the air.
"Yeah, everything has been fine ever since I woke up."
Taylor replied, trying to brush off any concerns.
"Then there's no need to push any further."
Liam's father said sensing the delicate nature of the conversation, sparing him from tough questions.
"Oh, Liam you're friends came here a while ago.
"Oh! We know, that's why we're here."
"Well just in case, I told them to wait on the backyard."
Liam's father shifted his gaze on the cloth Liam was holding.
"Oh, I see you brought something for your dear old pop."
"No way! These are for them."
Liam protested, a playful whine creeping into his voice.
"No fair! I want some too!"
His father jacked back.
"That's final!
Liam said mockingly as they made their way through the back door Liam leading the way.
They stepped outside into a well-tended yard, shutting the door behind them.
Thud!
They spotted three kids gathered, all about the same age as Taylor.
The first was a girl, with brown curls with sun kissed skin and a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes. She wore a faded dress and had a few dirt smudges on her cheeks, evidence of her last adventure, her name was Carol Brothwel.
Then a boy, with messy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, his grin wide and infectious. He appeared to have a boundless energy, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he watched us approach, his name was Eli Burris.
Then lastly, a stocky girl who looked a bit more serious,with long dark silky hair and deep-set brown eyes that contrasted her friends' bubbly energy. She was likely the anchor of the group. Ready to keep them in line, her name was Lowell Powlett.
"Liam you're back."
"Oh yeah we had to make a few stops on the way."
"W-we!"
Carol and Eli repeated in unison.
*So that's them, huh! They look no different from my memories well accepte that they're a little bit grown up now."
Then their sights fell on Taylor.
Before he could register a though Eli and Carol swarmed him.
Step! Step! Step!
Hugging him tightly and making him nearly lose his balance.
"Taylor his back!"
Carol said, small droplets escaping her eyes.
"We're have you been all this time!"
Eli added, worry evident in his face.
Lowell was a bit taken at the sight.
"Hey! watch it!"
Taylor laughed, trying steady himself.
*Is he really back….wait no, I it's not like I care or something. If anything I hate him…!"
She shot him a glare.
*But still, I'm glad he's okay!*
"Oh! We brought, buns from miss Elda."
Liam announced, making Carol and Eli jump off him and rush towards Liam. He carefully distributed the buns.
They eagerly grabbed the buns, stuffing them into their mouths with gleeful Abandon.
As they ate, having a nice talk catching up on everything he'd missed. Having a nice conversation, as they all listened to Carol sharing her latest adventure. Her story drawing all of them.
But as Taylor listened, his story drifting away to Lowell. Her expression seemed calm and collected, as she listened to the story. Taylor couldn't help but gaze at her.
*Lowell huh, I've been watching this girl ever since I got here. She's been stealing glances acting distant!*
His mind was gleaming with questions.
*We'll I don't understand women a bit yet alone a ten year old girl."
"Hey, Taylor! You okay?"
Liam's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Unknown to him, he was still looking at Lowell.
Her face turned crimson.
*Huh! Why….is he look….ing at…me?*
She immediately turned her head away.
*Damn it! I stared at her for too long…*
He turned to Liam.
"Oh, nothing just thinking that's all."
He replied forcing a smile.
Sensing nothing wrong they resumed the chatter, filling in the air with laughter.
"Taylor why don't you tell us a story?"
Eli shouted his mouth full of bread, and small crumbs.
"Oh, me I couldn't possibl—"
"Yeah! Your right Taylor should definitely tell us a story."
Carol added.
I can't tell a sto—!"
Yeah, you've got to have some cool tales."
As their eager turned to him.
Sigh!
Fine than, I'll tell you a tale."
He let out in defeat.
***
This is an extra chapter, as thanks for a 100 subscribers.