Here is another chapter, once my beta can she will re-go over them and fix all my many mistakes. Review.
Winter trees shiver in the bitter wind, naked branches adorned with snow. Clusters of twigs, gnarled and twisted, extend like the very hands of old man winter, ready to catch the soft falling flakes. Against the dark mossy trunk, the brilliant white drifts rise in soft curves and fall again to the hidden ground. It will be some time before the trees awaken and when they do it will be a slow stirring, gradually growing unnoticed buds until finally the delicate papery leaves and blooms within are ready.
I was wrapped in a blanket on the sofa staring out the massive window that was the den wall. Jesse was nestled behind me his arms wrapped around me, the fireplace mimics the warmth of the day. We sit cozily by the flame, our features illuminated by the flickering light, the only one in the room. Though the air isn't smokey we can smell the pine as it burns, just a faint fragrance to reassure our senses that there will be comfort in the long bitter winter.
I had planned to venture out and make another call to meemaw soon, she was happy on our last call. His husky voice chimed into my thoughts, "I am tired, the winter makes me feel like hibernating like a bear," but only mirth was heard as he spoke his fingers moved over the soft curve of my neck.
"I am not sure that me a wise idea,"
Feeling his smile on the back of my neck, "You could join me, my room is dark enough,"
"Not a chance, Jesse. In fact, how about we go have a little fun in the snow," my own tone was animated at the prospect of being in the snow, never something I have done.
Jesse, he was so much more than I had ever heard tale of. Right now the rest behind me his hair pulled back in a black tie, his chest bare with gray sweatpants on. His eyes looking relaxed even if heavy-lidded. "Anything for you, let us get warmer clothes on," his hand helping me from the blanket, that was now folded and returned.
I dressed in a beige chunky knit turtleneck sweater with dark jeans and my brown boots, a pair of mittens and beanie on as a small knock was heard. "Come in," but it was Miles a welcoming smile on his face.
"Celia and I are going to join the fun, just seeing if you were ready, little bit,"
"Sure am," beaming at him, he this last month was so warm and loving, treating me as his own, same as Celia. His arm around me as we walked back into the den seeing Mae tying a scarf around Celia and Jesse, as Angus was leaning against the door smiling.
Jesse stopped moaning when his eyes fell on my own, it was like we're two magnets drawn together.
When a snowball explodes from the front of my sweater, I know the fight is on: duck and cover, building a stash, keeping my head down. My woolen gloves pick up snow like they want to snowball themselves, frozen crystals dangling from wild loose fibers I'd never normally notice. Already the coldness of the snow has deep chilled my fingers to a point where they no longer wish to bend. But cold or not, a snowball fight is a snowball fight and I don't give in - ever.
Soon another icy ball hits the side of the tree I'm hiding behind and other whistles through the air just above my head. There's a stupid grin plastered over my face as I take my first snowball and whip my arm back to send it flying toward Jesse. Impact. I let out a whoop and the fight intensifies. The best thing I can do right now is taunt them into releasing all their missiles and then run out into the open with mine. It works like a charm.
Mae her voice called, "TIME TO COME IN, KIDS!" like that we marched into the house where it was super warm, and Angus bless him has a tray with mugs on it.
The hot chocolate is as rich as it is dark. It flows as slowly as cream as I swirl the mug. I know the bottom is a mass of sugar crystals that have reformed as it cools. It's cream saturated with sugar and I don't care. I pick up the mug as Jesse wraps his arms around me once more. "You want some cream on top, love?"
"I do," my head leaned back on him as Celia topped mine off with her fresh cream. "I have to go with Miles and Pa into town, just for a few things. Maybe a few hours at most," it was darker now as my eyes plead with him.
"If you must,"
"I do, we need one last haul. By the beginning of the week, we will not be able to do anything," longing was in his voice, and he was right the sheer thought of him not being here was painful, a small tingle of pain in my chest.
We watched them leave, knowing supper had to be cooked much later so they could be fed. I took the brick size cell and made my way to the tree, knowing cell service was going to go very soon. My coat was buttoned to the neck with my scarf tied, climbing was difficult but in the end, I was perched on the branch.
It was only three rings when, Kelly, answered her voice. "Harper residence,"
"Kelly, it's Finley. May I talk to my grandmother,"
Silence, it made my whole body turn cold.
She finally spoke, "Miss. Finley, your meemaw is in with the doctor now. I am sorry but looks like she won't make it another few days," her voice so pained.
I couldn't breathe, it felt as if someone was choking me. My heart was racing and all I wanted to do was curl up into a ball and wait for someone to save me. But no one would no one was there. A choked cry for help forced itself up my throat, and I felt a drop run down her cheek.
I choked, "I am coming home,"