It was brave of Ayro to come out to everyone. I know nobody would judge me, because of their reaction to Ayro, but I didn't want to tell one specific person. What would she think of me? What would Crystal think of her best friend? I also don't understand why she insisted on being in a different tent than me. She occasionally has horrible nightmares, and now she can't even speak out loud. Was this just her way of pushing me out? Did she find out that I like her, and was pushing me away?
I shook my head. I refused to think that was what was going on. I walked out of my tent and noted something peculiar. The grass and plants around Crystal and Ayro's tent were growing way faster than they should. I only noticed this because of my interest in botany. I was planning on studying to become a forensic botanist, but those dreams were destroyed by my current situation. How could I possibly explore a career in the field now? I had murdered, and I had been an accomplice in breaking prisoners out of prison. I had committed too many crimes to go back to a normal life.
I was surprised that nobody had noticed something off about me. Especially Maddie. She seemed to know more about my personality than others, yet she hadn't noticed that I was a bit... umm... unusual.
Today was particularly cold day. The air was humid, but it was also close to freezing. So, we would sweat because of the humidity, and then freeze because of the temperature. The days before this one were cold, but not to this extent. It was usually a manageable temperature, but not today. I'm sure it would have snowed if there were clouds in the sky. That's how cold it was.
I was starting to get worried that the group wasn't back yet. They thankfully appeared moments later, and Crystal was holding some small boxes in her hands. She handed them out to everyone, and when she got to mine, she was practically bouncing.
"I know it's around Christmas time, so I got everyone gifts," She said, handing me one of the small boxes.
I opened it up, and was delightfully surprised. It was a small tree made of crystals. The light reflected it in such a way, so that it looked like the leaves were rustling around every time a shadow passed over.
There was a small note inside the box.
Dear Raven,
You are one of the most amazing people I've met in my life. You threw away your future to help me, when you could have abandoned me on any step along the way. This is a token that can remind you if what could have been. You have always been there for me, and I want to be there for you. You have been my friend through bullying, torture, and the toughest times in my life. This is something I hope will make your life better this holiday, because your friendship is like treasure.
-Crystal
I almost cried when I read it. She really knew how to get the waterworks going. I thanked her instantly.
"You really didn't have to get me anything," I said.
She smiled at me, and signed something.
"I know, but I wanted to get something anyway," James translated.
I smiled at her, and thanked her again. I couldn't help but have hope that this would blossom into something more.