Genevieve reached the forest fairly quickly after leaving the shop. Amos's was the last street before it, so she had no trouble finding the weathered road just beyond the concrete curb. The weather had gotten significantly more warm than it was in the morning, a fact which Genevieve reflected in taking off her outerwear. She slung her jacket across her shoulder, tying the sleeves together at her chest. She hiked through the woods, her head unable to steadily look forward as her attention was constantly drawn by something captivating. A bird flew by, she heard a waterfall, there was a pretty flower; there was always a reason for Genevieve to look at anything but the road in front of her. The sun disappeared behind the foliage as Genevieve continued to walk down the path. The beaten asphalt transformed into a muddy trail littered in footprints. The trees swayed as a cool breeze picked up. The wind danced around Genevieve, lightly whipping at her neck causing chills to run down her arms. She paused, wrapping her arms around her body to maintain the comfortable warmth from earlier, eventually giving in and putting her jacket back on.
The forest grew darker as Genevieve left the sun behind her. Woven into the delicate symphony of forest sounds, Genevieve could faintly hear the running of water. She had found what she had come for. The Lyderwood Spring grew louder as Genevieve picked up her pace. The crunch of leaves under her feet created a rhythm that accompanied the lull of the spring, and Genevieve found herself walk dancing to the beat the combination made. As she approached the sound of the water, she heard the soft chatter of voices, a group that seemed fairly large. She slowed her walk to a stop before taking a few uncertain steps towards the voices.
"Ah, newbie!" A face jumped out at her.
Genevieve jumped back, tripping on the twigs underfoot and falling down.
Irene was staring down at her.
"Sorry, kid. Did I scare you?" She stretched her hand out to offer Genevieve some help.
"Irene, damn it." Oliver ran up to them, breathlessly resting his hands on his knees. "Stop running off without me."
"Sorry Ollie. I thought I saw the newbie through the trees.' Irene smiled at him, and Genevieve grabbed onto her hand, pulling up.
Once standing, Genevieve glanced over the two.
"You guys come from the spring?"
"Meh." Oliver turned his head to the side, glancing nervously at Irene.
"I'm heading there right now, to check it out of course."
"Maybe not now," Irene ushered them back in the direction Genevieve had just come from.
"Wait, what? I came all this way." Genevieve protested.
"There's just… a lot of people here today. It's hard to get a good view of the spring. Come back tomorrow and earlied." Oliver said sheepishly.
"That's fine, I just wanted to get a quick peek. Don't worry about me." Genevieve moved to push past Irene, who gently placed her hand on Genevieve's waist, pushing her in the other direction.
"Just listen, too many people." The group went quiet, listening into the loud overlapping chatter that could be heard above the rush of the water.
"Besides, us Courtyard residents have to look out for each other. Irene smiled again, pulling Genevieve along. "Next time."
"But…" Irene's hand remained firmly on Genevieve's waist, pushing her further back along the path.
Tripping over her own feet, Genevieve reluctantly followed.
"Let's go grab breakfast. I noticed you didn't eat earlier." Irene suggested.
"Yeah sure, just, " Genevieve finally wriggled out of Irene's grip and adjusted her jacket. "Jesus." She whispered under her breath.
"What was that?" Oliver asked.
"Oh, nothing." Genevieve pushed ahead of them, walking quickly in front, eager to shake these strangers.
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The cafe they found was in the centre of town. It was fairly empty, a true reflection of the rest of the town and was called the Lyderwood Coffeehouse. Genevieve noticed that the townspeople lacked creativity when it came to naming places in town.
"So, what were you guys doing by the spring if there were too many people?" Genevieve sipped her coffee, leaning back into the velvety booth they were sitting at.
"Oh, you know," Oliver didn't look up from his salmon toast as he replied, "Just scoping the place out. Didn't get to see too much, not with the crowds and all."
"Crowds and all." Genevieve repeated, eyeing her companions. "Well," She set her coffee down. "I guess I'll just go tomorrow."
"No no no. Damn, the new kids are always so clueless." Irene piped up, finally pulling herself away from her stack of blueberry pancakes. "The weekdays are peak visiting hours at the spring. Go on Sundays, there's never anyone."
"Sunday, hm." Genevieve tilted her head, considering. "No… that doesn't work too well. I think I'll go tomorrow. Don't worry about me, I'm a big girl." She raised her hand, standing from her seat. "Check please!. Separate." She clarified, glancing down at her unfinished black coffee and then at the dishes sitting before Irene and Oliver.
"It was nice to see you and I appreciate the concern but please leave me alone? I'm fine and I don't need chaperones. Enjoy your breakfast." She handed the waiter a five dollar bill and tossed her jacked on as she walked out the door. The bell jingled behind her, leaving a shaken Oliver and an unfazed Irene behind at the table.
Irene picked up her utensils, continuing to dig into her remaining pancakes.
"Bitch." She muttered, viciously cutting into her pancakes.
"We'll get through to her." Oliver threw back. "We've just got to figure out how. Take it easy, Irene. I'm constantly telling you that you come off too strong. Believe me now?" He sighed, grabbing his jacket and wallet and standing up.
"Your turn to pay, by the way."
"Oh ok. Fuck you too." Irene didn't even look up.
"Why are you always like this? You don't always get it your way, Irene." Oliver replied.
Irene didn't respond.
Oliver sighed. "I'll see you back at the Courtyard." He put on and zipped his jacket, throwing one last look at Irene before leaving the cafe, leaving the bell jingling again.