In the garden

Alexander waited for me to walk through the door before coming out himself and closing it behind him. There was everything here. There were hibiscus, aster, California poppies, crocus and chrysanthemum. They were beautiful, but what really caught my eye was the apple tree in the back corner of the garden. There was a fountain with heart at the to flowing with water and a picnic table with a plaid blanket over it. I walked on a stone path that led to the tree. As I approached the tree I noticed a blanket laid out under it with a basket sitting in the middle of it. I picked up the basket and a folded paper fell out of it. Alexander, who was behind me reached out and picked it up.

"What does it say?" I turned around to face him. He shrugged and began to unfold the paper. He read it in his head and then turned it to me.

"It says that the apples are ready to be picked. I guess that's what the basket was for?" he pointed at the basket and then at the tree. I followed his finger and looked over at the tree as well. I guess it was time to pick some apples. I stepped up to the tree and began to pull on an apple on a lower branch. A small snap could be heard as the apple broke free. I dropped it into my basket and reached for another, but couldn't quite grab hold.

"Hey, come and help me with this, will ya'?" I peeked over my shoulder at Alexander, who was just standing there watching. He nodded his head and came to help. I'd wanted him to get the apples or at least hold the basket, but instead he hoisted me off of the ground and onto his shoulder. I invaletarally yelp as he stadied me. It was a shock, but I managed to keep my composure.

"Is this good?" I could feel his hand tighten over my thigh. Dear god, I have problems.

"Y-yes that's great. Thank you." I tried my best to ignore the fact that a complete hottie just picked me up like I weighed and pick the apples. I quickly filled the basket as fast as I could. It was kind-of great sitting up this high. I peeked over my shoulder and look around the garden. It was beautiful. Everything seemed still and peaceful.

"Are you finished?" I looked down at Alexander who was now staring back at me. I nodded my head and he preceded to put me down. Once I was back on my feet I made my way to the picnic table and sat the basket down. I took a deep breath and sat down at the table. I tapped the seat next to me gesturing for him to sit as well. He slowly walked over and sat down next to me.

"This place really is amazing. It's perfect. I don't think i'll ever want to be anywhere else." he chuckled and turned to face me.

"If this is the best place you can think to be, then the worst place just might be our school. I mean you're sixteen. You have to go, right?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"I haven't gone to school in a while. What's it like at your school?" I leaned back until my back was on the edge of the table. He was silent for a moment. I guess he was think of the perfect way to describe it. Then he just shrugged.

"It's a place where a bunch of rich assholes go to brag about things that are handed to them on a silver platter. It's literally the place to send stuck up and narcissistic kids. You'll hate it." I wasn't really expecting him to say that. He seemed annoyed to even speak about it.

"Well that just makes me want to go even more. Thank you, that was such a tremendous uplift." I couldn't help but laugh. I honestly didn't think he could, but he laughed along with me. It was nice to have someone to talk to. It was calming to think that even in a whole new place I can still make friends. Even if he is basically my family. I feel so at home. I love this place. It's like I could stay here forever. I wish time could freeze me in this moment. This beautiful moment in the garden.