Page 84 of The Outsider
“You like it,” John said, watching my expression.
“Duh,” I replied, and he chuckled.
I peeked into the ensuite bathroom, and besides the usual shower, there was an old-fashioned copper bathtub with clawed feet.
“Don’t use that so much,” John said, nodding at the tub. “Wastes water.”
Rationally, I understood, but it felt like a crime to never use something so beautiful.
“You’ve always liked taking baths with me,” I said, biting my lip.
He grinned. “Nothing to do with the bath, baby.”
I sat on the edge of the bed, still admiring our surroundings. As foreign as this big, old house was to me, I could see myself living here. The house already felt familiar, as if by knowing its inhabitants, I’d somehow developed a kinship with it. I wanted to make my own memories here, to join the legacy that emanated from every corner.
“I think we’ll be happy here,” I said.
John kissed me. “I know we will be. Now, let’s get some supper and rest. Tomorrow, the real work begins.”
Chapter 23
Claire
The next day, the four of us set out on horseback to trade for supplies from the various homesteads around the Valley. John mounted Ghost behind me after helping me up, though to my surprise, I didn’t need much assistance. An unfamiliar thrill went through me at being up on a horse again. I hadn’t expected to like it as much as I did, and part of me longed to ride on my own.
“With the truck, it’d be faster, but until I get it running again, this’ll have to do,” John said apologetically. “It’ll probably take most of the day.”
“Yes, and as we saw, I hated riding yesterday,” I replied with a giggle.
I heard John’s pride in his voice. “You did take to it very quickly.”
“Can we go for a ride later?” I asked, eager to try again despite the lingering aches from yesterday’s ride.
“Let’s see how you feel after this. Did you remember to bring the drive from the Cave?”
I nodded solemnly, touching its outline in my coat pocket. “I’m a little nervous about what they’ll find.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “I know. We’ll figure it out, though, no matter what happens.”
Asha cursed loudly a few feet away as she tried to climb up onto Kimmy’s horse, Bella. She was struggling to swing her leg up and over. Kimmy giggled, then offered her hand. Asha took it with a begrudging glance at the horse, then finally managed to mount behind Kimmy.
“That was more trouble than I suspect this is worth,” Asha said with a heavy sigh.
“You’ll get used to it, Ash,” Kimmy said with an encouraging smile. “It definitely beats walking.”
Asha scoffed. “I’ve done enough walking for a lifetime.”
“Then you’ll appreciate the break,” John said pointedly, clearly annoyed. “Let’s get moving. This isn’t gonna be a quick trip.”
We set out from Summerhurst at an easy pace, and I couldn’t help but marvel again at the size and beauty of the homestead, even covered in a thick blanket of snow. It would be a sight to behold in the warmer months, when lush greenery painted the landscape. It was still hard to believe that this was my home now, too.
Soon enough, we made it out to the road, which was thankfully clear of fresh snow. John chatted easily as we rode, pointing out various landmarks and giving me a general sense of direction.
“It’s going to be a lot to figure out,” I said, biting my lip. “It’s such a big place.”
“You’ll do fine,” John replied. “You just have to get used to it. There’s only one central road through the whole Valley, and we’re on it now.”
I resolved to draw new maps as soon as I could. Perhaps that could be a useful contribution that’d endear me to those less excited about my arrival.
