Novel Square
In the Garden
Half the men led me to the garden while the other half of the team followed close behind. I found everything to be over-the-top and very funny. I mean, I was just walking to the gardens right outside this mansion. Now that I think about it, Auntie hasn’t given me a tour of the mansion yet because she must have been so busy dealing with my other requests. I didn’t mind though since I had the time to draft out some designs for my website.
The garden outside the mansion reminded me of the large garden that I saw before entering the boss’s base. Trees, plants, and flowers were arranged artistically to form a very beautiful landscape. Many flowers were in bloom and the colors added to the splendor of the garden. Just like I had guessed, the weather was perfect for a little stroll. The men gave me some space, but I could still feel their eyes on me. It was quite uncomfortable to be watched like this, but I tried my best to ignore them.
There was a small path that led deeper into the garden that wounded its way to the side of the mansion and I decided to follow it. Flowerpots along with decorative statues in the shapes and designs of forest animals lined both sides of the path. The wind blew against my face, sending my long hair back behind me. I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ears before holding down on the skirt of my dress to keep it from blowing too wildly in the wind.
There were many flowers in the garden that I didn’t know but I found them beautiful and calming to look at, nonetheless. A little while later, I found a white bench located under a large tree. It was the perfect place to sit and chill on such a day as this and I thanked whoever had the genius idea to put a bench here. Straying off the path, I approached the long bench and quickly sat down on it. This is so nice and relaxing. After being cooped up inside the mansion for so long, this was the perfect break that I needed.
…
Something is tickling my nose. It feels like I’m about to sneeze. It’s so nice and windy and I felt so sleepy.
Wait…
I opened my eyes in shock at the realization that I must have dozed off. If I remember correctly, I came into the garden and then I sat down on a bench.
“Oh, you’re up. I was wondering how long you were going to take a nap here,” Hayden said teasingly from above.
The view of the tree branches above was quickly covered by Hayden’s face looking down at me from above.
“Hayden?” I called his name questioningly.
When did he get here?
I couldn’t believe that I fell asleep here. Was I that tired or something?
“Yes, it’s me. Guess your brain isn’t fully awake yet…” Hayden continued to tease me as he smiled down at me from above.
“When did you get here?” I asked.
“A little while now. You were sleeping peacefully so I didn’t want to wake you,” Hayden said before sitting up straight.
That was when I realized that my head was resting on his lap. Did he do this? I had to say that his lap felt good as a temporary pillow.
“Welcome back. Are you feeling better?” I asked.
Hayden had a shirt on, so I didn’t know if any of the bandages had been removed or was he as wrapped up as before.
“I’m better and it wasn’t that bad to begin with…” Hayden replied with a hint of annoyance.
“Good then. Shall we go back inside? It’s getting very windy…” I suggested as I slowly supported my body up into a sitting position.
“Any progress on your website design?” Hayden asked.
It was just like him not to forget about that. I was glad that I had some progress to show him.
“Yup. I have a few ideas. I’ll show you when we’re back inside,” I replied.
I stood up from the bench, but Hayden didn’t do the same. I turned to face him as I cocked my head to one side slightly in wonder.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Without replying to me with words, Hayden held out a hand towards me. Is he telling me to take his hand to pull him up?
Still quite confused, I placed my hands into his and he gripped it firmly.
“Am I supposed to pull you up now?” I asked.
“Want to give it a try?” he asked challengingly.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Well, I guess I could…
I pulled on Hayden’s arm with all my strength, but he didn’t move at all. How heavy is he…seriously?!
“You’re so…heavy!” I exclaimed as I tried pulling harder.
Hayden just laughed at my struggle. Suddenly, Hayden pulled on my arm, and I found myself falling right on top of him.
“Hayden!” I cried out his name as I bumped into his chest.
Somehow, I landed on his lap, and he had his arm around my waist. Hayden was still laughing like he was truly enjoying himself and my struggle.
“You’re so weak and small…” Hayden said as he petted my hair lovingly.
“Well, compared to you…” I muttered as I glared at him.
His bright blue eyes twinkled in amusement. His touch on my hair was gentle and so was the arm that held me to him around my waist. I smiled at him. I guess Hayden is feeling better now and he’s in a better mood too. Slowly, our face got closer to each other until our lips met in a sweet and tender kiss.
It was getting dark now and a little colder too. The wind blew harder than before. This time when I invited Hayden back inside, he got up and followed me willingly. We walked hand in hand along the small path through the garden back to the mansion. I thought that I enjoyed my walk here decently enough when I was alone, but the walk felt so much more fulfilling now that I had Hayden by my side.
–To be continued…