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Vapor spilled out of my mouth as I exhaled. Even with my thickest jacket, I felt the crisp, autumn air creeping into my skin.
The more I ran, the farther I was from the castle. The farther I was from the castle, the closer I was to the boat. Go straight. Turn left. Go straight. Just follow the moon, Ezra had instructed. My eyes squinted at the moon, still visible although the clouds shielded it like a blanket.
The more I was alone, the more I had time to think. What if I grew lost? I wasn't too familiar with being outdoors, especially not in the dark. What if the tales Mother had told me were true? That there were monsters hiding behind tall fences, peeking through glass windows? Why did I feel so small and exposed? Would it be so cruel to turn back now?
Just follow the moon. Just follow the moon. Follow—
"Heidi!"
My head snapped up. A dark figure stood, waving slowly. I breathed out in relief, though my heart didn't stop pounding.
"Didn't expect to see you here so early. It's only four in the morning," Ezra said, gesturing to the boat.
Only it wasn't a boat. It was a canoe. With paint peeling at its sides.
"That's...that's not what I asked for," I stuttered. "I told you to bring a boat."
He chuckled softly. "A canoe is a boat."
"It's...smaller than I thought it would be." I remembered him warning me not to bring any suitcases.
"It's all I have. I'm not as wealthy as you are." I didn't answer as Ezra helped me step in. I quickly pulled out a handful of coins from my coat pocket. "What's this, Heidi?"
"Money. For the trip," I said quietly. "My way of saying thank you."
He looked away from my open palm. "Just say it," he mumbled as he began to paddle. I held my breath when we began to drift away from land. No precautions or warnings at all. We just sat in silence.
A guitar, a backpack, and a lantern sat in the middle of the canoe. He wouldn't let me bring extra clothes, but he brought a guitar for himself. I stopped myself from questioning him about it. Instead, I pretended to be interested in the sky, which was engulfed in darkness just like the rest of our surroundings.
"You didn't quite tell me the reason," Ezra began. "Why Vernora?"
Our destination — Vernora Pines. "I did tell you."
"You did not."
"But I did. I was born there. Well, abandoned." I paused and met his eyes. "Father found me while setting up his research project near the lake. Do you remember now?"
"Of course. But that doesn't explain why you want to return."
My mouth opened, then closed. How could I explain that I wasn't looking for anything, but just longed for an adventure? Anyone would have wanted to do the same in my place, especially because I was practically locked away for years. It was shameful to admit I had hardly ever gone outside except to attend very few parties or funerals. Ezra, one of Father's favorite servants and entertainers, knew; I was sure of it.
"Heidi?"
"Your arms look tired," I blurted. "Give me the paddles."
"Do you know how to use them?"
"No," I admitted. "You can teach me."
He hesitated, but a thin smile formed. "Fine. It's easy. Just hold it like this" — he put one hand on the handle and another a few feet below — "and row." He passed me the paddles gently. I attempted to copy his movements, but ended up rocking the canoe. My arms froze.
"Relax. It's always like that the first time." He shifted closer. "It's too dark here; let me show you again."
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As soon as I found myself getting used to paddling, pain already began to gnaw at my shoulders.
Ezra slowly picked up his guitar. I finally asked what it was for. He stared at me, his eyebrows raised.
"Entertainment. I mean, that's my job." When I gazed at him skeptically, he added, "Just look around. Canoeing can get lonely."
"Fine, then. Play something."
He grinned like he was waiting for this moment. "I finished writing a song yesterday, just for this trip. Ready?" I nodded. "I'll start with the verse." He cleared his throat and sang. "I love how you manage to put me under a spell..."
I cut him off, unable to stop a giggle from escaping my mouth. "Ezra, what was that?" I teased. "I can tell already this is going to be awful."
"Your hair smells like roses, and stars if they had a smell..."
"You better stop."
"Heidi, just let me get to the chorus!" he said playfully before strumming another note on the guitar. My breathy laugh halted when I caught a glimpse of a part of his face glowing from the lantern. His lips moved as he sang, but his smile never faded. I thought I saw his right cheek reddening, though it was too dark to tell.
"Well? Aren't you going to sing along?"
My head shook slowly, but my grin stayed put. "Ezra, we need to focus."
"I am focused," he said softly.
My legs trembled. From the cold, I told myself. I realized I wasn't paddling anymore. We just sat with our hearts thumping synchronously, letting the canoe steadily steer us above the hush waters.
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The sky began to turn a pale iris as new forests surrounded the river. I took a large gulp of water from Ezra's pack, along with a few bites of baked bread. I couldn't help but peek inside his pack. "Did you steal these from our kitchen?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Aren't you glad I did?" He glanced at me sheepishly.
I squinted, seeing large, circular objects ahead. Rocks. And land behind it. "Paddle faster!" I cried out. "We're almost there!"
We were exhausted. But there was a thrilling surge of hope. Two days ago, I would've never imagined leaving the solid walls of my castle and starting an adventure with my father's servant. I would've never dreamed of drifting on a river, gazing into Ezra's hazel eyes as he strummed the guitar. I needed to hear him play again. I already missed it.
"Be careful. Don't come up yet." Ezra pushed himself up the rocks. I handed him his pack and the lantern, and finally the guitar. He grabbed my hand and dragged me up.
Land. We were on land.
"We're here. We're finally here, Heidi." His words danced into my ears. "What do we do now?"
I faced the trees being smeared with the rising sun's rays. An autumn leaf fell in front of me, and I studied it. "This is my first adventure." My words poured suddenly.
"I know." He twiddled with a leaf. "This isn't my first adventure. But it's certainly my favorite." Then he asked, "What did you tell your parents?"
I cocked my head. "A twist of the truth. But I left a letter," I added like that was good enough. "But I need this adventure. I just feel...as if I have all this air to breathe now. After being trapped for so long."
"Well, this adventure is far from over," he announced. "We haven't seen the best part of Vernora yet, Heidi."
He began to shuffle to his feet, but I stopped him. Ezra turned to face me. I hadn't gotten a good look at his face on the boat, but now I could observe clearly. Hazel eyes. Dark hair. Enchanting lips that I shouldn't think about. My mouth grew dry. What did I stop him for?
"Heidi..." he mumbled as my eyes darted everywhere but him.
And he pressed his lips against mine. Just for two seconds. Because we knew we shouldn't. But who was here to stop us?
Just say it, he said hours before.
"Thank you," I whispered, and I knew I should have said it earlier.
I thought of the guitar sitting next to him. The notes played in my mind. I closed my eyes and opened my mouth. The words came out wobbly and high-pitched, but we didn't care.
"See, I knew you knew the words," Ezra said after. He picked up his guitar, nudging my arm.
A breeze cooled our heated cheeks. And we sang, knowing the lyrics by heart.
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"And we're on a boat
Not knowing where we're going
And that is okay, that feels okay
Your hair blows
Making me shiver
And we know
When we cross this river
We'll both be okay..."
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