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Chapter Three

We got back to the cabin just as the storm started up. We ran into the shelter, screaming a little as the rain began to fall. Xena made sure to lock the door behind us, just as William turned to her.

"That was a nice hike, minus the surprise."

"Yeah." I agreed.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Should've known better. Promise, tomorrow and Monday just nothing but chilling out. Maybe some creek swimming." She offered up.

"Sounds like a plan." William and I replied at the same time.

We shared a look before grinning at each other.

"Okay, how about to make up for the surprise I make dinner and you two can go clean up?" Xena said, heading towards the kitchen.

"Sure." I agreed, while William just nodded.

I let William have the bathroom first and headed up to my loft area, pulling the curtain across. Outside my small window I could see the storm we avoided. It was raining buckets outside, flashes of lightening eliminating everything every couple of minutes as the thunder cracked. Nothing weird was going on and I felt better inside the cabin, so I guess my earlier paranoia was just my mind playing tricks on me.

I slipped off the clothes I was wearing and changed into sweatpants and a tee shirt, pulling on fuzzy socks and dealing with my hair in my face. I couldn't wait til it was past this awkward stage and I could pull it back again.

I climbed down from the loft when I was dressed. Something smelled spicy from the kitchen, which was interesting. I could still hear water running in the bathroom, so I left him be and instead unpacked our book bag and put things away. Once that was all done, I headed to the kitchen and leaned on the counter.

"What are we having?" I asked.

The air still smelled spicy, but with something fishy under it. She was frying something up in a skillet, which mixed a pungent and earthy scent with everything else.

"Spicy teriyaki salmon and asparagus." She replied, and I looked over at the skillet just as she moved the green stems around.

"Gods, I love that you can cook." I complimented her.

She laughed a bit, just as the water in the bathroom shut off. William came out in his pjs with a towel around his neck and still dripping hair.

"That smells great, Xena." He announced, walking over to hang out with us. "Bathroom's yours, sis."

"Thanks."

I left my spot from the counter, climbed my loft to grab my bath stuff, and headed to the bathroom. It was a nice sized bathroom, done up in soft, natural colors. I quickly stripped down and laid my clothes on the sink counter before getting into the walk-in shower. I could hear the storm over the water, picking up pace outside. It was strange, since the weather was supposed to be nice all weekend.

I climbed out of the shower once I was washed down and got dressed, throwing my hair up into a towel to let it dry. I decided to go ahead and clean my face so that I'd only have to brush my teeth later. I sighed standing in front of the sink and looking at the mirror. At least I could see the top of my towel headwear. I winged it, trusting myself to know my face well. I could put on makeup without a mirror, I could wash my face without it.

Once I felt clean I left the bathroom and headed back to the kitchen. Xena had already set up the small dining table with food and plates, and William was sitting in a chair looking out the window.