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“Is that a…?” Caesar squints, pointing out the window. “A treehouse? Do kids here really have their own treehouses in their backyards? I thought that was just in movies.”
“That’s funny. I thought castles were only in movies growing up.” We both laugh. “But yeah. We did.”
“I always wanted a treehouse.”
“You were a prince! You didn’t get a treehouse?”
“My father said I would break an arm and a leg if I got one.”
“So that’s why you’re such a risk-taker. Too few opportunities as a kid.”
“Might be. Or who knows how many more risks I’d take now if I had one. My brothers and I used to play rough with each other. I can definitely see one of us getting shoved out of a treehouse.”
I can see him craning his neck, looking out longingly.
“Let’s go up, come on.” I take his hand. “It used to be my hideout. I’d go up with a good book and the hours would pass by. I think my mom has a fear of heights, so she’d leave me alone when I was up there.”
“I’d love to go in. You’ll be making one of my dreams come true.”
Just as we’re about to exit the room, Caesar reaches out for my hand and squeezes it. My breath catches in my throat, wondering if he has ulterior motives for taking me into my old childhood treehouse.
And honestly, I wouldn’t mind. We both deserve a little fun after today.
My posture stiffens as he grabs my hand. I’m still not used to him touching me, as much as I like it. He notices immediately and strokes my hand softly.
“We should act comfortable around each other. Like a couple who’s madly in love. Someone might be looking, and we want them to be convinced.”
“Right, yeah. Of course.”
I act more relaxed, but inside I’m filled with questions. I can’t tell if he really likes me and wants to touch me, or if it’s all for the act to get into my parents’ good graces.
Caesar offers me another hand squeeze as he leads the way out the sliding glass door into the backyard. I desperately wanted to escape when I was living through the moments in the photographs, but looking at the treehouse, it feels so safe and comforting. Like I want to be back there again.
“Thank you, by the way,” I say. “For everything you’ve done for me today.”
He responds with another hand squeeze. “Thank you, Vivienne.”
I’m not sure exactly what he’s thanking me for, but I nod. “You’re welcome.”
17
CAESAR
Orange and purple hues dance across the sky as the evening sun departs. Vivienne smells like lilies as she leads me up to her childhood treehouse.
Is it a good idea to ensconce myself in such close quarters with her? Maybe not, but I could care less about that right now. I just want to be close to her and get to know her better. She’s like a labyrinth I want to explore.
“Were you the only one who came up here?”
“Nope.” Vivienne allows me to climb up first before she hurries close behind. “My sisters and I would host little tea parties here.”
It’s amazing how spacious the interior is. There’s a small loveseat in the corner, along with a tiny table and chairs. Miniature bookshelves line the walls. Typical kid stuff, alongside various mementos.
“That’s Cheeky,” Vivienne remarks, pointing at the small plush sheep in my hand. “I won him at the town fair when I was like six. He was the first thing I ever won, so I cherish him a lot.”
I set him down gently and pat his head. Vivienne crosses the little room, opening the window with a grunt and allowing the warm sunlight to pool in. A gentle breeze follows, and I relax taking in the crisp air.
The carpeted floor beneath us feels nice underneath my fingertips. I lower myself to sit down. Vivienne does the same, bringing her knees up to her chest. We stare at the open window in a peaceful silence.
