The Secret of Spruce Knoll Read Online Free Page B

was from. By the time he walked her home, they were chatting about movies and music like old friends. He was remarkably easy to talk to and unlike a lot of other boys, he actually listened.
    “So what happened to your parents?” Eren eventually asked.
    His face fell, but not into a look of old pain like she had expected. Conflict warred within his eyes and his brow furrowed. His energy felt conflicted. Almost a quarter mile passed before he answered.
    “They were in a car accident when my mom was pregnant with me. Their best friends Virgil and Camilia were following in a car behind them and saw the whole thing. It was too late for my dad, but they pulled my mother from the burning wreck. She went into labor right there on the road. Her injuries were too bad, she didn’t survive.” His voice was so quiet Eren had to hold her breath to hear.
    The way he twisted Virgil and Camilia’s names made her think he didn’t like them very much. Odd , she thought, they had saved his life.
    “That sucks that they didn’t make it. I’m sorry,” she said.
    “Me too. Virgil and Camilia adopted me after it happened,” he said. This time his distaste for them was almost hidden.
    The story blew Eren away and actually made her feel a little better. At least now she had someone she could relate to, though, she thought, it was a horrible way to relate to someone. But she wouldn’t have to hide it or pretend to be happy when she was sad, he would understand.
    When they reached her driveway, he stopped. “Do you run every day?” he asked.
    “Pretty much.” Eren tried not to sound too hopeful.
    “Me too. We could run together if you’d like. I could meet you here tomorrow morning,” he suggested.
    Eren didn’t want to seem too eager so she paused and pretended to think about it. He was so nice—she didn’t want to screw this up. “Sure. Seven o’clock okay?”
    “I’ll be here,” he said before turning to leave.
    “Hey wait! I didn’t catch your name.”
    Spinning around, he grinned at her as he walked backwards. Her heart felt like it skipped a beat. He was gorgeous when he smiled.
    “Aiden,” he said.
    Eren laughed. She could tell by the mischievous look on his face that he knew exactly how he affected her.  With any other boy it may have been embarrassing, but he had a way of making things funny and lighthearted. It was very refreshing. Too many boys she had come across became arrogant when they realized she liked them. This one was different.
    “See you bright and early, Aiden.” She threw a bit of a challenge into her tone.
    Waving, he turned and jogged down the road. Eren watched him until he was out of sight, enjoying the view. A feeling that had become very elusive over the last six months crept upon her: happiness. She smiled as she practically skipped her way to the house. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad here after all.

Chapter 4

    Before she opened the front door she could smell the enticing aroma of eggs and sausage. The wonderful scents made her realize how hungry she was. She stepped inside and let her nose lead her to the kitchen. The sight she came upon was almost enough to make her laugh.
    Her aunt was spooning what smelled like scrambled eggs (though the color was way off) onto a plate. Egg was splattered all over her crisp white apron which still had creases in it from being folded and stuffed in a drawer somewhere. There were bits of egg clinging to her short black locks as well. Spilled orange juice was migrating across the counter.
    Eren sprung into action. She grabbed a dish towel from above the sink and mopped up the orange juice before it could escape off the counter. Her nose warned her that the sausage was about to burn, so she spun and moved it off the burner as she turned the stove off.
    “Aunt Sylvia, you didn’t have to do all this for me,” she said.
    “Is it that obvious that I don’t cook?”
    Eren turned to her with a raised eyebrow and a half grin. Sylvia burst into laughter.