Grand-Mère is only sick with a small cold. Mother still insists I go and search the hospital a few miles away. I am old enough to do this by myself. It will be an overnight trip so I have to pack my sleeping bag. I unroll it and stuff some bread mother made in it. I also put a bottle of water, a rain poncho, some extra socks, an extra hoodie, a granola bar, some band aids, a fire starter, and a change of clothes. I sit the bag beside my attic entrance and search for Chloe. She hates it when I leave. I find her playing in the rode with Giles. His strong muscular arms hold a small pink plastic horse. I try not to giggle. He makes a noise I can only guess is a horse whinnying. Chloe runs up to me and hands me a baby blue horse. I squat down and look her in the eyes. "Look, Chlo Chlo... I have to go travel tomorrow. I will be back the next day." I explain. She look down and I see that she is trying not cry. Giles already knows. I go and try and find Alexander. Alexander likes to hide in small spaces, where someone is least likely to find him. He isn't inside his room so I look outside. I am about to give up when I notice a orange color pencil in the grass. I pick it up and look around. I look at the house. He is sitting on the roof. I suppose I will have to go up to him.
       I put my hand on the branch of the tree by our house. I pull myself up and reach for the next branch. I reach with both hands to the closest branch to the house. I jump and catch it. I swing my legs, and jump. I soar above the ground for one second, then I bend my legs as I reach the roof. Alexander stares at me. I wipe a bit of sweat off my forehead. I sit next next to him. "Hey Samantha. I heard your leaving." He says. He is the only one I allow to say my real name. I brush back his black hair and look into his brown eyes. He shows me his latest sketch. A family, at what I guess is a happy family holding a baby, surrounded by friends and family. I get up to leave, but he grabs my hand. He stands up and hugs me. I hug him back. He opens his mouth and closes it, reminding me of the fish in the river a few blocks away. " Can I come" he whispers, barely audible. "I don't know Alexander. You have to ask Daddy" I say, matching his whisper. I turn away and start to climb down the tree. I reach the ground when I hear him sit back down. Alexander is not the type to hug. Something must be wrong.
"Chloe, I need you to bring Grand-Mère her dinner." I say. She does as told and disappears into the kitchen. I shut the bedroom door and slump against the door. Last time I went to the hospital Daddy was with me. Last time was three days before Chloe was born. I get up and take off my hoodie. I pull on a worn tee shirt that once said Visit London. Now it just has unreadable lettering. I sleep on my real bed tonight. I fall asleep and when I wake up early, Chloe is fast asleep. I look at the clock Giles made and I know I should start getting ready. I take off my pajama shirt and put on a long sleeved flannel shirts. I take off the cloth shorts I slept in and pull on some worn jeans. I pull on some socks and my tennis shoes. I pull on a hoodie. I kiss Chloe's forehead and walk out of my bedroom. Father is already awake, sitting at the dinner table reading a book. He looks at me and says " good luck. I love you. I told Alex he couldn't go.". I hug him and walk out the door, ready for the journey ahead.

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So, how was this chapter? You got to learn more about Alexander. Will Grand-Mère be okay when Sam gets back?! Just so you know, something big will happen next chapter!  Comments , Likes, and Votes are greatly appreciated😉
              - Janebook0