Chapter 11 - Master Finneas

BETWEEN YUMI'S ABSOLUTELY cool description and her contagious excitement, I really, desperately wanted to go and see the rare blue moon orchid, too. But I looked back and saw that our tent looked like a giant, sad pancake on the ground.

"You go on," I told Jolene, who hesitated.

"Are you sure, Cora?" Jolene asked, looking absolutely torn between staying and running off to see the cool flower. "We can come back and fix it."

"I'll figure it out, don't worry, Jo. Besides, I'll need someone to tell me all about that flower." When she didn't budge, I reached up and gave her arm a little nudge with my hand.  "Trust me, Jolene, I'd rather stay back and figure this monster out," I insisted, trying to sound braver than I felt. Jolene finally nodded and gave me a tight, quick hug and then bolted like she was, well, Usain Bolt.

So, there I was, alone with a pile of tent parts that hated me. I stared at the instructions, which might  as well have been written in ancient hieroglyphics. After a few moments of fumbling, I felt a notch at one end of the poles that wasn't there at the other, realizing my mistake. "Aha. So the poles go this way, Einstein. You could have said that earlier," I muttered to myself. I shifted a few pieces and, miraculously, everything started to click into place.

Just as I was securing the last pole, I heard a rustle and some footsteps from the opposite direction. I turned around and saw familiar dark hair and eyes to go with. Finn appeared, looking around like he was searching for a lost puppy before he finally caught sight of me. "There you are, Cora. I was wondering where you'd gone."

"I stayed back to finish the tent," I said, trying to look nonchalant as I brushed some dirt off my hands. "I didn't want to leave it, like, half-done."

Finn watched me as I finally secured the tent and stood back to admire my handiwork. "Impressive," he said, a playful smile on his lips. "Your dedication is really something."

I felt my heart do a little happy dance at his words but tried to play it cool. "Well, uh, thanks, Not-Neel."

"You know," Finn then continued, "it's a good thing you got this done. Wouldn't want any ravenous bears to sneak up on us while we're distracted by a flower."

I laughed, imagining a bear tiptoeing through the camp. "Yeah, or worse― ravenous mosquitos."

"Ah, but of course. Yes, thank you Miss Almond Baba, for rescuing us."

I rolled my eyes and then couldn't help but giggle. "Are you a damsel in distress, Finn?"

"I will be if it's you that's rescuing me, Cora."

He gave me a cheeky grin and winked, and I shoved at his arm, laughing. He then gave me an exaggeratedly suspicious look. "Though, were there any ulterior motives to your service, Miss A.B? Surely, you don't expect anything in return, do you?"

I pretended to think deep and hard. "Nah. Just your firstborn child."

Finn raised his eyebrows, huffing out an incredulous laugh before he smirked, questioning slowly, "So you want to have my firstborn child, huh?"

"Wait, why are you saying it like that?"

He was suddenly the poster child for innocence. "Like what?"

"I- You know what- Never mind." My face heating up, I looked away and put my hands on my hips as I surveyed the area. "Perhaps those ravenous bears could keep better company."

"Jeez, sorry, Rumpelstiltskin."

"I dare you to spell out that name."

Finn seemed to think about it for a second before his lips mouthed the name again as if sounding it out, and his face blanched. "You know what? I'd rather face the bears. Bring it on."

My laughter rang through the forest, and Finn's followed along, too. I bumped his shoulder with mine, making a face at him, and his grin widened, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

We both chuckled at our absurdity, and then Finn gave me a parting smile before going to his tent to get something. I felt a tiny sense of accomplishment as I looked back again at my (finally) sturdy tent. I also felt just a bit more better about not going to see that beautiful, super-cool flower.

As I was moving Jolene's and my stuff into the tent, the group came back. By now, I'd known all their names: Bryon (my trek-buddy), Priscilla (a.k.a. Miss Priss), Edna (Priscilla's friend), Abigail (the nature-loving girl who was talking to Bryon about apple orchards), and Isla (a smart girl with a lot of conspiracy theories).

As the buzz about the flower continued, Yumi called out that it was time for dinner. Since it was the first day, we weren't grilling or toasting anything over a fire. A family in town had wanted to cook for us and show us the amazing flavour of Anaril through local famous dishes.

As we walked back down a path to the town central and where the family's house was, Yumi explained some of the dishes. "Tonight, we're in for a treat," Yumi said, her eyes practically glowing. "We'll have yakitori skewers, miso soup, smoked trout salad, alpine cheese fondue, and the famous mountain vegetable tempura!" My mouth was watering as we walked, and I wondered to myself if fourth helpings would be allowed.

My stomach growled loudly, betraying my excitement, and Bryon, who was walking beside me, suddenly pointed at my mouth. I panicked and swiped at it, wondering if I had drooled in anticipation. But when my hand came back dry, I must have looked super confused because then Bryon laughed.

"April fools."

"I-"

"And yes, I know it's July."

I stared at him before I burst into laughter. "I didn't know you had this type of sense of humor, Bryon!"

He grinned. "Well, I too have my moments." Abigail, who was walking beside us, joined in the laughter, making me smile.

We finally arrived at the house, a charming wooden structure with lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze. A stout, rounded woman wearing a blue-and-yellow coloured shawl stood at the door and welcomed us with a booming voice. "Come in, come in, everybody! We're so glad to have you here." She gave me a welcoming smile as I walked in, and I suddenly was reminded of Aunt Cheryl. I would have to check my phone once I got the service and the time. Guilt for leaving suddenly aside, I missed her terribly. Jolene took one look at my face and must have realized what I was thinking, because she squeezed my hand tightly and gave me a comforting smile.

Inside, it was warm and inviting, filled with the mouth watering aromas of our upcoming feast. We were led to a long, rustic table covered in platters of sausage, steaming bowls of ramen, delicate tempura, and colourful veggie dishes. It was a foodie's paradise.

We sat around the long table, waiting for the woman―her name was Amaranth―to finish saying the prayers to their mountain Goddess. Then, along with her and her two children, Imogen and Momin, we all dug into the feast. We all laughed and talked, and it was super fun, especially with Isla entertaining everybody with her vast conspiracy theories.

"You know, some people believe that birds are actually government drones used to spy on us. So every time you see a bird perched on a wire," she paused for effect, giving eye contact with everyone solemnly, "it actually might be recharging." Bryon and Renzo's jaws dropped, and Isla sat back in her seat with a smile like Mission. Accomplished.

I grinned, amused, and Isla shot me a wink. I had a feeling we would become good friends.

A while after, the stereo was brought out, music was playing and it was loud (Renzo had even gotten Yumi to shake a leg with him on the makeshift dance floor!). I realized that I needed more food (I mean, who wouldn't with all these delicious options?). So I grabbed my empty plate and navigated my way to the kitchen. And guess who was already there, seeking seconds? Finn, of course.

"Do you think we'll be allowed to take fourths?" I asked him as I walked inside, heading toward the alpine cheese fondue that I'd taken a particular liking to.

He turned and caught sight of me, giving me an amused smile. "What are you talking about? I'm already planning my fifth."

I bit my lip to hide a grin. "Yes. Thank you, my hope has now been restored," I sighed happily. I was starting to pile some food onto my plate, wondering if I should ask Amaranth for the recipe when Finn interrupted my thoughts.

"So...you and Bryon, huh? Best buddies now?" he teased, smirking as he reached for more tempura.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fertilizer interests aside, he's actually a nice guy. You know, you two could learn a thing or two from each other." Finn raised an eyebrow, and I grinned sheepishly at him.

"Touché." I paused, then couldn't help but shoot back, "Why, you and Miss Priss"―oops―"uh, I mean Priscilla, um, yes, Priscilla―"

"Wait," Finn said slowly, a small smile creeping onto his face. "What did you just say?"

"Um, Priscilla?" I answered meekly.

"Really." It wasn't a question, and I laughed nervously, stepping back as he slowly stepped closer.

"I'm actually a very nice, homely, and mannered girl, so I might have included a Miss Priscilla in there, you know. Now, of course," I blabbered, "I don't expect anyone to address me with a title, and I hope you don't expect me to address you as Mr. Finneas ―"

"No, I do not, Cora."

"―or Sir or Master or something―"

"I- Whoa, what? "

"―what am I saying? Please ignore that last part. Or, all of it, if you can." I stopped to catch my breath, and then I grabbed a handful of glazed chocolate candies from a pretty red bowl off to the side. I stuffed them in my mouth to keep from talking.

At this point, I was practically backed up against the counter as Finn stood before me, both of our plates long forgotten.

"I'll ignore that last part. For now," Finn told me, and I nodded gratefully, taking what I would get. "But either you tell me if what I think I heard was true, or," he continued, looking back at the entrance of the kitchen, past which everyone else would be, "I could ask Priscilla herself what she thinks about it. What do you say?" His dark eyes pierced mine, amusement tracing his lips.

I shook my head fervently, giving him a pleading look, and he nodded for me to speak. I just keep chewing, pointing at my mouth like, Oh, look how I've stuffed my face. This subscriber is not reachable at the moment, hon. Try again. In all honesty, I was just stalling for time, because I knew I was about to get thoroughly roasted, baked, even deep fried, within the next few minutes.

"I can wait here all night, Cora," Finn warned me, mouth twisting into a playful smirk. But deep down I knew he totally would wait all night and even the next day if he wanted to.

I finally swallowed the candy, making a big show of it, before I glared up at Finn. "Since when were you such a master―"

His eyebrows flew up. "What―"

"Oh my goodness, let me finish!" I gasped, hitting his arm.

"Let you finish...?"

"Finn." My face was burning from utter mortification. "I meant, please let me finish my sentence."

He bit his lip like he was holding back a laugh. "Alright."

"As I was saying," I huffed, "since when were you such a master manipulator? That was totally a blackmail session right there, you know?"

"You were about to make it some other type of session right then, what with your talks of 'sir' and 'master' and 'finishing'―"

"Finneas!" I cried, trying to drown out his voice in mine, because I totally wanted to cartwheel away and drown myself in the nearest puddle.

"Okay, sorry, fine," he grinned, mercifully switching the topic. "I wasn't the one about to make it into a roast-your-frenemies name calling session, Cora."

"It's not a big deal," I mumbled. "All I said was, um..."

"..."

I hemmed and hawed and I swallowed down any of my remaining pride because saying it out loud was downright mortifying.

"Miss Priss."

There was a beat of humiliating silence between us before Finn burst out into laughter, loud and infectious. His head tipped back and his eyes squeezed shut as he repeated, "Miss Priss!" And then, just when I thought he might be calming down, he took another look at my face,  and started laughing all over again.

"Oh, shut up," I whined half-heartedly, leaning my head forward and resting it on his shoulder. I pinched his torso, and he just yelped but the laughter didn't stop.

"Oh, Cora," he sighed, chuckling. His arms were around me as his laughter (finally) started to go down.

"I was very much not supposed to say that out loud," I mumbled into his shoulder. I then looked up at him. "You won't tell her, right? Or anyone, for that matter?"

"Who? Oh ," he grinned, "Miss Priss―"

I quickly slapped a hand over his mouth. "Shh!" I hissed. "Please. Don't say it out loud."

I slowly removed my hand, then looked at him expectantly. "I won't," he said, grinning, "though it totally deserves to be heard―"

"Finn."

"I won't, Cora."

I bit my lip. "Promise?"

"Promise." His eyes held mine, and that's when I actually noticed our proximity, placement, and positions. I swallowed.

But then Renzo and Amaranth's son Momin came barrelling into the kitchen for seconds (or thirds or fourths or sevenths), and Finn and I jumped apart.

I started ladling fondue onto my plate like my life depended on it while Finn carefully examined the chocolate candies like he was Willie Wonka or someone.

"The both of you! Take some of the glazed pork, it tastes delish!" Renzo declared obliviously, Momin seconding that as he scooped more of the food onto Renzo's plate. They left in a whirlwind of excitement after that, and I giggled to myself as I watched them dance their way out.

And then it was just us again.

I was not about to let my motor-mouth blabber more nonsense again, so I decided to pile my plate and then quickly shimmy my way out.

It was actually a great plan. But who was I kidding? I think I spent a lifetime deciding between the wild mushroom risotto and the pumpkin risotto, only to figure out that I could just have a bit of both.

"Cora," Finn then said, and I shut my eyes, praying for my brain cells to stop short-circuiting at least this time.

"Yes?" I turned around pleasantly, ever the epitome of balanced, focused, and sane.

"What were you thinking about when you walked into the house? You looked kind of upset."

I was thoroughly flabbergasted that Finn had even noticed that I almost dropped my plate. Of course, I would rather that the beautiful dishes go into my stomach than become a slippery caution on the floor, so I set it down before I spoke.

I really didn't want to think about how much I missed Aunt Cheryl so I just casually replied, "Nothing, really."

Finn raised his eyebrows. "I know you're a clinically certified nut, Almond Baba―"

"Hey!"

"―but I don't think you're capable of looking that down when you actually aren't. Sorry to break this to you, but you don't actually have a resting tough-guy face."

I scoffed. "Yeah, okay. You don't want to see me when I'm mad, Not-Neel. You'll be, like, scarred for life―"

"Yeah, traumatized because you'll start reciting Archimedes' principle and how density affects buoyancy?"

I blushed.

And then it was a whole thing again because he stepped closer again and asked if everything was okay.

I looked up at him, thinking for a second before I nodded.

He raised a suspicious eyebrow. "...You hesitated."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I thought about your question for a second, Not-Neel. And everything is fine. I'll...tell you, soon, what exactly was going on in my head. But I don't really want to think about it right now. Please."

Finn's face softened as he studied me, his brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes, usually so bright and lively, grew gentle with understanding. "Of course, Cora," he said softly, nodding, almost to himself, and I let out a breath in relief.

He started to turn away and I ran a knuckle across my jaw, trying to loosen the sudden tension there, when Finn suddenly stopped and pointed at my face. "You've got something here."

Of course I do. I swiped at my cheek, hoping to get it off. "Did I get it?"

"Nope, still there," Finn said, stepping closer. He gently wiped the smudge away with his thumb, our faces now inches apart.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling my face heat up.

"No problem," he replied quietly, his eyes lingering on mine.

And then, for the weirdest reason, like, ever, my eyes fell to his lips. My own lips parted slightly of their own accord, and when I met his eyes again, they'd darkened, and I knew he'd seen me staring. His eyes had that look again, like he's trying to figure something out, and the familiarity of his dark gaze startled me for a second.

This was Finn. He was the guy who scammed me over whipped cream, the guy who talked about the wonders of bacon without knowing he was in a room full of vegan-enthusiasts, the guy who knew how to summon bees but not ward them off. This guy couldn't take things seriously, he said words in a way that made innuendos get shy, he called me 'Carol' for goodness's sake, and he wouldn't let the crazy 'Almond Baba' thing go. Sure, he could be thoughtful sometimes (okay, fine, he's always kind of thoughtful, surprisingly), his eyes had a way of pulling anyone in, and he just...got people, understood them like he'd known them forever. But still, he was Finn.

And who was I kidding? On paper, I probably matched the best with someone like Bryon, with his love for gardening and nature. Finn didn't even like gardening.

But my thoughts swirled in my head like someone had put them in a fruit blender, and I was only human, so I wasn't even surprised to find some betraying thoughts in there as well:

He's cute.

He's actually a good guy under the charming delinquent vibe.

The chemistry, Cora, the chemistry.

And there was a really treacherous thought:

He looks kissable. What ChapStick does he use?

And then the most treacherous thought of all:

If he kissed you right then and there, would you let him?

I didn't want to answer that last question, because it genuinely scared me for a second. What was I thinking? This was Finn, and I was on a trek to a summit in Anaril so I could prove to myself what I could do (or something equally ridiculous), and I still had to, um, I still had so much to do.

And Finn wanted to travel anyway. I didn't think I'd be going anywhere else for months to come after this.

That thought made me kind of...upset. I bit my lip, blinking.

We broke apart and went our separate ways then, though the moment was still hanging in the air as if time itself was trying to hold onto it.

Finn winked at me as he walked back to the dining area with his plate piled high, and I almost winked back. At the last minute I managed to wave back, flustered, and I saw the corner of his mouth turn up into a crooked grin as he turned around and walked out.

My heart started doing a weird fluttery thing, and I desperately summed it up to the fact that I had eaten so much I was going to pop like a balloon, and the only way to fix it was to eat some more.

Which, clearly, made no sense at all.

But I stayed back for as long as I could (I swear the little ceramic leprechaun statue was starting to give me weird looks) before I too headed back out, plate (and my heart) full.

___

A/N: So, super long chapter...how was it 😳🙈

I hope you liked it 🐣🫶

P.S. Please don't mind the chapter title... :) 😌💅🤫

P.P.S. I couldn't think of anything else🎈💃🙉

P.P.P.S. I really do love my emojis 🙊✨

P.P.P.P.S. imma shut up now 🚫