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Sophie smiled softly. “You won't. And, hey, if it helps, jump his bones. Get it out of your system. Sometimes a little distraction works wonders.”
Olivia rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Soph. I'll figure it out. I hope.”
Sophie patted her sister's back affectionately. “You will. Just trust your gut, Liv. And, hey, don't forget, I'm here for moral support, or to celebrate your bone-jumping triumphs.”
Olivia couldn't help but laugh at Sophie's teasing, feeling a bit lighter.
* * *
The sun began to rise as Turk and Jackson set out for an early morning hike. The woods to the north of town were rumored to hold all sorts of hidden stories about the history of Waverly Junction, including the vestiges of the original Waverly Mansion.
As Turk and Jackson trekked through the forest, the crunch of leaves underfoot accompanied their easy banter. Jackson adjusted his backpack. “I heard some gossip about our new captain.”
Turk raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “I knew playing at the fire academy would pay off. Do tell. Is it juicy?”
Jackson grinned mischievously. “Well, let's just say, he's got a great memory for fire codes but couldn't lead a group of ants to a picnic.”
Turk chuckled, shaking his head. “Great. Sounds like a real fire hazard, if you ask me.”
“Exactly,” Jackson agreed, nodding. “I mean, the guy aces the exam but gets lost in the fire station. They're calling him Captain Compass Rose—always pointing in every direction but north.”
Turk laughed, picturing the scene. “Maybe he's just trying to keep everyone on their toes. You know, strategic confusion.”
“Or maybe he's secretly trying to find his way to the nearest donut shop,” Jackson quipped, earning a snort of laughter from Turk.
“Hey, don't knock it 'til you try it,” Turk retorted, nudging Jackson playfully. His expression turned thoughtful. “But, seriously, if he can't lead a team, he's gonna have a tough time when things heat up.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. “Yeah, let's hope he finds his footing before the flames do.”
“At change of shift, let’s call a lieutenants meeting. We need to warn them about Captain Louis.”
With a shared nod, they continued their hike, enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.
Turk's laughter continued to echo through the woods, a happy sound that mingled with the rustling branches overhead. “You know, I heard a tale that the Waverly ruins hold secrets of buried treasure. Maybe we'll stumble upon a chest of gold coins today.”
Jackson grinned, shaking his head in amusement. “How many times have we tried to find it? I'm calling dibs on the pirate hat and eyepatch. Arr, matey.”
Their banter carried them farther into the forest, each step unveiling a new layer of fallen leaves. “Seriously though,” Turk said, a hint of excitement lacing his voice, “I've always wondered about the ruins. Imagine the stories its walls tell.”
Jackson nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “It would be like stepping into a history book. All I know is it burned. The Waverlys then built that huge estate on the west side. I wish I knew more about who lived there and what dramas unfolded within the walls.”
“We could go to the historical society,” Turk suggested.
“I’ve been there. The location and the history were vague.” Jackson kicked up more leaves.
Their chatter ebbed and flowed, seamlessly merging with the rhythm of their footsteps. Amidst the casual jokes and tales of hidden treasures, anticipation buzzed between them.
As they continued deeper along the barely readable old trail, the experienced hikers marked their way. Each step brought them closer to where they assumed the Waverly estate existed and farther from the town.
Soon, the remnants of the destroyed home stood before them, draped in vines and weathered by time and fire. Turk’s jaw dropped. “This has to be it.”
The morning light danced across the scattered stones, burned and broken walls. Turk and Jackson exchanged glances. They had stumbled upon the forgotten piece of the Waverly family past.
They began exploring the ruins, tracing the outline of the foundation. Stone steps led to an entranceway that opened to what would have been the living room. Amidst the rubble, an unmistakable feature caught their attention: the remains of an enormous fireplace mantel adorned with intricate carvings.
Jackson squinted, leaning closer to inspect the markings etched into the weathered marble. “Is that... a phoenix?”
Turk furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on the majestic bird engraved into the stone. “Could be. Wonder if it holds any significance for the Waverlys, or if it was simply decorative.”
