Jude sat on the bench under the tree, expecting Odie to do the same. He was surprised when she sat on the ground and began picking some flowers from the grass, tying them together like a chain.
“There’s plenty of room up here for both of us.” He mumbled, watching her fingers delicately braiding the flowers together in her lap.
“I always sit on the grass. My Dad always jokes that I must have been born in a barn... It’s really just because I’m clumsy and I can’t fall off if I’m already down here.” Odie smiled, picking another flower from the grass. Jude laughed, slipping down onto the ground to join her.
“If you don’t mind me asking, why is Freddie so afraid of you?” Jude wondered, handing Odie the flower he had picked from under the bench.
“His parents work for my Aunt. She owns a lot of the businesses and properties on the island and he’s terrified that I’ll convince her to fire them.” Odie murmured, tying the last flower into the chain.
“Would you do that?” Jude asked. Odie certainly didn’t seem like that type of person who would do that to anyone.
“Of course not!” She laughed. “It’s my sister he has to watch out for, she’s the tattle tail, but I’ll let him think it if it means I can stop him picking on anyone he pleases.”
“You have a sister?” Jude asked, picking at the skin by his nail.
“Yeah, Freddie has a massive crush on her... Most of the boys do, and some of the girls. She’s very pretty.” Odie tucked her hair behind her ear and pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose.
“You’re pretty too.” Jude smiled, ruffling his hair and crossing his legs.
“Not like Vie.” Odie mumbled, in barely more than a whisper. “Anyway! I better get my homework started. Are you any good at math? I could use some help.”
“Not really, but between us we can probably figure it out.” Jude laughed and Odie smiled.
