Chapter Thirty-nine : The Dinner Guests

Author’s POV

Madeline looked at the youngster, her attitude changing from one of interest to one of rage. She moved up closer, studying him intently. The youngster was about her age, with messy brown hair and hazel eyes that reflected a range of emotions similar to her own.

“What did you just say?”

“This is my hideout,” the boy repeated.

She reasoned that it couldn’t be. This treehouse was her discovery years before, before the boy could have claimed it.

“I think there’s been some kind of confusion. This very treehouse has been my hiding spot for a long time,” Madeline retorted.

“I have no idea where you’re coming from, but I’ve grown up using this spot since I was a young child,” she added.

The boy appeared astonished as his demeanor relaxed.

“Have you been going here for some time now? I didn’t intend to bother you. I’ve only lately begun to come here.”

“Good; now that you know this is my hiding space, scram,” Madeline said rudely.

“Whoa, whoa, you don’t have to be rude,” the b