Behind those icy blue eyes

Chapter 10 Dares and adventures

       Grayson         

              Another memory he looked fondly back on was the hours he would spend outside. The grounds were just as large and sprawling as inside. You could get lost just exploring the Black Woods, and that was only one-fourth of the property. After school, Grayson would stay outside as long as he could. Sometimes it wasn't until eight or nine o'clock at night before he came in. And then, his mind took him to another moment that he had suppressed for too long.

          Ten years ago: 

            Grayson and Jameson were playing near the Black Woods. Races across the grassy fields, throwing rocks in a nearby pond, and Jameson's favorite: tree climbing. After four dares, four trees and cuts and bruises later, Grayson was getting worn out. He was deciding to head in, when Jameson stopped him.

       "I dare you to climb that tree." he said his green eyes twinkling mischievously. He was pointing to a large oak tree, with wide, thick branches.

       It was tempting, but Grayson decided four dares-all from Jameson- was enough today. "No, I am too tired. But you can." he paused, and then added with a sly smirk "Actually, I dare you to."

       "To climb that tree?" 

       Grayson shrugged. "You dared me. I don't see why I can't dare you to something."

      "Planning on heading in while I am up in the tree."

       Grayson hadn't thought that. He was tired of Jameson daring him, that he decided to give him one. Besides, this tree was the biggest and one of the hardest to climb. Just perfect for Jameson. 

       "Well?" he said. 

       "Fine. I will do it."  Grayson watched as Jameson began the tricky climb. He had only gone a few yards up when his foot, that had been on a branch, started to move downward. Grayson heard a crack. At first he thought Jameson broke his leg, but then he realized it was the branch. Then the ground began to move. Near the trunk of the tree, part of the ground disappeared: revealing a secret tunnel. 

         Grayson looked down the dark hole. "What do you think is down there?" he said to his younger brother, who had stopped the dare he had been doing. 

      "I don't know, but I am going to find out!" Jameson jumped down, the dare now forgotten. 

      "Well, I am coming with you." Grayson said, using his don't-you-dare-argue-with-me voice. With his brothers it didn't usually work. Thankfully, Jameson didn't argue and they both got ready to explore the new discovery. 

      Using the flashlights from their phones, they carefully made it down the crumbling staircase. The tunnel wasn't very large, about six feet high, and only big enough for two people. It went on for many minutes before they came to another set of stairs leading to a trap door. Going first, Grayson lifted up the door. Expecting it to be stuck, he was surprised that it opened with ease.

       The hidden tunnel led to one of the empty stalls in the massive Hawthorne stables. A horse whinnied as Grayson and Jameson realized where they were.  This discovery would be many that they would find around the property. This discovery was one Grayson's favorites. It was probably because it was the first of the many tunnels they would find. After that, he tried to find as many secret tunnels and passageways as possible. 

           He and his brothers would find six in just one year.