64. Fully Connected

As we trudged toward the backcountry area, I hesitated. "I didn't think we were allowed to just go back there like this," I said, unsure of the appropriateness of our little expedition.

They all burst into laughter, and all eyes turned to Jules, who led our little procession with an air of authority I hadn't noticed before.

Sliding his arm around my shoulders with familiar ease, he tightened his grip as I tried to shrug him off. "Dude, my family owns most of the backcountry land. It's fine," he chuckled.

I was momentarily dumbfounded. "Uh, I didn't know that. Is that why we aren't allowed on it typically?" I asked.

Jules shot me a look. "That, and other reasons. Now come on, I want to show you my house," he said, pulling me along as he plowed energetically through the snow.

We barreled through the woods chasing Bear, who was gleefully chucking snowballs back at Adrien as they played.

As we put a bit of distance between us and them, Jules leaned in close and whispered, "Hey man,