The life within the lines.

Chapter 3.

After half a day of the rustling sound of leaves as the two walk through the jungle, their faces gleam brightly under the hot sun as sweat trickle down, they finally arrive at a village. Not just any village, The village that was written in the journal of Samantha's grandmother. 

From far, the village looks old and abandon. But as Samantha and Ariana got closer, the energy of the town is just flowing out and about. The merry sounds of people chattering in groups, all smiles. But most of all, they can feel the bond between the villagers. Like all of them took an oath to stand by each other no matter what.  

 As Samantha and Ariana approach them, everyone was staring. Almost. Samantha nearly trip on the ground, the center of attention doesn't seem too good now, but Ariana hold on to her arm. That one person, that wasn't at least trying to stare or peek behind someone else's clothing, was having his/her back face them.

The two feels an uncertainty of a feeling in the pit of their stomach gurgling, uncomfortable with what is happening but then, "Now now, what are you all looking at?" And that back that was facing them, turns, and sure enough there stands the most lovely and a face that seems so heart warming of an elderly. But even a blind person could see her scar that lies on her eyebrows and forehead.

"Hello there lovelies, what seems for two beautiful young ladies out in the woods?" walking towards them with a thick wooden stick to support her.

Both of them step timidly towards the old lady, and Samantha notice how the people around them soften their facial expressions.  

 "We..we were just passing through and wondering if the kind people who lives here would allow us to stay a night as it's getting late and a night in the wild isn't.. is not the most pleasant way to spend a night." Ariana tried pushing her fear of what might happen in the mist of the whole village.  

 "Yeah, what she said," Samantha tried as well. Ariana rolls her eyes after what her best friend said. 

 "Are you friend or foe?" A voice from the crowd rises.

"Don't listen to him dear, of course you're welcome to say here. I'm Rosa." The old lady dismisses the random shout out.

"Thank you really, I'm Ariana and this is my friend, Samantha." Ariana pauses and then proceeds to say, "Samantha Rivers,". Seeing if Rosa reacted to her name, but the old woman kept her cool.

"That's great dear. Okay, Marcus? Darling, are you near?" Rosa turns to search for a face.

"I'm here," A deep but steady voice speaks. Then came hustling and shuffling and the quiet exchanges of "excuse me". Then before them stands the most perfect man Samantha has ever seen. Broad shoulder. Muscular biceps. Yummy face.

"You called, Rose?" A cute little smile creeps up to his oh-so-hot face.

"Yeah boy, please take these two pleasant women to the hut and light a fire for them. It's gettin' dark, and about to freeze." Rosa orders but not without a "Thank you."

"No sweat." Marcus lead the two ladies into a hut. A yurt if you may. Everything looks so comfortable and like, home. Marcus lit the fire and the crackling sound of the firewood sounds so heart calming.  

"Hey," Samantha walks up to Marcus as he finish lighting the fire. Ariana was settling down with the things they brought with them.

"Oh hey,"

"How's it going?" Samantha mentally cringes to the awkward exchange.

"It's good, you ladies alright in here?" Marcus starts heading for the door.

"Yeap, thanks!" Ariana replies. Samantha slumps down on the bed.

"I am gettin' rusty with flirting and guys." She sighs.