Violet

5| Horse Trail

Two days later, the sun tries its hardest to peek through the clouds. The clouds, which create a barrier, so the air is hot and humid with no wind, make it look like it has the chance of raining. I wake early to get ready and eat so that I have plenty of time to unwind before I leave.

Yesterday, after asking Emmett to accompany Arietta and me on the way to Laurie's and join us for the horse trail, he was uneasy with the idea. However, after I explained to him that Laurie was a friend of Arietta's and that I had met him two days ago, he seemed more inclined to go. Mostly worried about meeting someone new and being careful about it too, I assured Emmett that I would be with him the whole journey.

The last time I rode a horse, was when I was 12 years old. When we stopped for a break, my older brother Grayson placed a fake lookalike snake right near the hooves of the horse I was still sitting on. Of course, the next thing I knew, I was flung off and plummeted to the ground, while Grayson laughed his head off. Thankfully unharmed, I stayed still with my eyes shut and soon the laughing died out, getting him to admit everything to mum.

He got in trouble after that.

However, five years later and apart from being the slightest bit nervous, I cannot wait.

Grinning with excitement, I make my way to meet Emmett near where we parted ways yesterday, close to the main gates. After rushing down a curved flight of stairs, I enter the hall and see Emmett talking to someone. From far away, I can see that the other person's back is turned, it must be Arietta. But alas, the closer I become, the quicker I realise that he is talking to another man.

Dread promptly enters my veins when I see the platinum blonde hair. I slow down, and the man turns from the conversation and walks away. Sure enough, the side of his face reveals himself to be William. My heart rate punctually increases.

Becoming closer, I see Emmett's death stare as he goes out of sight. However, once Emmett sees me, his expression softens.

"What was that about?"

Confusion replays on Emmett's face. "He wanted to know where Farley is?"

Oh no.

I reply, whispering eagerly. "And what did you answer!?"

Now he faces me, even more confused. "I told him that I was not sure," Emmett pauses, then adds,

"...why? Do you know something about that?"

"I am Farley," I say, and he looks even more confused, "...well I am not, but that is what I told him anyway the night that I met him."

Emmett tilts his head. "Why a false name?"

"I did not trust that his intentions were pure. It was to keep me safe."

"Oh, of course. It is another reason to suspect him."

"Best he does not know my real name, it could also be a useful asset to us later."

Still nodding, Emmett's eyes meet the ground, the cogs in his brain turning. "I could have said the wrong thing," his serious tone makes my heart break, "I think we need to step up our game here. This is getting more serious every day, unfortunately."

"Agreed," I reply regretfully, "I am so sorry, I forgot, I should have mentioned it. It did not occur to me that he would talk to you."

"Except he did." I clench down on my jaw, forcing myself to accept that I have made a foolish mistake. "Hey," Emmett moves his head to create eye contact with me, "I can see that this is bothering you. It is all okay, luckily, I did not say anything I should not have. Nothing happened." He smiles at me, and I cannot help but return it. His gentle tone calms me.