Perception

Part 30

Sang POV:

Ugh! Why would I set my alarm for this early?! my brain grumbles, even as I squint at the beeping phone searching out the time. Suddenly, my conviction to see to Precious this morning comes back to me. I have no idea what I could possibly do to help, but I just want to make sure that she doesn't have to leave the kitties to find food if they've arrived. I roll off the water bed that I insisted upon sleeping in alone, grab one of the prescription pain meds, and pull the sweats on over my clothing yet again after using the toilet and pulling my bangs back into a barrette. 

I grab a small lantern, the first aid kit, throw some sanitizing wet wipes in it, think for a few seconds and grab some trail mix, a bottled water, and brew some coffee to fill a thermos with. I add a little sugar and creamer. It's going to be cold, and I don't want to suck down iced anything when there isn't a restroom nearby. That's a good point! I grab a couple throw blankets and stuff them into my bag too, just to ward of stray chills.

I stuff my personal pink-covered phone into my bra, ensure the borrowed flip-phone was in the pocket of the backpack, verify the pepper spray was still on my keychain, and my necklace easily accessed, then head out the patio door. The woods were quiet on my walk through them except for the chirping of frogs and crickets. I head straight into the barn, and stand completely still taking stock of my surroundings. The air is fresher, and cooler than it should be, and it is a little too quiet. Someone is in here. I take a slow, silent breath through my nose as I turn my head from one side to the other. When I am satisfied that all of the scents present are familiar, I grab the bucket of cat stuff and slowly climb up to the loft with the handle hooked over my arm.

I'm thanking my foresight for bringing the blankets and lay one out to sit on a small ways from the hay alcove.  

"You may as well join me, Mr. Blackbourne," I say breaking the silence. Precious isn't going to come out while someone is lurking in the barn until I acknowledge them—maybe not even then. There is not sound to give away movement, but I feel the air shift slightly, and the scent of spring soap wafts strongly to my nose.

"How did you know I was there, Miss Sorenson? I thought I did well enough to keep still and silent," he inquires quietly, as he sits gently beside me on the blanket.

"The air was different than it should be after I have been gone for 12 hours. As soon as I came inside I felt the difference. I could also smell you," I finish with a small laugh. Digging out my small lantern, I switch it on and place it a couple feet in front of us. It's not very bright, but it still hurts my eyes when they try to adjust.

He looks at me as though wondering if he should be worried about his personal hygiene. I figure he was on outdoor guard duty, and hasn't showered yet. I give a small mischievous smile that reflects my inner musings as I meet his gaze. His eyebrow raises slightly, and his stern mouth finally twitches up into a millimeter smile. My face starts to heat as I realize I've been staring, so I look away toward my bag. For something to do, I pull out the wet wipes, trail mix, and thermos. Taking a wipe, I clean my hands before opening the package of trail mix.

Mr. Blackbourne's stomach lets out a plaintive squeal, and I can't help but giggle at such a human sound coming from the perfect Mr. Blackbourne. I aim the wet wipes pack at him, and smile when he takes one after a slight hesitation. We sit quietly crunching on trail mix, and I open the thermos when it feels like I'm swallowing gravel with my too-dry mouth. I sip, but don't taste what the big deal is with the stuff. I look at Mr. Blackbourne and notice that he's watching me with what I would term fascination.