Under His Eye - A Sam and Colby Fan Fiction

Ofcole's POV

Ofcole's POV

When our time at the market began to draw to a close, I felt a mounting sense of panic. Had I missed Jasper somehow? Or had he decided not to come? My thoughts were interrupted by Ofsam's soft voice.

"Ofcole," she said quietly as we began our walk back home. "Who are you looking for?"

My heart raced at her question. She must have noticed my erratic behavior at the market. I tried to stay calm and respond casually, "I'm not sure what you mean, Ofsam."

"Don't play coy with me," she said in a low tone, devoid of any warmth she had earlier. "I saw you scanning the market while pretending to shop. You were looking for someone. Tell me who it is."

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in her. There seemed no choice; she wouldn't let this go easily. "Alright," I whispered, glancing around to ensure nobody was in earshot. "His name is Jasper. He's supposed to help Commander Brock and me leave this place and be together safely with our baby."

A tense silence followed before Ofsam's expression softened slightly. "I want to help you," she whispered back.

Her sincerity surprised me, but at that moment, I realized that she could be of great assistance given her connections within our community.

"Thank you," I quietly replied.

That evening, as I lay in bed, the events of the day replayed in my head. Ofsam's willingness to help brought a glimmer of hope to my otherwise bleak situation. With her by my side, escaping to freedom seemed more attainable. However, my thoughts kept drifting back to Jasper. He hadn't shown up at the market, and I was growing increasingly anxious about making contact with him.

The next morning, I awoke with determination. I hoped that when I'd return to the market today, Jasper would be there. Ofsam and I met again outside our homes, dressed in our handmaid garb. The unspoken understanding that she was now involved in the plan seemed to have brought us even closer.

As we walked through the market, Ofsam guided me towards a small cluster of people she knew from her previous interac tions.

"Ofcole," she said softly as we approached the group. "This is Ofroy. Her connections run deep within the system; she may know where we can find your Jasper."

Nodding gingerly at Ofroy, I exchanged greetings while trying not to seem overly eager for any information she might share.

"We hear you're looking for someone named Jasper," Ofroy said quietly after exchanging pleasantries.

"Yes," I replied, barely above a whisper. "He's supposed to help us escape this place."

After casting a wary glance around, Ofroy leaned in closer. "I know who you speak of," she said in hushed tones. "Meet me behind the butcher's stall tomorrow...."

I nodded in agreement, my heart thumping in my chest at the mention of Jasper's name. Was it finally happening? My chance to escape and start a new life with Commander Brock and our baby?

As the day went on, I did my best to hide my anxious thoughts beneath a veil of calm. Ofsam, sensing my distress, continued to reassure me through subtle gestures and whispered words of encouragement. After all we had been through together thus far, the bond that had formed between the two of us seemed unshakable.

That night, sleep was elusive as I tossed and turned, my mind racing with thoughts about the upcoming rendezvous. Images of Jasper and the unknown future that awaited me swirled around in my head until dawn finally broke.

I rose from bed, tired but determined, and donned my handmaid garb once more. Casting a longing glance back at the room where our baby would one day be born filled me with an odd mix of dread and hope. There would be no turning back once I embarked on this path.

Meeting with Ofsam outside our homes as usual, I noticed that her face also held traces of last night's insomnia. We exchanged glances full of unspoken understanding before heading towards the market - and potentially towards freedom.

Upon arriving at the market, we did our best to act natural while counting down the time until we were to meet Ofroy behind the butcher's stall. As minutes ticked by excruciatingly slowly, I caught myself lost in thought about what might lie ahead: what would life with Commander Brock be like? What kind of mother would I become?

At long last, it was time for our clandestine meeting with Ofroy. Heart in my throat, I followed Ofsam to the designated spot behind the busy stall where Ofroy waited for us beneath low-hanging eaves. The mingled scents of raw meat and damp air filled my nostrils, but I hardly registered them in my heightened state of anxiety.

"Ofcole," Ofroy whispered, pulling me from my thoughts as she looked over her shoulder to make sure we were hidden from prying eyes. "I have news of your Jasper. He's nearby - at the baker's stall. You must act quickly, though, for he's planned to leave this evening."

A wave of relief washed over me, and I could see from Ofsam's expression she felt the same. We shared a thankful nod with Ofroy before hurrying towards the baker's stall to find Jasper.

As we approached, my heart raced faster with each step. The idea of finally meeting the man who could secure our escape was both thrilling and terrifying. When we arrived at the busy stall, I scanned the crowd in search of Jasper's face. Ofsam gently squeezed my hand, reminding me she was still by my side.

Within moments, I spotted him – a tall man with dark hair and a strong jawline. He didn't look back at us as he pretended to browse through various baked goods. I stepped closer and nervously whispered his name.

"Jasper," I said softly, trying to catch his attention without alerting others around us.

His eyes met mine for an instant – a flicker of recognition flashed across his face before he looked away quickly and resumed inspecting loaves of bread. He responded under his breath, just loud enough for us to hear.

"Follow me," he murmured.

We trailed behind him through the bustling market, discreetly weaving between stalls and other shoppers until we reached a quieter alleyway on the outskirts.

Once out of earshot from others, Jasper turned to address us directly. "I've been watching you two these past few days," he admitted, studying our faces carefully. "I have a plan that can help you escape this place if you're sure that's what you want."

There was no hesitation as I responded with absolute certainty. "Yes, we're sure."

Jasper nodded solemnly. "Alright then. Your window of opportunity will be exactly one week from today at midnight. It's important that you follow these instructions to the letter if you hope to succeed. I will have the papers for you and Commander Brock..... Meet me back here in three days time..." Then he walked away. Three days?