Evermore - Troy Otto

twenty-one

Troy and Evelyn crept up the dirt path in silence. Troy had tasked Evelyn with holding the flashlight while he held the gun, which gave Evelyn the impression that he really didn't take her off of the ranch for shooting practice. What he'd actually taken her off of the ranch for, she had no clue, and it scared her. As she walked, she felt an increasing feeling of dread and even a bit of fear. Troy strode a few feet ahead of her. He was typically known to walk with purpose, ever the militant man with a plan, but tonight, he was languid. Calm and collected. Evelyn huffed.

Suddenly, Troy stopped in his tracks. Evelyn slowed to a halt from her spot behind him, keeping what felt like a safe distance. He turned and spoke up, "You know what? On second thought, this might not be the best time for target practice... it's a bit too dark for you."

Evelyn's expression remained unimpressed. Of course he would do something like this. He had become so predictable in the years she'd known him, she'd grown to not trust him. She crossed her arms and waited for him to say more.

He let out a sigh about as authentic as plastic and placed his hands on his hips. "Sure is a beautiful night, though..." he deduced as he stared up at the night sky.

Evelyn softly scoffed. "It'd be even nicer from my bed, as I sleep... can we just go back to the truck?" She pleaded, not wanting to deal with any more of Troy's unnecessary shenanigans at such a late hour.

Troy tutted, and Evelyn knew she was in for an infuriating remark or suggestion. "But it's just so nice out tonight... let's go for a walk before I take you back," he nodded to himself, not giving her any other option.

Evelyn watched as Troy turned and returned to walking down the path. She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't want to go anywhere else with him, especially now that she was able to confirm that he lied to her face to get her out of bed. She despised Troy enough for what he'd done to her, but now he was robbing her of her rest, and if the line hadn't been drawn before, it was now carved into the ground.

Troy didn't hear her timid footsteps following him. He realized Evelyn hadn't moved from the spot. He turned around and met her gaze before chuckling. "You coming? Or are you just gonna stay here... by yourself?" He taunted, knowing she'd be too afraid to be left alone when danger was lurking around every corner. She might've been stubborn as ever, but she wasn't stupid, and he knew she'd end up giving in.

She didn't move as he scrutinized her, and she kept her arms crossed protectively over her chest. "I'm not going anywhere else with you, Troy. You're gonna take me home and you're gonna let me get some sleep."

     Troy's lips curled up into a smirk as she spoke. "Demanding tonight, are we?" He raised his hands in surrender when she scoffed. "Kidding, I'm kidding. I'll take you home right after, Ev. Come on. You don't want to be out here by yourself."

     Evelyn clenched her jaw as he turned around and walked away. She hated that he was right. Well, she hated him in general, but she couldn't bear being off the ranch on her lonesome. Not after what she'd witnessed. She begrudgingly took off after him, making sure to stay a modest distance behind him as he strolled.

     After a little while, he turned around and stopped. "You're so far behind, Ev... I should wait up," Troy commented, knowing he'd get her to roll her eyes. She stopped a few feet behind and, lo and behold, she rolled her eyes. He grinned. "What?" He feigned innocence.

     Evelyn crossed her arms again, unconsciously closing herself off from imposing gaze. "You don't have to do that," her voice was tired and she was ticked off. She wanted to go home. She was sick of the rocks and the dirt and shrubs and lord, she was sick of Troy. "Can we please just get this over with?"