Old as Time

Chapter two

Then

Genevieve finally collapsed in the middle of a forest, her legs practically giving out from underneath her. Her breathing was heavy, and her entire body burned from running for so long. She pulled herself up against a nearby boulder, curling into fetal position. All she wanted to do was scream and cry and curse at the wind, but she was completely numb. She felt nothing for the moment, much too tired for emotion. She could only replay the events in her mind, and that''s when the anger hit her.

She was astounded that her father could do such a thing to her! Sell her out to the one person she loathed more than anything on this earth, and for what? Money? Power? Assurance? Was all of that worth losing the trust of the only family you had left? Apparently, it was to her father. He'd become so self-centered in the loss of his wife, forgetting that his daughter had lost her mother, her best friend, her confidant. He didn't really even pay attention to her anymore, she reminded him too much of her mother. So he just drowned his sorrows in his work, more worried about bills and income and status than the happiness of his only daughter.

She took in a deep breath, but felt a sharp pain in her ribs. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she whimpered. She felt around her ribcage, and discovered that part of the boning of her corset had snapped and was now digging into her skin. She looked around, making sure that she was alone, before she slipped off the top part of her dress, now ruined by the dirt and branches, and undid her corset. 

Immediately she felt much more comfortable in her own skin. She peeled it off and threw it over the rock, pulling up her dress and buttoning it once more. She took her hair out of its braid, allowing her soft brown curls to pool around her shoulders as the removed branches and leaves. 

Genevieve pulled herself up to look around. She had never been to this place before, meaning this was not part of the forest on her father's estate. In fact, she didn't think this was part of an estate at all. She was in the true blue wilderness, and for some reason this struck excitement into her heart. 

I guess I can have at least a little bit of an adventure today,  Genevieve thought. 

She began to walk around, taking in the lush green of the trees, and the vibrant hues of purples and blues that the wildflowers gave off. She breathed in deeply, and could smell the dirt and the pine. She could hear the happy song of the birds fluttering about the trees, the chattering of chipmunks and squirrels. 

Genevieve was completely and utterly at peace in these woods, the euphoric feeling of something more than what she had washing over her. She stood still for a moment, and wished that she could have this feeling for the rest of her life.

Her daydreaming was interrupted by snap of a twig, and she whipped around. Genevieve could see a dark silhouette moving away. Her heart began to race as she watched it fade away. She debated following it for a moment, the figure striking intrigue into her heart. She bit her lip before calling out to it.

"Hey! Wait! Come back!" 

Genevieve began to chase after the figure. She could feel the excitement in her heart growing, felt the heat of adventure rise to her pale cheeks, dusting them with a pale rosy color. The spectral figure didn't come any closer nor did it go any farther. It stayed just ahead of her. Genevieve began to go faster and faster until suddenly, the figure stopped, and Genevieve came crashing into it. Both her and the figure, newly discovered to be a man, fell to the ground. 

Genevieve stood up, her head dizzying and her legs nearly giving way. The man stood up and took her in his arms. 

"Let go of me! I don't know you! This is no way to treat a lady!" Genevieve exclaimed, beating on the man's chest.

"Young lady, you pursued me like a madwoman, crashed into me, and knocked me over. For someone who doesn't know me, you certainly seem very interested in me."

The man's voice was deep and slightly rugged, making her heart rate pick up once more. 

"Besides, you would have fallen had I not lifted you. Really, you should be thanking me." 

She noticed a slight British accent and peered up to look at him, and was greeted by a hauntingly attractive face. The man's eyes were a deep gray color, guarded yet seemingly staring right through her. His face was hollow and pale, his jawline and cheekbones prominent and strong. He had stubble, as though it had been a few days since he'd shaved. His hair was jet black and long, making his gray eyes seem icy and sharp.