Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

17) People of the Past

I didn't talk much during the move. I just either packed up the tent and stuff inside, checked on Aris, or stayed back and kept watch for anything off.

I didn't find anything. No matter how hard I tried, everything and everyone was normal. I also couldn't find anybody's handwriting to compare the note to, and even if I did, the rock had disappeared.

Now we're out though. I’m in the back of that truck with Aris again, all because I jumped into it since I waited to go with them. Talk about a butterfly effect. You know? Since that also probably plays into the whole sharing a tent with him thing.

“I still don't really remember anything,”He mumbled, covering his face with his hands.

“You were blacked out. It’d be weird if you did. It’d mean you were an alcoholic or something.”

“Well, at least you know I’m not now,”He shrugged.

“I knew you weren't from the start.”

“You spend a lot of time with alcoholics?”

Shuddering a little at his words, I looked over my shoulder as the car kept moving. When there was nothing but empty road I reminded myself that that was done with now before turning around again.

“You have no idea.”

× ~ × ~ × ~ ×

We didn't talk for much of the ride. He slept, maybe a little bit on my shoulder, and I kept trying to see if I could see anything suspicious. Some kind of camera or symbol or something.

I didn't find those, but I did see a few wanted signs with my face, offering a ton of money. That was out in the deeper parts of it though, and I don't think anybody noticed.

Is it worth the risk now? Should I just get out before I get turned in?

I don't know what to do. I made an internal pro’s and con’s list as Aris and I set up our tent, but I didn't get far. I’m still lost, something I’m not that used to. Even if I didn't know where I was or was going, I always had some kind of goal. This is a new feeling, and I don't like that.

“You okay?”Aris asked from his side.

“Yeah. I’m fine,”I nodded.

“If you're not, I’m stuck right next to you for a good amount of time.”

“Let me guess. That was a joke?”

“Depends. Was it funny?”

Giving a little shrug, I looked out of our open tent as people were setting things up. A few were already saying their goodnight’s as the sun went down while others were talking amongst themselves.

“So what are your plans for tonight?”

Risk it all by going to the edge of my “new home” I guess. I will literally not even be able to shut my eyes if I don't.

“I’m gonna take a walk,”I lied, getting up and leaving.

“Alright. See you later,”He called as I pushed past someone. Not stopping to see who, I pulled the knife off of my hair and clicked it open. Putting both my hands in my hoodie pocket, I gripped it between my fingers as I got ready for this, whatever it may be.

Keeping my breathing even, I walked straight on my feet as I turned the corner. The further I went the more aware I became of just how dark it was getting. It's going to be nighttime, and I’m leaving because some mysterious note said so.

I’ve done more dangerous though. This is basically child’s play.

As I went to the edge I saw the familiar glow of a cigarette as a figure with jet black hair leaned against a tree. He wasn't looking up, but I’m sure he still has those cat green eyes that always sparkled with mischief. In the dark, he seemed even taller despite already being well above average, almost towering over me.