Unexpecting You

Another Part Of Her

Pitt's point of view

The next day, after the afternoon tree planting sessions with the instructors, I pulled Charlie off the main trail.

"Where are we even going?" she asked, trying to keep pace with my long strides as we stepped onto a narrow, winding path.

"Just trust me."

"Is it a secret spot or something?" she teased, her eyes darting around as if expecting to find hidden treasures among the trees.

"Something like that." I replied, grinning. "You're going to love it."

"As long you keep me away from any water."

The further we ventured into the woods, the more the sounds of the other students faded away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. After a few minutes of navigating the labyrinthine forest, we finally emerged into a clearing. Before us laid a sparkling lake, glowing under the afternoon sun. The water was a vibrant green, reflecting the surrounding trees and creating a lush, greenish backdrop.

"I thought I told you to keep me away from any water." she said with an amused tone.

"If you fear drowning, I'll bring you to the shore."

"Wow. That's intense."

I just smiled and breathe deeply.

"It really is a beautiful spot."

"Told you."

"How did you find it?"

"Last night after I left your tent, I couldn't sleep at all so wandered around with Tal."

"You serious?" she asked, unbelieving.

"Dead serious."

"Aren't you guys, like, afraid to lose yourself in this huge forest? Especially at night?"

"The only thing I'm likely afraid to lose is my senses."

And you.
Damn, what am I even thinking.

"Plus there was the full moon last night so there were nothing to be afraid of."

"I guess..." she replied still confused.

"You should've seen the reflection of the moon beneath this lake. It was really... magnificent."

"I don't doubt it one bit." she smiled.

"Want to play ricochet? First to score the longest throw wins." I suggested.

"Challenge accepted!" she laughed, picking up a smooth stone.

She focused, then launched it toward the water, watching as it skipped across the surface, creating ripples dancing in the sunlight. And then, we spent the next while throwing stones, the competition bringing out our playful sides, but after a few rounds, Charlie suddenly grew quiet. She picked up another stone but hesitated as her gaze wasdrifting toward the sparkling lake.

"My dad was a detective in River Coast." she began, staring at the water. "A few years ago, he was working on some serious cases involving serial killers." She paused. "One day, they finally caught one of them in a really bad part of town. It was a nightmare."

Charlie swallowed hard, her throat tightening. "When my dad got there, he found their man on a crying young girl. He said he was about to kill her. It was... horrific. That was his expression. I can't even imagine what he saw."

I said nothing. Just looked at her and her facial features.

"He lost it, Pitt." she pursued. "He just... he started hitting the guy. I mean, he completely lost control. He was so angry, so hurt. It was like he was fighting not just for that girl, but for every victim before her."