Out From the Shadows

Chapter 2

This neighborhood is a wreck. The avenue is horrible, no carriage could ever drive on it for all the big rocks would surly break the wheels and the horses could break a leg. That is the reason why I had to leave my carriage behind, back a couple blocks. The walk to this neighborhood has left my legs a little sore and the goal on my mind the only thing to keep me going.

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I was informed it was five houses down on the right side of the street. The houses all along the street have loose shingles and the paint is either peeling or non-existent. My feet quicken their pace and I keep my eyes from wondering. The smell of this place makes my stomach roll with disdain. I clear these thoughts from my head and continue. The place appears to my right, having arrived quicker than expected. With a turn of my heals, I face my destination. It is the best looking house on the block. The paint looks to be fairly new to the other houses and the roof is only missing a few tiles here and there. Jitters fill my stomach with anticipation and excitement.

I slow my role up to the house, trying to get my thought in order. How do I sound smart, but also understandable? Will she like me? What if I don't like her?

My thoughts go flying and so do I. Someone slams into me and we both soar in opposite directions. The impact sends pain shooting up my back and into my head once I hit solid ground. I touch my forehead gingerly . A minor lump has formed. Father won't be happy with this. I lay on my back for a couple more moments to gain my bearings and slowly sit up, letting out a moan in the process. The other person has already sat up and also has a bump on the head where we first collided.

She looks cross, and she studies me with determination. Her hair is a beautiful dark color that makes her, pale skin pop. Eyes of a radiant green twinkle on her face, even in anger. If I didn't know any better, she could be mistaken for a wealthy woman. Put aside the circumstances, she makes my cheeks fill with blush. I don't think she can see the new color in my cheeks because she doesn't react.

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She asks questions accusingly and I try to be a gentleman, all because of the manners drilled into my brain. I don't exactly know how to address this rather unusual situation. Everything I want to say sounds wrong in my head and I am trying to avoid upsetting her. I feel guilty for liking this strange girl when I'm here, in this district, for another.

My actions don't seem appease the anger that shows in her eyes and the way she watches me. If I hadn't come here for a certain reason; I would take my time to get to know this beauty. I'm not a womanizer or a ladies' man, but she seems like my type. I try to get her out of my head as we speak with one another. That is until I realize she is the reason for coming.

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