Ranger's Apprentice - The Afterwards

Ch. 11

Maddie had rushed out the door (well, as fast as she could, with her crutches and all) before anyone else could catch up with her. She had to put her plan in motion as fast as possible.
"Hullo!" Jason greeted, smiling. "You seem in a hurry!"
"Jason!" Maddie exclaimed. "Yeah, I am. I want to show you something really cool. Out in the meadow." Maddie glanced over her shoulder as if worried someone was following her. She hoped Jason bought into her act.
"Is...is something wrong, Maddie?" Jason asked. He took her hand and she looked at him.
"Wrong?" Maddie huffed a nervous laugh. "No, nothing's wrong. Let's go."
She squeezed his hand and let go, hobbling down the stairs. Halfway down, she lost her balance and nearly fell.
"Maddie!" Jason exclaimed. He grabbed her arm just in time. She dangled over the steps, watching her crutches crash down the stairs.
"Maddie?" Jason pulled her over to him. She felt her heart beating rapidly and wondered if Jason could feel it.
"I'm okay," she breathed.
"You're sure? Nothing hurts? You didn't twist an ankle or your knee or-" Jason would've rambled on for hours, but Maddie planted a quick kiss on his lips.
"Yes, Jason. I'm sure I'm okay." She laughed. Jason took a breath.
"Okay. Well, we're gonna have to make our way down these stairs somehow." He said. Maddie put her arms around his neck.
"You're gonna have to carry me..."
She felt silly saying it. Almost like she was trying to flirt. But she knew it was the only way they were going to make it down the stairs.
Jason didn't make it awkward though. He lifted her into his arms and began the slow descend.
Maddie couldn't help but notice how muscular Jason was. Being the type of girl she was, she'd never really paid much attention to his physical features. But now, holding on to him as he carried her down each step, she could feel every flex of his strong muscles.
And she was slightly disappointed when he reached the bottom and sat her down.
She reached for her crutches and together they made their way to the stables. Jason saddled up both horses today. Once he was done, they rode out to the meadow.
Maddie took longer than usual to sit down by Jason. She stood by Bumper, rubbing his muzzle and laying her forehead on his strong neck.
"I don't know if I want to do this, Bumper." She whispered. His ears twitched.
I'm listening.
"I thought it was a great idea when I was mad. But now...it seems a little extreme."
Trust your training, Maddie. Bumper looked her in the eye. Trust Will.
"Will has already lost my trust." Maddie snapped. She turned and hobbled to Jason, where she dropped her crutches on the grass and plopped down next to Jason.
"Maddie, what's going on?" He asked. Maddie sighed.
She wasn't ready to decide. Her plan could go badly, but Will and her father would never learn their lesson if she didn't carry it out.
I'll just have to suffer the consequences, she thought.
"Jason, I-I'm going to run away." She blurted. She turned to look at Jason, but he just stared back. His face was full of shock and confusion. Finally he answered.
"Run away?" He repeated slowly.
"Yes. Run away from the Castle. I'm tired of everyone treating me like a princess." She said.
"But...you are a-" he tried before Maddie cut him off.
"I know I'm a princess. But I want to be a Ranger. Not a spoiled soon-to-be queen. I want to live on the dangerous side. I want action. I want freedom. I don't want to be cooped up in a castle, protected by my parents for the rest of my life."
Maddie took a deep breath. She knew all those things were true. She'd meant them all. Which is why she was so confident her plan would work. Jason would believe her, sure. But more importantly, so would Will, who she had spotted hiding in a bush a few feet away.
"Maddie...I don't think this is a good idea." Jason said cautiously.
"I knew you wouldn't. But I had to let you know where I was going to be. So you would know that I will miss you, every day." Maddie looked at Jason again. He had sorrow in his eyes.
"I don't want you to go," he said, leaning towards Maddie. She laid her forehead on his and closed her eyes.
"I love you, Mads." She heard him say before his lips brushed hers.
The next thing she knew, they were laying on the ground, kissing.