While We Were Dreaming

Chapter 3: What Are You?

Chapter 3: What Are You?

Jacob stares, dumbfounded, at the woman before him, her previous words resonating deep in his mind. “I don’t know what I am.” His collectedness staggers for a moment as he repeats the words and tries to think of a counter-approach. He looks to her again and sees the discomfort in her eyes. She is unsure of herself and her surroundings and he knows he must be making it worse, but none of that is a concern at this point. He needs to know everything before he can figure out what exactly to do.

“How do you not know what you are?” He asks.

Now she is beginning to look awkward. “I just don’t,” is her reply.

He shakes his head subtly. “That doesn’t make any sense. What tribe do you belong to?”

“What are you talking about?”

“What tribe do you belong to?” he repeats a bit more heatedly. “In Alaska? I mean, that could be the only explanation -”

“Now you’re the one who isn’t making any sense!” she snaps, her body language is more assured. “What do you mean tribe?”

Jacob realizes he would need to explain himself further if he continues so he decides to change the topic. “Never mind. You say you’re just passing through,” he leaves an emphasis on the words she used. “Why here? Are you visiting family? Where are you headed?”

She sighs drastically. “I don’t know.”

“Do you know anything?” He can feel the anger bubbling deep in his loins as this stand off persists.

Look!” she growls and Jacob can see the raw aggression flash in her eyes. “I get the third degree, alright? I get it! But when I say I don’t know, then I don’t know.”

Jacob watches the seething female before him. Her jaw is tight and her rich, blue eyes are locked on him. Her presence is now strong and dauntless; he can feel the change in the atmosphere. He takes in a deep breath to calm himself, letting his shoulders fall as his lungs push out the air.

“I’m just trying to figure you out. I have the right.” He states as calmly as he can.

The woman scoffs. “The right? Listen, asshole. I don’t even understand what I’ve done wrong. I was just minding my own business when -”

“I told you I protect these lands!” His voice rises as he cuts her off. “This is my territory, and yes, I have the right to know who and what ‘passes’ through here.” He finishes in a mocking tone.

 Sarah crosses her arms firmly over her chest and grinds her teeth. “Fine then. What are you?”

Jacob finds himself caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

What happened to this woman? Upon first approach she was timid and inarticulate. Now he can smell the animosity radiating from her and she was rendering him speechless. She was absolutely wild, like some kind of feral beast on the loose.

“Well, we’re not talking about me.” He tries.

“I’m curious.” A devious grin turns her lips. “You’re so adamant about knowing me, so it’s only fair that I know you, and what -” she leans forward to accentuate the meaning. “You are.”

“I’m not answering that.” He states defiantly.

She drops her arms and deliberately points a finger at him. “You don’t cooperate? Neither do I. I’ll just leave your precious territory and we can forget this happened, alright?” She turns around and begins to walk away.