Nicotine

Chapter 3- The Boy on The Hood

Artemis's P.O.V

The next couple of days went by pretty quickly, the same way as the last one. I would wake up eat breakfast, and then go hang out with Jason. Who would continue to show me around town. I knew where everything was now, from fast food, to parks and libraries. School was starting tomorrow and I was not happy about it. I told Jason that I was going to stay home and make sure I had everything, but I actually wanted to go explore the forest deeper. I got up very early, about 6 o'clock, so that I could be alone in the forest. I took a quick shower and through on some khaki shorts, a white tank top, and a flannel. I packed a bag with water and a few snacks to keep from getting hungry. I quietly walked downstairs and slipped in my hiking boots. I write a small note and leave it on the fridge saying where I've gone, that I'm prepared, and I will be back later.

I grab my bag on the way out and stash a flashlight, and small first aid kit in it on my way out. I walk out the front door and close it quietly behind me. The only noise I can hear at all are the birds chirping and the leaves blowing in the wind. I walk quickly around my house and through the first set of trees until I reach the tree I had met Jason at. I look around for the group of people I had been warned about but I don't see or hear anything that would suggest that they are anywhere to be seen. I wonder how deep the forest runs here, I think to myself as I travel further and further into the increasingly dense trees. The sun continues to get higher and higher into the sky as I settle down in the shadow of a large tree.

I pull out my water and lunch as I continue to observe the interactions of the animals and their surroundings when hear a branch break behind me. I slowly turn around, trying not to make any sudden movements or sounds to notify whatever broke the branch. I get up into a crouching position, and peer around the tree to find a small family of deer. Three of them, one buck, a doe, and their fawn. They just stand there eating the grass and sniffing plants. I walk out from behind my tree and toward them, cautiously taking each step. I kneel in front of the buck, letting him sniff me, making sure I am not a threat. The fawn is the second one to notice me, and he comes bounding toward me almost falling. He stumbles into my arms and looks up at me. He makes a funny noise that attracts the attention of the doe. I just sit there and let them do what they want.

Another branch snaps from behind me, but the deer react in fear. Their tails go up, and the buck steps in front of the doe. I put the fawn behind me and by his parents as I turn around to face whatever is behind us. I slowly turn not wanting to spook the deer, and face two black combat boots. I look up to be met with dark hair like the night with out stars, and black sunglasses. I'm intrigued by his stature, broad shoulders, tan skin, and 'tough guy' aura.

"What are you doing?" He asks, his voice deep and raspy.

"Be quiet," I whispered back to him.

"Why? You are so close to them..."

"You have to be quiet and still," I said, motioning for him to get down on his knees," would you like to come near them too?"

He nods his head, "Tell me what to do."

"Okay, kneel down quietly," I say, as he does what I say, slowly coming closer," and only whisper your words. Stick out your hand so the buck can sniff you, to clarify that you are not a threat. Alright?"

He nods his head again. I watch him as the buck accepts him, and steps from in front of the doe and fawn. The little fawn cautiously stumbles forward from under the doe. The boy smiles as the fawn bounds toward him, only to fall in front of him. The fawn sticks its tongue out and licks the boy's hand. A laugh tumbles from the boy's lips, and catches the attention of the doe. The buck makes a sudden movement to signal its time to go home. The doe nudges the fawn from the boy's lap, and he runs over to me and licks my face, happily trotting away afterward.