Fallen

Chapter Nine

~9~

            I turn around and see blue eyes staring into mine. There is a guy that looks a little older than me with blonde hair about a yard away. His tight blue shirt compliments both his eyes and his biceps. I find myself staring for awfully too long.

            He speaks up, “Who are you?” If looks could kill, I would be dead.

            I decide to play the tough girl. Maybe if I act tough enough, he’ll leave me alone. “Who are you?” I speak with a little attitude.

            He looks at me and I think I might have actually made him back down. But then he smiles at me and chuckles.

            Chuckles? “What’s so funny?” I ask angrily, no acting necessary.

            He stops laughing, “I can tell you aren’t really tough, you’re just pretending.” He smiles so I can see his white teeth, “Anyway, I asked you first.”

            I sigh, knowing that he is right. “I’m Rose. Rose Daunt,” I admit.

            He steps closer to me, “Rose. Like the flower.”

            It’s not a question but I feel obligated to answer anyway, “Yeah. Like the flower. And your name?”

            “Alexander Pova. But you can call me Alex. So, where are you headed Rose?”

            For some reason I trust him, “Truthfully, I don’t know. What about you, Alex?”

            His face changes and I’m scared he doesn’t trust me. But then he answers, “Actually, I live here, in the woods. I constantly travel around. I was following you hoping you might lead me to someplace special; guess I was wrong.” He looks down at his feet and then peeks up at me with a smile.

            Get yourself together Rose! “Not being nosy, but why do you live in the woods? I mean, don’t you have family in a nearby town?” I pause, “Wait! Are you a convict? Should I be scared of you?” I force a smile myself.

            He laughs, “You like to jump to conclusions, don’t you? But no, I am not a convict and no, you should not be scared of me. Anyway, what about you? Wandering through the woods and talking to the first good-looking guy you meet.”

            I’m pretty sure I start to blush so I look down at my feet. Then I remember there was a question in there with the awkward comment. “It’s a long story. Oh, and you didn’t answer my first question,” I say matter-of-factly.

            “Mine is also a long story. How about I take you over to my camp and I can get a fire going and you can wrap up in a blanket – it’s really cold out here. Then we can both share our long stories.”

            I smile, “I would like that very much.”