Blackout • NH

Chapter 48

Jodie's POV

The treehouse didn't take much damage from the storm. There were a few missing pieces of wood and roofing but that's about it. I am honestly glad this treehouse is still pretty sturdy.

After the hurricane passed, Anne and I unblocked all of the doors and left the treehouse to check on the horse and surrounding area. Everything was okay. I brought the horse closer to the tree where a large grassy area grew so he could graze.

We then unblocked all of the windows and doorways and cleaned up so the treehouse wasn't such a mess.

Anne also helped me crochet a little pouch for my geode with some yarn and supplies she had found in one of the chests near the beds. I made sure to keep that pouch close to me at all times. Just like Niall.

Niall...

I shake his name from my head and go upstairs to look at the ocean. It's a calming feeling to watch the waves after a storm. They're so calm and collected.

Anne left to go get some fruit from some nearby trees we had found last week. We haven't had time to forage because of the constant arising issues we keep facing.

I stay inside and try to nap for a bit. These last few days have wore me out completely. I close my eyes and relax into the couch.

I'm almost asleep until I am startled by the door slamming shut. I jump up and grab the dagger from my pants and point it towards the door.

"Hey! Calm down its me! We have an issue!" Anne says, catching her breath. She sets the small bucket of fruit down. She bends over and puts her hand on her knees. Almost like she had run a marathon.

"What's wrong?" I say, putting the dagger back into my pant pocket.

"I saw a man close by! I couldn't make any descriptions on what he looked like but he was tall and had short hair." She said.

"I think he saw me. We need to hide." She said.

"Not today." I say, getting tired of this hiding shit.

I grab my pistol from the kitchen counter and hand Anne a small fun from my backpack.

"Let's end this shit." I say, opening the door and walking across the bridge to the small house. Anne following directly behind me.

We get to the house and get on our knees, staying out of site from the window. I slowly peek out and inspect the area below. I don't see anything.

"Anne I don't see anyone." I whisper.

"He was just there." She whispered back.

Suddenly, the man pops out from behind a tree. He inspects the area and looks around. He notices the horse and runs for it, grabbing the reigns and bringing him closer. He's petting the horse and looking frantically around still. Like he's searching for something.

He suddenly looks up and sees me. I duck back down and turn off the safety on my gun. Getting it ready to shoot.

"He just saw me." I whisper yell.

I slowly peek out the window and notice he's not there. The horse is still there however. Where did he go?

Suddenly, there was a bang at the trap door. Me and Anne both jump at the sound. I get up and make my way to the door slowly. Anne right behind me with her gun ready as well.

I take off my shoe and hold it tightly in my hands.

I grab the trap door handle and fling it open, the man is right there on the ladder. I throw the shoe down as hard as I can and close the door, sitting on it.