Winter (Snow White, No. 2 Modern Prince Series)

Chapter 4 - Seven

"Is that backpack yours?"

"No, I thought it was yours,"

"When on earth have you seen me using a backpack?"

"I don't know, Darla. You have too many hobbies. Maybe one of them needs one,"

"Wait, if it isn't yours or mine, then it means someone was here,"

"Or is still here. Grab something in case we need defense,"

"For God's sake, Dottie! Not a broom!"

The conversation comes in a dream or maybe I'm awake. Since last night I'm not sure what is real and what isn't. I tried to get out of the stables, but only scooted a few feet towards the kitchen door. I felt drowsy and weak. My body felt as if I weighed a ton.

"Not in these boxes. The storage is clear,"

"This area is also clear,"

The voices come closer. I open my eyes and I'm still in the same place as last night. The apple with two bites lies not far away from me.

"In here! Who are you? Don't try anything stupid, we are armed,"

I lift my gaze to find a blond woman holding a pitchfork inches away from my face.

"It's a kid!"

"Hold on to your shovel Dottie. He can be dangerous,"

"Help me," I slur.

"Is he hurt?" the woman called Dottie takes a step closer.

"Stay back! What are you doing Dottie?"

Dottie kneels next to me, holds my hand and seems to check on my pulse. She looks like my mom with the same blond bob and blue eyes.

"We need to get him out of here," she looks at me with concern. "Maybe bring him to a hospital,"

"He will be fine. He took an apple," the other woman laughs.

"Poor darling," Dottie chuckles. "He must have been hungry. Maybe we should paste a warning on the fridge. Those apples have medicine for our sick horses," she says while caressing my face with tenderness.

"Darla, let's bring him to the house. He is still drugged, but also needs extra care. He is so thin I can see his ribs and have you seen how pale he is?"

"What's your name?" Darla asks me.

"Winter..."

"Pretty name," she replies.

Strong arms help me to stand up. My whole body shakes but I feel more alert than last night. That should teach me not to eat food from strangers.

We make it to an SUV and I lay on the back seat. I close my eyes again and let the movements rock me to a deep sleep.

"Winter? Wake up," a hand pats me on my cheek. 

I sit up straight and gaze around. The nap cleared my mind enough but my limbs still feel heavy.

We have arrived at a house surrounded by a large lawn. The front has a wide porch and many flower pots. A woman comes outside and looks at me with curiosity.

"What do we have now? This isn't a dog or a cat,"

"His name is Winter," Dottie says. "We found him at the stables. He could use rest and some food. We will see what we do afterward. I'll let the others know he is here," she walks towards another building in the premises.

"Come with us Winter," the woman smiles and together with Darla help me go up the stairs. In the distance, I hear what sounds like dogs barking.

The ladies bring me to a tiny bedroom. It isn't bigger than a cupboard but I don't need anything else. The bed has a checkered blanket and looks inviting. The walls have framed paintings of animals.