The Mysterious

The Mysterious Chapter 3

Alrighty, so I didn't get the 5 votes I was hoping for, but 2 is amazing!

I'm surprised there were any! Thanks a ton to whoever commented or voted! It means a ton to me and helps me write faster!

This is the longest chap so far, just for you guys <3

Here it is! Chapter 3- The mysterious

****************************************

RECAP: This was the last thought that echoed through her mind as she made her way to the stage with the entire towns' eyes following her every move.

****************************************

Walking tentatively up to the stage, Autumn was careful to look at the stage and not directly into anyone's eyes for the fear of what she might see in them. Finally, reaching the stairs leading up to the stage, Autumn walked slightly more confident because she realized that there was no reason to be embarrassed, if anything she should've been proud.

Walking up the stairs and across the stage to meet the strangers was like the walk of shame that an inmate at jail would have to do.

The older of the two men met her half way, and threw his arm around her shoulders, which made Autumn feel awkward because she had no idea who this man was, or even his name.

As they made their way to the center of the stage Autumn caught the eye of the blue eyed boy, and suddenly felt self conscious about what she was wearing. Maybe a v-neck and jeans were the not nicest thing to pick, but Autumn pretended as if this was not going through her head and stared defiantly at him.

The woman who was standing next the boy bared no resemblance to the boy which led her to believe that this woman was not his mom or sister.

A thought suddenly occurred to Autumn, but is disappeared as soon as it had come, she could not be thinking about if that woman was that boy's girlfriend at a time like this! She had to focus on what was happening, but the thought kept returning like a boomerang. Sure this woman was at least a few years older than the boy, but now there's the whole cougar thing that's in some guys must find attractive. Although Autumn could never figure out how anyone could find that attractive.

"This young woman is who your very own mayor has chosen to come join us. But, if she wishes not to then we'll just have to look elsewhere for our final child; who, did I mention, will receive eternal glory and who's family will get paid quite a bit of money." The man turned to smile at Autumn, who returned it with hesitation. Out in the crowd Autumn could see her mother staring wide-eyed at the stage, and Alex who looked as if he just watched his best friend leave forever. This truly hurt Autumn because she would have been happy if Alex was chosen! Maybe a little disappointed, but she would have masked it to make him pleased.

The man, whom Autumn still did not know his name, continued talking, "This young lady will have until 5:00 tonight to decide whether, or not she will join my son and I, if she decides to, then we will leave immediately after she is packed and said her goodbyes. Autumn," the man rested his hand on her took his arm off of her shoulder and turned her so that she was facing him," Just remember to do what you wish, not what others wish for you. I will leave you now, but will be back later to receive your decision. Don't forget, five sharp." At this, the man gave Autumn a nudge toward the stairs as direction for her to leave

*********************************

'...then I could feed the entire family, but what about my-' Autumn was interrupted in her thoughts by someone clearing their throat.

It was about an hour before Autumn had to go back to her house to give her mother, the community, and the strangers her decision, and yet she was still stuck.

The man told her to do what she wished, and Autumn knew what she wished, but it was too difficult to leave her entire life behind and go somewhere that she doesn't even know the name of. But, somehow, Autumn knew that the place would not be bad, but she supposed that that might have just been hope talking. She wanted more than anything for this place to be like where she dreamed of every year.

Snapping back into reality Autumn realized that it was Alex who was standing over her.

'Of course', she thought,' the bank is where I always go; of course Alex is going to find me.'

"Hey" Alex said almost daintily

"Hey" Autumn replied

"So, what are you gonna do?"

"I don't know yet. Pathetic, huh?"

"Not at all", Alex said, "If anything, I'm happy. I thought you would've jumped at the chance to get out of here without even thinking about it!"

"Alex, do you know me at all? I could never just jump and leave this place; too many memories would be left behind, too many items, too many people." Autumn looked straight into Alex's eyes as she whispered the last part.

Without breaking the eye contact Alex came closer, as if testing the water in a swimming pool. If it was too cold, if Autumn pushed him away, he wouldn't go in, but if it was warm enough, she didn't push away, he would go in. After waiting a moment to see if she pushed away, he leaned in farther so that his forehead was touching hers.

"Autumn Vast, I've liked you since second grade," Alex whispered blowing his minty breath onto her surprised face.

"Wow," was all she could think to say. Of course Autumn had always liked him back, he was without a doubt the most gorgeous guy in town, but no one acknowledged him because he was always on the penniless side. He didn't have the nice clothes like everyone else had. But, this never fazed Alex. In fact, it seemed almost as if he was happier with it being like that. Autumn, on the other hand, just wanted to fit in, and on good years when her father had a large load, she could fit in, but lately it was distressed jeans and v-neck sweaters. But, as Alex leaned closer so that their lips were almost touching all that Autumn could think was 'ohmygoshishegonnakissmeithinkheis!'

Just as Autumn was about to scotch forward they were interrupted by an inconspicuous cough.

Quickly standing up Autumn turned around to see.....

*************************************

Duh duh duh! Who does she see? Comment and tell me what you think!

Personally, this is my fave part as it finally starts to get into it.

How about 3 votes for the next chap! Thanks for reading!!

Love yer Coco