𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 ✓

Brainwashed

For the whole dinner, I didn't really take my eyes off of Hunter, or Eaton as he was now called. Eric was helping Ariel figure out how to use utensils, which Eaton thought was cute and watched the two. I was just death staring Eaton down though.

He caught my eyes alot of the times, to which I would then pretend to look really interested in my salad. What I was most curious was why he was here now. After all this time Hunter showed up again and right before I was out of here.

"We're going to help clear dishes," I muttered, but rolled my eyes when they disappeared in front of my eyes. Why did fairy tales have to use so much magic? Especially with household chores?

"Would you like to go for a walk?" Eric asked Ariel, who nodded shyly.

"Want to join them?" Eaton asked me, smiling.

"No thank you," I replied in a sarcastically sweet voice before heading to my room.

"Miss!" he shouted, getting my attention. What did he want now?

"It's not like you haven't done enough but now you want to annoy me?" I asked, exasperated.

"What do you mean?" he responded, confused.

"I mean, why are you bothering me? Don't you have a mission to stop me?"

"I'm not sure what you mean. I was only going to ask you for your name."

I just looked at him like he was crazy. "You know my name Hunter."

He looked over his shoulder before pointing a finger at himself.

"Are you talking to me? I think you are mistaken. My name is Eaton."

"You might have dyed your hair a different color, but you're not fooling anyone."

"I'm serious. It seems like whoever Hunter is isn't on the best terms with you," he said with a straight face. What was this guy playing?

"But I sincerely am Eaton," he added. "Can I know your name Miss?"

"It's Mina," I stammered before shoving past and heading to my room. What happened?

Remember Aldus' words, I came to the onvious realization. He had said she casted a spell so he wouldn't remember his life in our world and made it so that he played a part in each fairytale, not even knowing he comes from our realm and believing that he's part of the story.

"Great," I thought out loud. "Hunter seriously doesn't remember me so I just made a fool of myself in front of Eaton. I better go clear that up now."

Padding barefoot into the hallway, I closed my door and searched for him. I guessed that he went with Ariel and Eric to the beach for their walk, so I hurried outdoors.

There was an unusually cold breeze that night. Putting my arms around my shoulders, I scanned for any of the characters and jumped when something warm covered my arms.

"Woah there," he said gently. "Sorry but you just looked cold."

"Thanks," I murmured, wrapping the jacket tighter around. Eston stuffed his hands in his pockets and grinned.

"I didn't think I'd see you out tonight," he commented, looking up at the stars. "It's a beautiful night out."

"Yeah. Look Eaton," I started, clearing my throat. "I just want to say that I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier."

"You don't need to apologize," he shook his head. "I understand that you thought I was someone else. Someone who must've really hurt you. Everyone has their enemies Mina. I understand that."

"You have no idea," I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Nothing," I answered sweetly. "Oh look! There's Ariel and Eric! Let's go join them."

Bounding off into the sand, I realized that I was probably breaking a moment they were having but right now I couldn't be with him alone.

Eaton joined Eric in a conversation while Ariel and I fell back a little ways away to talk.

"How's the communication going?" I asked.

It's going well! He doesn't know much about me but I'm getting to know alot about him.

"Hmm. You're falling more in love with him by the minute, but is he falling for you?" I asked. "This no talking thing is the worst."

If I were her I'd give myself a "Seriously? You're complaining?" look, but she was off in her own world, probably thinking about Eric.

"Let's just keep doing what we're doing," I continued. "You two are bonding at least."

It seems like you're starting to get cozy with someone too, Ariel spoke.

"What?" I asked, shocked. She gave a look towards Eaton, who just decided at the same moment to look back and smile at me.

I gave him a really awkward wave before shaking my head. "No way. Befriending him is to just make sure he doesn't come between you two in any way. Whether it's falling in love with you..."

I trailed off, saying the last part in my head Or kill you.

She nodded, but I could tell from the twinkle in her eye that Ariel didn't believe that one bit. She bounded back towards Eric as Eaton came beside me.

We walked in silence, but he didn't seem to mind. Whenever I peeked back at him, he was either staring at me or the stars. Whatever to get him away from Ariel, I reminded myself, even though I knew that was far from the truth.