Caught In The Gray

Chapter Ten

I wake to a bit later than usual. I pull the earbuds that Alaric gave me out of my ears and pause the music. I feel around on my bed for Rosy but she isn't there. I walk to my closet and pull out a pair of shorts and a tight tank top. I get dressed and braid my hair into two french pigtails as I walk into the bathroom. I go to the bathroom and brush my teeth before walking down the hall to the kitchen.

Alaric is sitting at the table, eating and writing something in his small notebook. Rosy is laying at his feet and he gives her some food. "Morning," I say and he looks up, closing his notebook. I notice that he's not wearing a suit today, he's wearing a pair of shorts and a gray shirt.

"Morning," he replies and stands up, making his way to grab more coffee. He grabs another mug and fills it after his own, handing it to me.

"Thanks," I say and take a drink. He nods and leans against the counter. I grab a few things from the pantry and make oatmeal. "What do you want to do today?" I ask and take a drink of coffee.

"Self defense training?" Alaric asks and I look at him, a smile on my lips.

"What does that include?" I ask.

"Mostly it's about knowing how to defend yourself. Eloisa suggested it because of your...status. It's probably good to know just incase," he says, running a hand through his hair. and I nod.

"Okay," I say and grab the oatmeal and move to the table. I sit down and take a drink of coffee. Rosy perks up, noticing I have food. "Your iPod is great." I say as Alaric sits down and he smiles

"Do you want anymore music?" he asks and I shake my head.

"No, I love the music you have," I say and he nods, I take a bite of oatmeal. "What should I wear for self defense training?" I ask and he smiles.

"Athletic clothes," he responds and I nod. I finish eating breakfast, saving a bit for Rosy. I stand up and move to her bowl, I scrap the rest of it into her bowl and she runs over, eating it. I smile and put my bowl and empty coffee cup into the sink. Alaric stands up and we both move to our rooms.

I change into a sports bra and athletic tank top and a pair of fitted athletic shorts. I wish I has something more conservative but this is pretty much my athletic wardrobe. I put on deodorant and a pair of athletic shoes. I grab my backpack and move to the kitchen, grabbing and filling water bottles. I grab a few snacks and put them in my bag.

I'm excited, I have no idea what to expect, but I think it's going to be fun. I fill a glass with water and bend over to fill Rosy's bowl. I look over and and Alaric is standing in the kitchen. I smile and stand up. I grab my backpack.

"Is Rosy coming with us?" I ask and he nods. Rosy perks up and Alaric grabs her leash, attaching it to her collar. "I grabbed water and snacks," I say and he nods.

"Thanks," he says and I nod, smiling. We walk out the door and start on a path that I haven't taken.

"Where are we going?" I ask and shift my backpack.

"A little ways up and off to the side, there's a clear meadow," he says and I nod, we walk a little ways before turning up a path. It's heavily surrounded by trees for a second before a big meadow filled with grass appears. Alaric lets Rosy off her leash and she goes running.

Alaric and I walk to the middle of the feild and I drop the bag a few feet away. "What now?" I ask and he smiles. We stand facing each other, a few feet between us.

"What do you do when someone comes at you?" Alaric asks and I smile.

"Get away from them," I respond , simply, and he smiles.