Break Between Time

Chapter 4

He didn't know what to do for a moment. He didn't recognize her, but she clearly did him. Was he supposed to know her? With the way her thankful tone turned around, he sure wasn't a sight for sore eyes.

In her mind, he was the absolute last person she wanted to see. And what was with the getup? Last she checked, he wasn't seven years old.

"Uh, yeah. That's my name. How did you-" She didn't have to say anything to prove she was annoyed. Her hands rested on her hips and all of her weight was set on her left leg. Add an eye roll and you've got one seriously moody teenager.

"What in the world are you doing in the middle of the woods? And why the dumb clothes and phony accent?" Price felt greatly offended. He still hadn't gotten his thank you, instead, some stranger was making fun of him.

"Alright! My clothes may not be as elegant as yours, but that doesn't give you the right to mock me! And as far as I'm concerned, you're the one with the accent."

"Oh, my G- Are you LARPING?" His eyes furrowed in confusion. What in heaven's name was LARPING? At least her question confirmed one thing, she's definitely not from around his parts.

"I haven't a clue what that is. Is there another term I might know it by?"

"Oh, cut the bullshit. I know what you're doing, and that's so lame." So, she is making fun of him. This did lead him onto one of his suspicions. The only people near these parts that were known for being cruel were- "Are you a Raver?"

It was her turn to be puzzled. Did he think she was playing too? "I'm not playing whatever dumb game you are. And drop the accent! It's so f-" She wasn't going to cooperate, he knew that now. And she obviously dodged the question. Anyone who's guilty would do the same.

He drew his dagger hidden under his ropes. He didn't get too close, but he pointed it in her direction. Which was more threatening than she could handle.

She tripped over herself, almost falling back into the well- again. "I'm not going to ask nicely again. Are you a Raver?"

"Is that real? If it is Price, I swear to God I'll-" There he goes again, interrupting her. His hand cupped over her mouth and he loudly shushed her. He looked around and explained, "Don't say His name too loud. He'll hear you."

He knows now she isn't a Raver. They're far too religious to say the Lord's name like that. But it was too late. His knife was drawn and she was scared. He should have held off on the bladed threat was all he could think about. He couldn't do much about it now. She shoved him off of her and made slowly moved for the stream. "I knew you were crazy, but I didn't think you were a psychopath!"

He held his hands in front of himself as if he were trying to calm her down. And he was. "My apologies. You're definitely not a Raver and that was wrong of me. Look-" He displayed his knife sliding into its sheath. For a moment, he thought that would work. But it only confirmed to herself that it was a real dagger.

"I don't know how serious you take these games, but that's a felony! I could go up that hill and tell Candice and Flynn. I could get your butt thrown in juvie!"

"Is that how you know my name? You've met my brother and Candice?" Whatever act he had going on had gone too far. It wasn't funny.

She honestly wasn't sure if he was going to do anything serious, but pulling a sharp blade wasn't a joke.

"Actually, I think that's what I'm going to do. I won't tell the cops, but not even your dim-witted brother could defend your careless game." With that, she ran. If he was willing to take it that far, she didn't want to see what else he could do.