Living in Fear

Chp 10

Nathaniel sighed deeply as he saw the village up ahead. He really didn't want to face anyone right now. He slowed down his pace to a nice saunter and slowly made his way to the town.

"Hey, you! Stop!" someone called from behind him. 

Nathaniel turned around to see Sander, Rew's son, running up to him. 

Once the boy caught up to him, he took his time to catch his breath. "Mother..." he took another deep breath and straightened out, "Mother was looking for you."

Nathaniel's heart stopped, before beating tenfold. "What did she need me for?" he asked, trying his best to stay calm and collected.

Sander shrugged. "She was worried about you. You ran out of the house really fast. C'mon we have to get ready for the celebration."

"O-okay..." Nathaniel said warily. He followed the boy to the village and to an expectant and slightly irritated Rew. 

"Thanks for finding him, sweetie," Rew said, "Go get bathed for tonight."

"Yes, mom."

Once Sander was upstairs Rew dragged Nathaniel to the kitchen. She paced back and forth before speaking. "I was asked to get you ready for the festivities tonight."

"By whom?"

Rew rolled her eyes, "Who do you think?"

Nathaniel sighed, "I don't get why she wants me to actually have a good time here. Especially since I... um nevermind..."

"No, please," Rew said slightly irritated with the man standing in front of her, "What did you do this time?"

Nathaniel said nothing. He only looked at Rew with guilt in his eyes.

"You are an idiot..." Rew said. "You're lucky I'm not smacking you right now." She got a bundle of clothes and threw it at Nathaniel.  "There is a washhouse outside. Use it and change into those."

"Thanks," Nathaniel said begrudgingly. He started toward the door.

"Oh! And Nathaniel?" Rew called.

"Yes?"

"I wasn't kidding about hurting her. You're lucky she asked me to keep it a secret."

Nathaniel nodded once and headed to the washhouse, letting Rew's words sink in. 

How did he let himself get this deep?

~~~~~~~~~~

Hello homesicle!

I know it's been a while... The only excuse... I was really lazy and forgot that this book existed.

Sorry about that?

Is there anything I can do to this story to make it more enjoyable for you, the reader?