Living on my own

Learn to hunt

I brought Jessie to a part where it was good to hunt. I spotted a squirrel and showed it to her. I gave her a knife to throw. She barely missed the first time, but the second time she hit it right on. "Good. Now we practice on a tree so you can get better and be able to do that first time every time." She practice for a full two hours, before she got tired of it. It was almost dark anyway, so we headed back to the site.

She fell sleep almost instantly, but I stayed up for a while longer, keeping watch. I looked at her, still trying to figure out who she really was. I have a remarkable memory, so I know I saw her somewhere, but it bothers me that I couldn't think of it off the top of my head.

All night long, I let her sleep, and stayed on watch. When I saw the sunrise, I began a little breakfast. I finished it within the hour and woke her up to eat. She looked at me, shocked.

"You did not sleep at all did you?" I shook my head. "Why?! That's insane!"

"Jessie, I had to keep watch on the camp. I do it all the time. I am fine, I assure you," I replied confidently, knowing that it was one hundred percent true.

"Go to sleep now. I will watch. If anything happens, I will wake you. You need rest. Please." I sighed, knowing that she was right, but I didn't want to admit it right then.

"Fine, but you have to promise to wake me the second something happens," I said, saying nothing more than that. She nodded her head and I laid down on the bare ground. I was startled when she covered me with the blanket she had been using during the night. "Wake me up in five hours so I may prepare lunch for us, okay?" She nodded.

I slowly drifted off into a doze, but I knew I was not fully asleep, but ready to pounce if I had the need.

When I opened my eyes, I knew something was wrong. It was quiet. Way too quiet for my comfort. I stood up. It took me a while to notice that Jessie was gone. No where in sight. I clenched my fist. I should not have fallen asleep with her on guard. That was so stupid of me. Just great. She is probably somewhere telling someone where I am, then I'll have to relocate, and that's going to be a hassle.

I started to walk around for a moment. I jumped when a hand was placed upon my shoulder and spun around to face my would-be attacker, only to see Jessie. I took hold of her arm and held firm. "Who did you tell about my location?" I nearly yelled.

She looked scared. "I--I have no idea what you mean? What is going on? I was just practicing throwing knives. I am sorry if I worried you."

"The only thing I am worried about is who you told and how close they are and who you really are. I want answers and I want them now!"

"I didn't tell anyone. If anyone is coming, I have no idea about it. I am Jessie Calaron." I looked at her, shocked and a bit scared, but I didn't let that show even a little bit. What she just told me shocked me. I had no idea if it was true or not, but I intend to find out, by all means necessary. I was breathing hard as I considered what to do next.