2 MEETING THE HUNTERS

RACHELLE'S POV

As I continued to stare at the people around me, trying to figure out what is happening. My sanity started to drift ever so slowly yet before I even manage to think of something reasonable…

I suddenly shouted,

"What in the world is going on?!" because of my little tantrum people started in my direction.

Well, that caught some attention alright however it wasn't the pleasant kind. They are looking at me as if I've lost my mind. They seemed angry, bewildered and even some are just straight out flabbergasted.

It was tolerable at most but then a woman walked by giving me a disgusted look as if I'm the most unacceptable creature on earth. I scoffed, huh! She definitely didn't own a mirror. Well that aside, another group of younger women passed me. They started making comments about my clothes, saying how it looks odd and inappropriate.

As if on cue, I finally realized that they are acting like that because… I don't belong…

The shyness that never existed before came to me, I…I was out of place. Now I could only wish that the ground beneath me just open up and swallow me whole. After some time of standing around like the dumb person that I am, I finally gathered the courage to move.

I continued to walk in the streets while avoiding as much eye contact as possible, eventually, I came across an ally way.

Without any second thoughts, I walked. Yeah, no worries it's just a dark, wet and dirty ally way. No harm will come. Hopefully.

As I continued to walk in the ally way, thoughts about home reached me. I can't help but wonder, how am I going to get home then I thought about my mother how she is alone right now. Still brokenhearted from my father's disappearance and now her only child is gone as well.

Those thoughts consumed me until I collided against something, which caused me to fall to the ground. And as I looked up expecting to see a wall, I saw a man. Wait scratch that, I saw a very attractive man with pushed back hair and baby blue eyes that looks like a glacier in the north: clear, shiny, and undeniably mesmerizing.

The man extended a hand to help me stand back up, which I gladly took.

"My apologies Miss, I should've paid more attention in my surroundings," he said, bringing me back to reality. However, all I did was stare at his figure, reexamining his handsome face and brown locks.

"Are you alright Miss?" he asked, this finally snap me off of my dazed demeanor.

"Ah! Yes, yes I am. No need for apologies good Sir, I'm the one not paying attention after all" I finally answered.

"I see then I'll be in my way," he said flashing me a bright and heartwarming smile.

He started to walk off as I stood my ground, footsteps drawing further and further. Each step sounded eerier than the last.

"Umm…wait, Mister?!" I said, gathering my courage to speak.

The man turned to look at me "Yes?" he asked, raising a brow indicating his confusion.

I fidget a little, still reluctant.

"I…I just…" I bit my lips and furrowed my brows, not quite sure how to proceed.

He patiently waited for a moment "Is there something wrong?" he ask.

I took a deep breath and said "Yes, there is something wrong and I need help… quite badly"

He pursed his lips and nodded, then looked at me in the eyes.

I felt my heart sink, what if he didn't take me seriously. Would anyone even believe my story?

He finally spoke "Hesitant, I see…would you like to talk about this elsewhere?"

I was a bit taken aback however this will be a good chance to ask for some assistance.

"Yes, that would be wonderful" I answered

"Well then my place isn't that far from here, should we go there?" he said and looked at me expecting an answer, however, all I did was nod in agreement.

The man proceeded to walk and said as he turned his back "well then follow"

However I didn't move, a bit hesitant. What was I thinking I didn't even know his name clearly I once again acted out of desperation without thinking properly.

The man noticed my unmoved faze and look back for the second time, he seems to notice my uneasiness and doubt.

"Oh… my apologies Miss, where are my manners. My name is Robbie Hunter" he then bowed and took my left hand then kissed its back.

At the moment I was flustered and shocked, I probably looked like an overly ripped tomato.

"I…m-my name is Rachelle, Rachelle Heartford and I'm glad to make your acquaintance" I cursed my own stuttering but smiled nonetheless.

"The pleasure is all mine" he smiled ever so slightly and looked at me quite warmly

"Shall we go then Miss?" he asked.

I only nodded my head and returned his smile.

We then proceeded to walk out of the ally way. I have to admit my decision remained questionable and I am quite doubtful. I don't know Robbie and he could be a dangerous person for all I know but I do believe that desperate situations may need reckless decisions.

Both of us remained silent as we walk further and further from the town. Before I knew it we were surrounded by a vast meadow, field with flowers, and lush grass. The fresh scent brought back memories of our home garden during a warm summer day. The memory of home once again distracted me completely forgetting my doubts and worries. As well as missing the view of a house drawing near.

The sound of running footsteps brought me back to reality. I looked around only see a little girl running towards our direction. She's wearing a bright smile on her face, matching her beautiful face with baby blue eyes and brown locks tided in messy pigtails. There's no further question, this little girl is definitely related to Robbie.

Upon reaching our location the little girl beamed and cheerfully said "Welcome Home big brother!" which confirmed my guesses.

The girl then looked in my direction and smiled, which I gladly returned.

"Is she your future wife big brother?" she asked.

My eyes widen in shock unsure whether to respond or remained silent. In the end, I only looked at Robbie expectantly.

"No Kristy she's a friend also where's your manners, young lady? You didn't even introduce yourself"

The little girl gasped and looked at me.

"My apologies, my name is Kristy Hunter and I'm 10 years of age." She said

I smiled at her reassuringly, to tell her that I'm not offended in any way.

"My name is Rachelle Heartford, it's a pleasure meeting you Kristy," I said

The young girl grinned sheepishly and proceed to run off, to God knows where.

"I apologize for her behavior, Rachelle… I think it's for the best that we go inside." He said.

"It's alright, I think she's quite adorable" I answered with a smile

Robbie smiled back then led me into their humble abode.