He chuckled as he adjusted the camera strap on his shoulder and took in the breathtaking scenery all around us. "I usually prefer my photographs to be devoid of any humans and to solely include trees, nature, and the sky."
"So why did you want me to be on it? If you say so, I can actually take a step back. I don't mind because I'm planning to go too, so it won't be a problem for me”
"I don't know why, but watching you admire nature with those green eyes of yours makes me feel as though I can see the world through them.” He uttered those remarks with such seriousness, there was truth oozing from his words.
He was such a well-spoken and deep guy, and I find myself admiring that. I also note that if he were to meet Anna, there is no doubt that they would click because my friend was such a perceptive person. We both are.
I gave a quick nod before beginning to walk while he walked beside me. “Then is it okay to claim that you merely use me to see nature differently? ", I teasingly said.
He laughed, “Yeah, you could tell that”
I shake my head and grin at that as I scan the area.
"I'm Adam by the way," he said, extending his hand.
"Jaidyn," I replied, taking his hand.
“By the way, are you staying in this town?” he suddenly asked.
“Yes. I managed to rent a cabin in this town. Are you in this town as well?”
He shook his head, "I was staying with my cousin who lives in the next town."
“Why are you here though, if you don't mind me asking?”
"I grew bored there because I pretty much explored that town," he shrugged, "so I decided to travel around and I ended up here—in Grevis Town. I was fortunate since he told me that only this month are they allowing some outsiders in this village.”
I nodded, recalling that Claire had given me that information under the excuse that they wanted to avoid unwanted circumstances which were still unexplained.
He asked, "How about you, what are you doing outside?"
A forced smile spread on my face and I honestly replied, "I plan to look for a store with a wifi"
He grinned, "Well, I know one. The one I went to earlier. They have wifi there"
"Really? That's great"
He said in jest, "Maybe I'm your luck today," and I couldn't help but chortle.
"I don't think so"
We laughed and joked as we went, chatting about trivial topics like the weather and our tastes in the outdoor spaces. On our way, we come across some people, and I see how intently they both stare at us.
"My fingers will freeze in the cold, but I'll stand still outside until I get some pictures, and then I'll look at them—”
When I once more spotted a middle-aged woman passing us but pointedly glancing at me and then at Adam, I was unable to hear or concentrate on what he was saying. The nerves of being stared at as if I was doing something wrong was unnerving and making my skin crawl—.
"Are you alright?"
I snapped my head to Adam who now stops walking and frowning at me with concern.
"Huh? What?" I rumbled, catching my thoughts, "I'm sorry I didn't hear you"
He asked with concern, "Are you okay? You seemed so tense."
I gulped and said, "No, I'm okay. I just thought of something," fighting the anxiety that was rising inside of me.
He reluctantly nodded, and when he decided not to pursue the subject further, I heaved a sigh of relief. We didn't speak again after that, and I can't help but feel bad for not listening to him. Despite the fact that he was a total stranger, it is customary to pay attention when someone is speaking to you, and I failed to do so in this case. That was one of the lessons my mother gave me, and I've had to follow it my entire life.
"I'm sorry," I said to him.
He grinned showing his captivating smile but not that beautiful to Traian….. Stop! Don't go there!
“It's alright, maybe if people we encounter also continue to look at me strangely I'll start to think I have a snout on my face.”
I looked at him in surprise, “Did you……”
It takes me a while to understand that he must have also noticed the unwanted attention the passersby is giving us. I genuinely laughed, my voice echoed in the street. "Yeah, in normal circumstances I would"
But people here in Grevis Town seemed to be different. And I sure as hell, my face was normal as it is. And I'm certain that no one won't give me a disapproving look if I chat with a man who is essentially a tourist like me in a place where we don't belong. Aren't we just supposed to be invisible to them? Like they shouldn't give a damn who we're talking to. The thought of leaving crossed my mind but I pushed it back, knowing that I already gave my word to my sister and had already decided.
Adam suddenly said, "That's the store," pointing to the shop on the opposite side of the street.
We crossed the street, and as we approached the store's front door, I noticed the sign with the big letters CLOSE, which caused my shoulders to sag. I think I'll have to put off my plan this time.
“They are open earlier though” Adam muttered next to me.
I shrugged, “Maybe the owner has gone somewhere”
Behind us, an abrupt voice of "hello" could be heard.
Adam and I both whirled around at the same time, with Adam slightly brushing my arm with his. I saw the middle-aged woman give it a quick glance. Her limbs were toned, and she had her black hair tied back into a bun. I discreetly take a step to the side. I don't know why, but I had the impression that there was something I was doing wrong, and that thought still lingered in the back of my head.
The woman looked at me and explained, "Ben, the owner, went fishing with his friend only a little while ago, which is why the store was closed."
I awkwardly nodded, “Oh, thank you for informing us”
“Whatever you might need in his store, I can provide you with some help” the woman offered.
“She needs—”
I quickly grasped Adam's wrist and gave him a knowing glance. “We're good,” I said as I turned to face the woman. “We might return some other day”
Then I yanked Adam out of the area. I took careful and purposeful movements to go as far away from the woman as I could without realizing that I was still clutching his arm. I kept going, but I abruptly came to a stop when a pair unexpectedly arrived on the corner of the street where we were about to pass.
My eyes automatically focused on the two familiar faces in front of me. My attention immediately turned to the magnificent man standing next to the blonde woman, who exuded an uncharacteristically powerful and menacing aura this time.
“Jaidyn” Traian said and his controlled tone just brushed my ear as my eyes diverted to his hands that were tightly wrapped around Lara's waist.