Captured

{2} Moving Forward

Sara Beth's POV:

I wake from a restless sleep as the sun shines in from the side window, over my desk and into the comforts of my bed. I will have to invest in some blackout curtains if I ever plan to sleep in. I roll onto my back and slide into a deep stretch.

I lay there allowing my brain to ponder yesterday's drive, settling in, and those eyes. I shudder slightly at the thought of someone watching me, but my logic tells me I've been too tired and emotional, so I've obviously created the sight in my head. Too many fantasy novels. But it felt so real. The way they connected with mine deeply. I felt so vulnerable and exposed. I couldn't have made that up, right? I slap my hands over my face and drag them down, trying to wipe away my thoughts. I finally decide to get up and start my day.

After taking a quick shower, brushing my teeth and hair, and dressing in my oversized hoodie and jeans, I walk downstairs toward the kitchen to find something to tame the beast known as my stomach. Well, it used to be. I haven't really felt like eating over the course of these last few months. I'm actually surprised to feel my hunger. Maybe this is a sign of getting healthy, as dad put it.

I notice a paper lying on the large island.

Hey SB,

Mr. Turner wanted me to come in today to finalize some paperwork and get the office settled before officially starting. I shouldn't be gone too long.

I need you to go grocery shopping as well as pick up some supplies. See the list on the back side. I left my debit card. You know the pin.

I'll see you this afternoon! Be safe! Call me if you need me!

Love,

Dad

Ugh! I completely forgot we don't have any groceries. Guess breakfast is out of the question. I decide to acclimate myself with the house a little more before heading into town. I explore the kitchen cabinets, closets, and even unpack some more boxes before my stomach growls loudly.

"Whelp! That's my cue to get my errands started." I chuckle at myself. I will just stop at one of the local diners for coffee and a bite to eat before tackling my list.

I grab my keys and head into town. It's such a beautiful town, I have to admit. Nothing fancy, but it feels secluded and safe. I pull into the parking lot of the first diner I see. I grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee to go as it's a little weird with all the stares. I suppose they are not used to new residents. After getting my food, I simply shrug it off and head toward the hardware store.

I speak to Mr. Miller who owns the hardware store, as he is very welcoming and glad to have a new face in the crowd. He is a sweet older gentleman and I appreciate his warmth. I also tell him if he ever needs help around the store, to please call me as I am not in school and haven't gotten my photography business off the ground yet. He said I can start anytime as he could always use the help. I am beyond ecstatic at the chance to earn some money for myself and take some of the financial burden off of my dad.

I wave goodbye to him and I choose to walk the two blocks to the grocery store. It is so convenient having everything in one place. I avoid the strange stares as I enter the store and grab a shopping cart. I am looking at my dad's list knowing it would contain a lot of the basics which we need to stock our pantry and fridge.

Bang! My face contorts into shock as I crash into someone's cart!

"I am soooo sorry! I wasn't paying attention. Are you alright?" I exclaim. The petite woman in front of me with beautiful wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes starts to giggle at my actions.

"Oh honey! I wasn't paying any attention either. I guess we are two peas in a pod!" She laughs. I can't help, but laugh with her. "My name is Leah. Are you new to town?"

"Uh, yes, just moved into town yesterday with my dad. I'm Sara Beth."

"Well, Sara Beth, I have a feeling we are going to be good friends." Her smile is disarming and her friendliness draws you in. I smile at her words.

"That would be nice to have." My smile drops at the thought of going through life without friends. I was always a loner and had trouble trusting people. It got worse after my mom passed away because I was honestly angry at the world. Leah reaches her hand out for mine knowingly.

"Listen, I grew up mostly around boys and the girls that were around only seemed to talk to me to get to them. It gets lonely sometimes." Wow! It's like she already knows me. "Gosh! I feel like I've known you for years!" She squeals excitedly. "Here! Let me give you my number. Also, my friends and I are having a bonfire on Friday. You should definitely come. It will be great to have a girl to talk to instead of listening to a bunch of testosterone-filled exploits." She shakes her head.

"I would like that, thank you. Um, here's my number, too." I smile as I hand her my business card.

"Ooooohhh fancy! So you're a photographer?" I simply nod. "That's amazing! I can't wait to see some of your work. We don't have anything like that here, so you have a whole untapped market. If you need an assistant, just let me know."

"I'll keep that in mind. I first have to get settled and earn some revenue before I can really showcase my work. But, that's my goal at least. I got a job working at the hardware shop."

"Oh Mr. Miller is the sweetest man. He's great. You'll love working there. Well, at least until you start your business. I'm so excited for you. Oh! And welcome to Mountain Springs!"

"Thanks!" I can't stop smiling at her bubbly personality. She's making my cheeks hurt.

"I gotta run, but I'll text or call you later, Sara Beth. So amazing "running into you". You see what I did there?" I laugh out loud. She's funny. I let her pass by as she heads to the checkout counter. I look back down at my list and round the corner to the next aisle. I suddenly feel the air change into something colder and harsher. Weird. I feel a massive presence coming up the aisle toward me. My breathing hitches as I try to focus on the items on the shelves instead of this wall of man stalking towards me.

"You lost?" I don't respond assuming he's talking to someone else. "Oh, you're deaf, too, I see." His voice is cold and annoyed. I glance up to see his icy blue eyes staring directly at me. My face scowls at the realization.

"Excuse me?" I finally manage to speak after trying to assess the situation.

"Are. You. Lost?" He speaks slowly as if I am stupid and don't understand his question. My sarcasm and annoyance heighten toward this rude man.

"I'm obviously grocery shopping as we are in a grocery store. So, no, I'm not lost or stupid." I cross my arms over my chest and watch the shock settle on his face for a brief moment before a sinister smirk crosses his lips.

"We'll see about that last part." I roll my eyes and scoff at his words. He thinks he's real cute, implying I'm stupid. Ugh! Boys!

"Mhm, if you have nothing better to do than to exude rudeness to new residents in town, then I have better things to do with my time than to sit around and listen to it. Have a great day, sir." With that, I continue down the aisle. Thankfully, he doesn't follow, but simply stares after me until I turn the corner.

I let out the breath I am holding and calm my shaky hands. How do people just act like that to people they don't even know? The nerve! Although he could have crushed me like a bug, I refuse to take his callous cold-hearted words to heart.

I finish my shopping and pay for the groceries and make my way back to my car. As I'm loading the last of the bags, I get the feeling of being watched. Just as I'm about to get into the driver's side, I see the same man from the store, scowling with his massive arms across his chest as if he is assessing how easily it would be to demolish me. Instead of just getting in, my feisty side can't help but chuckle at him and shake my head. He obviously got my point as his anger and annoyance increases. Pfft! Like I care. Be mad you stupid man!

I replay the events as I take the short drive back to my house. My dad's truck still isn't home, so I unpack the groceries and supplies and put them up in their respective places. Since most of the unpacking is done, I run upstairs to grab my camera. I want to take some landscape shots before the sun sets. It will take some exploring to find the best angles and locations, but that's the fun part about being a photographer.

I leave a note on the counter just in case dad returns while I'm out. I grab my camera bag and head out the back door. The cool wind nips at my face, but it's a refreshing feeling, more so than a bitter cold. I'm content for the first time in a long time.

I take a few random test shots as I walk just to see what develops. I follow a wide path from my house. The forest is plush and full of life. The wind rustling the trees, birds chirping, squirrels scampering. It is nice to allow my thoughts to quiet down and my breathing to mellow and simply appreciate the world around me. I walk until I see a clearing which houses a beautiful creek flowing into a pond at the center. Gorgeous! This might become my new favorite spot! I smile at the scenery as I go down to get a closer look.

I find a large rock to perch my camera on as the sun slowly lowers its head toward the treetops. I'm snapping away when I hear a branch break. My head snaps toward the treeline. It takes a minute for my eyes to adjust, but then, I see it. Or rather, them. Those icy blue eyes.

I quickly and quietly point my camera toward them and begin snapping. I zoom in and realize these eyes are attached to a stunning black wolf. I'm surprised I'm not scared. In fact, I'm elated at the chance to capture such a beautiful creature in their natural habitat. The wolf remains still, surprisingly. I keep my breathing even and emotions in check. The last thing I want to do is spook it.

"Sara? Saraaaaa?" My dad's voice breaks through the silence of the forest. I still don't move, nor do I answer. I can't move. I don't want the wolf to feel any threats. "Hey Sara?" My dad calls out again. The wolf slowly recedes into the forest and out of my view. I breathe out and quickly gather my camera and bag to scurry toward my dad's voice. "Oh, there you are! I was getting worried sick as it was starting to get dark."

"Sorry dad! I didn't mean to worry you! But guess what?!" I can no longer contain my enthusiasm. "I just got pictures of a black wolf in the forest. How awesome is that? I can't wait to see how the picture develops!" His face shows a mixture of concern and adoration for my excitement. He knows how much photography means to me and has always been supportive, but I'm sure me frolicking with a big bad wolf wasn't a part of his plans for me. I link my arm with his as we walk toward the house.

"Don't worry, dad, I promise I will be careful. Besides, I use my long range lens so I'm never too close. So, about that dark room?" He chuckles at my change of subject.

"I guess there's no time like the present. Did you get the supplies?"

"I sure did! Let's go!" I squeal in excitement. My dad walks through the back door. Just as I am about to follow, I turn around, scanning the forest once more. The feeling of being watched is back, but maybe I'm just psyching myself out from earlier. I follow my father inside the house.