11.
1152 Words
Sunlight was just making its way into the sky as Gatlin crawled from the small shelter she had built for herself and into the beautiful morning air over the week she had adjusted to getting up early though she hadn't been much for sleeping in any way but never the less she was enjoying the cool breeze of the morning and the sun peeking through the trees as she looked around and taking in the beautiful site it was something she would store in her memory.
Gatlin walked through the trees as the sun continued to rise its light as though it was following her every step until she reached the creek. Which was overshadowed with a large brush, trees and rocks. Gatlin took off her clothes and set them aside on a rock before stepping slowly into the cold water. It washed over her warm skin sending shivers throughout her body as she continued her way further till the water was to her waist. Gatlin sank into the water letting her body be completely engulfed by the wild head of curls falling flat against her back once she resurfaced. It wasn't deep water the deepest part probably came to just above her hip but it was enough to enjoy and float around in. Being alone never bothered Gatlin frankly she enjoyed the solitude so laying back in the water and floating aimlessly in the quiet of the woods was just a nice dream to Gatlin. Well until she was rudely interrupted by someone clearing their throat causing her to thrash in the water from surprise. Gatlin was missing when she didn't have to associate with her pack as soon as she did all they did was spend their time sneaking up on her. She was further annoyed seeing Onyx standing on the dirt just beside the water's edge and just beside her clothes.
"I thought we were spending these two days alone" was all she said to the unwelcome intruder as she composed herself and sat in the water to hide her bare skin.
"You are but I was just checking in on each of you. I assumed you would still be asleep but I found the camp empty so I..." he cleared his throat "well you were easy to find" he didn't want to admit what she already knew. The fact was Onyx could find her in a snowstorm the same way she could find him. They were linked after all.
"Well, you found me... You can leave now" Gatlin insisted as she turned her back hoping he would simply walk away but to no such luck.
"Gatlin, I know we have gotten off on the wrong foot and perhaps I haven't been the best the since you arrived but seeing you asleep with the wolves—"
"Woah, Woah, Woah" she interrupted before turning abruptly to face the tall young man "You can't stand there and tell me you were upset because I camped out with some of the other trainees" shaking her head Gatlin made her way from the water nudity be damned forcing Onyx to quickly avert his gaze while she quickly slid on a hooded jumper letting her wet body dampen the shirt "we already went over this when we first found out about..." Gatlin directed a finger between the pair "you and I have nothing more to discuss, Onyx you're with Eliza."
"I know and I love Eliza" he replied but the confusion in his silver eyes was hard to miss.
"Then what's the problem?" Gatlin questioned further annoyance was written all over her face and she wasn't bothering to hide it.
"This" she didn't know if it was intentional how rough he was when he suddenly yanked her hand out of being against her side to hold in his "This is the problem, Gatlin" she knew what he meant after all Gatlin felt it too once their hands touched. It was a connection that was unmistakable, enough to send a shiver up her spine from the tingling sensation but she only grew annoyed further at his attitude.
"I thought we had an understanding, Onyx....” Gatlin let out a sigh yanking her hand from his hold "I didn't realise I was such a problem but you're in luck because soon enough I will be out of here and you won't have to see me again."
"Gatlin..." he sighed rubbing a hand over his head fingers brushing over the short strands of hair "I didn't mean..."
"Just go!" She snapped "You can have your perfect life with Eliza just keep yourself in check."
"Gatlin, listen please—"
"Enough, just go!" She ordered her sage-coloured eyes were ablaze. Gatlin was done with the conversation, she was done talking about the seamlessly never-ending discussion. Without a word, Onyx turned and disappeared into forestry and leaving Gatlin in her solitude once again that peace she once had though was now gone and irritation was bubbling under her skin but she was shaken out of her thoughts when the sound of rustling within the trees caught her attention. At this point, she wondered if it was a pack of stray wolves ready to come out and swallow her whole but no just the surprised and yet smirking face of Jaxon "What are you doing here?" She practically barked at him.
"I came for some water" he lifted the empty bottle to show her.
"Oh..." was all she replied with as she turned her back to the large man and began packing up her belongings.
"I didn't think I would catch a show though" he chuckled kneeling by the trickling the water that ran between some rocks and sat his bottle underneath to fill up.
"How much did you hear?" Gatlin questioned keeping her back turned to him.
"Enough, you know you're a lot more interesting than I originally thought" lifting his dark brown eyes to watch her as Gatlin finally turned to face him. His smugness, however, wasn't there as she assumed instead there was something she didn't expect empathy.
"You're going to run and tell everyone?" Gatlin attempted to sound confident but couldn't help nervously picking at a loose strand of her pants as she held them close to her chest.
"No..." Jaxon said flatly finally getting back to his feet once his bottle was full. Those dark brown eyes still staring at her, analysing her entire being it seemed anyway “I won’t tell anyone. Plus if I do that I might lose my chances of winning you over” a look of shock was an understatement that was on her delicate featured face but Jaxon simply chuckled at her surprise “I’ll see you around, Pryce” was all he said before he too disappeared back into the woods leaving Gatlin standing beside the creek wondering how a little swim turned into so much more.
- Writer
