Chapter 21
As I stepped out of my room, the soft glow of the evening light danced across my skin, illuminating the black three-quarter jeans and designer shirt that hugged my curves in all the right places. I felt a surge of confidence, my stride purposeful as I made my way to the agreed meeting spot.
Jo was there, engaged in conversation with a few people, but as soon as his eyes landed on me, his gaze lingered, taking in every detail of my outfit. A slow smile spread across his face, and he excused himself, walking towards me with a confident air. "You look good," he said, his voice low and sincere.
I mouthed a small thank you,together, we walked towards the lively group of people waiting for us, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Jo's booming voice cut through the din, "Hey guys, hey guys, hey guys!" he called out, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "This is Sarah, she's new," he said, gesturing towards me.
The group turned, their faces a mix of curiosity and indifference, some nodding in greeting while others barely acknowledged my presence. I stood tall, my eyes meeting Jo's as he smiled reassuringly, his gaze a comforting presence amidst the uncertainty.
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As we ascended the mountain trail, the crisp air filled with laughter and the sound of cheerful chatter. Jo mingled effortlessly with a group of friends, his voice rising above the rest, lost in their jovial exchange.It was as if Jo had even forgotten I was there, his attention consumed by the lively attention,I walked a few steps behind, swallowed by the folds of their camaraderie, a silent observer in a world that felt just out of reach. A twinge of loneliness flickered within me, but I brushed it aside; I had my phone and laptop, after all—my trusty companions in solitude.
The path twisted upward, lined with loose stones and gnarled roots. My thoughts drifted, a mix of envy and appreciation, when suddenly my foot caught on an unsuspecting rock. I stumbled, the ground rushing up to meet me, a startled cry escaping my lips as I fought for balance. But before I could tangle with the earth, a warm hand clasped mine, steadying me against the fall.
"Are you okay?" Jo's voice cut through the chatter like a lifeline, concern etching his features as I looked up into his gaze. Instant gratitude swelled within me, eclipsing my previous insecurities. The laughter around us faded into an echo, everyone's attention now focused on this unexpected moment. The vibrant colors of the mountain seemed to blur into the background, leaving just him and me in a world that momentarily felt far less lonely.
"I'm fine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, Jo helped me regained my balance, His hands lingered on mine, warm and gentle, and I felt a flutter in my chest. I didn't want him to let go, didn't want the connection to break. It was a strange, unsettling feeling, but I couldn't deny the spark of attraction I felt.
The group began to snicker and exchange knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with mischief. They threw sly, teasing looks at Jo,as if to say we were a couple, and I felt my cheeks flush.
But Jo just smiled playfully, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's not what you think," he said, his voice light and teasing, and finally, he let go of my hand.
I fully regained my balance, feeling a little shaky, and one of the group members, a tiny-voiced girl, piped up, "How about we do hide and seek in the woods?" Her voice was like a mouse's squeak, but it was infectious, and we all agreed.
As we plunged deeper into the woods, the hide and seek game reached a fever pitch. I sprinted between the trunks, my eyes scouring the surroundings for any glimpse of him. The woods grew thicker, shadows deepening as the sun dipped below the horizon. I picked up speed, my heart pounding with anticipation.
But as I turned a corner, a jarring realization hit me – I was alone. The others had vanished into the trees. I spun around, trying to get my bearings, but the forest seemed to stretch out endlessly in every direction. Panic began to set in, my breath catching in my throat as I called out, "Jo? Hello?"
The only response was the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hooting of an owl, its mournful cry echoing through the forest. I took a few tentative steps forward, but the trees seemed to loom over me, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground. I was lost.
I turned in circles, trying to recall which direction I'd come from, but everything looked unfamiliar. I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Jo?" I called out again, my voice shaking slightly.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes caught my attention. I turned, hope flaring in my chest, but it was just a rabbit darting away. I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. Where was everyone? And how was I going to find my way back?
I frantically pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling as I dialed Jo's number. But it rang and rang, eventually going straight to voicemail. "Oh my God, oh my God," I muttered, panic rising up like a tide. I tried again and again, but his number was unreachable.
I felt like I was walking in circles, each step taking me further into the wilderness. The trees seemed to close in around me, their branches tangling together like skeletal fingers. I stumbled forward, my heart racing with every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves.
How did I even end up here? I thought, desperation creeping into my voice. I replayed the events in my head, trying to pinpoint the moment I'd gotten lost. But my mind was a jumble of fear and confusion. I couldn't think straight.
I kept moving, my legs aching as I trudged through the underbrush. But with every step, I felt more lost, more alone. The woods seemed to stretch on forever, and I was just a tiny, insignificant speck, vulnerable to the whims of nature. I called out Jo's name again, but my voice was swallowed up by the trees, leaving me with only silence and fear.
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*
As the group reassembled, Jo's gaze swept across the faces, his brow furrowed in a deepening crease of concern. "Where's Sarah?" he asked, his voice laced with a growing sense of unease.
One of the group members shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Oh, you mean the new girl? Probably she's still hiding."
Jo's face darkened, his eyes flashing with alarm. "Oh no, she doesn't know her way around this place," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh my God," he breathed, his eyes widening in panic.
He swiftly retrieved his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he tried to call Sarah. But her number was unreachable, and Jo's anxiety spiked. His face set in a determined expression, he declared, "Let's look for her," his voice firm and urgent.