A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer)

Nicola
Hunter

52 POSTS
last seen Feb 26, 2012 18:03:57 GMT -5

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Aug 20, 2009 7:40:28 GMT -5

Post by Nicola on Aug 20, 2009 7:40:28 GMT -5

Addison Hale

Addison Hale hugged her knees as she sat on the cold stone steps, staring at the nearby woods. If only she had the guts to just walk in there, catch some food and come straight beck home without anyone ever finding out. She knew of other kids who did just exactly that; she'd heard them talking about the thrill it gave them. Addie wanted more than anything to experience that same thrill. But she had responsibilities. If she got caught she'd be letting her Dad and brother down. If she was sent away where then would they get their food from? Her father's mining wages barely got the three of them by; so that's why she worked in the Hob. She was the breadwinner in the family, whether her Dad liked to admit it or not, and if she was stupid enough to be taken away from them because of some wish then Addie was more foolish than she thought she was. But there was no need to beat herself up about it; it was never going to happen.

Shifting her gaze to the pavement in front of her Addie wondered if it was about time to go home. She didn't really want to. Today had been tiring. A long, boring day at school and then a tough few hours at the Hob. It was worth it though; her family would be eating for near a week with the pay she got. But even though she was tired she still didn't feel like going home. If you could call it a home. Thick black strands of hair was blown into her eyes, distracting her. She pushed the hair behind her ear, thus moving her line of sight. Almost jumping from surprise, Addie didn't usually see many people at this time in the evening, she caught sight of a figure approaching her. A girl, by the looks of it. Oh no, she thought, was this a thief? Addie had a big bunch of money in her jacket's pocket, and she immediately felt wary. Just walk on, girl. Leave me alone.

wanderer

guest

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Aug 20, 2009 7:58:57 GMT -5

Post by wanderer on Aug 20, 2009 7:58:57 GMT -5

Annie Wheeler

Annie's day had been long and hard. Pickings in the forest had been rare, her only spoils she had claimed where a sackful of blackberries which would be almost worthless at the market. She couldn't find her brother who, as always, had been hunting in the woods. She had searched for longer than usual, finally giving up as the sun began setting in the dirty grey sky.

Annie shivered against the cold wind that blew her blonde hair and worked its way through her thin clothing. Tonight would be freezing with no money to buy extra oil. She wearily stepped through the tiny gap in the fence where the electricity never worked. She could hear the dull hum of the electric current passing through the metal, her hair was static against its power.

She surveyed her surroundings in the dimming light. A girl, with thick ebony hair, sat alone on some stone steps. The girl looked up and caught sight of Annie. Something must have startled the girl, because she wore a defensive expression.

Butterflies stumbled around in Annie's stomach, new people always brought out her shy nature. She walked towards the lonely girl, perhaps she just needed a friend.

Last Edit: Aug 20, 2009 9:58:47 GMT -5 by wanderer

Nicola
Hunter

52 POSTS
last seen Feb 26, 2012 18:03:57 GMT -5

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Aug 22, 2009 12:43:52 GMT -5

Post by Nicola on Aug 22, 2009 12:43:52 GMT -5

This is just freaking great. Addie felt that common fear people usually experienced when they knew they were in danger, but it disappeared just as quick. The teen may look innocent and harmless, but she was nothing but. Addie would sooner throw a punch than to let them get one over on her. And if this girl posed a threat, Addie sure as hell was not going to let her get away easily. You couldn't just leave me alone, could you? She might act all tough but Addison Hale was capable of feeling remorse and guilt. She almost felt sorry for the approaching teen.

As the cold wind bit into her clothes making her shiver. Changing her posture into a wary, defensive stance, Addie stood up in opposition to the girl. She wasn't known to reasoning with people; violence always seemed the easier choice, but if she could just convince this girl to leave her alone and go target someone else, she would try.

Suddenly noticing the gait in which the other girl walked, Addie felt confused. She had seen people walk like that before. And they were the sort of people who avoided confrontation; shy, timid people. But if that were true of the girl, then why was she coming towards her? Did she mean no harm? Just being friendly? It was to believe that at this time in the evening so close to the Seam. Better to be safe than sorry. Addie raised her head in defiance, and spoke in an unwavering voice. "Are you sure you want to do this, girl? I mean, if you just walk away now, nobody will get hurt. Are you sure you want to risk that?" Addie realized that if this girl wasn't a mugger then none of what she said would make any sense whatsoever, and she would be the one who looked aggressive. But, like she said, better safe than sorry. Addie stood there waiting for a response.

wanderer

guest

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Aug 23, 2009 6:43:54 GMT -5

Post by wanderer on Aug 23, 2009 6:43:54 GMT -5

Annie was taken aback with the girls words.

"I.. I.. Sorry. I just thought you looked troubled." Her voice was trembling, squeaky in the hard wind that had suddenly picked up. Annie put her hands up in front of her, submissing to the other girl. She stepped away from the girl, watching her defensive stance and waiting for the girl to attack.

Annie was never good at fighting, but she could run. After years of exploring every nook and cranny of District 12, Annie could easily escape the advances of this girl. This girl must be more of a fighter, but probably not as good on her toes as Annie. But Annie needed information, she needed to know if this girl had seen her brother, if this girl knew what had happened to him.

Annie straightened up, and glanced quickly behind her, checking for routes for her to make her escape in case of an oncoming attack. She grasped tightly on her sack of berries, she wouldn't lose her only lively hood to this girl.

Nicola
Hunter

52 POSTS
last seen Feb 26, 2012 18:03:57 GMT -5

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Aug 25, 2009 12:25:31 GMT -5

Post by Nicola on Aug 25, 2009 12:25:31 GMT -5

Staring deeply into the girl's eyes, Addie debated whether or not she was telling the truth. So far all signs were positive. That meant that she was harmless. And Addie had just probably scared the crap out of her. A pang of sympathy hit the teen; automatically feeling bad for jumping to conclusions. Deep down Addie knew that if she had behaved this way to a random guy she wouldn't be feeling so bad, but being the feminist that she was Addison felt the need to apologize.

"Oh." Although she felt like saying sorry, Addie found it hard to do so. "Well then, I guess ... I mean, I probably shouldn't have snapped at you like that." She felt her posture relax, and even attempted a brief smile. "But a girl can't be too careful around here, you know?"

OCC - Sorry for the late reply. ^^

wanderer

guest

A Jump in the Dark (Wanderer) Sept 11, 2009 7:06:44 GMT -5

Post by wanderer on Sept 11, 2009 7:06:44 GMT -5

"Thats ok" Annie replied. "I don't usually approach random strangers, it's just that you seemed upset about something, and I needed to know if you have seen my brother come through the fence at all?"

The hostility in the girl seemed repressed to Annie, perhaps she isn't as scary as she looks.

(Dont worry, I was on holiday anyway)