Unexpected, but I don’t blame her. If I stayed in a nightmare cottage here, I would practically be begging a stranger to take me to God knows where.I wouldn’t even bother for the destination.Just anywhere but here.  

She stared at her lap, twisting the frayed edges of her skirt. From time to time, she would look at me, Her brown eyes warm with anticipation. Just like my little brother.

“Fine with me. But, you’ll become a criminal, if that’s alright with you.” I set my empty bowl on the rug.

A little company didn’t hurt plus she won’t be extra baggage if she hunted. Besides having one more mouth to feed, she wasn’t going to be much of a burden….Maybe I should have thought more about it then give an immediate reply.

“I’m perfectly fine with that.” She grinned in resolve.

It was kind of sad to see her so enthusiastic. There were plenty of better options than being an accomplice. . If I was a better person, I would have declined or at least take her to a more stable environment. But…I wasn’t that person.

“But we might not come back here.” I reasoned with her.

What if she had any family or friends, aside from her grandma?

“Nobody will miss me even if I don’t return.” She  answered.

I didn’t know what to say to that.

After dinner, she washed the bowls and wooden spoons in a plastic bucket with a gigantic jug of water. I watched her, with shifting eyes. Even if we were partners, that didn’t mean I couldn’t steal from her. Her belongings, especially her guns and rugs, would fetch me a pretty penny.

“Please use the outhouse before the water gets cold.” She beamed as she hands me a bundle of clothes.

“You go first.”

Before I could blink, she pointed the tip of one of her rifles from beneath the bed directly on my neck.

“I may like the taste of danger, but I also like to keep my belongings where it is.” She smiled pleasantly as if she was inviting me to a tea-party.

We observed each other, her gaze unwavering. 

Stupid. Why was I so stupid? 

“Are you sure it’s a good idea to kill your ticket out of here?” I ask, my tone thankfully not faltering even though my heartbeat rung in my ears.

“I could hitch another ride, but you seem loyal.”

“And what makes you so sure of that?” I quirked my brow.

“Because you’re an intelligent one,” she withdraws her weapon,” Now let us take a bath.”

“Whatever you wish, pushy.” I crossed myr arms over her chest.

“There’s nothing wrong with being assertive.”

“Doll you just threatened my life. That’s certainly just ‘assertive’.”

She simply laughed. And judging by how hoarse it was, it was long time since she had a good laugh.