Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry. I’m not a witch. I really don’t do anything that exciting. I just moved here and haven’t even unpacked all my boxes,” Bell says.
I cross my ankles, lean back against the counter and watch the four of them interact. As they eat and chat and drink their coffee, Bell’s face becomes more relaxed. Her shoulders loosen up. A glow starts creeping into her cheeks. She can be happy here. No matter what happened in her past, I can make her safe and happy.
CHAPTER 8
BELL
It’s so strange here. When I lived in the city, I never talked to anyone in my building. I knew their faces, but that was about it. People went out of their way to not make small talk. It never really bothered me. I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert, but I’m starting to wonder if I’m more shy than anything.
I was sure avoiding my neighbors here would be super easy. If I could do it in a building full of people, it should be no problem when you have whole yards separating you. I was so wrong.
I’m rather enjoying the banter with my new neighbors. I’ve been more isolated than normal, and that’s saying a lot for me. It’s nice to get out and have people to talk to for a bit. They’re all so interesting in their own ways. It makes me wonder if they think the same of me. I’ve always found myself to be plain and easy to overlook. I bet they think I’m boring.
“They don’t ever nip at you?” I ask Marly as she shows me her chickens.
My eyes drift around her yard, recalling her saying she saw someone dressed all in black a few nights ago. It might be nothing. Marly does have a very active imagination. I really hope it was nothing. Nina swears there is no way for my stalker to find me. But I’m not convinced. They also told me there was no way he could get into my old condo, but that hadn’t been true.
“Trudy can get a bit moody and chase me around the yard sometimes, but I think she’s only playing when she does that.” Marly tosses out some seed for them to eat. A laugh bubbles up as I watch them scurry around to get their food.
“I should have made you grab your coat.” Jackson takes his off and drapes it over my shoulders. The smell of him surrounds me. I find it soothing for some reason. I’m not sure what it is about him that has made me take to him so quickly, but when he’s near, my anxiety is at its lowest.
“You don’t have to do that.” I try to give it back, but he stops me. “Mine is still in a box somewhere.” That means I’ll probably never find it at the rate I’m unpacking. I should order a new one online.
“Look at you being a gentleman. It’s adorable,” his sister teases him. I fight a laugh because Jackson is a lot of things, but adorable isn’t on that list. Now these chickens are adorable.
“Did Jackson send you that link I sent him about why your chickens might not be laying eggs?” I ask Marly. There are still no eggs today. It was the first thing she checked when we came out.
“What link? You holding out on me?” Marly glares at her brother.
“I forgot.” Jackson doesn’t seem to be the least bit worried over the non-egg-laying chickens.
“You forgot!? Brothers,” she says in a frustrated voice as she rolls her eyes. “What’s your number? You can text me instead of him from now on.” I hesitate for a second before I finally give it out, not wanting to be awkward. I’m so used to keeping to myself. But I know it will only draw attention to me if I’m not willing to give my cell phone number out.
What could it hurt? Marly and Jackson have no connection to my past. Them having my number doesn’t hurt anything. My phone dings a moment later with a text from Marly. I save her contact and send the link over to her.
“There are lots of reasons chickens can stop laying eggs. Oh, I found this other article too.” I find the other link next and send it to her. I have to admit it feels nice to have someone to share things with. I know I have Nina, but I haven’t had a new friend in a long time.
“You did all this chicken research for me?” Marly gives me a warm smile.
“I just wanted to help in any way that I could.” I shrug. “Plus, I figured that maybe eventually it’ll get me some eggs.”
“You don’t cook,” Jackson chimes in.
“Hey,” I smack his chest. “I could learn.” He glances down to my hand on his hard chest. “Sorry.” I pull it back quickly.