^{If you missed the first book - Fireflies - you might want to start there. It's here in its completion, written for Steemit. If you enjoy it, feel free to ask to be added to the subscriber list for the sequel, where new chapters are being released daily.}

Entry 10

"So tell me about yourself."

He was energetically persistent and pleasant, which irritated her. She sighed internally, and chastised herself. He was probably no more than 1-2 years older than her. Why shouldn't he try to get to know the only female on this trip under 40? He was young, vibrant, sweet - she peeked over at him from under the brim of her hat, and yes - attractive. She knew she could chase him away, permanently, but was there really a need? This was day 2 of a 9 day trip. She had endured far more menacing attention than his in her young life. She sighed again, this time more audibly.

"I've got a better idea. Why don't you go first?"

He chuckled and shrugged. "Alright."

She turned her gaze back to the trail and pursed her lips, thinking sarcastically how easy it was to turn the spotlight onto others. Most people were narcissists at heart, regardless of how they feigned interest in others. She would just keep asking him questions until it was time to tie their horses for the night.

Caleb
20
New Mexico
Architecture (Dad insisted), but passionate about art (gifted like Mom).
Won this trip from a writing contest.
The rest... began fading into the background.

The permeating heat of the day, the steady hum of the insects, the scent of warm leather, and the rhythmic squeak of saddles all served as the hypnotizing backdrop to the soothing sound of his voice. Try as she might, she couldn't quite shake the pull that was tugging at her mind. Shouldn't she be as invested in pursuing her future as other college students finding their place in this world? Why wouldn't someone like him be a suitable match for someone like her? She slid her eyes to the right, slowly measuring. Tilting her head slightly, she weighed options and potential outcomes.

With a dazed, contented smile, he continued talking lazily, unaware of her judgmental assessment.

The corners of her mouth curled gently. She considered him and thought to herself, What was the worst that could happen?

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