Chapter 5: EARLIER

Earlier

"Sapphire!"

I was feeding some of our chickens in the backyard. There were a total of six chickens, but my favorite  is the white feathered hen. I named her Callie. I softly stroked Callie's round and dull feathers when a familiar voice called my name. I stood up from my crouching position and faced Caleb –  who is now approaching me.

"Caleb? What are you doing here? Don't you have school?" Question after question, my eyebrows furrowed at his unexpected arrival. It was Monday, and I'm sure he has school on weekdays.

He stopped in front of me and chuckled.

"School's out. Didn't I tell you last Saturday?" My eyes widened. I almost forgot that it's already summer – which means Caleb doesn't have to go to school anymore!

"No?" I tried to remember if he said anything, but all I could remember is that Saturday was the day Dom went to the store for the first time.

"Oh well, now you know..."

"Well, that's great," I beamed. Caleb smiled. 

I finally won't be bored on weekdays! Usually, I wake up, have breakfast with Papa or sometimes, Papa goes to the neighboring town named Canterbury early before I wake up. Dom let's Papa borrow a pick-up truck of his to transport our corn and wheat to the Goods Shed, a Farmer's Market, since our previous truck was too old to function. After breakfast, I read for a bit, take care of the chickens in our yard or water some of our plants. I usually open the store before lunch.

"Yeah, I'll hang out with you in the store more often now. My parents just dropped me off there earlier but you were–"

Before Caleb could finish what he was saying, loud thumps of horse steps echoed in our backyard. On top of a beautiful brown horse was Dom. He maneuvered the horse towards us like a mighty knight towering over.

Why is he here? Our fields are on the other side of the house where he usually works at.

And I never knew he had a horse. Although his cabin was right in front of the entrance in the woods, I never saw a horse there or even a stable. Dom stopped the horse and it neighed, making our chickens run in different directions.

"Whoa, nice horse!" Caleb said in amusement. I looked at him confusingly, but he was staring at the brown horse. I shifted my gaze towards its master, and saw Dom looking at me. My cheeks heated up and looked away. I suddenly remembered that he said I shouldn't be alone with Caleb. 

"Hey, what's the name?" Caleb asked. It confuses me as to why Dom doesn't strike him, while my heart's pounding right now because of him!

"Dom," Dom said in a monotonous voice.

"Nice name for a horse!"

If I wasn't shocked at what Caleb said, I would probably be dying of laughter right now. But Dom looked serious. I don't know if he's mad or what. It's hard to decipher what's going on in his head.

I went near Caleb and whispered, "Caleb, it's not the horse's name..."

I looked at Dom again, and his jaw's already clenched.

"Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you, Dom," Caleb scratched his head in embarrassment. "I'm Caleb," 

Dom nodded and looked at me. I tried to tear my gaze away from him but,

"Sapphire..."

"H-huh?"

I hesitantly looked at him, but I remembered the words I said yesterday...

"You'll come with me to Canterbury tomorrow," Dom said in a low and somehow – menacing voice.

"What?" My heart hammered again. I have a store to manage, why is he telling me to go with him?

"What about the store?" I confusingly asked.

"You won't go there tomorrow," His voice dripped with finality.

I can't leave the store, for sure Mrs. Thomas will need something and I couldn't be there. I wouldn't want to let the old lady down. And Papa will surely be upset if I don't take care of the store.

"Your father told me to tell you. You should see what goes on in the market." It's like he knew what was going on in my mind!

"But someone has to watch over the store, Dom," My tone was almost a whine...

Dom smirked and glanced at Caleb who was silently standing there, watching our conversation.

"Maybe your friend can watch it for you..." He smoothly uttered.

I glanced at Caleb too, who looked helpless. I communicated with him through my eyes, telling him to not agree. It's not Caleb's job to watch over the store.

"W-well sure. No problem." Caleb didn't get my message. Instead, he gave me a reassuring smile and put his hands in his pockets.

"Then it's settled."

***

I rushed towards the house, with the keys in my hands, only to see that the truck is in the front yard already – which means Papa's home. I was about to open the door when Dom stepped outside of it. I put my hand to my chest because of shock.

Why is he here, again?!

He stopped for a moment to glance at me, but he continued to walk outside the porch without saying anything.

I saw him ride the magnificent brown horse once again and he galloped away.

"Papa?"

I went to the kitchen and saw him there, there were some carrots and tomatoes on the table. Papa probably bought in in the Goods Shed for our dinner.

"Yes dear?" He looked at me and smiled. "Did you see Dom before going inside? We talked and he just left before you came,"

I nodded.

"Yes, Papa. Did you tell him to bring me to the market tomorrow?" I asked for confirmation.

"Well, that was what we talked about earlier,"

"Earlier this morning?" Papa's brows furrowed.

"No, just a few minutes ago, like I told you." Papa was confused too at what I said. 

Huh. So Dom asked Papa just now...

But why would Dom want me to go with him?