Chapter 7, Fate?

As I walked home that night, I couldn't help wonder about Steiner. I remembered what he said to me earlier that night.

Fate?

Is it? I mean, we keep on meeting accidentally. It's weird to constantly bump into a thief! What if it is fate? Or just a bunch of luck?

I reached my house and saw that Lulu had fallen asleep at the foot of my bed. I smiled. As my head hit the pillow, I realized how exhausted I was. My eyes closed and I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up to a beautiful morning the next day. As I worked at my usual chores, I thought about him. Maybe I'd meet him again…

When I finally lead the last cow into my fenced area, I had this funny feeling that someone was behind me. I quickly turned around to see nothing-again.

Wait. This happened before…I had an idea.

I walked over to my huge oak tree and sat down under the shade. I then closed my eyes slightly (I was still able to see) and listened for breathing.

I heard it. Or was it mine? I held my breath and listened some more. Ever so slightly I heard faint breathing behind me.

He's behind me.

For what seemed like ages I stayed still like this. Then, I heard a rustle of feet from behind me. My heart was pumping faster than I could remember ever pumping.

I heard him walk around the tree and in front of me. I had to think fast. Ah! I'll lure him into the house and corner him! But…how? Ooh!

"Mmm…" I mumbled. "Thanks…I love curry…"

I had to think. I got it!

"Lulu…help yourself…fridge…" It worked. He tiptoed over to my house and carefully went inside. I quickly stood up and ran inside my home, locking the door behind me.

Steiner was in front of the fridge when I entered. He jumped and looked up.

"Whaa-?" he said eyes widening. Then he raised an eyebrow.

"Smart trick," Steiner said slowly. "But not smart enough!" All of a sudden, I felt weird again and realized I was frozen to the spot! He sprinted over to the door but was stopped by…Lulu! Yes, Lulu!

"Uh…" Steiner stuttered as Lulu growled and showed her teeth. They weren't that big, being a medium sized dog, but Lulu had the loudest, most threatening growl for a dog of her size! Steiner stepped back.

"Nice dog," he commented.

"Thanks," I responded. "Sure does come in handy when thieves come, eh?" Silence. Well, except for Lulu's growling.

"When I unfreeze," I said casually, "I promise I won't turn you in, k?" He grinned.

"Hey, I'm choosing to stay, you know," he said. "I'm sure this dog won't bite anyway."

"You'd be surprised, Steiner. But good choice." After a minute or two, I was able to move. I headed towards the kitchen. What am I doing?! I quickly made some curry and gave it to him.

"Judging by the fact you came after curry in the fridge today, you like it, right?" I asked.

"Yeah," he answered, as he started to practically inhale the food.

"Oh, and if you want to leave, just ask me," I mentioned. "I got the key in my pocket." I must've read his mind.

"Sure," he mumbled. Steiner looked up.

"Why are you…doing this?" I smiled slyly.

"You seemed hungry."

"No, I mean…" he sighed. "You know!"

"I do? Why don't you tell me, just in case." Do I know the answer?

"You are one smart babe," he said grinning. I blushed. I stood up and cleared his dish away. When I returned he was petting my dog, Lulu. She must've realized he was ok; I sat down with him and all.

"Cute dog."

"Thanks, her name's Lulu."

"Hey Lulu," he said coolly, scratching her ears. It was funny to see him pet her. He must be a dog person like me.

"Sorry Lulu," he said, looking up at me. "But you aren't the only cute girl in this house." He winked at me. I blushed even more. Why is he doing this? I mean…should I be…he's a crook!

Knock Knock Knock.

I froze. Someone's at the door! I looked at Steiner. He glanced at me and grinned. Don't panic, Tessa! Don't panic! Look for somewhere to hide him! But Steiner had other ideas.

"Quick!" he whispered. "Give me something that looks expensive! Now!"

"Tessa?" I heard a voice from the other side of the door. "Hello?"

"Ah, who is it?" I called, finding an expensive looking, but cheap plate and practically throwing it to Steiner.

"It's Marlin, can I come in?" Then, I caught on to what Steiner was doing.

"AH! Marlin! Get out of the way!" I yelled. I threw Steiner the key to the door; he unlocked it, pushed Marlin to the side, and sprinted away with the plate in his hand. Marlin made to chase after him, and I couldn't let that happen!

"Ow!" I yelled. I quickly sat on the floor.

"Tessa!" Marlin exclaimed, rushing over to me. I looked like I was pushed over by Steiner.

"What happened?"

"I…" I had to think of something! "I was on my way to the market when Steiner came in! He…" I couldn't think of anything so I cradled my arm as if it were hurt.

"Did he hurt you?!" Marlin asked looking at my arm.

"Not too badly," I responded. "He pushed me over and grabbed one of my plates. Then you were at the door, and I didn't want you getting hurt." I never liked lying. But I had to; Marlin would get angry and hurt if he knew about Steiner and me! And if he told the rest of the town...

I saw Marlin looking at my arm. I needed him to go, before he realized the truth. Plus, I didn't want Marlin to get the idea that I liked him more than a friend…

"Thanks, Marlin, for helping me," I said, getting up. He got up too. "I'm so glad I got friends like you!" He paused for a second. I hope I didn't overdo it….maybe I did.

"Yeah, anytime, Tessa," he said slowly. Then he turned towards the door.

"I better get back to the farm and help Vesta with the crops. Hope your arm gets better; it doesn't look that bad thank goodness." He looked at me and smiled a bit.

"See you later…" and with that he walked away. I slapped my head. I am so confused!

"Great," I muttered. Steiner's gone. Even though he is a thief…I still felt good to be with him. I mean, he must've been hungry and heard me mutter about curry…anyone would've done the same! I walked outside with Lulu following at my heels.

"He may be a thief…" I said to Lulu. She looked up and wagged her tail.

"But, he's a good man." My companion barked in agreement.

"I hope we can see him again…"