Star Crossed Journey *NOW PUBLISHED*

Chapter 5

Mark wondered where Hazel ran off. He had already put the new fence post in, and she wasn't anywhere to be found. He continued to work cursing himself for scaring her off. He could see today, more than ever, how fragile she was.

"I brought the other shovel," said Hazel behind him.

Before Mark could turn to look at her, she was pounding the ground at another post.

"That one doesn't need to be replaced," said Mark trying not to grin with her blinded determination.

Hazel stopped in mid-strike and grimaced at the torn up ground she had made.

"It's okay. Just stomp on the ground a little then help me over here."

For the next hour, Mark went through each step of repairing a fence with Hazel. He tried not to get too excited being near her and kept his eyes on the work in front of him. It was almost impossible how drawn he felt to her. An electrical shock ran through his fingers as he accidentally brushed hers when lining up the wooden plank. It was so powerful, he thought for sure she must have felt it as well. The growing rosy color of her cheeks confirmed his suspicion.

Mark smirked to himself, trying to keep his glee inside. He concentrated on reinforcing the last wooden plank to keep himself from overstepping his boundaries with her. Even though he could see she still held feelings for him, she wasn't ready. He promised her before to take it slow, and this was no different.

"Well, that's it," said Mark quietly looking at the finished fence.

Mark couldn't help but feel a sense of dread his time with Hazel had come to an end. He stole a glance her way to see she was staring at the final product as he was.

"Thank you for teaching me so I can do it myself next time."

Mark kept himself from cringing from her words. He curtly nodded and stood up so fast his head spun. He turned to leave when Mrs. Müller poked her head out the back door.

"Both of you come in and wash up. I have lunch on the table."

Mark couldn't help but grin in response. He knew she must have been peering out the window and waiting for the perfect moment to keep him from wandering back to his house. Without hesitation, he walked up to the porch and took off his muddy boots before stepping in the kitchen. The aroma was heavenly. His mouth started to water as he looked at the biggest plate on the table.

"Yes, that one is yours," chuckled Mrs. Müller.

Mark sat down in front of it as Hazel walked in. He kept his eyes on his food as she hesitated to sit down.

"Thank you again, Mark, for coming over to fix the fence. You eat as much as you want as payment," said Mrs. Müller as she unfolded a napkin on her lap.

"Happy to help. Hazel learned how to do it if another portion of the fence ever goes down," replied Mark.

The table grew silent for a few moments before Mrs. Müller continued with her small talk between the two of them. Mark worked on finishing the plate in front of him while politely holding a conversation with Mrs. Müller and avoiding eye contact with Hazel. He could feel the tension and wanted to leave to his surprise. It was easier to wait patiently from afar than being five feet away from Hazel. He felt like he was going to go mad the longer he didn't look at her. Mark took the last bite of his food and stood up with his eyes only to Mrs. Müller.

"Thank you for the delicious food. I best be on my way. I have a stack of paperwork to do."

Mark turned on his heel and swiftly left through the backdoor. He pulled his boots back on and clambered down the steps as he sighed in relief. As he rounded the corner, his heart dropped. Klaus' car was parked outside his home. He ran back up the porch and pulled open the screen door so hard it almost came off the hinges.