Chapter 69: A plan Forms

Hampton Jr.'s mind was racing with thoughts of the mysterious woman. He was determined to find out who she was and what she was doing in the forest.

"I need to find a way to get back to the forest without anyone knowing," he thought to himself. "Maybe then I can find her or get some answers."

But as he thought about it, he realized that the forest was too big to search alone. He needed a plan, and he needed it fast.

"Ah ha!" he exclaimed to himself. "I need to get a map of the forest. Maybe then I can find a clue about where she might be staying."

He quickly got up from his chair and walked over to his bookshelf. He scanned the shelves until he found a map of the forest. He unfolded it and spread it out on his desk.

As he studied the map, he noticed a small clearing marked in one corner. He wondered if that might be a good place to start his search.

Meanwhile, Bella was frantically searching for the girls. She had called out their names, but there was no response. She was starting to get worried.

"Where could they be?" she thought to herself. "I told them to stay close to me."

Just as she was starting to panic, she heard a faint giggle. She turned around and saw the girls playing in the stream.

"Bella!" they exclaimed in unison, running towards her.

Bella rushed towards them, relief washing over her. "What were you thinking?" she scolded. "I told you to stay close to me."

Lisa looked up at her with big eyes. "We're sorry, Bella. We just got bored and decided to come and shower."

Bella's expression softened. "It's okay, but next time, don't leave without me. You know it's not safe."

The girls nodded in unison, looking chastened.

"Let's go and have some juice," Bella said, smiling.

As they walked back to their makeshift camp, Bella couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched. She looked around, but saw nothing.

"Stay close to me," she whispered to the girls. "I don't like this."

The girls nodded, their eyes wide with fear.

As they settled down to drink their juice, Bella's mind wandered back to the mysterious guy. She wondered if he was still out there, watching her.

And Hampton Jr., oblivious to the danger that lurked in the forest, was making plans to return, determined to find the mysterious woman and uncover her secrets.