Walk straight ahead and pray for luck

I think she’s really engrossed in that book, Jen thought. And I’d much prefer to save the time I’d lose cutting around behind her…

Bending down Jen picked up a small rock. She lobbed it to her left and braced herself behind a tree before it landed, only one eye peering around the side to watch the woman’s reaction. A slight whisper of noise as the rock grazed a plant followed by a thump when it struck dirt. The woman didn’t move an inch, but she was far enough away it was possible she didn’t hear it. Looking ahead on the path Jen saw a green metal trash can, a yard beyond that a decent sized bush. About five yards beyond that was a second bush. She picked up two more rocks. She’d never been incredibly athletic and didn’t trust her first throw to hit the nearest bush.

Leaning slightly out from behind the tree Jen held one rock in her right hand, wound up and threw it overhead. Slight panic set in as it appeared to be heading for the trash can. The loud pang would absolutely draw attention. She pressed herself behind the tree, not even poking her head out. Instead she barely heard a gentle thump. Leaning out from behind the tree she first looked to the woman- no sign that she had turned her attention away from the book. Jen assumed the rock had just barely missed the top of the trash can and landed in the grass beyond, just at the border of the dog park. She transferred the second rock from her left hand to the right. Went through a little practice motion without releasing it so she could feel more secure in her aim. Then she wound up again and hucked the rock. Immediately she could tell it was heading in the bush’s direction, and didn’t look like it would fall short.

She turned her attention to the reader and stared when she heard the rattle of branches and leaves. The lady didn’t glance up. Didn’t move.

Okay, this could work… If she only sees motion from the corner of her eye she might presume it’s just a normal person out walking and not look up.

To the right side of the path Jen saw there were practically no trees for a distance. She could make it across the path and to the first tree, but then she’d still have to dart across several yards to make it to the second one, and repeat the process. But after the patch of sparse trees, they started getting thicker again, right across the path from the second bush ahead. Jen was not certain that darting from tree to tree would potentially draw more attention from the reader but it seemed likely.

A new wave of fear settled in as she realized her safest course of action was to stick to the path until she got to the second bush. Out in the open and totally naked. Once she got close to the second bush she could adjust her course and get to the trees. She could likely keep the bush between her and the reader- once she was turned towards the trees the reader would only see Jen’s bare back if she looked up, but might assume she was wearing a string bikini top. If she assumed otherwise and said anything, well… Jen could just run.

Not wanting to delay things further, Jen eased her way out of the trees and onto the path in front of her. She immediately took up what she felt was an appropriate pace, not rushing but not a slow and easy ramble either. Her modestly led her to instinctively put her hands back over the front of her nude body. Hopefully the lack of swinging arms wouldn’t somehow draw more attention from the reader.

Trying not to move her head too much, Jen’s eyes kept darting towards the lady in the dog park and the path ahead of her. Her ears strained to pick up sound from anyone who might approach from behind her. She was more worried about someone coming along the path from either direction than the woman to her left. She was more than captivated enough in her book that she may not pay Jen any attention, but someone out for a walk or a bike ride, coming straight towards her, and Jen would have nowhere to go.

She passed the trash can and continued walking ahead. There was no sound to indicate anyone approaching. A quick glance left showed the reader hadn’t looked up. Jen approached the first bush, then lightly adjusted her angle towards the right. She didn’t veer for the trees immediately, only hoping to cut the distance a few feet once she did alter course.

Eyes ahead, no one coming. Left. The lady turned a page in her book without looking up. No noise from behind her or to her right, only the light tap of her feet contacting the cement.

She reached the second bush and pivoted towards the tree line. She knew the bush was obscuring her butt now, but wouldn’t be able to risk a peek back to ensure she kept on that trajectory. She just had to hope the reader now didn’t take notice of her.

Jen crossed the cement and a few feet of grass before she was safely in the trees. She ducked behind cover and turned around. The woman remained on the bench, staring at the pages in her lap.

I can’t believe that worked. If I was in any condition for a casual conversation I’d have to ask what book she’s reading, it must be good.

She started walking north again, lightly swerving around trees and taking care not to step on anything painful or noisy. To her right she could hear several people chatting, but couldn’t see through the woods to tell what was going on. The noise didn’t seem to be getting closer so Jen wasn’t concerned about being discovered from that direction. Behind and to her left she heard a bicycle approaching. She paused behind a tree until it sped by and away from her before she continued moving. This was starting to become an easy habit to fall into now, aside from the twinges of panic.

She slowed again when she started to make out a path ahead, crossing perpendicular to her course. Jen eased forward before taking cover behind a trunk and assessing the situation. The path joined the one she had been walking alongside. Across from that and slightly to the right, the trees resumed and ran east. She could tell that to the north there was an expanse of grass with no trees for approximately fifty yards.

Visually and audibly checking for anyone advancing towards her, Jen slipped out from behind the tree and jogged across the concrete trail. She angled towards the trees and dipped into cover just as easily as she had left it. She could now tell these trees didn’t go far to the north. There was a clearing ahead of her. She crept towards it and settled into hiding to look for anyone. To her left was the path running north. To her right-

Shit, she thought. Of course it couldn’t be empty.

On the far end of the clearing three teen boys were playing frisbee. Lobbing the disc in each other’s general direction, running to catch it, occasionally picking it up off the ground when they missed. She could tell the trees ran to her right then curved around behind them northwards before they ended.

Okay, think this through. They’re pretty far away, but one of them is definitely looking this way. If I cut across this clearing he might notice me, he might not. If he does, would he be able to tell I’m not wearing anything? Some sunbathers do come through the park in swimwear and bikinis. Some wear somewhat skimpy sports bras and shorts. If I can’t go that way, then I’m cutting through the forest all the way over there until I can get behind him. I can definitely stay hidden in the trees but I’m going to lose so much time going that way. Should I just take my chances going straight ahead again? My luck’s bound to run out if I do that too many times…