chapter 4

'Where is that park?!'

I had been wandering around for 15 minutes and there was no sign of it. The rain heavily poured down on me. I was drenched from head to toes. The strong wind made it difficult for me to breath.

I was in some kind of forest. The trees were swinging ferociously and it was scary. Suddenly a loud thunder made me jump. Tears streamed down my face, as I helplessly looked for shelter.

In a distance, I spotted a large willow tree. For some reason, it wasn't moving like the other trees. I rushed towards it, and found a cottage under it.

I banged on the door, but no one answered. Instead the door opened up a little.

Not caring about my manners, I stepped inside and shut it behind me.

'Finally,' I whispered, catching my breath. I leaned against the wall and sat down on the floor, hugging my knees. I lowered my head.

Slowly, my pulse and breathing rate dropped to normal. I lifted my head and looked around.

It was dark, but not pitch black.

There were some cushions on one side of the room in front of a large fire place. A small sofa was placed besides the window. A small table was along the wall, on the other side. It had 3 chairs around it.

I hope its not the three bear's cottage.

There were some frames hanging on the wall. I managed to get up and walk up to them. I couldn't see who was in them but they sure weren't bears.

Thank God! No bears!

'If it belongs to humans, there must be a telephone here." I looked around, touching things. But found no luck.

What am I going to do?

My mother's words danced around in mind.

Don't take short cuts. Follow the path you already know.

She would kill me, if she found out. I wish I had gone straight to Abby's. But then again. Why didn't Abby come? It wasn't like her to miss a party.

I hope she's okay.

It was still raining outside. I could see branches of the Willow tree, through the window. They danced as the wind ferociously blew through them. I looked up at the sky. There was a full moon. Although it was raining, there were no clouds over it. It looked beautiful. Almost magical.

Bang!

Suddenly the door flew open, causing me to turn around. There was figure standing at the door. I stared in horror. The person quickly stepped in and closed the door.

I stood there in complete silence, terrified. The only sound I could hear was of the thunder, rain and my heart beat getting faster by the second. Slowly, the black silhouette approached me.

I felt my breath geting stuck in my throat. The figure was a just few steps away. I closed my eyes tightly, praying that the person would vanish. But he was still there.

Please don't kill me! I'm too young to die! I have so many dreams to live! I know I've not been a complete angel in my life but I'm not a horrible person!

'Aria?'

'Huh?'

I slowly opened my eyes.

Did he just say my name?