Chapter Eleven (Rough Draft)

Tuesday, Fuller Park at 8.

I could wait five days right…The Saturday moonlight drained as the Sunday sun rose over my windows. Watching the hours tick slowly by after escaping the mayhem of the party, I was stripped down to nothing more than my thoughts. Lifting my hand in the air I let the light that peaked through the blinds to bounce off it. The burn had faded, but as I flexed my fingers I still met with stiffness. The only evidence, a tiny ring of singed flesh on the very tips on my fingers. My mind kept imagining her eyes as they slipped into the ice blue as her skin burnt mine. I went through every scenario in my mind in an attempt to put a method to the madness. None of it made sense, from secret agents with the newest of technology, me being utterly and completely crazy and making this all up while I rot in a coma, to ninja’s sent on a mission from the past. Sadly enough, the ninja theory was in the lead.

Reaching over the side of my bed I grasped for the jeans I had discarded there the night before. The loud rumblings that thundered from my stomach demanded to be appeased with food. As expected the shelves were barren. My mother and her vintage husband were off gallivanting somewhere. A small post-it stuck to the fridge said not to expect them for dinner. A small magnetic clip stuck a few crisp twenties to order whatever came to my fancy when the time came. Great. The bitter chill of the fridge air hit me as I voyaged to find something among the wreckage for something edible. I settled for three month old flat soda and the only straggling granny smith that had survived. The sun streaming into the house heated the floors. It screamed of a decent day. Fall was a fickle b***h who needed to make up her mind. Sun kissed days blurred with Icy baring tundra’s as the next day. Summer held on tight in an evenly balanced battle for control, today she was in the lead. The heat felt good against my skin. The soft breeze carried a chill that reminded us that winter was barreling down our doorsteps, soon to arrive.

The dock seemed picturesque as the sun glistened off the water making a faint sparkle like image appear. The twin recliners positioned staring at the scene, when reclined, made for an excellent replacement for the bed locked away in my room. The heat warmed me into a gentle lull of sleep that had evaded me the night before. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fall asleep. I can’t handle another dream right now. Don’t fall asleep.

Hailey.

Her name was the last word I remember before settling into sleep.

Don’t open your eyes. Don’t open your eyes. If I didn’t open my eyes then I wouldn’t have to deal with it. Don’t open your eyes. F**k.

The sun was brilliant when it hit my eyes. I expected the smell of carnage and fresh death to clog my nose. The greenery was shocking to my senses as I peered at the empty field around me. Replacing the scattered bodies was growing vegetation that spotted color. Forests lined the outside of the field like a barrier keeping the sanctity of the peace intact. Water trickled off in the distance bringing the realization of my chapping lips into the forefront. The armor that had donned my body before was stripped so all that was dangling off my frame was a battered. The material-like pants were in no better shape.

The forest around me was vibrant around me and my senses accelerated to new heights. The wind felt as soothing as a mother’s touch and the grass below me grew beneath my feet with each step. I heard the wind filter through the trees rattling the branches. There was no inkling human influence. This was true and utter peace. My heart skipped a beat when I heard a branch crack in the distance. Paranoid, I scanned the area. When at first, I didn’t see anything I slapped myself mentally. Just an animal….just some stupid little deer munching….It wasn’t until the sound came again, closer this time that I considered my options. The crunching came closer like haunted footsteps terrorizing children and in panic; the nearest shrubbery seemed the best choice. The twigs and leaves poked and prodded my body making it uncomfortable. The stick continuously grazing my eye, soon became the most obnoxious. I did my best to control my breathing, but the sound of my heart in the silence seemed to echo off the trees. The sound grew  and I knew that whatever was coming were only a few foot lengths away. There was a small gap in the bush that made it possible for me to stare out and see whoever or whatever was about to cross my path. The first that passed was human. The shaped legs breezed forward in a light step. Sun bronze tinted, they seemed to glide more than walk. Female, it appeared. The second was by no means human. Four black paws braced four muscled legs that held a furious power to them. Legs that…lead to a mouth full of sharpened teeth.

‘Damn my life…don’t notice me…don’t notice me…’ I whispered to myself. They seemed to pass by, unnoticed to my presence, and I let out a sigh. The beast’s body stopped moving and sniffing sound filled my ears. I saw its paws turn its body towards my direction sniffling the whole way. Animals don’t really smell fear do they...?

When it turned its body around I got a better image of what it was against me. The black legs led to a strong lean black coat and flowing tail, the snout short with a dusting of whiskers. Golden eyes scanned the ground. A Flipping Panther! Are you fricken kidding me! My hands shook with adrenaline. I tried to find another way out that wouldn’t send the big cat clawing at my back.

“Leave it be Kaida.” The beast stopped dead in its tracks as my breath hitched. Couldn’t be….

The animal made a low whine before turning and following its previous footsteps. I had to see. The voice couldn’t belong to anyone else. My body plastered as close to the gap without exposing myself. I strained to see past the massive feline and met golden brown locks. Her azure eyes tilted downward, her attention fixated to the cat as they walked away through the woods. When they were out of sight I untangled myself from the branches and stepped out onto the path. Twin sets of prints lead thicker into the forest towards the sound of trickling water.

I followed the steps dutifully into the thicker forestation. The path narrowed slightly before it started to expand. The sound of water became louder and louder in my ears as the path branched into an open oasis. A picturesque waterfall spilled into a rounded lake with rocks cradling it along the shore. Large willows twisted and bent to skim along the water, the simple flowers that drifted from their branches swam across the water on tidal ripples. The tight enclosure from the surrounding trees locked the heat in deep warming the air. There was a quick swish before a large ripple and splash interrupted the scene. My body hunched in anticipation expecting a fight. Brown hair emerged quickly from the water a spray of water cascading off the emerging body. Flipping the hair back, the water drained off the body leaving the feminine figure to sparkle in the light that shone through tree line. It glistened along her skin, clinging to the fabric that still stuck to her. She reclined back to do a long extended back stroke along the surface causing ripples to spark from here her hands hit the water. It was beautiful to watch. The flowers fluttered out of her way and the soft hum of insects that traveled close to the water rose to give her the freedom to swim where she wanted. The rays that spilled from the trees seemed as fixated as I was on the swimming woman as they followed her from the center of the lake to the rocky banks where she sat on. The sharp light hit her hair making it seem golden, bright as the sun herself. The bronze that I had come to know was there drained as the golden light illuminated her. I took a step forward, desperate to reach out to her when a soft growl hit me. Before I could turn to move four sets of paws connected with my body pinning me to the ground.  The snapping jaws dripped saliva as it turned its attentions to my jugular. Forcing any strength into my arms I held it away from my throat as its mouth snapped closer with each attempt. The golden eyes drilled into mine as it stared at its next kill. Animal instinct trampled any sort of alternate intelligence as instinct set it. Muscles in my arm began to give as I struggled and I knew it was over. The animal noticed as a grin spread as its mouth gapped, I closed my eyes not wanting to see my death.

“Kaida. Let him go.” 

The hot breath of the animal still encompassed my throat as its command was given. A low whine came out as it pulled away reluctantly. I kept my eyes closed as I heard the animal retreat towards its commander. I heard pattering footsteps walk towards me and my eyes stayed clamped shut.

A sigh escaped her lips in mock frustration. “Ughh…should have let her eat you.” Her steps took her back a few paces when I opened my eyes to stare up at her. The sun hit her and glazed her skin. The fuzziness to my eyes made her image only more god like as I struggled to focus on her. Her hair flipped as she turned her body halfway towards me. The rays highlighting her beauty, capturing her in a spray of light. Words couldn’t reach my tongue as I choked on them.

“You’re drooling.” She giggled as she walked back towards the rocks.

 My hand reached up to swipe the small amount of liquid that dripped from my lips, as I attempted to struggle to my feet. The large cat glowered at me from its place sun soaked on a rock near the bank. Golden eyes not leaving me unchecked as I followed Hailey to water’s edge.

“Why are you here Colin?” Her legs bent at the knees as she rested on the tips of her feet while her fingers played with the surface of the water.

I found my voice tied to my tongue a few heartbeats later.

“Can you believe I don’t know…”

Another soft chuckle escaped her as she rose into a standing position.

“You don’t know much of anything these days do you.” The blue to her eyes softened with the grin that spread along her lips.

Her eyes scanned the surrounding area in admiration as she inhaled. Any sense of edge I had associated with her the last time I had seen her was non-existent in the embrace of the grove.

“What am I going to do with you?” she murmured shaking her locks around her face.

I smirked along with her. “You’re just gonna have to kill me I guess” I let out a light laugh at my words. 

Her shoulders bunched as her hair fell to cover some of her face, darkening it with shadows. An edge traveled along her body as my words slipped free.

“What?” I asked wanting to dispel any of the darkness that blanketed her from the lightness she had not moments before.

Her eyes rose slowly towards mine, the blueness slightly dulled.

“Nothing” she replied tossing her hair softly back and forth. The smile she gave was plastered, no more real than any of this seemed to be. With one more glance towards me an evil grin covered her lips as she walked away towards the cavern wall.

“Where are you going?!” I said not wanting her to leave already.

She twisted in a way that sent her water matted skirt swirling around her legs like she was from the days of poodle skirts and sock hops. Her arms twisted behind her, linked as she giggled.

“Somewhere dangerous.” She stated as she walked closer to the wall till her hand rested on it. “And if you don’t follow me….who knows what could happen…” her trained legs and crafted arms started lifting her off the ground as she climbed the moss coated rocks.

It only took me a few minutes to actually catch up to her. Huffing my way up the rocks, I gasped for air as we both finally settled onto a ridge more than halfway up the fall. Steady on her feet Hailey seemed to not be affected by the long climb we had just gone through. Grabbing the wall for support, I dragged myself into a standing position. Over the edge was close to 80 foot drop and the realization of the fall made me hold tighter on to the rock anchor wall.

“You’re not afraid of heights are you?” she questioned, small amount of worry hit her eyes that quickly slipped into mischievous grin. Her feet balanced her on the farthest rock that lead to a watery grave. “Would it scare you if I did this?” Her eyes never leaving mine, as she raised one leg behind her and balanced on only the strength of left leg. There was nothing but laughter in her eyes as the sweat poured down my face.

“Please don’t do that…” I pleaded.

She laughed lightly before putting her leg down. “Do you swim?”

“Please don’t stand that close…” I said holding my hand out to her.

“You didn’t answer my question. Do you swim?” she insisted.

“Of course I swim who…..” and before I could get my statement out Hailey sent herself flying towards the watery depths beneath us. Her body hurtled downwards for a few minutes before landing straight into the water.

“Hailey!” I yelled waiting for her to resurface. My body clung to the rocks scanning the water. What if she had hit her head when she landed….What if she got knocked unconscious from the impact……s**t s**t….s**t….

Stripping off my shirt and shoes I stood staring over the edge. Still on sign of her….Mental count of three…… One….Two……Two and a Half…………….

The wind cooled my body as I fell. The fall that seemed like minutes to watch Hailey do took only seconds when it was my turn. The water impact was harsh as the cold water encased my body. The clear water made it easy to see underwater. Fish scampered away from the new intrusion to hide in the greenery that lined the base. Spinning around fear gripped me as even underwater Hailey had vanished. My lungs ached and I knew it was time to breathe. Air burst into my lungs as my head thrust through the surface.

“Aw look you tried to save me” said the giggling daredevil. Spinning around towards the opening of the cavern behind the waterfall, Hailey sat sprawled out on a sun coated rock eyeing me carefully. The water dripped from her locks making her seem years younger in age. “How cute.”

Taking long strokes I swam over towards the beautiful annoyance. I swam until I was floating right next to her legs that dangled in the water.

“You’re evil you know that” my eyes squinting in feigned anger.

She only laughed at me. Grabbing her legs I dragged her into the water with me. She let out a distinctly feminine squeak as her body once again collided with the water. Before she could surface I pulled myself up onto the rock she had just been resting on. She chuckled as she sputtered water from her mouth when she surfaced.

It took her a second to notice I had taken her spot on the one person love seat.

“Not very gentlemanly Colin, you should be ashamed!” Her arms crossed in the water.

“Hmm…” putting my fingers to my chin making the famous thinker impression “I don’t remember claiming to be a gentleman….Nope…hmm nope no gentleman here. Sorry…” I said shrugging “all out of gentlemanly behavior today.”

“Your weird you know that” she said as she started to swim towards the bank.

We were both a little breathless when we reached the shore. Muscles ached mildly in my arms and legs and strained as I pulled myself up onto the rocky shore. The sun had found a fissure in the trees and blanketed us in heat that warmed the sore muscles and warmed my body.

The beast she had called Kaida waltzed over to us and rested her head on Hailey’s lap. Her eyes traveled between the two of us assessing before drifting into what can only be described as a cat nap. I reached my hand out to pat it between the ears; a low rumble escaped the cat making me retract it.

“Uh…” I stammered. “Is it…..normal…that you have a panther sleeping on you……”

She glanced down at Kaida and patted its held, a loud purr erupting from its mouth. “You’ve met me on a few occasions now….have any of them been…..normal…” she smiled to herself in an expression that almost looked sad…

“And besides….” She said moving on to rub the animal’s ears “Kaida’s more of a house cat than a panther anyway. She is a cuddler.” The animal gave a small huff before snuggling closer into the girl.

Rubbing my neck I wondered where she got cuddler out of the beast that had been trying to rip my throat out, but sunbathing while purring as Hailey rubbed its ears…I could see house cat…if I squinted….really hard……from a distance…..

“If you say so……..” I said scooting a fraction farther away from the claws that outstretched into the sand.

I turned my eyes to examine her a little closer. The sun had brought out a small dusting of freckles along her cheeks as her skin seemed a little more sun-kissed than it had when I first got here. The blond highlights in her hair seemed to spread farther till her whole head was a glossy blond coloring. The water glued the pale cream colored tank top and white skirt to her body enhancing her curves.

“Hailey I…..” I started

“You shouldn’t be here….” She whispered. “I shouldn’t have kept you here this long…”

“What...why?”

“The longer you’re here….the more real it is….till it’s the only reality you know” The sound she made resembled a whimper more than words.

“What is this place? Where are we…?” I questioned.

She looked around at her surroundings letting the right words sink in. “This…..” she said with a smile “this is paradise….” a shadow passed over her eyes with her next thoughts “Out there…..Colin” her gaze turning to stare at me “Out there is hell…”

She scooted the animals head off her lap who grunted in response and took a few steps into the light as if she needed it to have the strength to keep something at bay. She stood under the fortress of one of the willows who were reaching the end of its life. Her fingers played along the dying pedals of a flower that hung desperately to the wilted branches.

“What do you mean out there is hell…None of this” I scoffed “….none of it makes sense Hailey.” I wanted answers Damnit.

She stripped the flower off the branch and cradled it in her hands. Closing her fingers over it till it crushed slightly she ambled back towards me. Bending down on her knees so she was level with my eyes she opened her palms. No f*****g way…..what the hell was this? The small flower twisted and stitched itself together. Where it was wilted, now started to reverse the aging process and grew to a full bloom in her fingers.

“This place doesn’t make sense Colin……” her words were dark.

In an instant the flower halted any movement. Dark circles spread like the plague, draining the life out till it rolled and rotted away in her hands. Left in the palm was the sapped remains of the pedals that shattered like chips when touched. Reaching my finger out to touch it….to see the realness to what my eyes just witnessed…the remains fell to dust under my touch.….

“What the f**k was that!” I stumbled pulling myself away from Hailey till my back hit the stone wall that cradled the water.

“Colin…” she said advancing.

“No! Stay…away from me” my arm held out in defense.

Her eyes looked hurt as she clamped her hand tight over the ashes. Standing up straight the ash was carried off in the wind that seemed to tornado around us.

“Who…..What! are you…..?” I spat…

Anger filled her eyes as they slipped into the ice blue I remembered from the Alec’s party. Her steps were calculated as she sauntered towards my direction. My body screamed flee, but I was trapped between the solid stone and the girl standing before me. As she advanced I did my best not to stare into her eyes. Leaning over she grabbed my face forcing me to attention.

“I’m your competition.” She tossed my face aside, my body following suit. The sky grew darker that threatened rain. “We should both remember that I guess….leave Colin. Go Home.” And with that she started walking away towards the tree line. Kaida, who had woken up at some point during our incident stalked past me, glaring as she raced to catch up with her master.

“Hailey, Wait! What do you mean my competition” I yelled before I lost her along the tree line.

“Go Home Colin. Go home.” The words had to be yelled to reach me but when the sound hit my ear drums it came more as a coo. The hurt murmurings of a wounded animal. I stood up, intent on following her. With a quick flash of lightning, a soft pattering of rain started to fall making the rocks slick. The loud clap of thunder caused me to jump, and when my foot connected back with the ground, sent me sliding backwards into the water. Blackness hit me as the water surrounded me.

“Go home Colin….” Was whispering softly in my ears as I felt myself drifting to the bottom. A few more seconds and everything went black.  

When I tried to open my eyes, I attempted to gasp for air but met with lung full. The recliner chair on my dock rocked with my sudden jerk. My clothes were damp along my skin, the sun drying an sort of wetness that still clung to my clothes. I was back.

“F**k!” I yelled to no one in particular.

The sound of a car door closing sounded off in the distance. And I could hear the distinct tone to my doorbell going off.

Damnit….A couple more pushes signaled the person wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

“Hold on!” I yelled hoping to catch their attention…. “Be right there…”

My feet pattered along the hard wood floor on my trek to the front door. The handle cold in my hand as I turned it to see who was here. I was met with a neatly sculpted set of russet hair and tan eyes.

“Hey friend. Mind if I come in?”

There standing on my doorstep dressed in tailored khaki’s and a steamed shirt was Alec Fabrochi….s**t…

 

Author's Note

Reviews are SUPER welcomed. This is still in the very very early stages. So any kind of feedback would be appriciated =D