That Kiss (Revised)

Chapter Four - A Cold Confusion

                A cold sensation exploded over every part of Savannah’s exposed skin. Immediately she pulled her face from Joey’s. “What in the--” She paused, taking in her suddenly different surroundings. She swore that before Joey had kissed her, they were in a closet, in his house, playing seven minutes of heaven, with her soon to be very angry and trusting boyfriend waiting for her return. She looked back over to Joey who seemed just as baffled as she was.

                They weren’t standing in the closet anymore, but in an open field lightly coated in patches of pristine white snow. She could make out a large rock in the center in the clearing. Tall, ominous trees surround them like tall prison walls, breaking only to the right of them allowing a small path winding into the darkness.

                “Where the hell are we Joey?!” she half-yelled cautious of anyone or anything lurking behind the barrier of trees. Her eyes searched for any visible threats but found nothing.

                After what felt like years, Joey finally spoke eyeing the trail. “I think we’re supposed to go that way.”

                “Like hell I’m going anywhere with you!”

                Joey turned towards her, puzzled and slightly hurt.

                “Take me back! I want to go home!” Savannah pointed her finger accusingly at him. “This is all your fault. First, you get Michael and I drunk! Second, you rig seven minutes in heaven so you’d get me all to yourself! Then you kissed me when you know damn well that I am with Michael who happens to be your best friend! I should’ve know when you started talking about all that destiny crap that you were setting me up for…” she faltered trying to describe the situation at hand, but sighed in defeat.

                Joey tried to step closer to soothe her, but retreated when he met her deathly gaze. “Look, I didn’t set you up for anything, okay? I don’t know where we are either. I’m just as confused as you.”

                Savannah wasn’t buying it. She slowly shook her head, praying that she could somehow pull a Dorthy. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home!

                “And I meant what I said, Savannah. There is something bigger going on here. I can feel it. Can you?”

                She wanted to yell, scream, punch him. All she was feeling was dizzy, angry, and completely confused. This had to be a joke.

                “We have to follow the path. That’s the only logical option. Otherwise we’re going to freeze to death. Can you at least agree to that?” his blue eyes were desperate, his wild brown curls slowly accumulating tiny flakes of snow.

                Savannah shivered against her will, staring blankly towards the daunting path.

                “I know it’s not ideal, but we have to work together in order to figure out what’s going on.”

                She sighed, “You’re right.” Taking a couple steps closer to Joey, and the path, Savannah spoke in a grave tone. “But once we get back, Michael is going to totally kick your ass.” She tightened her arms around her body trying to keep whatever heat she could in her light cardigan. “That is, if I don’t beat him to it.”

                The darkness of the path caused Savannah to cling to Joey’s arm. She held it firmly while her eyes  cautiously searched around them for threats. She knew she probably was giving him mixed signals, but holy hell it had to be close to freezing temperatures. She couldn’t very well kill him if she died of hypothermia herself. So far, they’d traveled fifteen minutes and hadn’t made any progress. All that was in sight was more forest and colder temperatures. It was that point she was sure death was close. How did she get here? Was this a dream? Maybe she had passed out in the closet and was having some sort of spin off dream of the Chronicles of Narnia. She was about to verbalize this to Joey and maybe lighten their last couple moments before death when a worried voice echoed from ahead.

                “Miss Nelson!”

                “Miss Nelson!” It was a woman’s voice coming closer down the path. “Are you out here Miss Nelson?”

                Savannah slipped behind Joey. “Who is that?” she whispered, terrified of the possibilities. Though they didn’t sound exactly threatening, they were still in a world of unknown.

                Joey attempted the best defensive pose he could muster, puffing out his chest and shivering fists. He wouldn’t let anyone get to Savannah. They soon heard footfalls approaching quickly, crunching upon the leaves and snow. A small woman wearing a thick wool coat and old fashion snow boots appeared before them. Upon viewing them, her face seemed relieved and slightly confused.               

                “Miss Nelson!” she gestured towards Savannah before addressing Joey with an accusing tone, “Mr. Buckweed. What are you two doing out her in the snow wearing such…odd clothing? Don’t you understand you’re late for the ball? Madame Nelson is not happy! Not at all! Let’s get going before she does something drastic!” he hurried around us and pushed them forward along the path before returning to the lead.

                How did this lady know Savannah’s last name? And did she mention a Madame Nelson? Her mom? She’d never met her mother. It’d just been her, her father, and brother. She learned not to ask questions. She didn’t want her dad to get into one of his moods, especially after her brother died. He normally didn’t leave his bedroom unless completely necessary.

                It was Joey who came to the rescue with an excuse. “We were just taking a walk before the ball and got lost.” His voice was wavering and uncertain although the woman deemed this an acceptable answer.

                “Very well,” she looked towards Savannah. “Miss Nelson, we have to hurry! Your step mother is very upset about your disappearance and is adamant about your timely return. You are way overdue at the King’s ball and I fear you have much preparing to do before you’re presentable.” She looked worried and slightly frightened.

                Savannah assumed her stepmother wasn’t the nicest person. But still, she was completely lost.  Where was she supposed to be? A kings ball? Savannah craved understand. But for now, she would do anything just to be warm again. It was probably best to obey the woman’s demands until they could figure out what the hell is going on.

                “As for your Mr. Buckweed, I am sure Prince Michael would appreciate you by his side as well.”

                Prince Michael? Savannah and Joey share the same thought. Was Prince Michael the same Michael as Savannah’s? Maybe he would know what’s going on. Silently, they agreed that was the best option.

                “Very well, take me to him.”