Not Like The Others

Chapter Twelve- Shambles

<3

Mel POV

I opened my eyes and inhaled, relishing the smell of the clean, fresh air. I was lying on my back in a meadow, surrounded by grass and beautiful flowers that were nestled amongst the thick folds of the grass. I smiled, my hair tickling my face as it moved with the gentle wind, causing the light flutter of leaves from the trees.

I sighed happily. This is the life, I thought to myself, as I watched the fluffy white clouds moving sluggishly across the sky, changing shapes as they went. There was a small stream to my left, gurgling and splashing happily as it ran over the rocks. Everything seemed perfect.

I felt in complete control, I had no stress, worries, or bars to lock me up, the girls were free and there were no rogues in sight. I stretched, raising my arms over my head, and sat up.

I looked over at the three girls, who were leaping around in the grass, chasing each other and enjoying the amazing weather. I watched as Rachel snuck up on Lissa and pounced, causing her to shriek in surprise. I grinned, Rachel was turning out to be quite the stalker.

A butterfly fluttered passed them, it's gorgeous wings sparkling in the sunlight. They all stopped in their tracks and watched it in awe, their eyes never leaving its floating figure. It sailed over to me, gliding over my head gracefully. It was so beautiful, yet simple, its wings shimmering as they pumped up and down.

I looked up at it, momentarily blinded, as the sun burst through a cloud, causing my eyesight to turn red, black dots dancing on my eyelids. I sneezed, then blinked furiously for a couple of seconds, trying to get my eyesight back. I looked back up, the last of the blacks dots slowly leaving my vision.

"Bless you!" Beth called out, hearing my sneeze. I smiled, and opened my mouth to thank her, but my face froze, smile faltering as I noticed a slinking shadow in the trees, to the left of us. I narrowed my eyes, my gaze penetrating the forest. No it couldn't be, how could they find us? It wasn't possible...

I blinked and the shadow disappeared, it seemed to be a figment of my imagination, I think I just needed to chill out.

You really need to stop being so paranoid, I chided myself, leaning back on my arms and letting the sun soak it's warm rays into me. In the few moments of bliss, all was silent, peaceful, calming. The hum of the insects and the river soothed me, the sounds of nature really coming out.

The peaceful air was suddenly shattered, a piercing scream ringing through the air. I shot up, my eyes immediately scanning the field for the girls.

My eyesight was all funny, it was yellow from the sunlight, like I was wearing tinted sunglasses, but it didn't stop me from seeing a hulking figure with a knife latched to Lissa's neck, her terrified face pale and eyes wide with terror.

She met my eyes, her pleading face now streaked with tears. I shot up to my feet. "LISSA!" I screamed, starting towards her, but haltering when the knife was pressed deeper on her throat, cutting her skin and a small trail of blood flowed out.

"Help me." She whispered and I blinked, then she was gone.

I stood there, completely dumbfounded for for a few seconds before coming to my senses and taking off after them. Why oh why did I not follow my instincts? I cursed myself.

A feeling of pure terror was enveloping me, I felt the lives of three innocent, amazing girls on my hands, they were relying on me and I was completely terrified for them.

"Mel! Help me, MEEEL!"

I sprinted off towards the trees, following her wail that had disappeared into the trees.