Blue

Chapter 10

Elaine, as stated numerous times before, was strong. She shed no tears as she stomped off into the dark woods. She knew Neill was too good to be true. All he intended to have Elaine as was a one night stand. What was worse was that Elaine had given herself to him. She had not resisted him, like she would have any other guy. The feeling with him had always been something special. It was almost true and real. Of course it was supposed to be real! Elaine thought. Neill was probably an expert at charming girls, taking them to bed and then discarding them. No matter how heavenly it was, it was just a meaningless fling, and now it was over. With these scattered opinions, Elaine walked on, deep in thought. She felt confused and sick at herself for being such an open target.

A sudden sound caught her attention, as she froze. The sound was that of a twig snapping, as though someone had stepped over it. The slight sound was personified in the silent, night air. Elaine whirled around, to confront the source of this disturbance, but who ever, or whatever it was, was well hidden by the dark trees. Without turning around, she slowly made her way in the opposite direction, walking backwards.

Her heart was pounding in her chest, as the hair on her arms stood erect. Her eyes were darting around in a fruitless attempt to see through the dark. All of a sudden, the silence was very thick; the only sound audible to Elaine now, was that of her racing heart, her breathing that came out in short frightened pants and her retreating footsteps. All her concentration was focused at the spot where the twig had snapped. She hoped and prayed it was Neill, or even the Blonde would do. Because she knew that this time, if she came across one of those hybrid dogs, escape would be impossible.

She was about to make a run for it as the adrenaline surged through her body. But before Elaine could put her master plan into practice, her back came into contact with a body. Her entire posture stiffened as her heart jumped to her throat. The fact that the unknown body behind her was human provided no consolation. Her breath came out ragged, as she summoned the courage to turn around. She was now trapped, in front of her were probably ferocious animals hidden in the dark depths of the trees, and behind her, stood a threat, a little too close; rendering all means escape unworkable.

Her back erect, her muscles ready to run, Elaine turned around. Relief washed over her in huge waves as she saw Maire's familiar dark brown eyes and straight copper hair that looked brown in the dark. From behind Maire's shaggy bangs, Elaine saw a mix of emotions in her eyes. The most prominent ones were fear and relief. When Maire opened her mouth to speak, Elaine shushed her glancing towards the trees behind.

"Let's get out of here, it's not safe," she said, grabbing hold of Maire's wrist and pulling her along.

"How do you know the way so deep into the woods?" Elaine asked. It had been fifteen minutes since Maire was guiding Elaine through the woods and they were almost out.

"I've been here a couple of times," Maire said, shrugging.

"What were you doing in the woods anyway?" Elaine asked, curious. She did not understand Maire's sudden appearance, but that did not make her any less grateful.

"I'm your knight in the shining armor," Maire joked, "I came to rescue you."

Elaine laughed. It felt nice to be with Maire and forget about everything else. But she could not forget about Neill and the Blonde as completely as she wanted to, the thought was just around her subconscious, eroding it's boundaries to consume Elaine. But Elaine would not let Neill's mere thought consume her in grief. That right was still, purely Ian's.

Maire's Mustang was parked along the edge of the woods. It was evident that it was parked in a hurry. Maire was an admirable driver, she was rash, yet smooth simultaneously.

"So, you went to the woods to hang out with yourself?" Maire asked awkwardly, driving the car.

"No." Elaine replied, her voice made it evident that she did not want to have this discussion.

"You want to tag along at my place, or should I drop you to yours'?" Maire tried at changing the subject.

"Drop me to mine, I'm tired and sleepy," Elaine said, suppressing a yawn.

The night was fading away now and the sun was just at bay. Elaine had always loved this part of the day. Watching the sun break free from the dark. She looked out of the window, watching in awe as everything changed colour, right before her eyes. The dark trees gained colour as the sky lightened. The birds were coming out and the air was slightly foggy. The houses were appearing to be new and fresh. Everything seemed reborn, Elaine thought, losing herself in a daydream.

Maire's horror filled gasp brought Elaine back to life as the car screeched to a halt. There was smoke everywhere. Elaine's house was hardly visible through the scarlet and yellow layers of monstrous fire that engulfed it completely. Their vision was blurred as they watched in dread, while Elaine's house burnt under the ferocity of the flames.

Elaine panicked; she opened the car door and ran towards the house. Maire jumped out of the car and caught Elaine in time, from around her elbow.

"Elaine DON'T!" she yelled, "it's going to kill you!"

Elaine yelled hysterically, wriggling under Maire's grip, desperate to go inside her house.

"Let go Maire!" she screamed through tears. "PLEASE! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!"

Maire tried with every ounce of strength inside her body to keep Elaine under control. Elaine struggled wildly as she yelled and cried in between hysterics, "IAN!" she screamed. "I CAN'T LOSE IT!"

"Elaine!" Maire tried at reasoning, "it's gone, you'll die!"

"It's not gone. It can't be gone!" Elaine cried. "You don't get it! LET. GO!" with that, Elaine finally tugged away from Maire's grip.

Elaine ran and plunged headlong into the flames. Maire had never wished more that she was born a werewolf, just for the sake of the shear strength it would have given her. Taking her phone out, she walked cautiously into the vicious fire.