Red Riding Hood

Chapter Twenty Four

It was a couple of days after Christmas and I found myself sinking into a depression. Until now I had been able to keep strong about the William situation. I put the blame of all of my feelings on my wolf and decided all I had felt was nothing more than a high school crush. I had picked up the habit of going for a run when ever I felt like I was drowning to get me out and change my focus and everytime I  managed to ignore the feeling of being watched. Mum had taken James to the small apartment she was now renting nearby and due to my bitchy mood I was glad he didn't have to be around me like this. For the most part my grandparents left me alone too but I could tell they were worried. No one knew what had gone on in France. Well not the whole truth. Even Jocelyn couldn't get it out of me.

I missed William, but I wouldn't admit it was coming from me and not the wolf. I missed Eric and Freddy, even Marcus and Finn. I had just gotten out of the bath and got dressed when I got a message from Andrea. 'Broken up with Derrick, can I come stay for new years xx' For the first time since Christmas I smiled. The prospect of getting Andrea and Dylan back together was looking very promising. My wolf was beyond annoyed I'd care more about them being together than helping ourselves with our own issue. I messaged her back that it was fine and knew we'd have to do something awesome for New Years. Texting Jocelyn she knew of a party happening in some new fancy club so would see if her Dad could get us tickets in. With that sorted I gave Dylan the heads up, leaving him to plan mission get Andrea back. I know, we need a better code name; one that didn't explain the whole mission so obviously but he ignored my attempts at one. By bedtime I was happy to escape from reality.

Elizabeth walked around the forest, hoping for a sign of William. Nothing was around, not even the deer or rodents often seen in these parts. She was about to give up when a scream echoed through the night. Instantly she started to run towards it and before long she came face to face with Penelope. The girl stopped, looking at the similar person before her and as a howl broke out in the night she started running, grabbing Elizabeth by the hand to be dragged along with her.

Penelope's legs were aching, her lungs burning with each gasp of air she took as they ran faster and faster. A branch caught the fabric of her dress bringing her to a quick stop as she tripped onto the earth hard. Turning the branch ripped through the fabric as she pulled it free but he was getting closer. She felt it. Elizabeth looked behind them curious of who they were running from as she helped Penelope  up.

"Run! He is coming!" Penelope gasped fearfully and they continued to run. Elizabeth looked over at her in wonder, watching as her hair flew out behind her as she sprinted, the full moon the only light as it broke through the trees. The similiarities were uncanny. They couldn't hear the footsteps behind them anymore but they didn't stop, not until they were certain they were alone.

Finally they slowed, breaths coming short and fast. Penelopes chest ached as the corset still around her waist cut into the skin. She felt faint, her mouth dry as her eyes burned. Tears had dried on her face and finally she was able to look at the girl beside her in wonder. She didn't think she was real, her hand had been to light to hold and unlike her own breathing, no mist was left in the air. Was she a ghost? Was she here to help her? Not sure she knew it wouldnt be fair to put her at risk too.

"Keep running, he is coming but he won't catch you" she instructed. Hesitantly Elizabeth nodded and kept going in a different direction as Penelope stumbled on, always listening to the sounds in the forest around her. Then she heard it. The howl was close and she knew he only did it to tease her. With no where left to run she saw a hollowed out tree and decided to try and hide in there. She had just lowered herself to the ground to crawl in her hair was yanked upward, pulling her head back she screamed in surprise and agony. He had found her.