Escape The Moon

We're Not Alone

"Were you just drooling over that tall glass of water?" Ezekiel questioned, playful but curious for her answer.

"What? No way. I've learned my fair share of lessons with those. I'll stick to shots." Arabella forces a smile in hopes the lie just told would be one he'd accept without an accompanied eye-roll.

Sure enough, Ezekiel smirks before rolling his eyes and teasing

"Whatever you say. In case you know anybody who IS interested, His name is Silas Graves. He used to hang out with my older brother Jason before, you know, Jail and stuff. I'm not really sure what he's into now but he wasn't good news back then, either. So! I'm glad YOU aren't interested. . .Right, Bell?"

Arabella pondered a moment before giving him a response.

"It's closing time. I'm not interested but I'll be sure to pass it along to anyone that is Zeke. Thank you. You don't have to stay tonight, I can walk alone." Arabella fidgets with her hands to prevent herself from flattening the hairs that had risen from the back of her neck at the thought of taking that hike alone this late, but to her it sounded better than another second of this conversation.

"I know you can. But your mom would kill me if you died or something and it was the one time I wasn't there" Ezekiel stated proudly.

He was right.

*


On our walk home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sprawling fields outside of Cutler. Nestled amidst the golden waves of wheat and rundown buildings stood what would appear to be an abandoned barn, weathered by time yet still standing strong against the passage of years. This particular barn held a special place in Arabella's heart, for it was here, amidst the scent of hay and the rustle of the wind through the rafters, that she had spent countless hours of her childhood.

"Zeke, do you remember that place?" The speed of their feet slowed in unison until they were standing in front of what felt to be a past life.

"How could I forget? We had the cops called on us SO many time there Bell. I wonder if any of our old carvings are still standing." Ezekiel flashes a smile that lets me know he's up for a little detour.

As Arabella stepped inside the barn, memories flooded her mind like a river rushing downstream. She could almost hear the laughter of her younger self echoing off the walls, and feel the warmth of the sun on her skin as she played amidst the bales of hay. This barn had been her sanctuary, her refuge from the chaos of the outside world.

Growing up, Arabella had spent endless summers exploring every nook and cranny of the old barn, uncovering hidden treasures and weaving stories from the dust-covered relics she found within. It was here that she had first discovered her love for the dark, for even in the darkest corners of the barn, she had always managed to find a glimmer of fun.

But amidst the fond memories lay a shadow, a lingering sense of unease that Arabella couldn't quite shake. There had always been something off about the old barn, something that whispered of secrets long forgotten and mysteries yet to be unraveled.

As Arabella stood amidst the faded memories of her childhood, she couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding creeping over her. There was something about the old barn, something hidden beneath its weathered exterior, that sent a shiver down her spine.

Just as Arabella's thoughts began to drift to darker places, the sound of footsteps broke through the silence of the barn. Ezekiel stepped closer, his expression filled with concern.

"Is everything okay?" he asked softly, reaching out to gently squeeze Arabella's shoulder.

Arabella nodded, her eyes meeting Ezekiel's. "I'm fine, really," she assured him, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just...there's something about this place, something that's always made me feel uneasy."

Ezekiel's brow furrowed in confusion. "But this barn was always our favorite place to be," he pointed out, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "You used to spend hours here, lost in your own little world, and look, our carvings are still here!"

Arabella sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation.

"I know...I know," she admitted. "But lately, it's felt different, like there's something lurking in the shadows that I can't quite see."

Ezekiel studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

"Maybe it's just your imagination playing tricks on you," he suggested gently. "After all, you've always had a vivid imagination, Arabella."

Arabella nodded, forcing a small smile. "You're probably right," she conceded, though the unease still lingered in the pit of her stomach

"But there's still a part of me that can't shake the feeling that there's something here, something that's been waiting for me alone to uncover it."

Ezekiel moves closer and wiggles his pointer finger Infront of her nose.

"Okay wonder woman, we can figure out what this mysterious "final boss figure" has in store for you later, for now? Lets head home and get some sleep."