path of redemption

chapter fifty six.

-Estella romano

"Ash , mom said we have to be back before the sun sets , remember when i almost lost you in the woods?"i point out as i slowly walk behind her. Her hair bounces with each step she takes. I look up the sky. Its slowly darkening. Which means it'll be dark soon.

I can't be in the dark.

She looks over her shoulder as she rolls her eyes "Since when have we ever played by the rules. And stop being a scardy cat. Its just dark. Don't tell me you're afraid of it?" She raises an eyebrow.

"No-" i squeal at the sound of a twig snapping under my foot. My heart racing. Im being paranoid. Ofcourse im being paranoid. The thing that chased zaid and i is roaming around here. Slowly trying to get me. Speaking of zaid. I haven't seen him since...since he saved me? Since i don't know where i am. Heaven or hell. Or not dead? I don't know how long its been since. But i know i don't want to be around here when that thing comes back.

She sighs "Yep , you're totally not scared. This is heaven? Remember. The place full of rainbows and sunshine. Bunnies and dears. Theres no threat here. So relax. Will ya?" She snickers. I swallow the lump in my throat.

I bite the inside of my cheek as i realize we've gone too far into the forest. I stop. And so does ash. She turns around and raises an eyebrow as she walks toward me.

"What is it now? Come on stel , we're almost there" she tries to tug at my elbow but i gently pull it back as i fold my arms trying to create some comfort.

"Where is there exactly?"

She gave me a funny look "I was there the other night when you decided to bail on me , shitty move by the way sis. Shitty move" she teases and i roll my eyes.

"Something was out there. I could feel it. Zaid could feel-

"Zaid?" She questions. Almost as if the name zaid is foreign to her.

I nod "Yes zaid , he came to visit me. Not to mention saved me." I pause "From what ever that thing was" i explain as i gesture to the forest.

She nods slowly "Uh-huh" as she turns around so quickly and starts walking again. I decide to follow her. Besides if the thing was out there. I knew zaid would come to rescue me. He always does.

I bite my lip as i follow her "Zaid said some things too!" I call out from behind her . She jumps over a log , i walk faster as i try to catch up with her.

"What things?" She says.

I pant "He said that i wasn't dead , and this isn't heaven. Ash...if this isnt heaven then what-

She turns around so quickly i walk into her. I gasp as i almost fall backwards but her hold on my shoulders steady me. She stares at me . A look i can't decipher.

"You know you can't believe zaid right? You want the harsh truth , stel? You're dead. In heaven. With your family and friends. You're not gonna let a boy come between us , are you?" She raises an eyebrow and i frown as i go to argue but she shakes me lightly.

"Are you?..."she trails off and i swear i hear a change in her voice. It sounded somewhere between demonic and raspy. No no. This is ash. Im just tired and afraid. So now im hearing things too.

I exhale a breath as i shake my head "No"

She grins as she flashes her pearly white teeth "Good , because you're it!" She laughs as she begins to run and a sudden fear pierces through me. I stand there frozen as her giggles fade away.