Evanesce

(Chapter 8) White Noise

I ran through the thick brush and heavy smoke, running down the never-ending mountain side. I saw the red inferno spreading toward me, consuming everything in its path. As I finally made it to the bottom of the mountain, I felt a presence behind me. Before I could turn, I felt someone shove me, and squeezed my eyes shut as the earth came closing in.
I suddenly was plunged into darkness. I turned in circles, confused, as I squinted through the black stain. Noticing a faint red glow in the distance, I stumbled forward, continuously tripping over nothing. As I approached the small iridescence it suddenly flickered, quickly launching toward me. I jumped back in surprise, tripping over something, and landed on my butt.

I watched as the flame ignited the trail of timber by my feet, my eyes followed the wood until it escalated into a pyre. Atop the pyre stood two figures, enveloped in the darkness still. As the fire reached the pile, it illuminated their features as it climbed toward them. I noticed they were tied together, back-to-back, by thick rope.

As the blaze rose higher, I noticed they were both female, with long dark hair flowing over their shoulders. They had soft, familiar features, oval shaped, terror filled eyes and thin, trembling lips. One of the women was obviously older, worry lines clear on her forehead.

I immediately recognized the horrified expressions; it was my mother and Sunji. They cried as the orange flames flicked up toward their legs. I struggled to stand, suddenly knee deep in some sort of viscous liquid. I trudged forward desperately, reaching out to my family in panic. The muck rose steadily to my chest, as the inferno enveloped them. I screamed out to them, choking on the black goo. The last thing I heard was my loved ones shrieking in agony as they were engulfed in flames. Seeing the faint glimpse of blood red eyes, before I jolted awake.

I sat up in bed, cold sweat beading down my face. I held my head in my hands for a moment as I caught my breath, biting back the tears threatening to spill. I slowly lifted my head, attempting to ground myself back in reality, as I studied my surroundings. I was in the same strange white room, with white furniture and Oak floor. The bed sat in the far-left corner from the door, a small step-in closet to the right. The eggshell-colored desk sat across the room from the bed, an aluminum floor lamp in the back corner. The heavy door was of darker lumber, possibly Walnut or Cherry wood. The small bathroom was tucked in the corner by the foot of the bed, the dark grey tiled walls and floor unsettled me, like claustrophobia.

I clicked on the small lamp on the nightstand in front of the bay window, glancing out at the dark overcast. Curious, I peeked at the navy wall clock above the desk. 6:20 a.m. I sighed deeply, suddenly feeling my stomach churn from hunger. I anxiously stood from the bed, stepping toward the dark door, unlocking it quietly. I tiptoed into the hallway, almost tripping immediately. I looked down at the obstruction, furious at the interruption. A small pair of pale blue house shoes sat on top of a box, with a note neatly folded to the side.

"I found this extra pair of house shoes in my parents' closet, along with some old clothes of my mothers' if you wanted something that fit. Breakfast is at 8am every morning, I hope to see you there.

~J "

I found myself smiling slightly as I pulled the box into the bedroom silently. I secured the door closed and dropped the object on the bed, unfolding the top. I pulled out the contents one by one, some of which were not wearable by someone of my stature. Their mother seemed to be more petite while I had my mother's "hourglass" figure, more on the curvy side. I put the clothing that I was certain wouldn't fit, back in the box, and studied each article of clothing remaining. A white tank-top with a pattern of red roses, spandex athletic shorts, a short black sundress with thin lace lining the bonesse and dropped sleeves, and a black pleated tennis skirt. There was also a small pair of white tennis shoes with light blue laces.

I sauntered over to the window, mindlessly, throwing it open and sticking my head out into the cool breeze. I took a long, deep breath, savoring the weather. There was overcast but you could see the sunrise shining through, transitioning the navy clouds into a smooth grey. It was warm and slightly humid with a cool breeze, like it might rain. It smelled like moss and dirt, slightly different from the pine scent that surrounded the property.

I lifted myself back inside, closing the window carefully. I decided on my wardrobe for the day, then went to shower in the uncomfortable bathroom, stalling until breakfast. The shower was brief, as my stomach refused to stifle itself. I quickly dried myself and looked in the mirror, something I haven't done in a while. Deep purple indents under my eyes. Dry, cracked lips, and pale skin. I looked like a walking corpse. I combed my fingers through my hair and looked through the cabinet for anything to aid my appearance.

I found band-aids, an elastic hair-tie, a small travel bottle of BB cream, an old comb, a toothbrush still in the package, a mini moisturizer, and a bottle of off-brand pain-reliever. I used some of the moisturizer on my hands and face, thoroughly applying it to my lips. The BB cream did its best to blend some of the purple, I looked somewhat human at least.

After soaking the old comb in scalding hot water, I carefully brushed through my long, dark hair. Glowering at my reflection, I was still displeased with my appearance. The dress was pulled up to my torso, my feet stepped delicately into the house shoes. I looked back up to the clock as it grew brighter outside, 7:35. My stomach gurgled at me, threateningly, as I sighed.

After pacing back and forth a few times, I decided to be brave, yanking the heavy door open once again. I timidly stepped into the hall, studying my surroundings. The ceilings were about 15 feet high, cream-colored walls with Greek style pillars every few feet. It seemed the hardwood was the same throughout the house, covering even the long, curved staircase. The Hall was like a massive labyrinth, both directions looked as if it went on forever, decorated with doors of different colored wood. I anxiously stepped back into the bedroom, grabbing the hair-tie from the bathroom, before returning. I slipped the small band over the door handle before continuing my exploration. I decided to begin right since it looked a bit shorter, only a handful of doors.

The walls were hung with old renaissance paintings and expensive looking art, it had taken me aback. Who knew such a beautiful place existed in such a dense, dark forest, forgotten by elegance. The first door I approached was medium beige colored, the Spruce perfectly blending into the cream walls. It was so bright and pristine, it almost seemed as if it were glowing.

The final door was grey toned, like weathered Cedar, and black cracks spread down in different areas, as if it were burned. The knob was a cool silver, the door blended well with the chrome.

I turned to continue my exploration down the next hallway, my rumbling stomach quickening my steps. I stepped past the Dark brown door I was familiar with, the elastic still on the handle. I continued around the corner, toward the grand staircase, noticing another door next to mine. It was a navy-blue hue, presumably painted wood, with a black matte knob. There was a large black marking on the door, I can only describe it as some logo of a beast with large fangs.

I continued my way to the stairs when I passed another corridor, screeching to a halt. There was another door adjacent to the stairs, it was a dark red, Cherry almost, with black marks littering the surface. Hand prints and singe marks visible. But the dim lit glass door at the end of the hall was calling out to me. My curiosity overtook my hunger, as my feet carried me down the slightly shorter hall. There were only two doors on either side, one further than the other. The closer one was a Stark-White color, with a small white pattern etched in the same white paint, it was shaped like a vortex. The shiny silver knob glistening in the vague sunlight drifting through the overcast. The last door was on the right, it was as black as coal with a warm gold handle, a complete contrast to the opposing door. The handle had a small triangular logo on it, too miniature for me to make out.

I moved on toward the pair of glass doors at the end of the hall, the morning glow beckoning me. As I took another step, the door to my right swung open, spooking me. I felt my heart jump to my throat and I gasped as I was greeted by a tall, dark, grumpy looking man with a confused expression. 

A/N: Heyy look at that, finally on time. :) Hope you enjoy this chapter, next will definitely be a bit more action, just wanted to give some more context as to the living situation and such. Details are always important.