Is this Rare?

Chapter 26

For the first time in a while, I simply wake, out of a dream. No jolting or shaking. Or screaming. Or heart pounding dangerously. My eyelids just flutter open, like any other normal day.

The sun is making patterns on the forest floor. At first, something is wrong with my vision. It's all distorted. Then I suddenly remember the leaves that covered me.

I try to move my arms to brush them away, but the numbness in my limb, keeps me planted. I've been stuck in this same position overnight. Not to mention the cold. I maneuver my hand to where it can reach my thigh and being to rub some warmth into it. Massaging my legs, I contemplate the dream I had last night. Not scary or very life threatening: because I was somewhat aware that it was only a dream. Eventually, I can stretch my arms and slowly pull myself out of the hole.

I sit against a tree and think about where I should go. Search for Andrea? No. She will find me soon enough. Look for my friends? There are too many places Andrea would have taken them: if they are still alive after last night's madness that is. I decide to make my way back to our cabin. If Andrea isn't waiting for me, maybe I'll be able to get a change of clothes and some food.

Food. I can't remember the last time I ate. Let's see. I think the last thing I had was some Animals Crackers. But, that was forever ago: or so it seems. Since then I've been knocked out countless times, been scared out of my mind, found a secret passage, moved boxes, and betrayed my friends. Of course against my will. I need food or I won't last much longer. Even if I do what Andrea says.

I push myself to my feet and look around me. I see the path of destruction I made in my escape last night. Andrea could have easily found me. Maybe she did, but she left me behind because she knew I wouldn't run. She knew that saving my friends is my number one priority.

I move down my path and everything is completely destroyed. I keep my eyes on the ground, so that I don't trip. Under normal circumstances I'm a pretty clumsy person. But with extremely sore legs, I'm bound to fall or better yet hurt my other ankle, and where would we be then?

Moving slowly, I eventually make it to our cabin. I know I'm at the right one because it is lacking a specific detail. Windows. The only windows on the whole house are one in the attic and another situated in the front door. I climb the two steps and push on the door. Actually, I just place my fingers on the handle and it swings open on contact. The cabin is perfectly silent. I sit beside my suitcase and rummage through it to find my warmest clothes. I think layering would be smart because I'm not sure when I will be able to change again. Grabbing my leggings, sweats, long sleeve, tee shirt, hoodie, socks and boots, I change right were I am. Layering my leggings, sweats, long sleeve, t-shirt, and hoodie. Before I eat, I rewrap my ankle with another old shirt.

Then, I dig through our snack bag. I find goldfish. My most favorite snack ever. It's funny that Jenn didn't tell me she brought some. Oh well. It's a small bag so, I eat a handful and save the rest for later. I pull out a drawstring bag and put the goldfish in there. I also throw another t-shirt in with the goldfish. Digging through the bag again, I grab some travel paks of pretzels, peanut butter, and Pringles. I decide to throw an apple in too. I allow myself five more minutes of packing and then I'll try to rest again. I know it's sort of wrong but I search my friends bags and suitcases. I pull out a knife from Ann's bag, matches from Maggie, and some hair ties from Jenn.

"I hope Andrea will let me keep these." I think to myself. Again. While I place those items in my drawstring, I here a noise. Or maybe it's a shift in the wind that has pushed the door back open. I turn and I find Andrea. I knew she'd find me. I'm feeling a little risky so I say, "Hello Andrea. How's your little plan going?"

I don't receive an answer. She just gives me smile and a bubbly laugh as she walks towards me, never taking her beady little snake eyes off me.

"I'm not afraid of you anymore, Andrea." I say.

With a breathy laugh, she answers, "Oh, I know. That's doesn't matter. What really matters is what you'd are most afraid of: losing your friends. Without them you will go crazy and lose your mind. Or even die. So, that's why you're helping me or else you won't see them anytime soon. Or for the rest of your perfect little helpless life." She finishes with a grimacing smile.