In The Dark

It was so warm, I could say that much. My eyes were closed as I savored the feel of the heat against my skin. Ever since I was a kid I always favored the summer more than the winter. I took a deep breath and the scent of pine consumes my senses. I've always loved the smell of pine it reminds of my granddad and the times he would let me sit on his lap while he told me stories about our family ancestors. I smile lightly at the memory.

The sound of what seems to sound like a river brings me out of my thoughts. It was faint, I could barely hear it but it was definitely there. Even though I wasn't the fondest when it came to cold weather I still really liked to swim. When I was younger my family and I would go to the beach almost every weekend. My brothers and I would sit in the sand and build sandcastles and swim all day while our parents laid on the picnic mat smiling, watching us from a far, occasionally joining us to swim. It's been quite some time since then.

FLASHBACK

" Come on Joey " squealed a 5 year old me running toward the water.

" Wait for me! " shouted the little boy as he tried to catch up with his little sister.

I took a quick glance behind me to see my mom and dad spread out on the picnic mat holding the 1 year old twins Dominic and Jimmy. I gave them a quick smile before jumping into the water where my brothers were already swimming in.

" Bout time you got here " my brother derek Joey teased.

" Shut up Joey! " I said splashing him. He splashed me back and we ended having a water fight.

FLASHBACK END.

I couldn't help the burst of excitement that washes over me. With a smile on my face I opened my eyes only to be blinded by the sudden burst of light. When I had finally adjusted my eyes to the light, I gasped as I began to take in my surroundings. It was beautiful no other word could describe it. In front me was a wide meadow full of flowers of all shapes and colors. From where I was standing I could see a mix of blood red roses, bright yellow tulips, white lilies that were so white it was as if they were glowing and other flowers I've never even seen all scattered in the meadow. I was completely mesmerized by the scenery around me It was unlike anything I've ever seen but the sound of the water me out of my trance.

I followed the sound which led me deep into a the forest. I wasn't to surprised to find pine trees all around me. That's probably where the smell of pine came from. As I went deeper and deeper into the forest the sound of the water rushing becomes louder. I start walking faster and faster until I was full on running. The sounds gets louder and louder.......

Until I finally reach it.

It was a small lake. The sunlight was glistening against the water, making it look like a lake full of diamonds. I sat beside the lake with my knees tucked underneath me and leaned in to dip my hand into the water. I could see my reflection in the water. My hair was in a fishtail plait and I was wearing a baby blue summer dress that really complemented my dark brown eyes. I briefly took a look around to see if anyone was there. It didn't look like there was anyone around so I decided to take a dip in the water. I untied my hair and started stripping of my clothes until I was completely naked. And then I dived in.

I was completely submerged in water, I opened my eyes to see small pebbles in the river. I swam back up to the surface as I was running out of oxygen. I breathed in the air and I felt all my muscles relax. The water was cool and refreshing. It felt glorious against my skin. As I floated on my back the only thing I could think of was how at peace I felt here. As if all my worries never existed.

All of a sudden I get the feeling I'm being watched. I hid behind a near by bolder in fear of someone seeing me naked.

" Hello, is anyone there ? " I shout. It was quiet, there was no answer. I sigh in relief and lay my head against the large rock. I'm probably just a little paranoid, I thought to myself.

' SNAP '

That was definitely not my imagination. " who's there, show yourself ! " I demanded. I peeked from behind the boulder to see if anyone was there but there was no one there. But then I heard an animalistic growl come from one of the bushes. Something was out there and it wasn't human. Most people would be scared but I was mostly curious. What kind of animal could have made that sound ? Was it big ? Was it hurt ? Did it need my help ?. So many question were running through my mind and there was only one way to find out their answers.

With a deep breath, I stepped out of my hiding spot to confront whatever animal was hiding behind the bushes. " Come out, I wont hurt you " I said softly. The bushes rustled a bit before a giant wolf stepped out.

I was a bit shocked at how big it was. I have never seen a wolf this big before it was about 6 feet tall with midnight black fur. It started making it's way closer to the edge of the river and sat down there with his held tall. I suddenly felt intimidated by it, but I couldn't help feel this need to get closer to it. I swam closer and laid my head and hands on the edge of the lake, right next where it was sitting . It's eyes watching my every move.

I looked up into it's eyes and was momentarily lost in those giant honey colored orbs that were his eyes. It was as if they were glowing. His faced seemed to be getting closer to mine. Just when it was an inch away from my face........

I felt myself being shaken, everything was fading and I could hear a voice calling out to me.

" Miss Huntley " The voice called out still shaking me lightly

" Miss Huntley "

" Miss Huntley " . I felt my eyes fluttering open. I looked up to see the flight attendant smiling lightly at me.

" We've arrived " she said softly.