Is This Smart? (Under editing and revising)

Chapter 19

We all follow Samantha through the heavily wooded area, to what I suppose is her house. The safe place as Samantha calls it, whatever that means. But, quite honestly, I don't have an idea what 'safe' means anymore.

At the moment, I am situated somewhat comfortably on Ann's back. Well, comfortable for me, that is. I don't see how Ann could be comfortable at all, with having to carry me through the woods and all. I feel terrible for her having to carry me. She is already breathing hard and shallow breaths, but no matter what I say, she won't put me down. We are so far behind the others, Samantha in the very front, almost to far for me to see her, with all the trees and pines and foliage. Behind her is Jenn, who has to practically run to keep up, so that we don't lose sight of our guide: Samantha. Maggie is separated an equal distance between Jennifer and us. Jennifer in front of her and us just falling a few feet behind.

I'm still really bothered by how they are treating each other, Maggie and Jenn, that is. They are acting like the other person doesn't exist. Hopefully, when we all go home, everything will be normal again: like it used to be, during High School. But, that is exactly what I thought the last time and, apparently, things never went back to normal. Well, not yet anyways.

Slowly but surly we all come into a small hidden clearing, where a white massive grand old Victorian style home sits, nested in between two rocky cliffs. A tall pointy black-shingled chimney sticks out the moss-covered roof. A beautiful lengthy sheltered veranda stretches around most of the outside, where the walls look as if they haven't been painted or attended to in many, many years! The white, bland paint is peeling and chipping over almost all the outer walls, making the home look older and in considerably worse condition than it really is.

When we reach the others, they are all huddled together at a black cast iron fence with swirly decorative spikes Shooting out the top. Samantha is rummaging about, most likely searching for a key, because a huge shiny lock clamps the rusty gate closed tightly. Soon, she pulls out a old tarnished key, with a skull looking symbol carved into the handle. I hear a booming thunder crash like a cymbal right above our heads. I jump, as usual. Seconds later, the gate swings open wide: complaining with a screechy creak. 

"We're here. Y'all come inside before this storm gets any worse, you hear?!" Samantha hollers over the consistent booms and bangs crashing overhead. She holds open the gate as all of us pass through. I try to be a light passenger as Ann climbs the slightly rotten steps to the old doorway. The door is opened and we all maneuver ourselves into the entryway of the safe place.

After removing her jacket with a flourish, Samantha announces cheerfully, "Welcome to my home."

A thick rug covers the hall were framed pictures line the walls. A stairway leads to the second floor, I suppose. We follow Samantha and I don't see much more of the house because Ann carries me into a parlor like space, plops me gently onto a sofa, and sinks down next to me. We are both extremely exhausted. The ride here completely drained me, I cannot even begin to imagine how Ann feels. But, I know that I'm so grateful and lucky to have friends who would do that for me. I close me eyes; even though I don't like being in this stranger's old somewhat home. I feel trapped with no way out.

"Samantha?" I hear Jennifer ask.

Politely, Samantha replies with a quiet, "Yes?"

Then, Jenn begins to ask in her normal questioning tone, "You said this is your house, right? How is it so large, if it's just for you? Do you live alone?"

After a chuckle, Samantha Eller gives Jennifer an answer, "This house was built a long time ago, about the same time around when the cabin was built, I fell in love with it the minute I first saw it. It holds so many memories for me. Joyous memories and... dark ones. But, yes, I do live alone. Always have."

As I listen to Samantha explain, I have nearly fallen asleep. Her voice has a somewhat lulling quality. "Goodness, you two look exhausted." I try to force my eyelids open, but they refuse to obey. She continues to Jennifer and Maggie, "Let me show you the upstairs. I have several spacious bedrooms if you all want to share or have your own.

The last thing I hear is Jennifer's voice thanking Samantha for her kindness. Then, silence. The footsteps. The voices. Gone. The only thing that hasn't left is Ann's body heat next to me on the couch and the storm swirling outside. Fear begins to fill me from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. I do all I can, but exhaustion and fatigue both overcome me within minutes. Sleep has completely taken over my body. That is, until a pair of arms lifts me. My reacted eyes flutter open to see Jennifer carrying me, "Jenn? What's going on?"

Quietly, Jennifer answers me, "Shh, Chels. Everything's fine. I'm just taking you upstairs to a real bed. So you can get some real sleep, you know, after the whole situation."

Satisfied, I smile, "Oh, well thanks, Jennifer." And nothing more is said. But, eventually I feel myself being laid in a colossal bed and then I am being covered with a thick comforting quilt. Moments later, Ann joins me. No less then thirty seconds later, we are asleep. That is, until I here a noise that is all too familiar. Another noise that I learned from our outing last summer. Someone Is trying to contain a bloodcurdling piercing scream.