I leave early in the morning, just as the sunlight is creeping past the dark red curtains. I go to the laundry room and collect together various items of clothing, getting changed quickly. I grab my muddy boots and coat, and silently let myself out the front door. I jog down the road, towards the footpath, and vault over the gate, running towards the den.
I love running and feeling the cool breeze streaming past my face, cooling my hot face and neck. The field is full of life. I can see rabbits and squirrels moving along the hedge line. Small deer are eating grass at the edge of the wood to my right. The sun is breaking into the sky in a riot of colour. The sky is tinged pale pink, the clouds catching the rays of weak sunlight.
I reach the den and sit myself down onto my tree stump with its muddy cushion. I'm breathing hard, enjoying the burn the air makes as I pull it into my lungs.
My phone beats its staccato rhythm against my leg. Please don't be Anna I silently implore. I pull it out, wincing. Even worse, Jim.
"Yes?" I ask, answering the call.
"Have you done what I told you?" The nasally voice replies.
"Yes," I say "I haven't seen Anna all week, just like you said. I have only watched her routine, which I've already told you and nothing unusual has happened." I'm praying he doesn't know I'm lying.
"Well then Arran, I suppose we should carry on with training, as you've shown that you are trustworthy. I'll send my car round tomorrow night, which will bring you to my training facilities in West Sussex. You remember, yes?"
I rack my brains, desperately trying to think of a way out. I thought I had escaped his clutches! Apparently not. Jim takes my silence as an answer and says,
"Very good, see you tomorrow then, sweet nephew." He hangs up leaving me feeling thoroughly creeped out, icy chills going up and down my spine. I'm shaking, I realise.
I sit like that for quite a while, the sun climbing up into the sky. My stomach rumbles, finally breaking me out of my silence. I stretch my legs out in front of me, knees clicking from being still for so long. I walk back through the woods and across the field. I turn up the lane, past Anna's house and walk back home.
I stop at the churchyard, feeling a sudden compelling emotion course through me. I want to see Izzy. I walk through the snow-white and ink-black head stones, all in various forms of decay, until I reach a smooth, pale grey, stone. Black, chiselled writing leaps out at me and my eyes prick with tears. I sit crossed legged in front of the stone and read 'Isabelle Everett born April 25th 1995 died August 12th 2013. She was the light that brought the lost home, much loved daughter and sister. Rest in peace, darling.'
I breath deeply, willing the sharp pain in my chest to stop. Feeling the choking feeling in my throat grow. The tears fall unbidden down my face, one after another after another. It's at times like this when the tidal wave of grief hits me. I go days without thinking about her, but then all at once, WHAM, I'm struck down by it, unmoving.
I can hear the sweet song of a robin, tickling my soundscape. Izzy loved to hear birdsong, and just this simple thing, gives me hope that it will get better. All of it.
~~~~
AN
Hey guys!
So today I was trying to decide to make Arran a bad guy or good guy. Or you know both. But I can't decide, oh well! You'll just have to wait and see!
Also I found this really funny, you ready?
Mountains aren't just funny, they're hill areas!
Boom boom!
Yeah I know lame, 😂😂😂 but don't be a silent reader!
VOTE
COMMENT
SHARE
Lots of love Tolly ❤️
YOU ARE READING
The Burning Girl
Action"Where the bloody hell has she gone." I hear someone scream. "Tom!" That must be Jim, I thought. Getting closer to the edge, I can hear a scuffle, someone thrown to the floor and another pinned against the hood of the car. The tension in the air co...
