No Childhood

Almost There

Though they had had exceedingly different personalities, they looked very similar. Both men were tall and muscular. Their hair was different colors, but the style was the same. Long hair with a bang covering a portion of their forehead. They wore shirts ripped at the side, showing half their body. One had of faded blue jeans and the other had on jean shorts. A gun was strapped around each of their bodies, making them look even more intimidating.

"You should listen to me more often," Kevin said, walking towards me. I backed myself closer to the tree. Noticing my discomfort, he stopped. "Don't worry little lady, we're not gonna hurt ya," Kevin assured me. I looked past him, and at Henry.

"Oh, don't worry about him," he told me. "Henry wouldn't hurt a fly," Kevin said.

"Didn't he just shoot at me?" I asked pointing to Henry.

"Don't think of it like that," Henry said. "I was just testing the gun," he lied. Kevin turned to him.

"That's the best you can do?" He turned back to me.

"We were just scared is all," he said, giving me a small smile. I nodded.

"We best be on out way now, ma's expecting us for dinner Kevin," Henry said.

"We can't just leave her. She could die," Kevin said.

"Well what do you want me to do?" Henry asked.

"Help me help her," he replied.

"You think she's gonna trust two strangers in the woods with guns?" Henry asked.

"I don't know, ask her," he replied. Both of them looked towards me. I stayed silent and shifted my eyes between the both of them.

"See, she won't even talk to us," Henry pointed out.

"What's your name little lady?" Kevin asked softly.

"Danielle," I replied. Kevin throw his gun around his back and held up his empty hands.

"Alright Danielle, I want to help you, but you have to trust me," he said. I nodded. He took a careful step closer and then a few more, until he was standing right in front of me. His hand reached out to me.

I looked at his hand, then into his eyes. He seemed genuine in his proposal. Honesty glowed in his bright blue eyes. I hesitantly took his outstretched hand and he pulled me to my feet.

Once I was standing again, I started to felt lightheaded and almost fell.

"Easy there," Kevin said catching me. "Do you think you can walk?" He asked me.

"I don't know," I replied quietly.

"Well hurry up and figure it out, cause I'm tryna get outta here," Henry said. Kevin released me and I almost immediately hit the ground. Before I was able to, Kevin grabbed me again.

"Just hold onto me," he said. He threw my arm around his neck and nodded to his brother.

"Finally," Henry said and turned around, leading the way.

I limped alongside Kevin as we traveled through the woods. Leaves and twigs crunched under our feet and birds flew above. The gentle breeze felt good on my exposed skin. It wasn't too hot, nor too cold. The perfect weather to be outside hunting, fishing, or just relaxing.

"Am I still in Lawrenceville?" I suddenly asked.

"Duluth," Kevin replied, pushing a branch out of his way. "Lawrenceville is 'bout 20 minutes out." I sighed.

"How much longer?" I asked impatiently, feeling a headache approaching.

"Almost there," Henry replied without turning around. We walked for a few more minutes, until we came upon a two story white house. Small rose bushes sat in front of the large white porch, that was recently repainted. The smell of wet paint still hung in the cool air. A large field was right beside the house. Acres of green spread cross the beautiful landscape, as Dandelion residue flew in all directions. It was beautiful, but a striking headache made it hard to enjoy.

"This is it," Henry said, making his way up the porch stairs. We followed behind him. "Watch yer step," he said. Kevin helped me up each step.

We entered the house loudly, slamming the screen door behind us. The walls if the house were painted a light brown and had black designs on the edges. The floor was a clean, polished wood, with few imperfections. I could hear shoes slapping against the wood, making their way to us.

"Boys, is that y'all?" A sweet female voice asked. A short women with, who looked to be in her mid-40s came into view. She had on a plaid dress and her brown hair was pulled back. Her jaw dropped, when her eyes landed on my weak figure.

"What happened? Who is she?" The women asked approaching Kevin and I. "What happened baby girl?" She asked, placing a hand on my cheek.

"We found her inside a hollow tree ma," Kevin said. "I never asked her what happened, I figured she'd tell us whenever she felt like it," he added. As they continued to talk, their words started to sound far away. They were slurred, almost sounding as if I was under water. My vision started to blur and I could barely see the woman standing in front of me.

"Danielle," I heard a voice say, but I couldn't tell who it was, or if it was male or female. "Danielle," they said a little louder.

"She losing a lot of blood. Here, set her down. I'll call the paramedics," another one said. I was quickly planted in a wooden chair. I heard the shuffling of feet on their hard floor. Someone rushed towards me and I felt pressure on my leg. The pain made me groan. I looked down to see Kevin squatting by my leg with a towel pressed around the glass.

"It's okay, the paramedics will be here soon," he assured me. My eyes started to feel heavy.

"I'm tired," I heard myself say.

"No, don't go to sleep," Kevin said. My head dropped back. "Danielle stay awake," he ordered.

"...can't," was all I could get out. A sharp pain ran up my leg. I gasped and involuntarily kicked my leg. It landed on Kevin's shoulder and he grunted. My eyes snapped shut.

"You have to," he said. "Look at me." I tried, but didn't have the strength to do so anymore. The sounds around started to fade. The last thing I heard was a loud siren.