The Sound of Their Presence

Chapter Twenty Four: Meeting

Cheyenne:

   Who was driving that Impala? A beautiful, sleek, black vehicle, no matter. But still, my life had been put into the hands of the driver when I stupidly decided that I had enough time to cross the street. I am reminded of the 'Why did the chicken cross the road' joke. Great. Now I can't even take my own life and death situations seriously.

    I am halfway back to the woods near my old house, when I realize that the curiosity I have of whom this driver was is eatimng me alive. I finish bounding to my hollowed oak tree and shift to my human form. Then I pull out a satchel just barely large enough for clothing. I grab the red dress and stuff it into the satchel, just because I am in a hurry and it is the nearest thing.

    I prepare to shift again. If I position the satchel just right around my neck, I can carry once in my alternate form without damaging it. Then I bound back, as fast as my spindly, long unicorn legs will carry me to a couple hundred yeards away from the cabin Shane resides in. It dawns on me that Lilith must be keeping him like a prisoner in their small hime. I knew what it was like to be jailed in your own house.

    Once I have the dress on, I realize that I should have brought boots with me, too. Twigs, nut shells, and so many more of the 'enjoyable' floor of the forest were not kind to one's bare feet.

    I walk the several hundred yards neccesary to reach the cabin. I reach the back of the house and start peering into windows. Maybe I could catch a glimpse of their visitor. Or even Shane, himself . . .

    But why were all the windows barred? They had not been like that when I was staying here. Then a light comes on in the room I peer into. The bathroom! I catch a straight forward view of the visitor. She is tall, thin, and naturally pretty. She seems almost worn torn, as if weary after a long battle. Was she from the military? She catches me staring, but is not surprised. She only raises an eyebrow at me, as I spin on my feet, turning to run.

     "Wait! I am Jillian, Shane's aunt. I know who you are. I have been talking to him. What his family has decided to do while I was away is not okay. I didn't know it was happening, and I don't approve of it. I can help you!" She sticks out her hand, between the iron bars. I notice the fact that she said who and not what. Poeple never do that.

    Although iron is not good for me, or any other unicorn, I approach and clasp Jillian's hand between the grating. She gives a sturdy shake.

    "We can talk in a few minutes. I will be out soon. I have to tell Lilith that I am running errands," Jillian states before running out of the bathroom. I am alone, as the light that flooded me seconds ago fades with the flick of the bathroom lightswitch.