Kitsune Royalty

Chapter 8: A Memory

A few days later, I had ordered my outfit for prom. I had decided on a floor length pale blue dress, with long sleeves. It was winter after all. I stepped outside in my skinny jeans and wonder woman t shirt, walking down the street.After a few minutes of walking, I stepped up to Ashton's house and rang the doorbell. Ashton opened the door and invited me in. "So, you know, there's prom coming up, and, it's not like you have to or anything, but. . . " Ashton said, sheepishly. He rubbed the back of his neck uncertainly. "Uh. . . maybe," I said, predicting his question. Kristan was so paying for this! Why does my life have to be so awkward. "Anyway, so, I was wondering if you want to maybe go to the beach or something later. I mean, I was kinda bored cause it's like saturday and I've done all my assessments and stuff. How are you going with your assessments?" I spoke really quickly. Ashton had a dazed look on his face but he said "sure, I'd love to go to the beach. Let me get changed and I'll meet you there in 15." I gave him a quick smile and walked back home to get changed into my swimmers. Ten minutes later, I was walking up to Ashton's house. I rang the doorbell, feeling sheepish. "Hey, I thought we were meeting at the beach,"says a voice behind me. I spin around to find Ashton holding a pink floral bag. "I'm not even gonna say anything," I laugh. Ashton has a confused look on his face. "Ok, this is for both my dignity and your's," I sigh, grabbing the bag, dumping my things in, and hoisting it over my shoulder. I set off at a fast pace, but Ash soon catches up. He walks just behind me, and seems to be having a conversation with himself. "What a great idea, but how do I do it. . . I need her to remember. . ." I hear snippets of his mumbling. "Who ya talking to?" I question. "No one," he answers way too quickly. He's hiding something from me. But what? Ashton clears his throat and I realise we've arrived. "YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!" I yell, excited to go swim. I hadn't swum for a month or two, as the water was too cold. I throw the bag down onto the sand, everything spilling everywhere. Ashton bends down and picks everything up while I take off my beach dress, and race down to the water in my neon rainbow one piece. Kind of babyish, but oh well! I reach the water, one foot in, and immediately race back to where Ashton was standing. "It's too cold!" I complain. "Haha, you have to wait and take your time," says Ashton. "But I don't want to wait, I want to go SWIM!" I yell, getting impatient. "Hush, baby Clary. We'll go in later, just wait a minute," says Ashton. I let out a small hmph. Today I feel like being immature, and it's gonna be even better having Ashton to annoy. And I know that's kind of mean, but it's gonna be so fun! "Ashton!" I whine. "What is it now?" He asks, getting impatient. I give him a toothy grin, and a look of fear and horror crosses his face. Looks like we've been friends for long enough for him to know what I'm about to do. "Nononononononononono, Clary, please, no," he pleads. I simply shake my head, "Oh, Ashton." He starts to run away from me, so I chase. I run as fast as I can, feeling the wind caress my hair with soft fingers. I sigh and breathe in the cold, salty air. I push my legs faster, still chasing Ashton. I finally caught up to him, tackling him to the ground. "I win!" I scream, a huge grin on my face. "Oh, you better beware now," growls Ashton. I slowly stand up and allow him to move. Once he stood up, he turned towards me. My eyes widened in fear, and I spin around. I begin to run, kicking up sand behind me. I head towards the forest situated on the edge of the water. I enter, dodging the tangled trunks and dangling vines. I have a sudden sense of deja vu. I stumble, and fall onto the ground. A flashback begins. . . Trees grab at me, branches cut my aching limbs. I run for what seems like forever. I run and run and run, stumbling through a wild bush, sighting something in the midst.

A red dress.

No.

A bloody dress.

Someone died here.

Someone I should have protected!

A sense of anger and failure courses through me. I failed everything I worked so hard to achieve, how could I do this to everyone. I should be lying there, dead on the ground, not this innocent girl! The sight of the body in the dress makes my stomach lurch.

Inside the dress, a mass of tangled flesh and hair.

I look away.

My eyes flutter open to the sound of Ashton's voice. "Clary? Clary! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" "I'm fine," I say softly.