Caught In The Forest

An Odd In-Between

My eyelids opened slowly and were introduced to a ray of light, streaming in from a cracked window. I shielded them instantly, and felt the numbness in my brain fade. Questions replaced it. Where am I? Who hit me? What time is it? How far from home am I? Am I laying on a bed? My hands quickly touched the cot beneath me, a raggedy but soft blanket lay on top of it. Slowly I sat up, examining my surroundings, the room was empty except for the cot and a small vanity with white paint chipped away by years. I hobbled over to the mirror and noticed leaves tangled in my hair. Leaves?

     Quicker now, I ran to the window. And what do you know, I was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees. I groaned, I was also on a second floor, I couldn't escape without breaking my legs, and I needed those to run.  My heart had quickened pace when I saw a door at the opposite end of the room. But who knows what's out there? I need to get back home! Slowly and quietly I walked to the door and turned the brass knob. I cringed at the soft squeak it released. The door, fortunately, was not loud when I opened it. I looked around and saw I was led into a hall which had five other doors in it. Near my end of the hall was a spiral staircase, which I soon found out as I took a step, was VERY squeaky.

     I panicked but managed to go down step by step, and soon I was on the ground floor. Halls and doors were everywhere, the place was an abyss of rooms. The living room I was in was more modernized with technology but still had a classical feel to it. I felt relief wash over me when I saw the front door. Okay Penny, just leave! I rushed over to the door, crossing a large Persian carpet, and I felt my hands grip the handle of it. But before I could pull on it, something pulled me back.

     I gasped in surprise as a knife was placed directly beneath my chin. "This is no way to treat a host!" The voice hissed. "How rude. You ought to learn some manners. I know! In repentance you could give me your life!" The voice laughed suddenly. I wanted so dearly to turn around and face my kidnapper, but I also wished to live.

     "Who are you!" I cried, still and shaking. The voice stopped laughing, he went dead silent. He lowered the knife from beneath my chin and turned me around abruptly. My heart stopped beating when I saw his face, paper white, soulless eyes, a horrific smile.

     "My name is Jeff. Aren't I beautiful?" Jeff released a hysterical laugh and held a strong grip on my shoulders as I tried to scamper away. I was too shocked to scream. "I would've killed you already if-"

      "JEFF!" I heard a deeper voice shout.

     If this Jeff man could frown, I think he did. "What Slendy? Can't I have a little fun? I wasn't really going to harm her. Maybe mutilate her," I heard him mutter. "But not like a limb."

     "Let her go this instant!" Upon the demand Jeff rolled his eyes and pushed me to the ground.

     "She was trying to escape anyway. I did you a favor!" With that, I saw Jeff's feet pad away into some distant room. "Gee, I get yelled at for helping!" He shouted in the distance.

     Another pair of feet approached a still stunned me on the floor. "I'm so sorry Jeff is so rash. Here, I'll help you up." Effortlessly this "Slendy" as Jeff had said, lifted me off the ground. But I did not see this man's face until I looked up. He was faceless, whiter that Jeff, unbelievably tall, and had these weird tentacles sprouting out of his back. This time I had the will to scream.

     "Calm down, I will not harm you!" Slendy encouraged. Other than his voice I heard a loud laugh in the other room, probably Jeff's.

     "Get away from me! Who are you! What are you!" I screamed as I backed away. I noticed a stray knife on the ground, which I thought strange. Quickly I picked it up. "Stay back!" I said trembling, awkwardly holding the knife out in front of me.

     "Oh, do not fret," the faceless man said. "I have no need to bring you death. You are safe, well, with me anyway. My name is Slenderman, and I know you Penny. We have met before."

      "I would remember you!" I screamed. "Trust me, I would!" I edged toward the door, and I tugged on the door handle. My heart fell as I realized it was locked, and with a key. Slenderman knew my name! How?

     "Penny, calm down! What must I do to prove I will not harm you!" He said softly. I thought for a moment, lowered the knife, and walked closer to him. My heart was less rapid.

     "At least unlock this door, it will give me some relief. I promise I-," I swallowed,"- won't run unless I feel I really need to." In quiet abidance, Slenderman walked to the door and provided a key from the pocket of the suit he was wearing. It released a small click. 

      "Are you satisfied now? I'll explain everything. Now may we talk?"