the unknown

chapter 3

Jackson had carried me all the way across the field until we reached the edge of the forest. he had set me down on the ground so that i could be standing beside him. now that i wasn't holding him in my arms i felt cold. so cold that i was actually shivering.

i crossed my arms as my teeth started to chatter. Jackson looked over at me with a concerned look on his face, "Iris, are you cold?" he asked obviously confused.

i was confused too though. this was unlike me, i never got cold. in fact i loved the cold.

"i don't know, its weird. when you set me down i just started to freeze." i said through clenched teeth.

Jackson mumbled something to himself then looked back at me, "do you think you will be fine if you stay out here?"

"yeah, i can manage. i'm a tough cookie." i joked as i made my most tough looking face.

he stared at me seriously, "are you sure?" his voice was deep with worry.

"Jackson," i looked up into his eyes, "i'm going to be just fine, you know that."

without a warning he took my hand and started running into the woods. i picked up the pace so he wouldn't have to be dragging me the whole time and soon i was running beside him.

i loved running, the way the wind flew through my hair and how my legs acted as if they had there own mind just made my heart swell with joy. i was a fast runner too and before i knew it i was ahead of Jackson.

"wait! Iris, stop!" he heaved.

i slowed down and came to a stop, "why'd you stop me, huh?" i asked him, furrowing my brow in anger.

"because . . . . ," he paused trying to catch his breath, " today we aren't going to our usual spot."

"what do you mean? we always-"

"i want to show you something." he cut me off.

he grabbed my hand again and started weaving through some trees. i didn't question him further and instead just went with it.

what is he doing? should i be afraid? my thoughts started collecting in my head making me more and more anxious about the situation. i shouldn't be afraid. i trust Jackson.

"okay, were here." he stopped, turning around to look at me, "now. promise you wont freak out."

i slowly nodded my head knowing that i most likely wasn't going to keep that promise.

he nodded smiling at me,"okay! you can come out now!" he yelled out.

a girl slowly emerged from behind a huge tree and smiled widely. she was looking straight at me and i stood still in shock. "wh-who is t-that?" i asked pointing at the girl with a shaking finger.

"hasn't your mother ever told you that its rude to point," the girl said sounding a little disappointed.

Jackson closed his eyes and smiled happily as he tried to keep his excitement in. the girl then held her arms open and rolled her eyes at him as he ran towards her. Jackson started squeezing her and almost lifted her off the ground.

while all of that was happening i was just standing there almost about to faint.

well make that a i was fainting, because suddenly everything went black.