Red

I screamed for help, everything hurt so much. But no one was here, nobody could hear me. It was useless. The pain was surging inside my bones, there was fire in my lungs, my heart was going to pop out of my chest. Knowing I had to keep moving, instinct took over. My mind said run, but my body refused to move. That’s when his voice thundered over the trees.

“Aria!” He roared.

Running fast and quietly as if in a daze, first sprinting left and then right over and over again; the exhaustion was overwhelming. Stopping to catch my breath, I glanced around. Trees are everywhere, I can’t see clearly. His footsteps are starting to fade in the distance; he’s wandering in the wrong direction. I wait a few minutes before leaving my spot. Feeling my muscles clenching together I gasp in agony. No matter how my body felt, I have to keep moving.

            I slowed my jog to a limply walk; grabbing my side in agony I notice blood is starting to seep through my shirt. Simply breathing hurts, while leaning against a huge musky tree trying to ease the pain I tie my jacket around my waist to apply pressure to the wound. From my position in the forest I can see that everything isn’t so crowed, there are less bushes, trees, and rocks; it’s clearer. Using every ounce of strength that is left, my body pushes itself from the tree that was supporting me. Stumbling and almost losing my balance, I limp to the edge of the forest. There’s nothing but tall and wild grass swaying in the wind, across it I can see a road with a few minor trees; which is about eighty dangerous feet away. That’s the only way out, there is no other way to the road; I have to cross. The sun will be setting in a few hours, I don’t know if I can make it that long. The only thing keeping me from running through the grassy plains is the chance of getting caught; I was not, under any circumstances going to be dragged back into that murky chamber again. Five years was long enough for me. He kidnapped me when I was eleven, walking over to that red car was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.

            It started off as a great day. Mom and I just finished shopping for my party; my twelfth birthday was on Saturday which was only two days way. Helping bring in all the party supplies and put it on the kitchen counter, the only thing running in my mind was to go over and tell Elena about everything we bought today. The table was over flowing with red and white streamers, bags of candy and goodies, Mickey and Minnie mouse table cloths and dozens of balloons. The happiness was overpowering, I dashed out of the house as soon as all the bags were empty.

            Rushing out of the house, realized I forgot my phone. Turning around to go back inside and grab it, I decided not to because I would only be gone a few minutes. While walking down the path that lead to the street I noticed a red car cruising towards me. I was about to step off the curb when it slowing pulled over in front of me. A man was in the driver’s seat alone in the car. He looked to be maybe in his late thirty’s; he had slight wrinkles engraved on his forehead, a four o’clock shadow was starting to appear on his cheeks and little grey hairs were scattered on top of his head. Rolling down the window, he poked his head out.

“Hello, I’m Mr. Kimberly. I’m new to town and was hoping you could help me?” He said in a gentle tone.

“Sure, what do you need help with?”

“I’m trying to get to Mulberry Ave. Do you know where that is?” His eyebrows furrowed and forehead crinkled in confusion

            I’ve ridden down that street at least a dozen times with Elena. There’s a park about half way down the street.

“Yeah, just turn right on Morris Lane, then once you see Honey St. take a left, then when you get to the fork in the road go left again and then you should be on Russell Way, when you’re driving take the first right and you’ll end up on Mulberry Ave. Why are you going there?”