Breaking Free

Chapter 4

I don't know how long we were on the road for but I woke as soon as the truck came to a sudden halt. My heart already racing, I pulled off the blanket from over my head and looked around at my new surroundings. A large wooden cabin stood in front of a thick forest with a small lake running down the side. It was beautiful. In a place like this no one would be able to hear you scream I reminded myself as a chill went through me. Both the girl and the guy jumped out and came round to open up the back for me to get out.
"We're here. It's our family's cabin. You'll be safe here." The girl told me and the guy nodded in agreement. I couldn't smell any other werewolves at all and the only sound louder than my thudding heartbeat was the sound of birds chirping in the trees as dawn was approaching. No werewolves. That was good. But I was still too weak to defend myself, even from a couple humans. I listened intently to all the noises around me. I could hear both of their hearts beating, his more faster than hers. He was nervous? His face gave away how uncomfortable he was which made me believe he was going to strike first. He must have known I'd picked up on it and shuffled around awkwardly.
"I'm just gonna go ahead and get some sleep." He told the girl and I before almost storming off. Now I was left alone with her and I don't know if that made me feel better or worse.
"Please come inside, I'll get you some clean clothes and something to eat." She smiled warmly as she waved me over. I bit my bottom lip in hesitation but slowly made my way out of the back of the truck but still leaning on it for support. She tried to help, but as soon as she came within arms reach I backed away quickly trying to hold myself and the blanket up at the same time. I barely had the energy to stand.
"It's alright. I won't hurt you, I promise." She said to me in almost a whisper. I've heard that plenty of times; more times than I can count. Promises mean nothing to me. But I knew I couldn't stay out here. Perhaps she was telling the truth about the clothes and the food? It would be nice to feel the soft cotton against my skin again. And I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I wanted to eat right now. My stomach had been empty for so long I didn't even have hunger pains anymore. Just a constant sick, empty feeling washing over me in waves.

I moved along the side of the truck and around, trying to avoid the girl as best I could and luckily she took the hint and walked ahead inside the cabin. She stood in the doorway watching with what looked like pain in her eyes as she held the door open waiting for me to come in. I staggered like a drunken old man that had shat himself towards the front door; as soon as I was there she let the door go and moved out of my way.
"It's okay. Make yourself at home. I'll make you something to eat." She pointed towards the lounge and I practically collapsed into an armchair and watched her from across the room. The kitchen was small but it was made bigger by her small frame as she rushed around making what looked like a sandwich. She poured a glass of orange juice and slowly approached me, arms stretched out to hand them to me. I didn't reach out afraid that she may grab me in the process, so I froze up, staring madly at the ham and cheese sandwich in front of me like I'd never seen a sandwich before in my life. When she realised I was too afraid to move, she placed them down on the coffee table in front of me and backed up a few paces.
"Let me see about getting you some clean clothes. Then you can wash up." She smiled warmly again and my eyes darted between hers and the food laying on the table. My mouth began to water.
"My name is violet. What's yours?" She asked gleefully. Pretty name for a pretty girl I suppose. I didn't answer. My throat closed up and I couldn't face talking to anyone. It was better for everyone if I just stay silent.
"You don't need to be afraid. I'd just like to know what to call you." She sighed when I still didn't answer and turned to leave the room. As soon as she was out of sight, I reached out and sniffed the sandwich, checking for anything that could harm me. For all I knew she could have put drugs in it to knock me out.

I was soon satisfied there was nothing but ham and cheese and wolfed it down within seconds. The juice was next to follow and I downed the entire pint glass in one. Desperate for more, I got to my feet and walked as quickly as I could over to the fridge. Inside was all kinds of things I couldn't even remember seeing in a long, long time. I took a huge chunk out of the pork pie, stuffed as much ham as I could fit into my mouth and grabbed some leftover pasta and swallowed it without even chewing. Violet came back into the room and saw me devouring whatever I could get my hands on and looked stunned for a few seconds before smiling.
"Wow, you really are hungry. I've put some fresh clothes in the bathroom for you and I've started to run you a bath. I can cook a pizza for you if you'd like?" She asked playing around with her fingers nervously. Pizza. I think I had it once when I was a toddler. My brother ate it all the time and would always wait until I'm watching so he could tease me with it. I swallowed hard and gave a slight nod. She giggled and pointed to where the bathroom was. I carefully walked around her, still hobbling and holding onto the blanket with dear life. She didn't follow me as I entered the bathroom and I locked the door as soon as I was in. I gave a breath of relief. I was still in one piece. For now. I saw the pile of clothes she had left me; a grey t-shirt and a light grey pair of joggers. Better than I've had in a while.