Mystery Life

Into the Woods

I shot straight out of my bed. The occasional reminder in my dreams that my parents died a long time ago. 

I glanced over at a photo of my parents when they got married. They were so happy, so loving, so young. They had a whole life ahead of them, but once they died, their future went along with them. That horrific image of my mother dead in the driver's seat and my father missing. Then seeing the car go up in flames. 

I shivered.

I stretched my arms and legs and crawled out of bed. I needed to go outside for some fresh air. Only way I can really clear my mind. Slipping on my tennis shoes, still wearing my red and black pajama pants and my black band t-shirt. I didn't mind the cold, when I was younger, the cold always made me so warm. Like I always felt on fire. People came to me for warmth or ask me how I'm not freezing when I only wear shorts and a tee. I suppose I'm immune to it? 

I walked out of the house and headed towards the woods. There was the abandoned hospital I always went to so I can lose my thoughts. The hospital was a little eerie knowing there were plenty of people who died in those rooms. Lost babies, men and women who lost against cancer, deadly diseases, anything and everything. Every once in a while I will try to shape up the rooms, make it look clean and organized as possible. It was just something to help me keep my mind off of multiple things. 

More than halfway to the woods, counting each step I take. I saw a tall shadow in the distance. I was unsure if I wanted to see who it was or if I should just keep walking. Decision made, I carried on with my own business. I walked past the figure, and noticed they started to follow me. 

My eyebrows furrowed. I shrugged and continued. I wasn't all too worried about them, as long as they didn't bother me. I could honestly care less. Last time I glanced he was 10 yards away. Now he is 5. I took a different entrance than I usually did, in case they decided to get curious again tomorrow and wait for me. 

They followed me into the woods...

Well... If I really need to, I will find the closest branch and swing at them. One of the pine trees that were near looked big enough for me to hide behind. I dodged behind the thick dark tree. Luckily the sky was still dark by itself. 

No more footsteps of crunching leaves and sticks were heard. I waited and waited 'til I thought it was safe to continue my journey. I took a deep breath, and walked away from the tree. My anxiety finally dimmed after a few minutes of not hearing anything that was concerning. I started to relax as I finally saw the hospital insight. 

[loud running footsteps]

 Before I realized what happened, I was pinned down. My hands were held tightly behind my back. I was ready to scream until I heard their laugh. That familiar laugh I grew up with.

That asshole.

"What happened?" he teased.

"Chris, you know one day if you don't announce yourself again you're gonna get punched." I threatened him and laughed. 

Christopher Santagato,  or what we call him - Chris. We grew up together, after I moved here to live with my single aunt once my parents died. Chris was always there for me, probably my one and only friend who never left me. Then again, he wouldn't leave because he has no friends himself. He claims to be in a gang with a bunch of grease monkeys. But he really isn't. 

"Can you get off of me?" I didn't ask, more of a demand.

He bent down and kissed my neck and tightened his grip on my wrists. I backed him off me. He wants to believe him and I are in a relationship, but I don't see him like that. I don't want to lose him to a broken heart. He's like a big brother who got held back a couple times.  

"Come on" Chris shrugged, "I know you like it."

I didn't answer. I only shook my head and continued my way to the hospital.

"Bad dream again?" sadness was heard in his voice. 

I merely nodded. I sometimes forget how close Chris and I are. I never told anyone but him about my parents dying. It was painful, and he knew that it was killing pieces of me. Chris pulled me into a tight hug and just held me.

"I am so sorry Sierra that - that has happened to you." sorrow still heard.

And that was the first time in a long time I felt any type of affection. My last boyfriend did nothing but played video games and was on his phone. And before I knew it, he dumped me for some girl. Guess that's why he was always on his phone 24/7 instead of loving me. The one who helped with his depression, saved him from killing himself. I suppose that wasn't enough. 

"Can we continue our way?" I asked, " I just need to clean or do something before I go insane.

He laughed. And so did I. I forced a smile when he examined my face. He knew I was faking, he kissed my forehead and we continue walking.