Could it be Magic

Chapter 2

Finishing up in the studio, he picked up his cap and headed for the back door, a walk in the woods would help clear his head. Just a few more bars were needed to finish his latest song for his solo album, but he just couldn't get it.

Walking along the path leading to the wooded area to the back of his house, he listened to the silence. All around him was quiet, he could usually hear the birds chattering in the trees, but not today. It was like they knew he needed the silence to work, so had hidden away as he left the house. The dark clouds had started creeping in, making the light darker than usual for this time of day, rain was on its way.

Climbing over the gate he dropped to the other side, his boots crunching on the frozen ground as they landed. Ahead he could see a figure out walking with a dog, a large Labrador chasing a stick being thrown across the field.

Smiling to himself he reached the outer edge of the trees and stepped through his usual entrance. Ducking against the low branches he stepped into the dark area, watching his footing, taking care on the moss-covered ground. Many a time he had nearly slipped as he rushed to get through.

Setting off on his usual track he walked further into the woods and stopped at his favorite trees. Looking up into the branches, he marveling at how huge they were. So tall you could only just make out the sky breaking through the leaves.

Taking his camera from his pocket he pointed the lens upwards, taking a few pictures from different angles, still working on getting that perfect picture. As he lowered the camera he heard the sound of a twig breaking in front of him. Staring ahead he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark lighting from the coverage of the trees.

To the left he saw a shadow flit between two of the trees. Squinting he tried to see where it had gone, but only saw darkness in front of him. To the right he heard the noise again, twigs snapping as something moved across them.

This was the first time he had felt unnerved in these woods, but tiredness always set him more on edge. All of a sudden it sounded like he was surrounded by the noise, twig after twig cracking under the weight of something. He started to feel nervous and unsure of his way out of the forest.

Taking a few steps backwards to get his bearing he tried to locate where the sound was coming from. A bird overhead squawked, the sound echoing all around him averting his attention momentarily. He could feel his pulse quickening and he slowly closed his eyes taking in deep breaths to slow it down.

All of a sudden a crashing noise came from in front of him and he snapped his eyes open in time to see a black mass jump at him. Falling backwards he protected his face as he hit the floor. Laughing to himself he lowered his arms as he felt the wet tongue on his hands. As he moved his arms the black lab sprang forward covering his face with licks.

Fighting his way to stand up he looked up just as figure came crashing through the trees screaming "Lucy, where are you, you stupid dog?" Stopping suddenly, she jumped as she saw the dog jumping at the stranger ahead. "Lucy, come back here now" she called

"Lucy I think you need to go back to your Mum" He said stroking the dogs head as she stood tall against him, enjoying the attention he was giving her.

"I'm so sorry" she said as she walked forward. "She ran off and I couldn't find her. she didn't hurt you did she?." She asked as he stepped forward. Looking up she almost jumped at the familiar figure, face slightly hidden by the darkness, she did a double take.

"Not at all, I'm absolutely fine, regardless of how I must look right now" he laughed.

"Sorry again she doesn't usually do that. Are you sure you're okay? She asked grabbing hold of the dogs collar as she tried to head back to him.

"perfectly fine honestly, please don't worry about me" He said again as she came more in to view. He could see she wore a blue beanie and a black scarf protecting her from the cold air surrounding them, but he couldn't quite make out her face clearly. Her voice was lovely with an accent he instantly recognized as local to these parts.

"Okay if you're sure, sorry again. Lovely to meet you" she said stepping back and walking towards the edge of the forest area, an excited dog clipping at her heels.

Deciding that was more than enough for one day, he headed back towards his house, laughing to himself that he had allowed himself to get so spooked.

As he stepped out onto the grass he turned to see the two of them walking back across the field in the direction of the village. He made a mental note to head into town in a day or two, maybe he would bump into them again. Suddenly a crack of thunder echoed across the field and the heavens opened up.

He had only moved to the area recently and didn't really know anyone. Picking the area for its quiet surroundings he hadn't really thought it through if he was honest with himself. The most he had done was walk through the woods and photograph trees and then he had headed out on tour.

Opening the back door, he kicked off his wellies and headed to his room to change. Looking in the mirror he noticed his jeans covered in moss streaks and face covered in dirt he walked into the bath room and turned on the shower.