Fire and Ice

Chapter 24

Alyssa

Though I didn't like this jacket that made my skin crawl, I was somewhat glad that I had it now. It was cold out tonight, even a bit rainy.

I ran for some time until I finally tired out. And I quickly realized that I was indeed hungry and possibly dehydrated. After all, I was passed out for more than twenty four hours.

I stopped and leaned against a tree to take a breather. It wasn't until then that I realized I was shaking.

I closed my eyes as I caught my breath, calming myself down and trying to think clearly.

The first thing that worried me was my location. I had no idea where I was. For all I knew I could be across the country. That little trailer I was in was obviously Richard's long time home. And if it took him that long to find me...

My heart started pounding in fear as I realized that I was in the middle of nowhere. I could be miles from the next home, let alone a town.

I wasn't used to being scared mindless. But I had no food, no water, no idea where the hell I was, and a crazy guy that was possibly my father looking for me.

"Okay, Alyssa, think. Don't panic." I muttered to myself. "Pick a direction and follow it, you'll find civilization soon enough."

"Alyssa!"

I jumped at the sound of Richard's voice that was much too close for comfort. I tightened my hold on the crowbar and started in the opposite direction of his voice.

My steps were uneven, and the terrain of the forest wasn't helping me in the least. I suddenly tripped, falling onto a dead branch that cracked loudly.

I froze up, praying that he didn't hear that. I had already used my energy to run, I didn't know how much further I could run.

"There you are!"

I scrambled to my feet as he came crashing toward me. My legs were like jelly but I was somehow able to get on my feet and run.

"You will be punished for running away from your father!" He bellowed from behind.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. Don't cry or you'll feel even more of a weakling.

I dared look back to see how close he was. There was about twenty feet between us. Not nearly enough space.

It started raining.

Thanks for the help, mother nature. Not.

I was already tiring out again. I was already out of shape, but without food, I was a corpse. My breath burned my throat and chest, telling me to stop and rest. My legs were ready to give out.

Only moments later, they did.

I tried catching myself but my hand didn't catch anything in time. I hit the forest floor, scraping my hand on a sharp rock. Shit!

Before I could get back up, a hand grabbed the back of the jacket I was wearing and yanked me upright roughly.

"You're in trouble now, little Alyssa." Richard hissed in my ear.