The woods
It had been 15 long years since Macaulay had been framed by the Foster family for Jenna Foster’s pregnancy, therefore, he had been dissmissed, isolated and left separated from society. He had been alone and secluded from everything and everyone – his villiage life destroyed, he was no longer considered human to anyone. This had hurt him beyond recognition. Life was living hell. His alluring looks had not helped him score a girlfriend since – let alone a wife!
‘My life is reduced only to seeing you each day when I wake up now Maria, come on kitty, let me feed you – I have some fresh tuna!’ Macaulay mused, as he stroked Sofia, her purring increasing in volume every second. This was the poor man was reduced to, feeding his loyal cat everyday was his only comfort after a day in the woods. Burning wood for charcoal was his only income. His practise had ment the forest he lived in was now known as ‘Ashburner’s woods’.
‘I should be off, my sweet cat, I will see you later Maria,’ Macaulay informed his cat, as he unbolted his front door and crossed the threshold. The woods engulfed him as soon as he shut the cottage door. Straight away his natural instinct had been to go to his usual camp, where he had erected a teepee and charcoal mound, but today something was different… The air smelt of flowers and, instead of the trees looking knarled and deformed, the branches stretched out to hug the air and enviroment, the sun was streaming through the leaves, letting small pools of sunlight spill onto the forest floor. Today was a good day!
Suddenly a cracking sound came from behind. The ashburner spun round on his heel… ‘Who goes there?’ he shouted into the trees.
There was no response.
‘Hello?’ he called out.
A bundle fell from behind one of the trees, Macaulays eyes widened as he saw what it was… A girl, who looked fifteen, perhaps sixteen, was staring at him curiosity and fear, lay crumbled upon the soil.
‘Please Sir… I wasn’t… I didn’t… I didn’t mean to startle you…’ she whispered steadily, turning attention to her now bleeding knees, ‘Father’s going to kill me…’ the girl murmered to herself.
‘It’s quite fine. You just gave me quite a shock… Are you alright?’ Macaulay responded.
‘Quite respectable Sir. Please, I apologise, may I introduce myself? Angel Louisa Disraeli,’ she held out her hand, ‘And who are you?’ she demanded stoutly.
‘Disraeli…?’ Macaulay’s heart lifted ever so slightly as he whispered the sacred name, clearing his throat he realised he had better reply as Angel was now staring at him, ‘Macaulay… Macaulay Gables…’ he shook her hand firmly, steadily becoming more aware of the situation, ‘Your knees Miss Disraeli, would you like to come back with me to my hut, I have medication and bandages.’
'If you insist,' was the blunt answer.
The summer morning was nearing an end; afternoon was fast approaching and a deafening silence was dripping down the skies. Animals fled as the two acquaintances approached, Angel hung back watching the older man's footsteps as he walked. It was a slow and painful process for both of them.
