The Red Hooded Girl

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

A wolf covered in silver fur was running through the woods. It was going after something. A young girl stands in the middle of the woods. The wolf is running up to her, baring it's teeth. She starts to run, but falls straight to the ground. She twists and tries to get as far as possible. She seems to be stuck in the ground. The wolf reaches her. It stands up on two legs, and morphs into a human. Not just any human, but a tall woman. The tall woman raises her hand, long claws replacing nails. Almost like a wolf. Her claws burn the young girl's skin as it is scratched. Bloody red lines are left gracing the young girl's fair skin. The tall woman looks at her, and hisses, "It is time, princess."

Red shot right up from her bed. Her nightmare still sending shivers through her skin.

Who was that women? Why did she call her princess? Why a wolf? Why the woods? So many questions ran through her mind.

"Red, come down," came Flora's voice from downstairs.

"Happy birthday!" her three godmothers chorused together when Red came.

"Oh, thank you."

"Red, we need you to go and collect berries," Flora said.

"But I am not allowed in the woods."

"Today is the exception," stated a happy Merryweather.

An excited Red grabbed her hood and a basket. She almost ran outside.

The village was at its normal schedule. The baker took out a new batch of bread, the smell spread throughout the place. A delicious warm scent taking over. The merchant was discussing the price of one of his items with another person.

The woods were safer if you followed the trail by the village. Red never followed that trail.

The green grass covered the land in the woods. On every turn, there was a tree next to you or behind you. Red loved the woods. They gave her a feeling of adventure.

Merrily skipping through the woods, Red examined the bushes. Not all berries where safe to eat. She was taught how to identify those by Flora. She started humming.

Not too far, Prince Phillip and his horse reached the river. They were taking a rest before going into the village. He heard a sound, a hum. He quietly made his way to find the source of the voice.

He was surprised to find a young girl. Not just any girl, but the prettiest maiden he ever saw. The girl turned around and he noticed how she had a clear face, blue eyes as blue as the sea, and red lips. Most of her long blonde hair was covered by a red cloak.

Her yell took Phillip out of his trance.

"Who are you?" Red demanded.

"Calm down, I won't hurt you," Phillip calmly said. With each step Phillip took towards Red, she backed farther away from him. "My name is Phillip."

Red stared at him in fear.

"May I know your name, lovely maiden?"

"Red."

"Hello, Red," he chuckled. "It should have been obvious, your red cloak."

"I don't trust you," she confidently stated. "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. Have a good day, sir." Red started walking away from him.

"Wait," Phillip walked after her, stopping her in the process, "I am not a stranger. In fact, I believe we have met before."

"We have?"

"Once upon a dream!"

"A dream?"

"Yes!"

"Of course," Red smiled, "a dream!" she walked towards Phillip. Her smiled dazed him. He didn't have time to process what happened next.