The Forest (Complete Unedited)

The Forest chapter 8

ALICE

I wake up at five am on Sunday. I feel refreshed again. The dream seemed more vivid. Looks like me in my past life is about to die. It will be over soon and I can get back to my normal life. No more pills, a sweet boyfriend and happy life.

I suddenly feel that I've jinxed my life. Well I'll try not to think about it. I quickly get ready. Can't miss my breakfast served by Matt. I'd ordered a full English, but vegetarian as I'm a bit fussy and didn't want to be difficult. I'll be more demanding tomorrow.

I'm downstairs by 7. I don't play with my food and breakfast is the best meal of the day! Matt's in the kitchen and what he's cooking makes my mouth water. He brings out two trays. The other guest is an old man, he comes down just as it reaches the table. I suppose he has the wisdom of perfect timing.

"Enjoy your meals, Frank and Alice." Matt says. "Alice I'll sort myself out and meet you here at nine."

He's a pretty good cook. It's tasty and I clean my plate. The old man is halfway through his.

"Savour your food, you never know what will happen." Frank tells me.

This guy is shockingly wise.

"You are so right. Weird stuff has been happening lately. I will take your word to heart."

I start to hiccup, a sure sign I had rushed my food. He knows! I clear my plate and drink some water. Phew, luckily my hiccups weren't serious. Time to get ready!

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I have my bag and a light jacket with walking boots. So not a party look. After all, I'm going to track through moors and woodland. I've plaited and tied my hair but I bet I still get leaves stuck in it.

He checks that we have water and a protein granola bar each. He's driving part of the way but we will have to walk quite far.

"It's better to be safe, it's easy to get lost. I've written where we are going on the notice board. Also I checked my car yesterday so let's go." Matt is so organized.

"We are going out, Frank. We'll be back around three this afternoon." Matt says as I wave to the master of wisdom. Well he's a nice old man but that sounded cooler. The car is cute, small and has a big sticker on the door saying Matt's B&B. Phone number underneath, it's like a giant business card. I'm surprised, I expected an off roader.

He lends me a map and compass and has his own. In the car we plan our route to Wistmans wood. This is quite small but apparently the trees are very old. This is the furthest so we are going there first. Then we will look at pockets of woodland on the way back.

Then Horner wood and back for lunch. We have a lovely walk but so exhausting. Though both are lovely they aren't the place I'm looking for. It's about two in the afternoon when we stop at a teahouse for lunch.

Matt's been brilliant. I've had a lovely day and I plan to keep looking tomorrow. It's time to go and on the drive back I fall asleep in the car.

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ALICE'S DREAM

Dad where are you? He hasn't been back today. The roots cover me almost completely now. I'm aware that only my face is exposed. I'm being drawn into the earth, buried by the trees.