The Forbidden Woods

13 Actions Have Consequences

Chapter Thirteen

Actions Have Consequences

They grabbed some snacks from the fridge and put it in a knapsack. Sarah wrote a quick note, and then they were off on their adventure. They quietly snuck out the front door and locked it behind them.

The sun was stronger now, and they could see the line of people driving to their Saturday morning jobs. At this moment Sarah considered what she might be losing. Her parents, friends, family and life itself, meant a lot to her. It was a big gamble, and yet she could almost hear someone calling her name, from within the woods.

When the bells in the old Cathedral had, chimed, their final sixth chime, she knew it was time to go. Feeling a little nervous and queasy, she was glad Stacey was coming along for support and safety. They would watch each other’s back if something happen. With that final comforting thought, they both, took one last breath, and plunged, to the ground below.

They landed perfectly on their feet and a sudden rush of excitement surged through their bodies. They laughed as they took their first steps and discovered the floor of the woods felt like crush velvet. So, they removed their shoes and began chasing each other with Sarah in the lead. As she looked back, she could see Stacey hot on her trail. Their laughter echoed through the woods for hours. It didn’t feel like they were going to be tired any time soon so they continued to have as much fun as possible.

The woods didn’t seem at all, like the dangerous thing, everyone made it out to be. The whole mystery must have been a result of someone’s overactive imagination. That very though is what lured them into a false sense of security. They ran until they came to a clearing with a large patch of mossy grass. Sitting down to relax, Sarah felt a sense of dejavoux, like she had been there before.

Then, glancing over at Stacey, she noticed that her friend looked tired. Not to mention she seemed different somehow. It was almost as if she had aged 10 years or something. “But that couldn’t be right, could it?” She thought to herself.

She grabbed the knapsack and took out the compact mirror she had brought. Her reflection was fine. She couldn’t seem to explain it. Then before she could stop her, Stacey snatched the mirror from Sarah’s hand. She almost fainted when she saw herself in it. Sarah tried to sooth her crying friend. But nothing she said seemed to make any difference since she herself had not changed a bit.

Suddenly, Sarah and Stacey could feel an unsettling presence around them, and it began to freak them out. They were not sure who or what it was, but they definitely sensed something. They could feel intense stares all around them. It felt like they were being watched. Even though they couldn’t see it or them, they could feel it in their bones.

The longer they sat there the more freaked out Stacey became. Finally, she got up and began running in the direction from which they came. As Sarah got up to go after her friend, a warm rush of air pass right in front of her, almost knocking her down. It appeared to be going after Stacey, so Sarah also took off, after her friend.

While running, She could hear her friend screaming frantically as the entity got closer to her. She was surprised to find Stacey still in one piece when she caught up. As they ran, they could hear the swift movements and the crunching of leaves and sticks, catching up to them. Yet, as they neared the fence, the sounds seemed to fade away.

Without looking, back they, climbed, the fence and jumped over. As they plunged to the ground, Sarah landed ok, but Stacey lost her balance and landed on her shoulder. She screamed in agony as it dislocated. Still fearing for their lives, Sarah helped friend to her feet and made her run even though she was throbbing in pain.