Woodbridge Recollection : The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 2: Remember me?

The bad night's sleep probably would have been a disaster if it weren't the weekend. I woke up somewhat after nine o clock in the morning; still troubled by yesterday.

I sat up in my bed and put my hands into my face. With a soft sigh of exhaustion, I rubbed my eyes and then got out of bed. As I lowered my arms to my sides and stepped towards the bedroom door, I caught a glimpse of myself in my mirror. I looked rather pale and run down; which never actually happens. My olive toned skin has never looked that white before.

I walked into the living room/kitchen of my apartment and began to make myself a cup of coffee. It was rather cold inside the kitchen this morning. Goose bumps rose up along the skin of my arms and legs, which in turn, raised the fine hairs on the back of my neck.

I lifted my silver kettle off its heater and filled it with water. Once it was full, I put it back on the heater and switched it on.

As I waited for the kettle, I prepared a mug with coffee beans and some milk.

The kettle whistles as steam rushed from its spout. I reached over and turned it off before pouring the hot water into the mug.

I sat on my couch and looked out at the view through my sliding door. There was a small balcony outside it where I had a small laundry line with several socks hanging on it. The view beyond the balcony was of a small playground park. Already, at this time of morning, children were playing, their parents watching from a short distance away.

I sighed and then sipped at my mug.

How nice it must be to grow up with two parents, or even one – just someone to look after you and love you.

The park looked like a very nice place to be. The sun was shining and despite the cold weather, it looked fairly welcoming.

I stood up and then walked over to my bedroom. I put my mug down on the coffee table and then opened my closet. The clothes inside only took up about half of the closet's space, making it easy to search through what little clothes I had.

I settled on a pair of jeans, my all-star sneakers, a blue tank top and my black coat. Happy with my selection, I got dressed and then went to my bathroom to brush my teeth, wash my face and comb my hair. By the time I was ready to leave, my coffee was only half way finished. I didn't really care much though. I needed the distraction more than I needed the coffee.

I snatched up my keys and cell phone and then left the apartment. After locking the door, I made my way down the corridor and into the stairwell. When I got downstairs, I opened the loft doors and walked out into the complex. The complex gates were already open, so I rushed through them and continued on the sidewalk before someone could close them.

The air was cold and frosty, but the day was rather bright and sunny. The street was absent of cars and the only sign of movement came from the park.

As I stepped onto the park lawn, the wind blew against the surrounding trees. Some were evergreen and the rest were all just about dormant and bare; having only a short supply of autumn coloured leaves left.

I stepped along the thin paved path around the playground and made my way towards a nearby bench that was bathed in the early sunlight. I sat down on it and then watched over the view. Children were running around, so free spirited and wild. The picture was rather amazing; enjoyable.

Children; what amazing creatures.

"Zelena!"

I wasn't familiar with the voice, but I defiantly knew it was trouble when I heard it. Moving quickly towards me from the trees just past the swing set was the very same man from yesterday.