The Chase

It was all just a blur, the branches scraping me as I raced by, the occasional tug on my loose pants and shirt as the branches would snag and cling on to them. It was... terrifying, really. No other word to describe it. The second I’d take to dislocate the branch from my clothing could’ve been a moment I used for running, anything can happen in a matter of seconds. I continued running as fast as humanly possible until a sound so loud and high pitched stopped me in my tracks. My body shivered in fear. I took a second to try and piece together what I just heard... what could’ve caused a scream like that? And more importantly... what direction did it come from?... I was left clueless. Suddenly, there were footsteps behind me... the way the leaves crunched, and twigs snapped, I knew it was something I should fear. So, I took off running, once again.

After about what felt like an eternity of running, I decided that I lost whoever, or more-so... whatever was perusing me. I start scanning the area for a good place to sit and rest when I notice that just up ahead, there’s an enormous tree. I couldn’t help but bask in its beauty. The trunk of the tree appeared to be over 100 feet, and the tree itself was so tall that I felt like an ant standing next to it. The leaves were all sorts of oranges and reds, yellows too. Fireflies surrounded and lit up the entirety of the tree. I decided to sit up against it to rest, the scenery overwhelmed me with this sense of peace, so much so that I drifted off.

When I finally came to again, my surrounding areas were pitch black. If it wasn’t for the fireflies dancing around the tree, I would only be able to see about a foot in front of me. I stand up and again bask at this beautiful tree. Only this time I realize that it’s early spring, and this tree’s colors would make you think otherwise. Curiously, I begin to walk around the tree, inspecting it. The fireflies take notice, and some of them start to follow me. I swear it sounds like they’re giggling. I notice a sound coming from a distance, but I can’t tell which direction it’s coming from... and then I hear it again... another snap of a twig and then suddenly a whisper in my ear...

“run”.

I took off running once again. Once I get from under the cover of the tree, I realize rain is falling violently from the sky, its fighting against my skin, and I’m instantly drenched. Weighed down to feel 10 times heavier, I’m giving it my all to keep up my speed. I know that if I stop running, something bad is going to happen.

“DAMN IT!!”

I attempt to jump over a log and yell in pain as I fall and tumble down a huge hill that overlooks a river. I struggle in an attempt to lift myself back up, but my arms give out, and I fall back to the ground, shivering... with no energy left in my whatsoever, I black out.

I woke up the next morning, covered in mud with leaves and little twigs sticking all over me. I look almost camouflaged. I get up slowly, aching all over and sit on the nearest stump. I feel an itch in my throat and sigh; as I get up to walk over to the river. As I make my way closer to the river, I notice it’s actually the remains of a waterfall. The water is crystal clear, and there’s healthy, vibrant flowers everywhere.

“This is what nature is supposed to look like” I say aloud to myself.

As I’m walking along the side of the waterfall I come across a huge tent, it’s orange and blue amd looks like it can fit about 8 people.

“Hello...?” I call out cautiously.

No one’s home. I snoop inside to take a look and sure enough, it’s empty.

“Looking for something?” he asked inquisitively.

I hear a man’s voice come from behind.

I hesitate.

He cleats his throat. “Looking for something?” he repeats.

“Uh... no... I was just curious...“ I replied back.

He chuckles and extends a hand “I’m Ash”

Ash is tall and thin, but with clearly defined muscles. He looks about 25. His eyes are absolutely mesmerizing. A deep ocean blue and brown hair so dark it could pass as black.

“Aislynn” I respond, eyeing his hand cautiously

He looks at me amused, “I don’t bite, Aislinn”

I sighed reluctantly and shook his hand.

Just then, an absolutely stunning blonde with electric blue eyes comes up behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and asking, “who’s this?” while eyeing me up and down.

Cam rolls his eyes and shrugs her off.

“This is Aislynn. She was wandering around our campsite”

The blonde walks over and circles me. I instantly feel insecure. Everything I’ve been through the past 24 hours... I know my hair is a mess and my clothes are filthy... and I can’t compare to the beauty of this girl.

“What were you up too?” she asks with disgusts

“Nothing.”

I glance over at Cam, but he’s already looking at me and while he’s willing to hold my gaze, I drop it.

“Karissa, hand me the duffel bag out of the tent”

“Sure!” she said a little too excitedly.

She hands him the bag. He takes out a black hoodie and pair of sweats. In one swift movement he pulls his long sleeve shirt over his head to reveal sleeve tattoos and a beautiful glistening chest. I’ve never seen a better-looking man. My knees began to feel weak, as I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I don’t get to admire very long when suddenly I’m in the water. Something’s pulling me down, I fight against it but struggle to swim up. My chest feels like it’s being crushed into a thousand little pieces as I can feel the water filling my lungs, everything is getting darker and darker, my heartbeat is slowing down by the second, and just when reality is about to slip my grasp, Cam dives down and takes me up in his arms, so effortlessly and gracefully. He brings me to shore quickly hitting my back between my shoulder blades, to clear my lungs of the water I took in.

“What the hell was that?!” I say frantically

I look around dazed and confused. Karissa is smirking and Cam pulls out a first aid kit from his duffel bag. He’s wrapping my wrist, which I hadn’t even realized was bleeding.

“What IS THAT??” I yell, looking down at my wrist

It was a nasty scratch; unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life. Something only talons would be able to do. Surrounding the open wound was a grip mark...

Cam and Karissa sit in silence, sharing a worried look.

“AISLYNN? GET OUT OF BED. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE LATE TO YOUR COLLEGE ORIENTATION, IT’S MANDATORY AFTERALL.”

I shot up in bed gasping. “Ugh, school” I slowly get out of bed but can’t help but notice the shooting pain in my wrist. I look down at it as a sense of panic floods over me.... it’s bleeding.