Chapter 1 - The beast
Malia’s POV
“Mom I already told you I promised Max we were going to watch a movie tonight, I can’t go back on my words and stay here for Mr.Blackwood’s visit.” I explained to my mom with a pleading look.
“I know honey but we need to stay in good check with the mayor. Besides, your father already confirmed your presence for dinner tonight.” She replied with a sad smile.
I wanted to protest but I know my mom, when she makes up her mind on something, there is no room left for me to protest and she never changes her mind. Unless when my dad is around and takes my side, then my mother can’t do anything against my father’s will. It’s like she has the ultimate power all the time but when my dad comes in he’s the one holding that power and she only listens to him and agrees on everything he says or wants, which is weird if you want my opinion.
This time though, my dad didn’t side with me since he was the one wanting to impress the mayor and have us doing anything he wants.
Of course, I hate when it happens, but who am I to argue against an adult? Let alone my own parents for all I know.
But tonight there is no way I was going to break my promise to Max, Mr.Blackwood always comes for dinner every two Fridays, and to be honest I find it weird that of all 200 people in this town, we are the only family the mayor pays attention to. One night won’t harm anyone, right?
Upset with my parent’s decision I storm off the living room and walk all the way down the hallway and open the door to my bedroom, I decided to come up with a plan that will ensure my chances of meeting with Max later tonight.
After tip-toeing into the pantry situated in a different room beside the kitchen I grab some snacks and stuff them into my backpack since I don’t have enough money to buy some at the movie theatre. When I come back into my bedroom I gently close the door and push the lock on the knob. I text Max and explain what my plan is and to meet me at the community park at 7pm sharp, the park is only two blocks away from my house and about 5 minutes by foot.
It’s a bit chilly outside tonight so I opted for a black t-shirt, dark blue skinny jeans, large black hoodie and put my dark chocolate hair in a high ponytail. After getting dressed I look in my body length mirror and made sure I looked decent. You see, I’ve had a crush on Max since I first met him two years ago and tonight I want to make the first move and confess my feelings for him and I’m hoping he feels the same about me.
I put on my runners and wait for 6:55 pm to hit the clock on my phone, I could use the front door for my escape but it is right next to the kitchen where my mom is currently cooking dinner, Lucky for me my parent’s house only has a main floor so I can sneak out of my bedroom window without any issue.
Looking one last time in the mirror I walk to my window and slide it wide open, I grab my backpack and throw it on the grass, I climb on the window and let myself drop onto the soft ground. I reach into my back pocket and pull out my phone to turn on the flashlight since the sun has already set.
I take a moment to make sure no one is around and I know now is the moment I need to start running when I hear my mom greeting the mayor at the front door. Running towards the woods where the walking path is I noticed that the forest has gone oddly quiet since I walked into it, no rustle of leaves or wildlife in sight, there’s not even wind.
I find myself growing uneasy the moment my phone decided to die, repeating to myself that everything is fine and I must be getting close to my destination when I hear a growl coming from my right a few meters away. “Come on Malia, it’s just your imagination trying to get the best of you” I whisper to myself.
it was right after I spoke those words that I hear another growl but this time it was coming from right behind me. I froze, I was completely frozen in place not able to move an inch, the next thing I know I’m being held down by a giant bear.
Or is it a wolf?
OMG, it’s a wolf!
Wait, how can a wolf be so big?
‘Really Malia?’. I mentally scold myself, ‘You’re about to be eaten alive by a giant freaking wolf and the only thing you can think about is the size of it?’.
Before I even get a chance to scream for help, the wolf uses its weight and its right front paw to pin me against the cold and hard forest floor. I can see the giant wolf curling its lips letting its canines and razor-sharp teeth show. Its breath fans the left side of my face and let me tell you that it doesn’t smell like roses, no, it smells like a dead animal whose body has been decomposing for a month.
I wrinkle my nose in disgust but the smell of rotten flesh is enough to make the bile rise up my throat. I want to scream but the pressure it put on my back doesn’t allow me to.
I’m suffocating.
The last thing I see is the giant wolf tilting its head back and howling at the moon before my vision blurs and feel myself being engulfed by the complete darkness only death can offer.
I hear nothing.
See nothing.
A complete ‘Nothing’.
