Chapter 1
I got out of the shower, dried off, and got ready to head out. I decided I was going to wear a floral dress. We were going to stay 2 weeks to stay at our parents cottage in the pines. No one has been there since the incident.
As I finished up my makeup, I started going thru a list that I made, to make sure I had everything. My phone, headphones, clothes, makeup, soap, shampoo/conditioner, and a lot of snacks for everyone.
"Yup, I guess that's everything" I said to myself before plopping down on my bed. I lived in a small upstairs one bed room apartment. My twin brother, Thomas already got food up there and drinks. Addison our cousin, was also bringing more snacks.
I sighed, unsure what to do next other than wait for Thomas to call me. He was picking Addison and I up before heading up to the cottage. This was his idea to help us all reconnect and to have some normalcy since our parents passed in the car accident. After that my brother and I just drifted apart. We all used to be so close.
My phone rang sharply, snapping me out of deep thought. I looked down at my phone. It was Thomas, he must be here. I quickly answered, "Hey, I'll be right down."
"Alrighty, I'll be down here." Thomas said before hanging up the phone.
I gathered all my stuff and took a deep breath. It's been about 5 months since everything happened. This was definitely a well needed family trip. Our parents would want this.
I went out the door, locking on my way out and waddling down the stairs and out to the Thomas's red truck. I threw my suitcases in the bed of the truck, and hopped shotgun. I looked at Thomas, who had a relaxed expression. A lot of people never think we are twins because we aren't identical.
Addison happily said, "Hey! It's been awhile. Are you excited?"
"Yeah, I am. It is definitely needed time away." I smiled and turned to face her. Addison was always happy, and was always around when we were younger. She is like my best friend, even though we are cousins.
"Let's get going then. Taylor, would you want to put some music on for the ride up there?" Thomas asked.
I turned back around quickly, "Yeah, you know I always have music."
Thomas quickly turned to the bluetooth setting in the car. I gave him my phone. He quickly connected it and then handed it back before starting to back up. I put some classic rock on, the volume wasn't super loud, so we could still chat if we wanted.
As Thomas was driving, it was quiet with the music on low. I felt tired and somewhat relaxed. I didn't think I would ever feel some what relaxed after so long. I started to drift off into a sleep deep..
Taylor's Dream
I was little again, at the cottage with my brother and cousin. My parents were cooking breakfast for all of us as we ran and played outside.
Thomas was It in this game of tag. Addison ran towards the front of the cottage, while I started to run down this narrow path.
The more I ran, the darker the path became. Thomas’s laughter faded until it disappeared completely.
I stopped and turned around.
Nothing.
The forest was pitch black, except for the candle in my hand. I didn’t remember picking it up, but there it was.
I lifted it, my heart pounding, and continued forward.
That’s when I heard it.
Chanting.
A faint glow flickered ahead, growing brighter with every step. Firelight. Voices. Too many voices.
I ducked behind a tree and blew out the candle.
Everything stopped.
The chanting.
The fire.
Silence.
When I turned around, they were already there.
End of Taylor's dream
"Taylor, we are here." Thomas said as he gently shook my arm. I jolted awake in the front seat, looking around frantically.
"Hey, you're alright. Are you good?" Thomas said as he gently let go of my arm.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I just had a really weird dream about this cottage." I said rubbing my eyes. "I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night, I was getting ready for today."
I hopped out of the truck, expecting to get my stuff, but Thomas and Addison already did. I looked around the woods, with an eerie feeling. I decided to ignore it and head inside the cottage.
