Willow

I’m often seen by people as the quiet mysterious type, but I keep to myself out of habit. The people who actually know me wouldn’t describe me the same. I’m often told I’m intimidating, and even my friends would admit that they misjudged what type of person I am. One even confessed they thought I would be mean, but they were glad that they got to know me. I have a very tight knit group of friends, I am loyal to them, and want to protect each and every one of them. I never approach people to make connections, because they usually come to me. During high school more people slowly started joining our little pack, and I am grateful for all of them. So leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did. And now, I’m alone again. I’m back to being the intimidating, quiet, lone wolf.

I’ve been going to my University for a year now, and I’m always swamped with projects and essays. I haven’t yet had time to enjoy the full college experience, and I hadn’t really planned on it. Going to a party or an event would just remind me of how much I miss my friends. But tonight when I FaceTimed Cammie, she practically begged me to attend tonight’s bonfire. It’s a big deal on campus and I’ve been complaining about it for weeks, I knew that I wouldn’t be getting any work done that night. Of course there would be alcohol, which meant some idiots will be *bacchanalian and wreaking havoc all across campus.

Cammie reminded me of the blackmail material she had on me, and said, “If you don’t get your butt out there and show them what a freak you are I’ll do it myself!” I finally gave in after that, because I didn’t need videos of me ‘tearing up the dance floor’ (Cammie’s words, not mine) getting out on campus.

I apply a lip tint and curl my lashes, not caring to change my clothes or do my hair. I expect people there will be dressing more flashy, if you know what I mean. I look down at my outfit, which I wore today for classes. I’m wearing denim, high waisted skinny jeans, my favorite sweater, and black adidas. I’m satisfied, though I do love to dress up I’m not feeling it today.

I tap on my roommate’s shoulder as I walk towards the door. She’s sitting at her desk listening to music, and hardly sends me a glance when I say, “Janna, I’m going to the bonfire, I won’t be gone long.” She looks right back at her music and gives me a thumbs up. I roll my eyes and exit our dorm room.

My dorm is on the first floor, so I simply walk out the building and head out. I follow the signs that were put up for directions, and am led to the tree line into the North Woods. LED tiki torches lead the way to the bonfire, though they’re almost unnecessary given how loud everyone is. I make it to the clearing with the bonfire, and I already regret coming. People are grinding and making out everywhere, solo cups are littered all over and the place smells of tequila, sweat, and bad decisions.

I’m so immersed in the whole display that I don’t realize a guy has come next to me. “Hey babe, let me show you a good time.“ He drawls, grabbing my hips. He wreaks of freshly smoked weed, but I can tell he’s also intoxicated. I don’t give a shit.

“I’ll give you one chance to get your hands off me.“ I say threateningly.

He grins wickedly, “I do love a bit of foreplay h-“ I nail him in the gut with full force, backing away to turn tail and run.

“You bitch!“ He screams, catching more people’s attention. Then, I hear the sound of a blade flipping open. I turn to see him holding a large pocket knife and walking towards me.

A guy who seems to be his friend comes between us, “Dude, put the knife down.“ he tries to reason. But the creep is delirious, he pushes his friend to the floor and lunges for me. I jump away and look to the crowd for help, everyone is watching with wide eyes, too scared to step in. I dodge the knife again, and the crowd murmurs about whether they should call the cops.

I see. They don’t want their stupid party shut down. I’m glad my life is that important to them. The crazed attacker comes at me again, and this time I run. I run into the woods, and I keep running until I can no longer hear the sounds of the bonfire.

I sit on a tree stump in the dark, thanking the heavens that I wore a sweatshirt. It’s cold, and I feel so alone.

I hear the cracking of a twig in the distance, then footfalls. I hug my knees to my chest, thinking that the attacker followed me. Then I see eyes, glowing blue eyes. A coat of black fur sways as the beast stalks towards me. It looks like a wolf, but it’s huge, and has the wrong coloring. It’s bigger than any dog I’ve seen, even a Great Dane. My breathing comes out shallow, but I don’t really feel afraid.

I stand up from where I was sitting, and make myself appear as big as I can. I put my arms out in an ‘O‘ shape and squat with my knees pointed outwards. The beast snorts as it comes closer, almost as if it were amused.

I suddenly feel the urge to challenge this colossal beast, and I must have a death wish with what I do next.

“My, what big ears you have.“ The beast growls in response. “My, what sharp teeth you have.“ I continue. The beast jumps over a fallen tree, and begins closing the distance between us. I’d don’t falter. “My, what large eyes you have.“ We are now feet apart.

The beast comes straight up to my face, we are at eye level. I stare it down never breaking eye contact. The beast is the one to break it, only to clamp it’s teeth down on my shoulder. I cry out, and the beast releases me immediately. I stumble back, my vision getting blurry. The beast stares down at me, as if to mock me. Then a howl sounds throughout the forest, the beast is gone seconds later.

I take a look at my shoulder, and let out a gasp. Blood is gushing out of the wound, and it’s already bruising around the edges. It’s not nearly deep enough for me to bleed out from it, but the sight of it makes me more faint. I can hear footsteps and people calling out, but my consciousness is slipping away. I eventually let the darkness take me, hoping everything will be alright when I wake up.