Bound to Hell

she ran, she ran like her life depended on it, as right now it did. It was a glorious sunny day around midday, yet here in the depth of this forest it was as black as night. The trees seemed to be reaching out with their branches trying to grab a hold of her, roots raising through the ground trying to trip her, even the moss covered floor seemed to be trying to suck her beneath its surface. it was like the forest was alive. All traces of light were fading fast as the strange dark shadows were closing in, blocking out all natural light. she could barely see what was right in front of her, let alone where she was going. Not that it mattered, she was lost. With no time to gather her surroundings or pause for breath, the shadow creatures or whatever the hell they are were gaining fast, they were coming from all angles.

“fuck, fuck, fuck” Abi cursed skidding to a stop in front of an ancient granite stone wall. looking up she couldn’t even see the top of the wall, if there was a top. It seemed to disappear into the blackness of the tree tops.

frantically running to the left, then to the right searching desperately for an opening or trying to find some way to climb it. nothing!

Taking a deep breath, her whole body shaking with a mix of adrenaline and fear, she turned pushing her back against the wall, falling to her knees, choking back the tears. The shadows were so close she could now feel the cold and dampness emitting from them. closing her eyes she silently prayed.

After waiting for what seemed like minutes...nothing. she took a deep breath and bravely opened her violet eyes. The shadows were hovering all around, but something else made her gasp with fear. Wolfs creeping in from the darkness of the shadows, not normal wolfs but unnaturally enormous ones. The only black wolf and the biggest and most terrifying one stopped inches from her trembling body, he towered above her as he lowered his head sniffed her face, his eyes were a soul piercing grey almost metallic and they were staring deep into hers.

Frozen, she couldn’t break from his gaze, he was looking at her like he was ready to devour every part of her. the other wolfs slowly approach causing the black wolf to turn and sit In front of Abi, raising his head up towards the sky he broke out into a spell binding howl, the others joined him breaking the silence with their ear piercing melodic howls. suddenly the shadows were moving away from them and daylight started breaking through the trees

Abi woke up sweating, her whole body shaking. It took a few moments to gather herself before realising she was safe in her bedroom. letting out a sigh of relief she jumped into the shower.

Dressing into her favourite black flared jeans and tight fitting yellow V-neck jumper, both of which showed off her curvy figure perfectly. she studied her face in the mirror, she couldn’t help but notice her large violet eyes lacked their normal sparkle. she looked tired and run down. No amount of makeup could cover that up.

The lack of sleep along with working nights was taking its toll. Abi wanted nothing more than to climb back into her bed and get some much-needed sleep. but she had offered to help her grandparents in the diner today, but after the big local game last night the Diner would be packed this morning with hungover locals.

Abi was naturally attractive, her large violet eyes had often been described as cow eyes by her family. Her curly long lashes and naturally plumb red lips needed no decoration. She wore some brown eyeliner and matt natural colour eyeshadow, finished with a little foundation to try and hide her washed out complexion, luckily her long dirty blonde naturally curly hair helped hide her tired face.

Grabbing her car key’s she practically ran out of the house, promising she would be in for 9am. it was now 9:18am. Not that her Grandparents would be angry with her for being late. They understood that her evening job at in the local club kept her up till all hours. But still she didn’t like letting them down, they raised her since she was 11 years old and she would never be able to repay the kindness that they have and keep showing her.

Arriving at the already packed out Diner she hurried inside apologising for being late she got stuck in helping to serve blurry eyed hanging locals.

Fall-Haven was a small town. Abi’s grandparents had opened this Diner not long after they got married. It wasn’t the biggest place in town. But it was definitely the busiest. From the outside the place didn’t look much in fact it looked like it had seen better days. The white flaking paintwork, faded red awnings and the neon sign wasn’t as vibrant as it used to be. But it all added to the charm of Old Rosie’s diner, like it was letting you know it had some history and was not another pop-up theme diner. But once you stepped inside it was like you were transported back to the 50′s. All the original decor remained and even after 50+ years of constant use it still looked good as new, the Black and white checkerboard flooring, a long sweeping curved counter with turquoise stools nestled underneath and matching seating booths lined the opposite side, Old records hung on the walls along with the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world apart from what was in Graceland’s. Then there was Their pride and joy a big Wurlitzer jukebox nestled in the corner playing out songs of their youth. Her grandparents always looked their happiest when they were here. Being here with them, watching them and working alongside them Abi couldn’t help but feel happy.

Everyone here loved Abi’s Grandparents, the respect the whole town showed them was heart-warming. most of the locals had been coming in this Diner since they were kids and now brought their kids here. The food was all homemade, locally sourced and freshly served. the bottomless coffee was always hot and strong. It was amazing how they made money as the portions were more than generous. But they managed it somehow and and they managed it well.

“Abi, I saved you some pancakes” Pete waved a plate at her from the kitchen after the rush died down “you look like you need them today” Pete was the head Chef, he was a short portly man, in his mid 50′s. He had a heart of gold and face that made people feel like they could tell him their life’s story. he reminded Abi of Danny Devito but a bit taller with more hair. “you are a life saver Pete” she smiled taking a large plate of 4 butter pancakes topped with chocolate sauce and strawberries “I can never resist your pancakes even when they are served with an insult” "got to take the good with the bad girly” he did this crazy eyebrow wiggle that on anyone else would look evil or creepy, but on Pete it just looked hilarious.

After a short break and a kiss on the cheek for Pete she started to help clear up before the lunch time rush started. "you can head home if you like Princess" her grandmother whispered as she pulled her into a side hug "we can cope through lunch, Ben is coming in to help" almost as if on cue Ben walked in.

Ben was Abi's cousin from her fathers side. he also inherited the family's good looks. standing just under 6ft tall, short thick dark brown hair that had a slight wave to it, always styled to perfection perfectly framing his handsome face. deep set dark brown eyes and sculpted cheek bones, a jaw line to die for and shapley full lips all topped off with a light stubble he turned many a girls head. not that he was interested in girls. His Father Gary kicked him out from home at 16. Uncle Gary was a good man deep down, but a very proud man, very set in his ways, takes tradition and image very seriously, he cared too much about how others perceived him, and sadly Ben being gay didn't fit into his ideal image. They still spoke, but there was no love loss between them. Ben never went back home after he was kicked out, just sends the odd message to let his Dad know he is alive still and safe.

After squeezing Abi almost to death in a massive hug he cupped her face in his hands "why cousin dear even when you look rough as shit you are still the prettiest girl i have ever seen" "what can i say Benny boy, i have killer DNA" Ben kissed the tip of her nose before slapping her arse "right you fuck off home, have a kip and i will pick you up at 8pm on the dot" "what, no Ben i just" before she could finish he cut her off "no arguments. we both need a night out. so off you go" he ushered her towards the door "oh, and wear the red top you brought last week, tonight we are going to turn heads"

Abi didn't bother to argue, it was pointless trying to with Ben. he always won. instead she headed home and did as she was told.