Fragmented

We are closed off from the world, and locked in Eden. A couple of our teachers watch to ensure no one escapes into the dense surrounding forest. If the world were to end, we would be the last to know here.

A gentle gale of wind sends waves of grass toppling like dominos. The waterfall behind me, providing a backing sound to the chorus of birds that whistle and sing from the surrounding line of trees. Here in this garden of eden I sit by the water’s edge, shaking in my skin as my friend Abby continues to paint my nervous frame.

“Don’t worry Elle, just have a few more finishing touches to make.”

I fight against the urge to nod in acknowledgement, fearing the slightest movement may break her concentration. Instead I focus on making out shapes in between the trees. Squirrels, and birds jumping back and forth between the trees. The rustling of bushes as unseen animals go about their day. Lurking out of sight of our field trip group. In my periphery, I see English teacher Mr. Pirv scowling at Abby. The old man, upset that her art was considered more valuable than his lesson, paces back and forth in frustration. Abby, knowing that his eyes are on us, takes her sweet time with her brush strokes.

“I’m finished Elle, you can breathe again.”

Under his breath, we can hear Mr. Pirv say “It’s about time.” He walks over to our art teacher so they can start gathering the students. Abby brings her newly created portrait over to show me. A watercolor painting of me contrasted against the waterfall and forest. Nature itself acts as the framing for the image.

“Oh wow, Abby this is great.”

“Thanks. Do you think I should ask Mr. Pirv what he thinks.”

“I’d rather not have him looking at a picture of me.”

Abby stands there, staring daggers into the painting, instead of the real cause of her frustration.

“I’m sorry about Mr. Pirv, I know you waited for this. Would you like to try again after his lesson.”

“I’d owe you twice then. Thanks Elle.”

As we begin to walk towards the rest of the class, something standing among the treeline catches my eye. A blonde girl about our age, staring right back at us. She puts a finger to her lips before disappearing behind a tree and out of my sight.

“Hey Abby, did you-”

“Come on everyone gather up!” Mr. Pirv shouts.

“You were saying something Elle?”

“Yeah, did you see-”

“That means you two as well.”

At Mr. Pirv’s insistence, we silently rejoined our class, but as I took a glance around, I saw that the blonde girl from the forest was nowhere to be seen. Wasn’t she a girl from our class? If not, then who was she? The movement between the trees feels less natural, and more ghastly. The majestic trees loom and tower, casting long shadows over the lake. The water, vibrant and bright, concealing sparkling eyes beneath it’s blue surface.

An elbow digs into my side, the stray limb belonging to Abby. Her eyes trained on a spot in the treeline across the lake. The blond haired girl, again amongst the trees. How’d she get over there so quickly? No, it can’t be the same girl. Perhaps a twin or a simple coincidence. It must be. Before I can take in the strange sight, she disappears back into the forest.

My classmates disperse, running off as Pirv’s speech comes to its end. Even as the chatter of students again fills the clearing, Pirv tries still to hold onto the spotlight. While I feel bad for the man, I can’t say I was paying any attention.

In spite of so many running freely, none dare to venture beyond the edge of the border between us and the world. None but the strange blonde girl who we saw twice earlier.

“Abby, did you recognize that girl?”

“I think I may have seen her around school. I can’t put my finger on it though.”

“Where do you think she went?”

“I don’t know, rangers normally don’t let anyone walk wherever they please.”

“They normally don’t have so many kids to look after.”

“That’s… a good point. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Abby picks up her easel and bag.

“Abby, I don’t think this is a good idea… We shouldn’t leave the group.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Here with the group.”

“Come on, don’t you want to know what was up with that girl?”

“I don’t know, I still think we should just tell a teacher.”

“And be told to stop lying? No thanks. I’m not asking you to come with me. I just want you to trust me and not tell Mr. Pirv what I’m up to.”

She gives me a hug and walks towards the treeline, and with a quick glance, she disappears into the bushes. A mix of fear and concern swell up inside me. Not worried about getting caught, but worried for both Abby and the girls within the forest. I can’t just sit here and do nothing. Telling Mr. Pirv would just get them all in trouble, and I’d be going behind Abby’s back. There is only one option. I take a deep breath, and enter uncharted territory. The space outside the box.