I had the worst case of writer's block, you guys. I knew what I wanted to write, but I didn't know exactly how to go about it. I know it's been awfully long though, so for those of you who have stayed patient with me, I offer my thanks and I hope you enjoy. More to come soon. Or at least, sooner.
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Open.
I opened my eyes. It was as though a sudden panic had surged through me so that I'd wake with a start. My eyelids split open but no light entered my pupils; or rather, what did was very minimal. The lack of daylight led me to believe that it was night. I was hyperaware of my surroundings. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and I could see that I was in my room, laying in my bed. My head snapped to the right to look at the time displayed in neon blue on the digital clock, it was 12.43 AM. I looked straight forward and blinked a few times.
Then it all came rushing back - that weird moment with Everett and Erik breaking open the door to my room, the shadows, the glowing skin, and
you know.
"You know, Freya," Everett had said.
What had that meant? What did it mean? I didn't know jack shit.
You know, Freya. You knew all along.
Silent. It is eerily silent in the house. I get up off the bed, sliding out from under the covers and slip on a pair of pants and some socks. I sneak to the bedroom door. The door and its frame on the wall are splintered near the lock from when Everett's kicked it open, I needn't even twist the knob to open it, just pull; and I did, just a crack. I peered out with one eye down the hallway. There was a pale blue light flashing off the way and the quiet humming of the TV. I opened it wider and hesitantly stepped past, looking toward their rooms. There was no illumination at the bottom of their doors, they were either asleep or had vacated their chambers. I snuck down the hallway, taking cover by the walls, wobbling back and forth from dizziness. I peaked past the corner and saw Oliver slumped in his arm chair, head limp with his chin resting on his chest. It appeared he'd nodded off. Felix rested at his feet and didn't stir at my approach. I stayed put and observed them for a while.
He was awfully beautiful, in a curious way. His eyelashes fanned out over his cheeks and sparkled under the influence of the television's light, otherwise they were hard to see. His brow, usually somewhat tense from the worried or serious demeanor he often exhibited, now slack and peaceful. His lips were relaxed, he didn't seem to drool when he slept like I often did. But looking at him made me tense. Erik and Everett had been keeping secrets, Oliver most likely had as well. I didn't know if I should wake him.
The dizziness got worse. And if that wasn't bad enough, my stomach decided now would be an ideal time to get nauseous. I clutched my stomach and studied the back door. I didn't bother sneaking, they were both out cold. I rushed to the hall closet and put on my boots, jacket, scarf and hat, then put on my gloves. Then I walked out. And for some reason, I started to run. Run straight for the woods without worrying that I hadn't brought along my phone, or that they'd be worried when they found me missing; I just ran.
Then I fell. I'd made it about 100 feet past the tree line when I dived head first into the snow. It was soft, like snow ought to be, and it didn't hurt when my face hit it. I rolled onto my back slowly and looked at the dark sky. Tears started to pool in my eyes and spill out to run down into my hair. I didn't know why I was reacting the way I did, it didn't make any sense and it wasn't rational; it was purely emotional. "You know," I repeated to myself, my tone frustrated and overwhelmed. "No, I don't know. What would I know? Nothing." The words and phrases sounded drawn out as I spoke them even though they were bouncing off the walls of my cranium as I thought them.
I started to pant. My head was pounding now. I closed my eyes and tried to slow my breathing. I could feel the cold bite into my skin at my nose and cheeks. Why is it always so damn cold? Why did I feel so sick?
I felt a presence above me. Then I heard a huff and hot breath hit my face. I tensed and braced myself, looking up. The white wolf stood just above me, the one I'd spotted earlier that β day? I wasn't sure how much time had passed since I'd gone under. I whimper then quickly cover my mouth with my hands. What did we do when a wolf was nearby? Freeze, run, or challenge? I couldn't run. There was no way I could challenge it when its teeth were so close to my face and neck. I simply stayed put and looked into its beautiful gold eyes. The wolf lowered its muzzle down, closer to my face, and started to sniff at my hair before focusing its attention to my neck. It tentatively rubbed its face against my neck and jaw, greatly confusing me. It licked at the side of my face while I stayed absolutely still and internally freaked out.
It withdrew from me and sat on its hind legs patiently. I sat up slowly and looked at it. It stood and I did the same. The wolf slowly approached me, as thought trying not to spook me, and took hold of my coat's sleeve by its teeth. He then tugged and I was forced to follow as he led me deeper into the woods. I couldn't help but feel that the experience was collectively terrifying, endearing, and bizarre. A wild animal acting this way was so odd, I'd never heard of anything like it.