by Yana Guleva
For the rest of the day, the only thing on my mind is Kierce. Hopefully, I’ll be dreaming of him too. Not trying to sound creepy in any way.
Chapter Two – Confession
“Amabel! Run! Run my love! Don’t turn back! They’ll kill you, I need you to run! Don’t you worry, I will never leave you!” I am running uncontrollably, with such fear inside me, such fear that the voice will disappear and I will be alone. Who is the voice, who is the man? Such beautiful, soft and tan looking skin. I keep trying to see his face but the blizzard is too much. I can’t see anything. All I can see is his tan skin standing out in the white snow over a hill. Behind him, were glaciers, so beautiful, but not as much as him. I feel such love and lust. I want to hold him, not run. Why am I running? “Amabel!” He screamed. I turned back, and he was gone. There was nothing but snow, and a trail of blood.
“Amabel, time for school honey! You’re going to be late!” I heard my mother yell from the other room. I gasped for air and the grip of reality. This time, it didn’t seem like a nightmare, or a vision, it was so real. The pain of the man disappearing is unbearable. I want to cry. I want the pain to be gone. It didn’t leave though, it just grew stronger. It was almost as if I had lost something so close to me, yet I didn’t know what. My dream didn’t continue as much as I hoped though. I still don’t know who this man is and why I feel so much attraction towards him.
“I’ll be down in a minute.” I told her, trying to hurry and get ready as I hear my phone ring.
“Hey Amabel, it’s Zayley, where the heck are you? I’ve been standing here with Vessa and Arcell waiting for you. They’re all over each other, and I think I’m going to be sick!” Zayley never failed to make me laugh.
“I’m running late today, I’ll be there by first class, I promise!” Laughing, I hung up the phone and tried to hurry. No time for breakfast, I grabbed my coat and ran out the door. As I ran down the few steps I had in front of my house, I looked up, and almost went face first. It was Kierce, standing there, smiling, and waiting for me to approach him.
“Well hello there sleepy head, I have been waiting for you.” He said with a grin as he stared me down.
“I slept late, hopefully we won’t be late” I said, trying to walk right past him.
“Don’t you worry about a thing darling” He said. Strangely, it was comforting. We walked silently down the street, but it wasn’t silent at all. He was singing something under his breath. It was luring me in closer and closer to him. I was dying to hear what it was. His voice so beautiful, I couldn’t help but listen closer.
“…humble…poison…lycanthropes…horrid…” Lycanthropes? What the heck is he singing? Sounded more like a chant than a song by the words.
“Amabel darling, are you interested in going somewhere real quick?” He asked. I don’t understand why he’s asking me this when school starts in less than five minutes.
“Yes, I don’t mind going with you.” I answered before I could think again. Any time with him is better than no time at all. We went off the main road into the woods. It was nice in the forest. I didn’t go in much since my mother always prevented me.
“Today seems like a nice day out, maybe we can spend some time here? If you wish that is.” He said. Even though I’d miss school, I didn’t care. A nice walk around the forest sounds good to me. As we walked deeper into the forest, I realized that there’s already a walk way here as if someone has been here before. I’m guessing him, but I thought he just moved here. How does he know the area so well?
“Hey, Kierce, where did you say you were from?” I asked, not trying to sound obvious that I was questioning on how he knew the forest.
“I’m from a small town in the Southern part of America. It’s filled with forests so I spent most of my time wondering pointlessly. You know, just trying to step away from everything.” He said, and I knew exactly what he meant. He takes walks in the forest and I enjoy sitting in the back porch of my house only wishing I can do the same and walk through the forest that leads to the beautiful glaciers.
“So, why did you move here?” I asked.
“Well, my mother prefers we stay around these areas. Job wise, you know.” He said. Kind of hesitant though.
“Oh, okay.” I said. Not knowing what to say at all for that matter.
“I really enjoy being around you Amabel.” He said. I can’t believe my ears.
“I feel the same way Kierce.” I answered back. It’s true. I can’t stop thinking about him when I’m not with him and when I am with him, I don’t want to leave his side. It’s almost as if he got me under a leash.
“Amabel, you’re so beautiful my darling. I just want to let you know that.” He said. I honestly believed him. He spoke with so much emotion, I thought I almost felt it myself.. We sat down on a log somewhere in the forest and just looked up at the sky. It was clear out with the crescent moon lightly showing. He linked his hand with mine, and all I felt was attraction. I wanted to rip his shirt off and just hold his soft skin combined with mine.
It seemed like time flew, even with us just sitting there motionless, staring at nothing. I didn’t want this moment to go away. I felt, almost complete, when a sudden urge of pain rose into me. I took my hand away from Kierce and stood up. I could feel my heart aching, in such deep sorrow. What was going on?
“I think I should go.” I said, unwillingly.
“Oh my love, I will walk you home.” He said.
“Home? Shouldn’t we get back to school?” I asked.
“No Amabel, school is long over.” He answered. Shit, I missed the whole day of school. Good thing I’m at the age where they don’t have to call home. That would be a riot.
“Oh, well. Okay than. You can walk me home if you’d like.” I said. Even though I had no other choice. I didn’t have a clue how to get out of the deep forest.
We started walking out of the forest, and I heard a howl. I’ve heard that howl before. In my dreams I think. Then again, every howl of a wolf sounds the same I’m guessing. I tried not to pay attention to it, so I didn’t say anything, as neither did Kierce. The pain of course, never left me.
“It was a great honor spending the day with you. I hope you don’t mind that we missed a day of school.” Kierce spoke.
“No, I don’t mind. I probably didn’t miss much.” I said. “Plus.. it was nice.” I added. All he did was smile back. It was way too comforting.
We walked up to my house, and he again took my hand and kissed it.
“I will see you tomorrow?” He asked.
“Yes, I’ll see you.” I answered, and walked towards the familiar house. I wish I could talk to my mother about what was going on with me lately. These dreams are more vivid than always, and this pain that I get in the pit of my throat and stomach and horrifying. But I knew I couldn’t. I knew she wouldn’t understand. I called Zayley real quick to catch up on what I had missed at school.
“Hey Amabel!” she answered. “I’m pissed. You left me all by myself today with those two love birds.” I’m guessing she’s referring to her sister Vessa and Arcell. They really are un-separable
“I know, sorry. So what’d I miss today?” I asked, didn’t feel like talking about anything else. She filled me up and soon got off the phone.
“Hey mom.” I called out to her.
“Yes sweetie?” She asked.
“I’m going to pass on dinner. I’m not feeling too good. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Goodnight.” I said.
“Well, okay honey, sleep good.” She answered worried.
I fell asleep as soon as I laid down on my bed. I loved my red and black comforter set. It never let me down.
“Amabel! Don’t! I’m here! I’m right here my love! Choose me!”
I woke up screaming. The man’s voice was so loud as if right there next to me. What did he want? Was he the one causing me all the pain? I hate dreaming of him now. He brings me more pain than love! Ah shit, I’m going to be late for school.
“Amabel,
I hope you’re getting ready! Breakfast is ready!” My mother yelled from downstairs. I should really ask to her to start waking me up. I’m getting worse and worse at this. I can’t help that my dreams don’t let me rest fully at night. They seem too real sometimes.
“Yeah mom, I’m already ready!” I yelled back. Our conversations really did only happen through doors. How could I possibly talk to her about anything else? I quickly got dressed, grabbed my coat and ran downstairs.
“I’m runny late today.” I said. And walked out the door. As I started walking towards the school, I saw Kierce. His smile light up when he saw me. He was waiting for me.
“Good morning my Amabel.” He spoke so gentle. “I’ve been waiting for you.” He said smiling. Was this a routine now? Him waiting for me all the time now? If so, I definitely liked it.
We arrived to school, and yet again, he took my hand and kissed it. Only this time, he leaned in touching my cheek with his soft lips, and walked away. I stood there for a second, trying to organize my thoughts. His soft, cold lips, almost felt too good.
I heard the bell ring, and all the thoughts disappeared. Shoot, I’m going to be late. I ran to my first class, and made it just before the last bell. There was Zayley, sitting, waiting for me.
“Just made it! So spill the beans! What’s up with that Kierce guy?” She seemed way too excited to hear about him.
“Well, he’s…. nice” I don’t think I can even start to describe how I really feel about him. Even Zayley would find it way too strange.
“Nice? That’s all you’re giving me?” She asked.
“Well, nice, and, interesting” If interesting even came close to what he is. He’s more than that, he’s almost, perfect, in every aspect I can put my mind to.
Class flew by, and soon enough, it was physics class. It was my biggest fear. I couldn’t bear sit next to him today. I felt such an urge to do something, anything, but just watch him. I sat in my seat, and waited, dreading for him to come in. He came in with more life in his eyes than before. The orange in his eyes now was golden with bright green in the back. His hair, blonder than brown. I didn’t notice those details this morning. Maybe I was just too focused on the feeling I get around him. As he sat down, I got a sudden headache. That’s weird. Since when did I get headaches like this?
“Hello again my love” He said, nodding at me, like he was trying to give me a clue.
“Hey, you look different” I said. I was kind of bothered by how much more beautiful he got.
“Oh, yes well, that’s strange, I don’t feel any different than any other day” he said, smiling, making me seem like I’m nuts.
“Ok class, hopefully you were all paying attention yesterday in class, because we’re having a pop quiz. Please take everything off your desks, and sit tight” Professor Jane said. She never fails to surprise anyone with her pop quizzes. It has only been a few months into school, and we’ve had more quizzes then we have even learned in this class.
“Pop quiz? So soon?” Kierce asked.
“Yeah, she’s kind of known for giving them out” I said, not knowing what to say. I was still trying to get glimpses of his eyes. They’re gotten so brighter, and almost glaring of the shiny tan science table.
Even though I wasn’t in school yesterday, the quiz was no problem for me. I knew far more than what we have been learning. Kierce didn’t seem like he had an issue either. After the quiz, we were free to go, so I headed to lunch early. I hate getting the last end of the food. As I stood up, so did Kierce.
“Will you do me the honor of walking with me to lunch?” He asked.
“Uhh, sure. I don’t see why not.” Like I had a chance. I don’t even think I could deny him. Not after we spent all that time yesterday.
“Vessa, Zayley, I’ll catch up with you guys later”. I said. Though they looked at me with hate because they were still stuck there taking the quiz.
“Sorry.” I whispered.
Kierce and I walked to the lunch room, silent, yet my mind was not. I still had the horrible headache that just didn’t seem like it wanted to go away, and I think he noticed.
“Are you okay my love?” he asked. So gentle yet so fierce. He almost seemed worried and satisfied at the same time. I didn’t understand the mixed feelings I kept getting. I wanted to tear into his shirt once again and sink into his skin, yet I wanted to tear him apart just as much.
“I’m fine, just… a slight headache, that’s all” I answered. Seeing his smile never quiet faded. We got our lunch and sat down to eat. Again, he didn’t touch it. He didn’t even seem interested. I on the other hand was starving since I missed breakfast this morning.
“I was hoping you would do the honor of walking with me again this afternoon.” He stated more then asked.
“Yes, that would be nice. Hopefully no nose bleeds this time.” I tried to joke, but he didn’t seem like he enjoyed it. He just kept a constant smile on his face. I felt like he was content with whatever was happening in his head. It seems like he is getting something he wanted or accomplishing something he has wanted for so long. I couldn’t place my finger on it, but I didn’t care. I didn’t mind having another walk with him. It was relaxing in an awkward way.
Lunch has ended, and so did the rest of the day. As the bell rang, I hurried outside, and like before, he was already there, just waiting for me. How does he get here so fast?
“Hello beautiful, shall we go for our walk?” Oh so it was our walk now?
“Yes, let’s go” I said. He was calm, as always. We started walking down the street when he suddenly stopped.
“Amabel, would you like to go with me somewhere again?” He asked, so gentle.
“Yes.” My mouth spoke before my mind had a chance to think. He smirked.
“Good then, follow me.” He said, and I listened. We walked down a different street. I never really have been to this part of the town. I kept close to my home at all times since my mother was so strict about me being outside for too long by myself. The forest yesterday was a force I think. But I wasn’t by myself this time, so it was safe, right?
“I want to take you somewhere special, I believe you will think it’s lovely there.” He spoke with his soft lips. I didn’t dare to answer. I just listened and followed. A few minutes later, we came up to a lake. It was small and the only one near our town, yet I have never been to it. We walked by the lake side, though trees, and there it was. The hill, the glaciers, just like the ones in my dreams and my visions. This was the place that meant so much to me, yet I did not know why, and I did not understand any of it.
“Darling, I brought you hear to show you something.” He spoke so freely. I looked up past the glaciers, and seen a glimpse of something, or someone. It was standing tall, full with fur.
“Wolf, run!” Before I could turn around and run, he grabbed my waist.
“Don’t you worry my love, it will not hurt you. It’s more scared of us then you are of him.” That didn’t seem like a fact, but something made me believe him. He was right though, the wolf ran away, or I think it did, because it was no longer in sight. We walked further up, and there was such beauty over the snow. Such brilliant colors, filled with glaring schemes of even more color. I see blues, purples and yellows. I wanted to awe at the sight. Kierce took my chin in his hands, looked me in the eyes, and kissed me.
My body ached, my heart raced, my eyes watered at such a touch. I felt hatred yet I felt love. Soon enough, the warmth took over, and there was no more anything, all I saw was Kierce, and the striking look in his eyes. It was magical. It was everything I have ever imagined for my first kiss and even more. My legs started to tingle and I wanted more than just a simple kiss.
Suddenly, Kierce backed up. I didn’t understand why he wanted to ruin such a moment. It was so, perfect.
“Amabel, I think we should go now.” He said.
“Wait, Kierce.” I said. “I want to talk to you about something.” I added. The feeling now was gone, and my mind started filling
with different thoughts and feelings.
“Well, we can walk and talk my darling.” He said starting to walk away. I didn’t move.
“No, I want to get something off my chest.” I said. “I have no one to talk to about this because I feel like no one will understand, but maybe you will.” I said. Hoping he really would understand.
“Well, okay then. You may say whatever you’d like.” He told me.
“I have been having dreams.” I hesitated. “They feel more like visions if anything.. I keep seeing this man in my dreams. He’s telling me to run while he stays back near the hills. Actually, it’s these hills. It’s the same spot.” I waited to go on.
“You can continue Amabel.” He said.
“Well, it’s just weird that it’s the same exact place. The lake on my side, then when I look back it’s the hills with the forest past them, and through the forest you can see the beautiful glaciers. I find it kind of odd that this is in my dreams when I have never been here before.” I finally confessed. “I keep feeling this man’s pain, but I don’t understand how. It’s horrifying and I just want to run away from the pain, but not him.” I said. Not sure how his reaction will be. Now I’m starting to think why I even told him this.
“Amabel, I have feelings for you that I did not think I would encounter. You are something amazing, and I do not know how to even explain it. I can feel you in my veins, digging into my heart.” He said, and before he can continue. I added to it.
“I know, I can feel your love.” I said.
“You can feel it?” he asked. “How can you possibly feel it, you’re just a … human.” He stopped suddenly and it looked like something hit him in the face. “I can’t believe this.” He added.
“What do you mean Kierce? What can’t you believe?” I asked.