Forest of the Forbidden

by W. J. May

  They walked across the yard over to a cowboy holding the reins for two horses. “Natalie, this is my brother Lance. Lance, this is Natalie.”

  She extended her hand and said, “Hello.”

  He wiped his hand on his dingy jeans and then shook her hand. “Nice to meet ya.” He had a heavier twang than Ryan and they looked very much alike with the exception of Lance being slightly taller and leaner. “So are ya ready to show him how to ride?” He let out a smile and motioned with his head toward Ryan.

  She giggled. “I’m sure he’ll be the one showing me.”

  She approached the horse slowly and patted him on the nose. “What’s your name?” She stroked the horse’s head, allowing him to get to know her.

  “This is Freedom.” Ryan took the reins from Lance. “Freedom, this is your master for today. Treat her well. Ya hear me.” The horse neighed and took a few steps back.

  “So, do you remember what to do?” Ryan tugged on the saddle, making sure it was secured on the horse.

  “Yeah, I think so. It’s all coming back to me.” Natalie ran her hand down the side of the American Paint horse. “Hi Freedom. You sure are a beautiful horse. I love your markings.” The horse nickered and neighed, giving her the sign to proceed. She prepared to mount the horse when Ryan stopped her.

  “Wait a minute. You’re missin’ something.” He held his hand up and then dashed into the barn calling out, “I’ll be right back.”

  Natalie checked the saddle but didn’t see anything missing. However, it had been a long time since she’d saddled up a horse.

  He returned with a cowgirl hat in his hand. “You’re not complete without this.”

  Natalie placed her hand on his, helping him fit the hat on her head. “Whose is this?”

  “It’s my sister’s. Do ya mind?”

  “No, as long as she doesn’t.” She winked.

  “Nah, she won’t mind. Wow, you make a beautiful cowgirl.” Ryan winked backed at her. He knew how to make her smile and she had to admit that she loved being complimented by him. “Can I help you up?”

  “Please.” Natalie placed her foot into the stirrup while he held on to the reins, keeping the horse steady.

  “Ya good?”

  “Yes.” She ensured she had a good grip on the reins and her feet were properly in place.

  He walked over to his horse and got on with little effort.

  “You guys be careful, ya hear. I’ll be on the east side of the property and will be back in an hour or so.” Lance stepped out of the way.

  “Okay. We’ll be back shortly.” Ryan looked over at Natalie. “Let’s start out slow, okay?”

  Natalie nodded. “Okay.”

  She kept her horse in sync with Ryan’s, walking at a slow pace. The morning sun’s rays peaked over the tall oak trees, preparing to beat the ground with another day of record-breaking heat. They wouldn’t be able to stay out too long so she intended to enjoy every minute of it.

  “How large is the ranch? Does it go all the way to the lake?” She raised her sunglasses to get a better view.

  “It’s five hundred acres and no, it doesn’t go to the lake. We have a stream that goes through the property, which probably feeds off of the lake.”

  “I bet that’s pretty. I’ve always wanted to live by the water. I guess that’s why I like going to my aunt’s condo in Austin. It overlooks Lady Bird Lake. It’s really gorgeous.”

  “I bet it is. Have you ever been to Lake Travis?”

  “No, I haven’t.” She shifted her weight, trying to get comfortable on the hard leather saddle.

  “You’d like it. The water is really clear for a lake.”

  “Then we should go sometime,” Natalie responded.

  They rode side by side crossing the land, laughing and talking along the way. She found herself opening up more to him because he seemed understanding about many things. Even though she wasn’t ready to share everything, he gave her a sense of security that continued to build on the level of trust she needed from him.

  The more they chatted, the more they discovered all the common interests they shared like going to the movies, the beach, swimming, and of course horseback riding. Never in a million years did she ever think he would be attracted to her. For one, she didn’t even seem like his type. He was more of a country guy where she was more of a science nerd. He loved to talk and socialize and she preferred to keep to herself. Regardless, the attraction between them electrified her soul and it made her want to know everything about him and more.

  “Gee, everything is so dry.” Natalie observed the sparse layer of green grass they traveled through.

  “I know. We need rain badly. My parents said it’s been really dry here. We’ve even lost some cattle. Based on the weather reports, I doubt they’ll be lifting the watering ban anytime soon.”

  “That’s horrible. I didn’t realize there were water restrictions in place. I guess I’ve been so busy with school, I haven’t paid much attention to what’s going on up here. Now that you mention it, my parent’s yard isn’t that green either.”

  He led the way down a small hill. “This pond used to be bigger. It’s practically dried up now.”

  “I guess this global warming is becoming more of a problem.” Natalie noticed the cracked mud where water once reached.

  “Yeah, you haven’t seen the reports about it being a worldwide issue?”

  “No, I haven’t. I know the news said Austin’s been dryer and hotter than usual and some crops had been affected. I didn’t realize it affected the whole world. Since I’m majoring in biomedical science and not environmental science, I haven’t kept up with the findings. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it concerns me.”

  “Oh, I understand. I hope I didn’t insult your knowledge so please—”

  “No, it’s okay. You’re just more in tune with it because of the ranch.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. My parents really wanted me to study agriculture so I could help my brother when they get older.”

  “So why don’t you?”

  “It’s not what I wanna do. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ranch but I’d rather be with people instead of animals.” He urged his horse to pick up the pace and so did she.

  “I understand. So, what’s your major?”

  Ryan lifted his cowboy hat and wiped his forehead again with a handkerchief. “I’m a business and marketing major”.

  Her horse drifted closer to his, allowing her to watch his every move closely. “That’s cool. What department will you be interning at?”

  He glanced over at her and she watched his eyes traveled up and down. He was definitely checking her out. She wondered what he thought about the way she dressed. She hoped the jeans and bedazzled t-shirt her mom picked out for her made her look cute instead of nerdy. As for the boots, her toes hurt and she wondered how much longer she could handle wearing them. She didn’t have enough money to buy new ones, so she wore an old pair that had to be at least a size too small.

  “I’ll be working in the sales and marketing division.” He cleared his throat a few times.

  “Makes sense, since you like people. I wonder if you and Lise will be working together. She’ll be interning in the marketing department too.”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know. I guess I’ll find out week after next. What department will you be interning at?”

  “The main lab.”

  “That’s awesome. I wonder if you will be working with Dr. Kronberg?”

  “I hope so. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  Natalie struggled to keep her attention on the path they rode down. Her gaze kept wandering over to him, admiring the way he looked wearing a cowboy hat and fitted shirt which outlined every bulge in his upper body. Not to mention the jeans that hugged his body perfectly. Cowboys never caught her attention in the past but he sure grabbed her’s.

  “It feels so free out here. Free from stress, free from the worries of life.” She breathed in the fresh country air, clearing he
r mind. It felt good to get away and enjoy nature. Something she hadn’t done in a while.

  “It is nice out here. That’s why I don’t mind coming home on occasion. I’m glad ya came over.” Ryan reached his hand out and she latched on to it.

  “Me too.” They held hands for a short while until the horses drifted further apart and her hand slid from his.

  She continued to take in the pure air, allowing it to filter through her airways. She loved the way the air blew through her hair and it made her eager to feel the wind against her entire body. Adrenaline flowed through her veins and she yearned to let Freedom ride freely.

  “I’ll race you to the creek!” Natalie leaned forward and gripped the reins tightly and ordered the horse to sprint.

  “Natalie....wait! I don’t think —” Ryan yelled out as she darted off.

  She ignored his warning and pressed forward. Several yards later she looked over her shoulder and saw Ryan close behind. She laughed and leaned into Freedom, encouraging him to go faster. This was not like her to do something so reckless, but she couldn’t help it. The wind felt liberating as she sped across the open land.

  Slowly, she raised her body up and took a deep breath. She felt brave and strong. Without much thought she let go of the reins and raised her hands up high toward the sky. She closed her eyes and imagined herself flying through the air; soaring over the vast open land to the wooded areas and down to the lake. She blocked everything from her mind and concentrated only on the sweet smell of the white jasmine shrubs blooming nearby.

  “Natalie. Natalie. Stop! Stop!” Ryan yelled.

  Natalie paid no attention to Ryan’s pleas. The feelings going through her body consumed every part of her. Her body was becoming one with nature. The wind seemed to flow through her, lifting her higher and higher. It howled and lashed against her body giving her the sensation of power and strength.

  “Natalie....Natalie! Look! Look!” Ryan continued to holler in the distance.

  Natalie struggled to separate herself from the wind and break the trance that consumed her. She sensed something was wrong and quickly opened her eyes when she heard Ryan’s frantic cry.

  “Natalie. Stop! Stop!”

  She grabbed the reins and pulled on them tightly urging Freedom to halt. The horse came to a sudden stop. She looked around trying to figure out why he sounded panicked. He pointed toward the horizon.

  “What is that?” Natalie steadied the horse while her eyes took in the implausible sight. “Easy Freedom.” She coaxed the horse but he skittered around nervously.

  In the near distance a warm reddish brown haze expanded across the open land. It rolled in, taking the form of a massive cloud, billowing and consuming everything in its path. The haze was headed in their direction.

  Breathing heavily, Ryan struggled to speak. “It’s...it’s a dust storm. And it’s moving toward us. We gotta go... now.”

  She watched the haze roll in like smoke billowing up from a forest fire. “In North Texas? I thought only West Texas gets dust storms?”

  “My family said we’ve been getting them here lately, and they’re violent.” Ryan guided the horses to turn around. “C’mon, let’s go!” Ryan made a tsk tsk noise with his mouth and commanded the horses to move forward. Even though the horses panted heavily, they didn’t hesitate and quickly shifted into a sprint.

  “We’ll shoot for the barn... over there. It’s a mile. See it?” The wind made it difficult to hear him, chopping every other word off. She followed his hand in the direction he pointed to and she saw their target destination.

  “I can see it. Do you think we’ll make it?” she shouted back.

  “I hope so.” Ryan yelled at the top of his lungs.

  She glanced over her shoulder. The storm had to be only a few yards away. It didn’t take long for the fresh country air to be replaced by thick, gritty dirt. The horses slowed down as the storm surrounded then. Natalie coughed, inhaling the reddish dust with every breath she took.

  Ryan pulled out the handkerchief from his back pocket. He guided his horse closer to Natalie and handed it to her. “Put this on. It’ll help,” he choked out the words, coughing and wheezing.

  Natalie nodded and grabbed it from his hand. “What about you?”

  Ryan let go of the reigns and took hold of his shirt and ripped it open. “I’ll use this.” He tied it around his face, covering his nose and mouth.

  Darkness swiftly filled in between them and she lost sight of him. She reached up and pulled off her sunglasses only to realize that she needed them on. They protected her eyes from the dirt that now stung her eyes and made them water.

  “Ryan...Ryan...Where are you?” she called out, her hand wavering back and forth in the dust. The thick and dark air made it impossible for her to find him. Freedom scampered and skittered around nervously in a circle and she struggled to get him under control. Then she heard his horse neighing.

  “I’m right here. Where are you? We’ll have to walk the horses.” His voice trailed off, lost in the whirling wind.

  She fought to remain calm. “Ooohhh...Ookkaaay,” she muttered under the cloth. Then Freedom came to a complete stop and refused to move.

  “Whoa.... Whoa Girl.” Ryan suddenly yelled and she turned, searching in all directions. Then she heard him command the horse. “Stop! Stop!”

  “Ryan... Ryan—” Natalie reached out into the darkness, not finding him. “Where are you?” she continued to call out. The dirt burned her eyes and a lump formed in the back of her throat. Flashes of her near death plane ride a few months ago crept into her mind and caused fear to take over. She swallowed back the tears. Now was not the time to give into it.

  She got off the horse and pulled his face close to hers. Freedom kept his eyes closed apparently trying to avoid the needle-like pricks of the whipping dirt. She checked his saddle, searching for something to cover up his head. Then she remembered she had on a tank top under her shirt. Thank God. Quickly she took off her shirt and put it around the horse’s face.

  “You’re okay boy.” She patted Freedom, reassuring him. She hugged the horse’s neck and spoke into his ear. “Freedom we will make it to the barn. You have to trust me, okay. Let’s go boy.” She pulled on the reins but he hesitated at first. She persuaded him until he followed her lead.

  Natalie had no idea if they were headed in the right direction. The thick air caused visibility to be near zero. Completely alone and in the middle of a storm, she feared the worse. She could see it all happening again, just like the storm that hit the plane. Would she make it out alive this time? She fought the feelings of despair and fear, determined to survive.

  She closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings. She shuffled her feet along the ground, persevering through the storm. The dirt-filled wind thrashed against her face, stinging her skin like a horrible sunburn after a day at the beach. She itched and burned as the dust entered in through her pores.

  She kept her eyes closed, allowing her senses to fully take over. Somehow, the dirt gave her confidence and strength. It allowed her body to connect with the earth until she became one with it. She felt the ground moving and the entire earth rotating along its axis. Guide me mother earth. Guide me. At that moment, something deep within her stirred. All her surroundings aligned perfectly, like a navigational compass, telling her the cardinal directions. It pulled her body and guided her footsteps along the right course.

  Natalie opened her eyes. Through the thick brownish-red dust, she saw something. She kept her eyes fixed until the air thinned enough to reveal the green barn straight ahead of them. The sight of it brought instant relief and calmness to her. Step by step she made her way to the barn, pulling Freedom at her side.

  “We made it, Freedom. Thank God, we made it.” She reached for the handle on the barn door to open it. At the same time, it slid open and a hand reached for her.

  “Natalie, oh thank God, you’re okay.” Ryan pushed the door open further allowing her and Freedom to get in.
/>   “Yes, we made it.” Natalie leaped into his arms.

  Ryan embraced her, holding her close. “I was so worried about you.”

  She took off her sunglasses and buried her face against his chest. Tears streamed down her face, scalding her eyes. “I was so scared. I thought I might die out there.”

  He leaned his head back and cradled her face with both his hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t leave you out there on purpose. Please believe me.”

  “What happened to you?” Her voice quivered and she swallowed several times, trying to clear her throat from the dust and dirt that scraped her mouth like sand paper.

  “My horse took off riding like a bat out of hell. She brought me straight to the barn. I felt horrible leaving you behind. I was waiting for the storm to pass before I went out to look for you. I’m so sorry I left you out there by yourself.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs in soft gliding movements.

  Her heart told her he didn’t leave her intentionally. She just happened to get caught in another freak of nature storm. Why did these things keep happening to her? First it was the plane ride and now the dust storm. She had potentially come close to death not once, but twice now.

  Natalie sighed heavily, still crying. “Thank God, I made it to the barn alive. Freedom got scared and wouldn’t move. I used my shirt and put it around his head. Then....then something overcame me and my body...”

  Ryan placed his index finger over her lips. “Shhhh. You’re gonna be alright. You’re safe now. That’s all that matters.” He pulled her close to him and began to stroke her hair, easing the fear away with the gentle caress of his hand.

  Her tears slowly ceased. Being in Ryan’s arms did make her feel safe. Safe from everything. She didn’t want to leave his arms ever. She nestled herself closer to him, allowing her hand and cheek to rest on his chest. The warmth of his skin relaxed her and that’s when she realized she was touching his bare skin. Through all the pandemonium she failed to notice he didn’t have a shirt on. How did she miss that?

  She kept her hand steady and allowed her eyes to survey his finely sculpted pecks and abs. What her hands felt that night on the dance floor was real, very real. Ryan’s body was damn hot. A fine layer of dirt covered his bare chest and his hair stuck up in all directions. The scruffy look only made him sexier.