Wicked Forest

by E. J. Bennett

  Crystal looked back at her home, the pure white building that had housed most of her misery; however music and laughter poured out into the darkness, a sound the horrid place should never echo. She couldn’t stand to be around her coven, or her parents. They were the very reason she was in the position she was.

  The forest called to her, the sweet melody of nature sang a tune that warmed her cold heart, pulling her forward.

  Crystal followed the urge to be surrounded by the beauty of the wild. Each step she took was slow, holding her dress up at her knees she walked into the woods, enveloped by the canopy of trees. The house disappeared, but the music flooded out into the forest.

  Crystal walked further into the darkness. She blew on fire files that then gave off a green glow. Her favorite rock came into view. Crystal sat down and stared into the darkness. A rustle caused her to scan her surroundings. Nothing. She was alone. Probably an animal. Still Crystal had the feeling that she was being watched. A shiver ran down her back as fear wrapped its cold hands around her bare skin.

  Getting up she took one last look out into the trees. A pair of orange eyes locked onto hers. Supernatural and deadly looking.

  Her body turned to stone, she was frozen in terror. “Crystal!” the sound of her name echoing made her spin around. It sounded like Ruby was looking for her. Turning back to the glowing orange eyes, they were gone.

  Crystal headed back to her house. Ruby stood with wide eyes in the centre of the back garden.

  “What the...”

  “Crystal, the forest is dangerous,” all Crystal could do was nod. She let Ruby lead her back into the house.

  “Mother has been looking for you,”

  “I am sure she has,” Crystal said dryly. All she wanted to do was go to her room and hide away. Instead she still had to please her mother and become acquainted to with her future husband.

  “Where have you been,” her mother hissed in her ear and pulled her to one side by the elbow. She had come out of nowhere and caught Crystal off guard.

  “I needed some air,”

  “This is your party, your guests. You cannot abandon your guests,” Jeanette lectured.

  “Whatever,”

  “Don’t you whatever me lady. Smile and act like you are enjoying yourself,” Crystal grimaced which made her mother shake her head.

  “You look beautiful. How about a dance with your old man,” Crystal’s father winked and she gave him a bright smile.

  Linking her arm through his she walked beside him to the dance floor, instantly falling into step with the rest of the ball room dancers.

  “You having fun?” he asked her and she rolled her eyes.

  “Sweetheart. I hate to see you like this,”

  “Like what?” Crystal asked even though she had a pretty good idea what her father was talking about.

  “The sadness in your eyes. It is easy to see,” Crystal let her arms fall away from her father.

  “Then make it stop,” she whispered.

  “I can’t. It is the way of our people. The way it has been for hundreds of years,”

  “Maybe it is time to make a change. I am human, I have rights. Shouldn’t I be able to choose who I love. When I get married or when I have kids. Right now I feel like I am just a piece in a game that my mother is playing and she holds all the rules,”

  “Your mother is doing what needs to be done,” he defended.

  “At what cost?” she didn’t wait for him to answer, rather she walked away. Levi stood in the corner of the room speaking to Jenny, she watched as she passed. Jenny ran her slender finger along his chest and laughed. His eyes met hers and she quickly looked away.

  Crystal halted at the kitchen door. No one really wanted to speak to her at the ball, however her sister Ruby was the exception and she stood blocking the back door.

  Turing on her heel, Crystal walked back through the house and out the front door. She sat on the swing on the front porch and looked out onto the street.

  She heard the front door open and close.

  She didn’t look. She kept her eyes focused firmly ahead, even when the swing moved slightly and groaned from extra weight.

  “You know. I don’t want this either,” a masculine voice spoke. Crystal turned her head slowly to meet Levi’s brown eyes.

  “Then why me?” she whispered.

  “I don’t know,”

  “You must. You’re the one that asked for my hand in marriage. The one that has been following me in the forest and...”

  “Wooh hold on there. First I never asked to marry you. Second I haven’t been your part of the woods in a long time,” Crystal’s heart stopped beating and her breath caught in her throat.

  “Then who was it?” she asked herself out loud.

  “I don’t know. But you should stay clear of those woods,”

  “What did you mean that you never asked for....” Crystal was cut off as Drake came barreling out of the house.

  “Guess what, princess. Uncle Seth is giving us permission to hold the school Halloween dance in Wicked Forest this year!”

  “No! ... I mean I don’t think that is a good idea,” Crystal jumped up from her seat.

  “Are you crazy? Halloween is a full moon,” Crystal saw the rage in Levi’s eyes and the way he clenched his jaw.

  “Relax man,” Drake took a step back holding up his hand.

  Chapter 17

  Levi couldn’t believe what Drake was planning. How could his father agree to it? He knew that Drake struggled to handle their curse more than most. To allow a bunch of high school kids to party in the woods would be suicide.

  “Father, can I speak with you,” his father was in a deep conversation with Jeanette but Levi couldn’t wait until they got home.

  “You can’t let him have a party in the woods,”

  “Hold on right there. You do not have the right to tell me what I can and cannot do. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes sir,” Levi’s panic was replaced with the feeling of a child being scolded.

  “I am asking you to reconsider. Drake still struggles with the curse and I fear he may bring unwanted attention to us,”

  “The party is Drake’s reward for finding us Crystal. How can I take that back?” Levi knew when he was beaten and left it. He would just have to think of another way to stop the party from going ahead.

  “I think you have better things to be doing than worrying about a school party. Like wooing your bride,”

  THE BALL DRAGGED ON. Crystal was introduced to Seth and Mary Carmichael. Seth seemed to give her an eerie feeling. When she was near him she had the feeling of caution, while Mary seemed like a sweet and caring woman who put Crystal at ease. By the time the clock chimed midnight she was exhausted and glad to see the first guests leave. Levi came to stand beside her as she waved of the guests wishing them a goodnight like a good host.

  “Don’t let him have the dance in the woods. It is not safe,” he whispered into her ear. His warm breath sent chills down her spine. Gulping Crystal nodded.

  He smiled as his parents accompanied by Drake stepped into the hall. “Goodnight Crystal. It was a pleasure to meet you,” he picked up her clammy hand and placed a kiss on her warm skin. His lips grazed against her hand in a feather like touch.

  “Until we meet again,” he said giving her a small bow.

  She wished them goodnight and took their departure as her excuse and cue to leave the party. As soon as the door shut behind them she bounded up the first couple of stairs.

  “Where are you going,” her mother asked hands on her slender hips.

  “Bed,” Crystal replied praying she didn’t make her endure more of the ball.

  “Wasn’t he a delightful young man? Nothing like the rumors or legends,” Jeanette gushed.

  “Yes mother,”

  “Goodnight dear,”

  “Night,” she gave them a quick wave and rushed up the stairs. The quicker she was out of view the less likely her mother would call her back.<
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  THE LAST OF THE GUESTS left. The door closing behind them sent a spark of fear down Ruby’s back. Her mother gave her a deadly look indicating that Ruby should follow.

  Each step her mother took matched her beating heart. With shaky hands she closed the office door and stood while her mother took a seat behind the desk.

  “Sit,” Jeanette said.

  “Thank you but I would rather stand,” her voice was strained and portrayed the fear she tried to mask.

  “Very well. It has come to my attention that the baby you are carrying is not Gregg’s. Is this true?” Ruby scoffed, she was playing a game. Jeannette knew it was true. Perl never gets anything wrong.

  “Yes,”

  “Who is the father?” she demanded.

  “That is something I do not want to disclose,” Ruby said firmly.

  “Is that right? I am sure you are aware of the consequences of....”

  “Get it over with mother, humiliate me, and banish me. Do what you must,”

  “Is that what you would like me to do?” Ruby didn’t answer her. She knew if she did that Jeannette would twist her words.

  “You have two choices. You can face the elders and allow them to set your fate or you can pretend this child is Gregg’s. I will make sure that Perl’s lips are sealed,”

  Ruby stared at her mother for a long time. It wasn’t like her.

  “Why would you do that?” she whispered.

  “We are so close and this will ruin everything. You have brought shame on us, something I cannot allow,”

  “You want me to lie?”

  “It is for the best,”

  Ruby walked home with her hand on her stomach. The baby growing inside of her would reveal it’s true identity the day she gave birth. For the time being she would go along with her lie. It would give her time to sort out her next move.

  AS CRYSTAL UNDRESSED into her pajamas she thought about her new dilemma.

  The school Halloween dance was to be held in Wicked Forest.

  Levi hadn’t been following, well that is what he had said and for some reason she trusted him. So who was? Then there were the glowing orange eyes. It wasn’t safe and she knew it.

  But how would she convince Drake to change his mind? She had to come up with a plan and fast.

  The next morning Crystal attended class, within the community hall, a lesson in healing by using what nature provided.

  “There are many plants with healing properties. Many which have different skills. You just need to know what these plants are and the skills they hold.

  Now here we have Basil. Good to season food but also can help to heal cuts and scrapes.

  As witches we can speed up this process. All we have to do is place one leaf, over a wounded area and will our magic to heal.

  It is as simple as that. Just imagine the wound closing and healing, your magic infused with the basil leaf will do the rest,”

  Crystal was enjoying the lesson. For once she thought it was something that could come in handy in the future. Especially with Drake set on having the Halloween ball inside Wicked Forest.

  “Levi Carmichael was such a flirt. Did you see the way he was looking at me,” Jenny said loudly as they examined the rest of the plants that Mr. Dean had placed on their tables.

  “You two would look so cute together,” Heather, Jenny’s best friend replied. Crystal smiled. Jenny could brag all she wanted about Levi, it didn’t bother her. He wasn’t the one she wanted. Drake’s face flashed in her mind and her smile grew.

  “What you grinning about?” Jenny demanded.

  “Nothing, for me to know and you to find out,” Crystal taunted, laughing.

  The week leading up to the Halloween party, went by quickly. Still Drake was adamant that the party would be held within the woods and the entire school was alive with excitement. All accept those who were from the starlight community.

  “Is he trying to kill the entire school?” Hugo asked as she placed her books in her locker.

  “Oh come on. It is a creepy forest. Their teenagers of course they wanna have the scare of their lives,” Crystal said even though her stomach was weighed down with dread.

  “I can’t believe your mother, or the elders haven’t put a stop to it,”

  “Hugo, it is just a party. Relax,” Crystal found herself using the exact words Drake had used with Levi.

  “Yeah in a deadly woods,” Hugo muttered as they left the school building.

  “You going?” she asked. He raised his eyebrows and shook his head.

  “I would like to see tomorrow. You?”

  “Yeah I guess so,” his eyes went wide and he stopped walking.

  “Even after all the stories?” he asked in a low voice.

  “Yeah, come on the place can’t be that bad. Look at the Carmichael’s all the rumors about them being beasts. Granted they’re arrogant and stuck up their own butts but they’re not beasts,”

  “No, just good actors,”

  “Hugo?”

  “Seth Carmichael gave me the creeps,”

  Crystal couldn’t argue with that. He gave her the same feeling.

  “Good luck Crystal. I think you’re mother as gone mad,” sticking out her tongue and bumping her shoulder with him she replied “Thanks I am gonna need it,”

  “You will need more than luck,” he taunted.

  Chapter 18

  He was worried about Crystal. How could she go into those woods after everything they had been told? Hugo had a feeling that it was a trap. It screamed in his head. He liked Crystal, even though many of the other coven members didn’t, he couldn’t help but like her.

  She was the sort of person you knew where you stood with. She didn’t beat around the bush she would come right out and tell people what she thought or what was on her mind. She was honest and different, not in a strange way. Rather unlike many of the coven she had her own mind.

  She wasn’t a sheep that followed or was herded by the leader. She was her own person and couldn’t care less what others thought of her.

  He sat in his room, the music shook his windows and when he looked out he could see the lights from the forest. The moon was full and that only spiked is nerves more. Nothing good ever came from a full moon on Halloween. Isn’t that what most horror films were based on?

  CRYSTAL DRESSED INTO a black witch dress that had a purple netted underskirt that reached her knees. The bodice had a purple lace which gave the top part of the dress a corset look. She wore her hair down and went all out with her makeup. Painting her lips a deep red and putting bright purple eye shadow on.

  She placed the hat on her head and pulled on her knee high boots. When she looked in the mirror she whistled at herself. The costume had done wonders for her and she laughed.

  Crystal walked down the stairs scared and excited at the same time. She was scared of what was out there in the forest but excited to be spending time with Drake. Plus her outfit surly would help win him over.

  If only her parents would listen to her.

  “Do you really think it is a good idea?” Jeanette asked biting her nails.

  “Mother we have been through this. Seth Carmichael is the one that as offered up the forest for our school dance. How can I refuse to go? After all you are the one forcing me to marry his son and all. How would it look?” Jeannette nodded.

  “You’re right, have fun,”

  “Thanks,” Crystal smiled heading outside. She had asked Drake to meet her at the dance. Her mother would throw a fit if she found out she had a date.

  She could see lights hung from the trees. As she got closer she saw that they were in shapes of bats and spiders. Drake had gone all out to give it a creepy look.

  Toilet paper had been thrown over the bare branches. She could smell charred smoke of a fire and hear the rock music playing. She followed the sound, passing her favorite spot. She walked deeper than she ever had before. The trees became closer together and she found herself tripping up with each step. Finally the
trees began to thin out and the music became louder.

  Within minutes of the trees becoming sparser she could see the camp fire and the shadows of students already milling around. When she entered the large clearing it had huge fallen logs that looked to have been placed at the outside of the clearing, which was used for seating. Her nerves died down as she watched the carefree teens.

  A D.J stood off to the side, playing music with a large generator. The music was loud and made Crystal’s skin tingle. The bass thumped in time with her heart beat. Over the roar of the music a distant hazy chatter could be heard. Although Crystal couldn’t make out what was being said. Laughter rang in her ears. She felt like she had no choice but to join the crowd of students as the music pumped through her body.

  She jumped up and down, moving her body to the music. All the fears of the forest had vanished as she let herself go.

  The shield that she always carried melted away as she mingled with the other teens. She laughed and joked, joined in with a number of conversations. For a brief time she felt normal and accepted among her peers.

  Arms wrapped around her from behind. They pulled her close to a hard chest. Turning around she came face to face with Drake.

  “Glad you came,” he whispered in her ear, and handed her a plastic cup. She took a big gulp. It could have been water but it wasn’t. It’s vile taste burned her throat and warmed her chest. She grimaced as the last of the liquid slid down her throat.

  “Thanks,” Crystal coughed. She took in his appearance. He was wearing a pirate outfit with his face painted as if he had been burned.

  Holding the cup she swirled the last of the drink around. “Let’s dance,” Drake grabbed her hand pulled her forward. Crystal gulped the rest of the alcohol and dropped the cup on the floor. She moved and swayed her hips seductively as she danced with Drake. Heat flushed her cheeks when he placed his hands on her hips, moving in rhythm with her.