Little Miss Babysitter

-- 11 --

I dipped my feet into the babbling brook, feeling the water rush between the nooks in my pruned toes. I slipped my hair into a loose pony tail, the defiant strands of baby hairs popping out around my widow's peak. I glanced to my side, his breathing unsteady and chest rising rapidly, only to deflate just as quickly. I raised a hesitant hand to brush the sleeping curls from his face, and noted the unruly heat to his forehead. A sour frown took over my face, and I took it upon myself to nurse him until he woke. Taking my balled up shirt in my fist, I trailed it underwater for a bit, 'till it was dripping in nature's blood. Wringing it out over my legs, I settled the white fabric onto his forehead, and heard him exhale deeply.

My eyebrows drew together in worry, and I let my gaze return to the water in front of me.

The white moon shone down on us, casting us a sideways glance, as it passed overhead. It's sullen rays beamed onto Nate's face, only intensifying the scary pale color to his usual rosey cheeks.

He'll be okay. He'll be okay.

I rocked myself back and forth, my insanity creeping closer and closer. A harsh gust of wind battered me from side to side, and I surrendered onto my back, next to Nate's dying body. His breathing was heavy and loud, reminding me of what I'd caused.

How did I get here, in the middle of fucking maze of a forest, with the only map lying unconscious next to me?

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( O N E H O U R P R I O R )

I dashed from the room, as fast as my legs would take me, and swung myself over the railing and onto the ground floor. I looked up in just enough time to see Nate's gray and white socks pounding into the hardwood floors behind me. He staggered a bit, allowing me a free getaway. I hollered and shoved my way to the door, yanking it open, and relishing the warm air.

"Catch me if you can!" I stuck out my tongue at his driven face, and began to sprint for the trees.

I could hear him wheezing and panting, probably beaten to a pulp from the strenuous baseball practice today, and I lost him almost as fast. His body was replaced by the company of towering oak and pine trees, enclosing me completely in it's canopy of protection.

I could hear his strained and panicked voice, calling out to me from afar, which only made me quicken my steps.

My feet crunched and splintered against the occasional rock, and I knew it was not a wise decision to discard my shoes back at the house.

I felt as if I'd been running for years, a jutting pain stabbing me on the left side, just below my ribcage.

My head hurt like a--

My toes had millions of prickly needles jabbing into them.

The pain in my chest faced to be a huge problem, since my throat quickly closed up, and I found myself gasping for air.

But I could not stop.

Before I realized it, the soil beneath my aching soles morphed into muck, and I shuddered in disgust. This just isn't my day.

Okay, maybe I took it a little too far. Insulting his little 'friend' down there is a soft spot for guys, I know. In both ways! Physically, AND emotionally!

I chuckled to myself, which immediately turned into an ill shiver. The wind around me seemed to nip at my shoulders, and I slowed my jog down to a breezy walk. Where am I?

The trees on either side of me had eyes; their stares penetarting my clothing and seeping into my veins. Their limbs followed me as I went, swaying discreetly in the innocent wind. My anxiety leaked into my muscles, and suddenly, my light jumper and jeans were not going to feel secure.