The Truth Within

Chapter Three

We arrived at Alex and Mason's house and parked the car in the driveway, marveling at the sight of numerous vehicles lined up in front of their home. This party was a significant event, marking both twins' birthdays. Their house was enormous and magnificent, standing proudly at the edge of the forest that lay behind their backyard.

I recalled the times we used to play in the twins' tree house nestled in those woods and chase each other along the stream before Vincent stopped being friends with us. Those memories felt distant, yet they lingered like the whispers of an old, familiar song.

Stepping into the house, we were immediately hit by the chaos of the party. The music blared loudly, and I couldn't fathom how the neighbors managed to tolerate such noise. The living room was packed with people dancing, chatting, and laughing, the energy spreading.

"Wow, I can't believe this. This party is huge!" I remarked, grinning at the twins as we navigated through the throng and made our way to the back of the house.

"Yeah, it really is," Mason chuckled. "I can't believe how big our birthday party has gotten."

"Well, it's because we're the popular guys," Alex said with a laugh.

"Ha! You wish," Arianna retorted with an exaggerated eye roll.

Arianna always rolled her eyes at Alex's cheesy remarks. "Hey, let's go try to find Hazel," Arianna replied as she led the way. "Alright, lead the way!" Alex bowed and followed in pursuit behind her.

Mason and I exchanged knowing looks. Alex had a crush on Arianna for a LONG time. Despite their banter, I sometimes wondered if they might end up together. Alex was my best friend, and Arianna was my cousin, but their chemistry was undeniable.

Mason and I followed last as we searched for our shy friend. Luckily, she was easy to find, sitting on the couch, sipping her punch as she waited for us. "There you guys are!" Hazel jumped up and hugged Arianna first, then the rest of us one by one. She finally gave a hug to Mason and said, "Happy birthday, pretty boy." You could easily see the hint of blush on his cheeks. Arianna, Alex, and I giggled.

"So, anybody want drinks?" Alex asked, and we all said yes without hesitation. Alex went off to retrieve our drinks and came back with more punch. "Here y'all go!" he said, passing out the drinks to us. We were all having a good time, but I looked at Alex as we watched Mason and Hazel, and we nodded to each other—it was time. I looked at Arianna, and as if she were reading my mind, she went up to Mason, whispered something in his ear, and walked back. Whatever she said seemed to inspire Mason to go talk to Hazel. We watched from a distance as they started talking.

"Dang, Arianna, what did you say to Mason?" I asked with curiosity.

"Oh, nothing, just saying if he didn't have the balls to do it, maybe another man will steal his chance," Arianna said, sipping her cup with pride, not regretting what she said.

Alex and I gasped in shock at her words. "First of all, damn, and second of all, that's my brother you're talking to," Alex said, laughing and feeling slightly offended for his brother.

"What? You know it's true. He wouldn't have done it if I hadn't said something," Arianna said, glaring at us.

"Yeah, you're right," I said, sipping the last drop of my punch.

Mason walked back to our group, and we saw Hazel skim through the crowd and disappear outside to the backyard and into the forest. "So how did it go?" Arianna asked, excited and giggly.

"I told her how I felt," Mason said.

"AND???" we all said at the exact same time.

"She said she doesn't feel ready for a relationship and wants us to remain friends," Mason said, looking down in total defeat.

"Aw, I'm sorry," Arianna said, regretting her previous act.

"Don't worry, man, it's all good," Alex said, comforting his brother.

"I'm sorry we shouldn't have pushed," I said.

"It's okay. She just wanted some time alone, so she headed down for a walk, but she said she won't be long."

"Okay, she better, or else I will start to worry," Arianna said.

"I think she can take care of herself. She may be nice and shy, but she's one tough cookie," Alex said, and we all laughed, admiring the traits Hazel held.

Then, all of a sudden, I got a massive headache as my ears started ringing and my eyes began to blur. "Hey, man, you okay?" Alex asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just gonna head outside for a bit," I grimaced.

"Sure, but be careful," Arianna said, putting her hand on my shoulder and patting it with reassurance.

"I will," I said, excusing myself. "And bring back Hazel if you find her!" Arianna screamed. I gave her a thumbs-up and turned my back away from the group.

The kitchen was a flurry of activity, with drinks being mixed and snacks being devoured. I grabbed a water on my way out and made it outside, seeking a moment of solitude.

I wandered down to the edge of the forest and sat on a familiar tree stump, my headache still pounding, and gazed up at the night sky. The full moon shone brightly, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The sight of it always brought a sense of calm and wonder, reminding me of the nights spent stargazing with my grandfather.

He used to say, "The moon has its spell, enchanting us with its glorious light." His words echoed in my mind, bringing a pang of nostalgia and longing. I missed him dearly. The headache subsided a bit. I finished my water bottle and started heading back to the house when I suddenly heard a strange noise coming from further into the woods.

I paused, thinking it might just be the wind. But then I heard it again. I stood my ground and listened intently. The noise grew louder and louder until I heard it. Screams. Bloodcurdling screams. A chill ran through my spine.

Then I heard the scream speak.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!!"

Wait, it almost sounded like... Hazel?

"Oh no," I whispered, fear gripping my heart. Without a second thought, I turned around and started running toward the woods, my mind racing with dread. The night, which had started with joy and celebration, now held an ominous promise of danger and chaos.

As I sprinted through the trees, my thoughts whirled. What's happening? Is Hazel in danger??? All I knew was I had to get to her. "Don't worry, Hazel, I'm coming!!" I screamed as I ran further down.

While running, my senses heightened, and every rustle and shadow seemed charged with malevolence. I hoped I wasn't too late. Please, don't let me be too late.