When We Fall - Abyss

.BEWARE THE DARK.

"Luke?" Zoey called into the dark, she wasn't completely sure if she wanted a response. She had been staring into the darkness for much too long, and she could feel goosebumps erupting on her skin. The once familiar woods had grown suspiciously eerie and the night seemed to go on for what felt to be an eternity. She remembered a manga she had read several weeks before, something referring to a tall faceless man that hid in the woods. Apparently, the longer you stared, the more likely it was that he would appear. But, legend has it, that once you see him, he does not rest till he has caught you.

Zoey Hampton was near giving up the search for her date. She was a determined child; never giving up was Zoey's motto. Perhaps that was why she often obtained what she set her mind to, including a date with quarterback, Luke Johnson. Her best friend. He was a jock, popular, into rap and pop, not awkward. She was a nerdy dork that found pleasure in getting good grades, watching anime and listening to hard rock. Polar opposites. It was a match made anywhere, excluding heaven... They were almost officially a couple, in fact, Zoey was sure he would officially ask her out before the date came to it's end.

But, she was not foolish. She knew to trust her instincts, and at the moment, they urged her to go home. Although she wanted to find the one man that she allowed herself to fall for, she knew better. Life was too precious to lose.

Just as she began to turn, her peripherals caught something. Something large. Something much taller than her. She reluctantly turned back and focused on what it was. Shivers ran down her spine as the tall being approached her. In a split second, the creature pounced onto her, pinning her down under it's weight; twigs beneath her dug into her skin, causing pain to her backside. One high pitched, soul crushing, sky shattering scream ripped out of her throat and sliced through the silence of the forest. In efforts to escape it's grasp, she kicked and punched.

"Ouch! Hold on!" A deep voice groaned. "Dammit Zoey! It was just a joke!" Zoey opened her eyes at the sound of the familiar voice. It belonged to Luke.

"Ass! You scared me shitless!" After giving him a good punch, she sighed and held him tightly in her arms. Embracing the man that she was beginning to fall for was more than enough comfort. He smelled nice, she thought as she dug her nose into his broad shoulders. Perhaps, before the end of the night, he could be more than a friend...

Luke hovered over her, trying not to lay all of his weight onto her chest. She pulled away, and looked up into his eyes. His beautiful green eyes. She couldn't help but think he was way out of her league. She looked away, shame had overcome her. There were prettier, preppier, skinnier cheerleaders constantly throwing themselves at him. Contrary to her hoodie wearing self. What did she really have to offer...?

"You embarrassed?" Luke teased. He closed the distance between their lips, and gave her a quick peck. That would be what would be claimed as her first kiss. "Don't be." Zoey's face had turned bright red. Perhaps if it weren't so dark, it'd be more obvious. But, what little moonlight shined on her beautiful face let let Luke know.

"Idiot," Zoey mumbled.

"Um... Zoey, I've been meaning to..." They were interrupted by what seemed to be a low growl. Zoey shot up as she throwing Luke off of her. She turned to face where she had come from, her house.

They lived in a rural area with wealthy families, primarily white families. Zoey's parents were both wealthy surgeons, as if to make up for not spending enough time with their daughter. They often tried to pamper her. The moment Zoey asked for a dog, they ran to get it for her. They purchased the largest house in the block, it was directly adjacent to the forest. Her house was several meters away, a five minute walk would get you into their open backyard.

As they eyed the house, they noticed the four legged animal approaching them. A full grown rottweiler that loved Zoey to the moon and back. Max was a nice, yet, jealous dog. Occasionally cute. Occasionally horrifying.

"Help..?" It was more of a plea than a statement. Luke hid behind Zoey, perhaps he hoped that'd be enough to save him. Shockingly, Max paid Luke no mind. The dog's hostility was aimed deep into the dark forest. For several moments, the three of them simply stared into the dark. Silence. Unusual silence...

"Max is going crazy..?" Zoey giggled. Suddenly, there was a sharp crack. The sound of twig breaking under someone's weight. This set Max off, the dog jet into the forest unexpectedly fast.

"Max!?" She called. Moments later, she disappeared into the forest as well.

"Zoey, wait!" Luke followed closely behind. No one ever found them.