Forever Yours

Chapter Four

Locking the diners door behind her, Makaria lifted her book bag up and over her jacket shoulder before she started walking towards home. Denise watched her go, standing outside her small SUV. Shaking her head, she could only sigh before she climbed in and started her car. Pulling out of the parking lot, she slowed down as she rolled down the passenger window.

"You sure you don't want a ride?"

Makaria walked over to the red SUV, leaning against the driver side door. "Yeah, I'm sure," she replied. "I don't live too far away, just around the block actually. I'll be home before you know it. But thanks, anyways."

Denise nodded her head. "Alright then. See you later!"

"Bye."

Makaria watched as Denise drove away, waiting until she couldn't see the little car's taillights anymore. Pulling her cell phone out of her uniform's pocket, she realized that it would be close to midnight before she got home. "Maybe I should have taken that ride, heh... Oh well..." Pocketing the small cellular device, she lifted her bag once more before lifting the hood of her jacket over her head and headed off into the direction that would take her home.

The night was chilly, the wind having a slight bite to it. It was also quiet, the only sounds being the footfalls of her feet as she walked the deserted sidewalk. No one passed her, no person or car. She was alone, walking in the night air. Streetlights illuminated the snow that had fallen in the last few days as well as the concrete where she walked, their light casting her shadow in front of her. Turning the corner, she stopped and looked around. The streets were still empty, bare of all life while streetlights turned everything to shadows. Just before she started to walk again, she heard something in the wind.

"Makaría.... Aftoi erchontai... Trèximo ..."

Turning her body, Makaria looked for the voice. She could see no one. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

"Trèximo....trèximo...."

"Hello, is someone there?" she called out into the darkness. No answer except the wind. Turning in a circle, Makaria was beginning to feel scared. She couldn't find the source of the voice, the night felt as if it were getting darker, and all she wanted to do was get home. Turning one last time, she shook her head. "You're losing it, Makaria," she whispered to herself as she begin walking once more.

"Aftoi erchontai!" A whoosh sounded in front of her, before a woman, her skin transparent and grey floated in front of her. She screamed her warning, the sound coming from all around them.

Makaraia screamed, her feet falling backwards as she tried to get away from the floating woman in front of her. Tripping over her own feet, she fell backwards.

Strong arms caught her, holding her so she wouldn't fall to the ground below. Lifting her up, Makaria realized that the woman was gone and someone else was now with her. Straightening her clothes, she turned around. "Thank you," she said as she looked up to see who her rescuer was. She found herself staring into deep blueberry eyes.

Taking a step back, Makaria fidgeted with a strand of her hair that had fallen out of her long ponytail. "Ian..."

"What.. what are you doing out here so late at night? And why were you screaming?" he demanded to know, his voice hard. Ian stared down at her, his frame overpowering. Straightening his letterman jacket, he waited for her to answer. When she didn't, he arched a dark eyebrow. "Well?"

Makaria blinked, shaking her head again. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean-..."

"Just answer the questions, Makaria."