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“You will sleep there,” Candi states, pointing to a single bed by the window.
I place my suitcase near a large window overlooking the back of the house. Green covers the world for miles and large, oak trees sway in a soft breeze. The sun has just slid behind the horizon and darkness is vastly approaching. Stars blanket the sky and I am in awe of the beauty of this place. Regardless of the circumstances around my arrival, I can’t help but admit this place is utterly breathtaking.
Clearing her throat, Candi watches me as I admire the beauty of the landscape.
“Listen, I don’t really know anything about you, but you do need to know that this room is important,” she states. “There are rules you will need to follow,” she finishes, crossing her arms across her chest.
“Ok,” I say, watching as her eyes dance around the room. I am starting to not like this girl. Who does she think she is anyway? We are roommates, she shouldn’t act like I am impeding on her space.
There’s something tragic in the way she takes in every corner of the space; almost like she has a personal connection to every surface. .
“The girl who used to stay in this room–my old room mate– she was my friend,” Candi admits, her voice cracking.
A pang of sadness washes over me. Her face falls and I can feel the pain radiating off of her. My eyes dance to the empty bed and the lack of any personal belongings. On the other side of the room I spot a cotton candy pink bed spread, a mountain of fluffy pillows piled onto the bed, and fun, colorful posters and pictures on the dresser and walls.
“Did she move rooms?” I ask.
Shaking her head, Candi furrows her brow in worry. Her hands fidget at her sides and for the first time since meeting her, I see her walls crumble. “Not necessarily. She went missing two weeks ago. After the investigation concluded, Lilly’s parents came and retrieved all of her personal items.” She stops talking and shakes her head. I see her quickly wipe away a lone tear trailing down her soft cheek. “I apologize, this is very rude of me.”
I take a step toward her and then pause. “It’s ok. I’m sorry about your friend,” I add.
Candi offers a forced smile. “Everyone thinks she’s dead, but I still have hope that they will find her.”
“What happened?” I ask. I have no idea why Candi is sharing this information with me, but it almost feels like she needs to shed the weight of her loss and I am willing to listen.
As quickly as she began sharing, Candi stopped. “Nothing. I don’t really know. All you need to know is that if Lilly returns, you will be assigned a new room. This is still her room, so don’t get too comfortable,” she snaps.
I almost get whiplash from how quickly she turned on me. I open my mouth to say something, but think better of it.
“Breakfast is from seven to eight. Your class schedule is on the desk along with your laptop. Be sure to have your uniform looking immaculate when you arrive tomorrow. It’s hanging in the closet.” Candi goes to leave, but as she passes back through the doorway, she stops and turns back to me one last time. “Farrah, stay away from the thorn forest,” she states flatly.
She takes a step to leave, but I can’t have her go just yet.
“Wait, why are you telling me that?” I practically yell out.
I see her body stiffen as her back is still to me. “The thorn forest is a dark and mysterious woodland filled with strange plants, twisted trees that murmur secrets, and animals that prowl through the shadows. It’s not a place for you– a human with no magic,” she snarls and then disappears through the doorway.
As I stand there, staring at the empty space where Candi once stood, I feel like my head is spinning. What just happened?
Chapter 2
Chapter2
I awoke the next morning, unsure of where I was.
I tossed and turned most of the night, trying to find rest when my mind was moving a hundred miles an hour.
The sun shone through my window, bathing me in warm light. The smell of fresh bread and the sound of laughter wafted through the air. Climbing stairs to greet me. I stared out the window and for a brief lapse in time, a moment of clarity, I remembered back to a time when I was happy and loved. A young child who didn’t worry about magical powers or missing girls who once slept in my very bed.
I check the time on my phone and realize it’s nearly seven in the morning. Glancing over at Candi’s bed, I see that it is empty and neatly made.
My phone chimes with a text from my mom.
Mom: Good morning. I hope you slept well last night. Remember to have an open mind today. Good luck with your classes.
I wish I was as optimistic as my mom.
Me: Morning. I will let you know how things go today.
