The crowded hallway was already buzzing of weekend plans, even though it was only Tuesday. I had plans. I was scheduled to work.
I shoved my books into my locker and slammed it shut.
“Where’d you park?” I asked Sam as she did the same; her locker just a few down from mine.
“I got a spot in the front today,” she said in a teasing tone.
“Oh? Well, I’m in the back today, so I guess I’ll see ya tomorrow?”
I was a tad jealous because she’d be home by the time I left the back parking lot, but that’s my fault for getting to school at the last minute.
“Yeah. See ya,” she called from behind me and we headed in separate directions.
. . .
We lived close to my school in a quaint three bedroom, two-story, Cape Cod home, the cutest house on the block. It had a lot of character with navy blue shutters, a large front porch and white picket fence covered in fuchsia-colored climbing roses.
I parked at my usual spot on the street and walked up the cobble stone path to the front door. Luke and Dad were already home, hanging out in the kitchen catching up after Dad’s weeklong business trip.
“Welcome home, Dad,” I said giving him a big hug.
My dad, a very handsome man in his early fifties, was tall and trim and slightly balding with salt and pepper hair. At the moment, he was still wearing his ‘monkey suit’, as he liked to call it and appeared tired.
“Thanks. Good to be home, Jules,” he said affectionately while he flipped through a huge stack of mail.
“You guys still going to Mexican food for dinner?” I asked, slumping down at the kitchen table already knowing the answer.
“We were talking about it,” Dad said.
“Oh, I wish I wasn’t working.”
“Just call in sick,” Luke said as he leaned against the counter, his mouth full of food.
He wore his favorite torn jeans and faded black tee-shirt, eating a bowl of cereal. Every time he leaned over to take a bite, his black hair fell into his eyes and he had to brush it aside.
Luke was four years older than me and still lived at home. He was taking a few courses at the local junior college unsure of what he wanted to do ‘when he grew up’ and currently unemployed. So, for him to give me ‘work’ advice was a bit ludicrous.
“I can’t do that,” I said annoyed he’d even suggested it. “They are depending on me to be there tonight.”
“There’s a simple solution to this,” Dad said, looking at me with kind but weathered eyes. He could give me his full attention now that he’d pulled out all the bills and tossed the rest.
“Dad, we’ve talked about this before.”
“It’s just that you’re only young once in your life and you’ll have plenty of time in your life to work,” he said matter-of-factly. “Actually, there’s only one person in this room that should be working but isn’t, but I’m not pressing the matter since he’s still in school.”
My dad’s eyes stayed glued to me, but Luke instantly got interested in rinsing out his bowl, humming to himself. I chuckled. It seemed comical for a second, until I took to heart what my dad said.
“I know,” I mumbled, biting my lip. “Maybe I should quit.”
My dad walked over and hugged me again. His disappointment mixed with mine and I found it difficult to stick to my decision, until another idea came to mind.
“Maybe I can get off early.”
“I’d like that,” he said as he let go of me and took his bags upstairs.
If I left early, at least I wouldn’t miss the whole evening and work wouldn’t be upset with me. I sat for a few minutes mulling it over while Luke changed the conversation to the most recent car he was dismantling. But I tuned him out as soon as he mentioned distributor caps.
Aladdin, our cat, rubbed up against my leg, begging for some attention. We called her Aladdin, even though it was a boy’s name, because one day, she magically showed up and put a spell on us.
I reached down to scratch her ears, but then felt the weight of my procrastination. I couldn’t prolong getting ready for work any longer.
“I need to go,” I finally said. “Tell Jo I’m sorry, okay?”
I headed upstairs to my room situated in the back of the house and peeled off my school clothes. The sofa burgeoned with my entire wardrobe, making it difficult to find my work polo shirt and khakis.
My Dad was kind enough to give me the master bedroom a few years back. He thought I’d appreciate having my own bathroom, being the only girl in the house. But the best part of this sanctuary wasn’t the view of our redwood nested patio and creek out the large windows. My favorite part was the fact the distance separated me from the rest of the family and allowed me freedom from their emotions – huge bonus.
I touched up my make-up, started some laundry before saying my goodbyes and ran out the door. I really hoped my idea would work and the deli wouldn’t be crowded tonight.
As I started my car and drove down my street, I fought a foreboding feeling I was making a mistake. Unsure, I glanced back at my house through my rearview mirror wondering if I should turn around. But, my sense of responsibility took over and I kept driving unaware my decision to go to work tonight would forever change the course of my destiny.
. . .
2 – FALLING
I rushed into the deli, glanced at the clock and breathed a sigh of relief – right on time.
My shift should’ve started without a hitch except I was starving and the aroma of baking bread hit my stomach like a jack-hammer. I would’ve been snagging a piece if it weren’t for Kelly’s impatient glare behind a long line of customers. So reluctantly, I deposited my things in the back and tied an apron on instead. My hunger would have to wait until my break.
The deli’s interior resembled an old fashioned café, very homey in its decor. An old wooden fence stood, separating the line where customers ordered from where the tables sat. Lanterns, wooden wagon wheels and camping paraphernalia littered the walls along with a pot bellied stove in the corner.
I took over the cash register and Kelly left without saying a word. I shrugged it off and greeted my first customer. The quicker I got rid of the line, the sooner I could get out of there. But hope of leaving early turned into disappointment as more and more people came into the deli and I couldn’t help them fast enough. I did my best to keep a good attitude, but felt it slipping as I saw my window of opportunity close.
After three grueling hours of serving what seemed like thousands of hungry, demanding customers, the deli was suddenly empty. I was shocked when the manager asked if anyone wanted to go home early and I jumped at the chance.
“Thanks,” I called out as I exited the store.
Once outside, I ripped off my apron and ran over to my car, threw it onto the back seat and checked the clock on the dash – 7:46. Knowing my family, I suspected they’d eaten already and were home by now. I wondered if I should let them know I was on my way, but decided to surprise them instead.
I flew down the road and imagined their faces, especially Jo’s, when I walked in the door. They couldn’t continue the ongoing card game Nertz without me and I felt tonight that I would be taking the crown from Luke. I smiled and pressed the gas pedal harder.
My car hugged the winding road that flanked the forest surrounding my housing development. I had to drive the long way around, the back entrance still buried by a quarter mile of rock deposited by a mudslide years ago.
It didn’t matter —there was only a mile to go and I’d be home in five minutes, but I felt my car jerk. I eased up on the gas, but it jerked again, this time losing power. I panicked and imagined my car dying in the middle of the road so I pulled the car onto the shoulder. To my dismay, the engine sputtered and quit.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered.
I tried the starter again. The engine revved to life, sputtered and died. Dread spread throughout my body as I turned the key again, listening to it moan over a
nd over without catching. I gave up and rested my head on the steering wheel. There was no use in trying anymore – I was pretty sure I’d run out of gas, again.
Sometime ago, my car decided to permanently display it had a ¼ tank of gas. To keep track of the mileage, I pressed the odometer counter each time I filled up the tank, so I would know when to refill. But the last time I got gas, a really cute guy in a BMW distracted me and I forgot to press the button. After I realized my mistake, I decided to keep track mentally. I should’ve known the flaw in my plan, since math and I didn’t get along.
Luke kept making excuses when I asked him to fix the stupid thing. And for me to spend my hard earned money on someone else's car when I was trying to save money for my own was counterproductive. Shame on me.
I dug in my purse and found my cell phone.
Dad is going to kill me.
This wasn’t the first time I’d run out of gas and I’d promised it would never happen again. This would be the third time I’d broken that promise.
The phone was off.
Oh no…
I pressed the “on” switch and it flashed “low battery”.
My battery is dead too?
I dialed my home number.
Please have enough power for just one phone call.
Before it started ringing, the phone died.
“No way,” I muttered under my breath.
I flipped the phone shut and tossed it onto the passenger seat. Through the front windshield I watched the headlights of approaching cars and suddenly felt vulnerable. Between each passing car, the road became dark – scary dark.
I had two choices. Either take the main road home or the short cut through the woods.
The woods? Was I that desperate?
I shivered. I loved hiking through the woods during the day, but at night the trees took on a life of their own and creeped me out.
Then I imagined the alternative. The road, dark and curvy, led to Ernie’s Pizza where I could call my dad. But then I feared some weirdo pulling over offering me a ride so he could kidnap me. I shivered again.
Slumping back into my seat, I sighed and made a mental note: after I survived this, I was going to buy a cell phone charger for my car.
Waiting in my car was definitely out, so I let fate decide. Heads I walk on the road and tails – the woods. As the coin spun in the air, I held my breath and waited with my palm open to catch it. But like a sick joke, the coin bounced out of my outstretched hand and fell onto the dark floor.
Terrified, I decided it would be safer to cut through the woods. I didn’t have much with me besides my coat and purse. I pilfered through my purse, removed the necessary items – my wallet, keys and cell phone and tucked them into my coat pockets. I didn’t want to be hampered by carrying anything extra, so I locked the empty purse in the trunk.
I looked both ways, took a deep breath and crossed the road towards the tree line praying I’d make it home safe and sound.
As soon as I entered the path beneath the huge redwoods, I could no longer hear the traffic up on the road. My heart beat a little irregularly as my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit trail before me.
Silvery patches of moonlight filtered through the vast expanse of branches overhead and splashed light onto the trail. It was actually a nice evening for a stroll. The cool air smelled of dew as the tree leaves rustled in the evening breeze.
Darkness enveloped me as I forged deeper into the woods. I tried to keep my thoughts light and happy as my heart pumped a little faster. The setting could have been a scene right out of a horror movie, a genre which I faithfully avoided. I knew one day I’d be in a similar harmless scenario that would only terrify me by fueling my over-active imagination.
On the other hand, walking with someone, like a cute boy, would make this whole scary ordeal into a romantic one. I shifted my focus to imagine myself walking hand in hand instead. Maybe he’d stop, look into my eyes and I’d get my first kiss.
The rustle of a fern next to me broke my happy thoughts. I froze, stopping in the middle of the trail. With wide-eyes, I searched for the source. I held my breath, straining to listen for what seemed like an eternity, as the noise of pounding blood filled my ears. I was ready to run if something jumped out at me.
Nothing happened, so I took a little step sideways. Still nothing, so I tried another step. Something launched itself out of the bush towards me. I shrieked and shielded my eyes as it flew by my face.
My legs folded underneath me and I balled my arms around my head. The last thing I wanted was a bat or some flying insect to nest in my hair. The air couldn’t come into my lungs fast enough as I tried calming myself down, suspecting every second I remained in this panicked state, precious years were coming off the end of my life. I listened and heard nothing further.
Mentally, I encouraged my legs to straighten, but they were still frozen and starting to shake. My effort to soothe myself wasn’t working. I took few more deep breaths.
You’re just being paranoid. You’re alone and you know it. Nothing in this forest can harm you. Just get home.
My thoughts comforted me; my heart beats subsided to a normal rhythm in response. I opened my eyes to focus on my surroundings. The cricket’s soft chirping encouraged me to stand up and keep going. The walk home was really no big deal. I knew this path by heart. Ahead was the suspended foot bridge that spanned the creek and I’d be home.
Courage replaced fear as I stood up, dusted myself off and spotted the bridge’s lantern through the trees gently swaying in the breeze. It softly beckoned to me, welcoming me in the darkness.
Over time, the creek’s erosion created a large ravine that wrapped around the great redwoods of the forest. The cliff sides were covered with ferns, ivy and moss, making perfect homes for little birds and other animals – the same animals that were scaring the living daylights out of me.
“If you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you,” I whispered.
I gently stepped onto the time-weathered bridge, causing it to shutter and creak. The last thing I needed was my presence alerted. I tried my hardest to keep my shoes quiet as I walked across but it still moaned in protest.
Between the wood slats, I could see the moon brightly reflecting off the water’s edge, rippling brilliantly in the current. The gentle flow of the stream echoed in the caverns, softening the noises I made. But when the wind picked up and ruffled the ferns, it swayed the massive bridge.
My heart began to beat faster as the bridge loudly groaned under the wind’s strain. Fear took over as I bolted the rest of the way across, panting for air on the other side. An animal, startled by my sudden wild movements, scurried into the brush. I jumped.
It’s just another animal, Julia – don’t freak out!
I took a deep breath and held it, listening. Whatever it was seemed to be gone now. Annoyed with my constant overreaction to every noise, I turned to face the last part of the trail, determined to stop wasting time.
On this side of the bridge, the redwood trees grew thicker making the trail harder to see in the moonlight. My eyes adjusted as I looked down the cold and uninviting path.
I mustered up my courage and began to move forward focused on my destination, ignoring the menacing shadows and spooky dark caverns.
Something brushed my face.
“AHHH!” I yelled, as a spider’s web clung to my cheek.
Hyperventilating, I swatted at the sticky, gossamer wisps imagining a large, hairy spider crawling on me. But as if the forest responded to my scream, suddenly everything became quiet – eerie quiet. I stopped, afraid to make any noise whatsoever and waited. Then an invisible wave of blood-lust washed through me. I froze. I was no longer alone.
I held my breath and fought the panic, looking around for where the feelings came from. I didn’t hear or see anything, but I knew they came from someone dangerous and close. My neck prickled as I sensed him staring at me with a lecherous appetite, calculating his next move, like a hunter watching its p
rey.
My heart raced harder. I needed to make a run for it, but my legs wouldn’t obey. The crack of a branch sent me sprinting down the trail, but the predator followed. Terrified, I ran with all my strength as I felt the lustful desire grow into mocking pleasure as he closed in on me.
I might have escaped, if it weren’t for a protruding tree root that foiled my plans, tripping me. Amazed, I landed on the soft dirt with a thud. But the momentum propelled my body forward and I tumbled over the ledge. Feverishly, I grasped for something, anything, to keep me from plummeting off the mountainside. I felt a branch and grabbed it forcefully, holding on for dear life and suddenly found myself, hanging from the cliff.
Worried the branch would break, I searched for a ridge to climb onto, my shoes slipping off the sheer rocks. Looking up, I expected to see my attacker gawking at me, but found no one. I searched with my senses to probe for their presence. They were still there – the pleasure now a furious anger. I hoped it was because my location kept me from their grasp.
My eyes were drawn to look into the shadowy blackness below me when I heard the sound of shattering plastic. My heart dropped when I realized my cell phone must have slipped out of my pocket. I couldn’t decide what was worse, crashing down on the rocks that destroyed my phone, or getting attacked by the dangerous person above. Either way, without help, I was a goner.
“Help!” I screamed into the night air.
The sound of my voice echoed through the caverns followed by silence. I closed my eyes and reached out, feeling for a kind soul to help and realized I was alone again.
Where did he go?
“Help!” I screamed again.
I waited in desperation and prayed someone heard my cries – someone strong enough to pull me off the mountain side before the psycho came back.
Please dear God.
Would this be it? Would I only live to sixteen? My arms trembled, growing weaker with each passing second, along with my determination. Was I going to die here? I thought of my mother and wondered how my father would survive if he lost me too. I kicked myself for not fixing my gas gauge.
Talisman 1 - The Emerald Talisman Page 2
