Hybrid Princess

The uproar of leaves in the wind and the scent of the freshly fallen rain on the pavement, whirl about as I walk along the sidewalk. So calm and beautiful in the night air, slightly chilled even with the beginning of summer nearing, and loud unlike any other night I have ever experienced. It was almost like nature was getting its last word in before the hellish heat that was to come set in and made everything burst into flames in its wake. It was stunning and ever so embracing. The feeling safety that wrapped itself around here at night was a nearly regulation in this small little worn out town. But tonight…it feels very different, the air smells differently, the overall sensation of safety and peace still the fills the air, but there is this out of place underlying scent of despair, and anger that keeps sending electricity shooting in to every nerve ending within my body. Even though my conscious mind keeps telling me I am overreacting to it, my unconscious mind pushes on. My pace quickens with every step driving me towards my destination leaving me feeling slightly out of breath and uncomfortably puzzled. Once again, a heavy rain began to drone down to a point of where only the dimness of lights could be seen on pouches. Nothing could be seen from the road, open windows leaked small amount of light fracturing into the mist illuminating small portions. Cats peeking out from under the curtains watching the rain pout down. Once the feeling dissipated away I made myself slow to a slower and more enjoyable pace, the sky was unusually clear for the amount of rain. It was a peaceful rain coming to wash away the stresses of the school year, purifying everything with its touch. The droplets falling on the roof tops were like the sweetest of music’s. The crinkling of the leaves underfoot sounded like drums in the distance growing in pace and rhythm. I began to chuckle and spin around. I love the rain, the clean feeling it gives. The rain lightens up a bit, enough for me to see a few shapes and shadows in the distance. Continuing along, something makes a sound from close behind me. It catches me off guard because it almost sounded familiar yet unlike anything I could have heard before. I slowly look around thinking it might have been one of my friends heading to the party, and the sounds I heard were my mind playing tricks. Turning around deep within the fog I see a figure of what appears to have been a man sulking back in the shadows, but it was hard to tell he stood half hidden by a tree and slid back as I step closer. My first thought was to bring myself closer to the figure. He felt familiar in an unknown way. Instead of the desire to run my body floated closer to the figure. I wish that my first instinct was to run. My mind screaming to my limbs to turn back around and keep walking away, but I wanted to talk to him…who was he? Why was he standing in the shadow? Running really should have been my first instinct. I guess that I just don’t have that fight or flight response thing down yet…. “Hey there. Hello, are you lost?” I received no answer, the figure stepped back, so I began to walk closer. But the closer I get the more that feeling of familiarity fades away and a feeling of anger and hatred starts to replace it. “I won’t hurt you. What’s your name?” The figure took a step back and proceeded to speak. “Hurt me? Who would hurt someone they have never met?” His voice was drawing. And amused. “Dear anyone would think you are strange to have such an idea. But you must be strange to be walking in this heavy rain at such a time. Why are you out here all alone?” The amusement in his is voice filled the air between us. He seemed to be quite interested. “Oh…Me? I am just making my way to a party at my friends’ place. It is his way of ending the year with a bang. They are expecting me shortly, but you are more than welcome to tag along, while I walk. I’d enjoy the company.” I lifted my hand waving him to step forward. He just smirked and pondered the thought. A high school parties. He smiled. But never moved from his spot. “No thank you, I don’t think that being a party crasher is on my agenda for this evening. Plus it is incredibly awkward to show up to a party uninvited. Especially if I don’t know anyone there.” He snickered. “Well…I’m Tori. Does that make it better?” I giggled. He smiled and shook his head. There was something about him that was oddly calming, it was like I knew him. The way the sound of his voice sent shivers through me, even the faint scent of sandalwood felt familiar. A small part of me ached and wanted to join him in the deep shadows. It was a part of me that had felt anything for a very long time. “What are you doing out here in this rain anyway?” I asked. “I am new here so I thought it would be a good idea to walk around and familiarize myself with the area. Plus I don’t mind the rain. Its calming” He smiled, and his teeth glinted. A flash of fear pinged through my chest. “Tori, really is a lovely name.” I smiled and nodded in agreeance. “And it is not like I haven’t enjoyed our small chat, but dear, you should go. Your friends will be worried. It really it is not safe out here for a young lady like yourself.” He grew more uncomfortable the closer I got to him. I wanted to reach out and smooth the worry lines off his face. His features were hidden from me but I could tell he was frowning and scrunching his forehead. And he was to handsome to have such a look on his face. “You must truly be new here, if you think that is true.” I chuckled to myself, I think I must have caught him off guard because he turned around. “What makes you say that?” His voice was void of emotion. “Because this place is one of the safest places to live. Aside from the occasional animal attack, I have lived here my entire life and I cannot recall anything bad actually happening here.” It was true our town is very small, near deep woods. There is one road that runs through town. I smiled and slid my hands into my back pockets. “Well, even if that is so, you should get inside before you catch cold.” And before I could get anything against the matter out, he had disappeared. He was gone, along with some sense of safety. Some part of me recognized him. But it was hard to place. I turned around and went to the party. With that little exchange I will be late if I don’t hurry. That was strange; his voice was exceptionally soft and sweet. His mannerisms are very old-fashioned, but I hope he likes it here. He seemed young maybe I have passed him in the hallway at school, he said he was new, but he would have enrolled in the last few days of class... I have been a little out of it these last few days, maybe he is in one of my classes.