Three
1206 Words
“A howl? Really? How much booze did you drink last night? Are you coming down with something? The questions were coming quicker than I could answer, Robyn’s hand was now reaching over the island to feel my forehead.
“Auch away…” I swatted her hand. “I wouldn’t have told you if it wasn’t for Their message” It was all I could think about.
“Don’t be frightened…Don’t be afraid of Fate…”
“Not fair, you know I’m obsessed with your bloody Whispers” Robyn chewed her toast as she spoke. “I still don’t think it was a howl” She pointed her toast at me “YOU read too many fantasy novels”.
“I told you, I was just tired” I rubbed my temples. “It could be a coincidence…” I trailed off, knowing not even I believed what I was saying. I do NOT believe in coincidences.
“Well I Googled it, and there’s not been any wolves in Scotland since the 1600s. 1800s at the latest. Is there a wildlife park around here? If it was a howl, it’s probably a captive wolf” She sipped her coffee. “Still don’t know how I feel about leaving you alone here though.”
“I’d rather take my chances with the wolf than have to sleep next to you for another night, thank you” I chuckled as Robyn faked a gasp, bringing her manicured hand to her chest. “I’ll be fine, I just need a good nights sleep and to get used to the new digs” I stretched my limbs out before taking the plates to the sink. The remnants of my mug still in there, I groaned. “I really did love that mug…”
“Oh get over it, we’ve got bigger fish to fry. Speaking of fish, let’s get to the shop and fill that fridge shall we?”
As we bustled around the top floor getting ready, my mind continued to wander. I had the strangest feeling in my gut. I didn’t feel scared or anxious. I felt excited, reassured. I was supposed to be here, it was my fate. The Whispers said so. After applying my skincare and brushing my teeth, I got dressed for the day. I settled for black leggings, a white t-shirt with my denim jacket and Crocs. A messy bun on my head and glasses on my face, I was ready.
“The perfect get up to get chased by a wolf in…” Robyn chortled. “Let’s go and fill this house with food!”
…
We had a trolley each, roaming up and down the aisles of the market. It wasn’t a supermarket, but it had all my favourite snacks and ingredients so I wasn’t concerned. Robyn was on snack duty while I was focusing on getting all the spices and ingredients to fill the cupboards. I didn’t want to have to come down here every day, I wanted to be prepared. We met at the butcher section.
As I perused the meat selection, the hairs on the back on my neck raised. Someone was watching me. I spun around looking for Robyn. She was off looking at the bagels in the bakery aisle none the wiser. I looked around carefully- the shop wasn’t busy but the people who were there were minding their own business. No one was watching me. But I felt it. Grabbing what I needed, I headed off towards Robyn.
“Is that us all sorted?” she asked without looking up. Nodding, I lead the way to the checkout and started loading the shopping onto the belt.
“Haven’t saw you here before” The woman behind the checkout looked at me over the top of her half-moon glasses. “You new around these parts, lass?” She was striking. An older woman, with long white hair that flowed in natural waves past her shoulders, and bangs that framed her angled face to perfection. And her eyes… her eyes were the most piercing blue that I had ever seen.
Robyn nudged me to answer, I was lost in the woman’s eyes. “Eh yes, sorry” I muttered. “I’m Autumn. I’ve just moved into the steading in the valley. This is Robyn, she’s helping me settle in before heading back to Glasgow.” Robyn gave a tight smile and raised in her hand in a half-wave.
“Oh aye, the city lass having all the work done. I’m Sadie, it’s grand to meet you hen. I live over the hill from ye” She continued to scan the shopping, seemingly oblivious to my stares. Her voice…
“It’s lovely to meet a neighbour.” I smiled, shaking myself out of my daze. I quickly got to bagging the shopping and Robyn helped.
“We look out for our own lass” Sadie was suddenly serious. “Treat the people and the place with respect and you’ll reap the same”.
Robyn’s scoff was almost inaudible, but I heard it. “Thanks Sadie” I gave her a genuine smile. “Feel free to pop round for a coffee anytime” Another scoff from Robyn, I kicked her foot and turned to pay for the shopping as she wheeled the trollies out to the car.
“I knew you were a wee old woman at heart” Robyn finally let loose. “Pop round for a coffee anytime” she mocked.
“Shut it” I laughed. “I felt connected to her, didn’t you feel it?” Her aura, her voice. She put me at ease.
“Can’t say that I did Autumn, can’t say that I did. As long as she looks after you when I’m gone and doesn’t turn into a crazy psycho murderer…” I could always rely on Robyn to snap me back to reality. Fantasy was my thing but true crime documentaries were hers. I laughed again, clicking the car open and loading the bags into the boot. As we wheeled the trollies back to the shop, I peered back through the window at Sadie. The hairs all over my body raised, the same feeling from before. Goosebumps prickled my skin making me shiver. She was talking to a man, engrossed in a seemingly deep and important conversation. He had his back to me, all I could see was a hunting jacket and a fisherman beanie hat. No hair peaking out, no discernible features. Just a presence that made me weak at the knees.
“Well he is the biggest man I think I’ve ever seen! They sure know how to grow them up here” Robyn appeared over my shoulder. “Autumn you’re shaking, are you cold?”
“No doll, I’m OK.” I lied. “Let’s just go.” We linked arms and headed back to the car. I stole a glance back at the shop where he once stood. Both he and Sadie were gone. “I need a nap…”
- Writer
