The Red Queen

Reine’s POV “Come on rose, it’s literally a two-day trek.” I whined in the phone. She sighed. “Rei, I know, but I really cannot make it, I have papers to submit in advance so I can attend my stupid cousin’s wedding. If I wasn’t in so hurry, I would have come, have I ever said no to your treks when you visit Marissa?!” I huffed, pouting. “I hate you so much.” “I know you do. Anyway, I have to do some research, see you soon.” She spoke. “Fine.” I sighed. “Bye. Love ya.” “Love you too.” Cutting the call, I tossed my phone on the bed and threw myself back. Staring at the ceiling, I sighed dramatically. I was planning to go on a trek in next week, the seneca creek state park near Maryland. I was in the USA for two weeks, came to see my aunt. I had always been an outdoor fan, I loved going on hikes, walks through the woods, explore new places, go urban exploring, abandoned places and stuff like that. You can say that I am a sucker for all things supernatural and paranormal. It looked like I will have to go alone this time. Rosaline, or rose was my aunt’s neighbour. She always accompanies to me to everything when I come here but this time, she was busy. I shrugged. I will go alone; I have done it before multiple times. “I better get packing.” I mumbled to myself and got up from the position I was in. Packing was probably the most boring part of any kind of trip. Groaning to myself, I went to the small closet in my room. My aunt was out, having her usual kitty parties. Lazily, I dragged out my hiking backpack to the middle of the room. I had all my essentials in it already, like my sleeping bag, water bottles, some rope if it is ever needed. My little stove, hiking boots, napkins, etc, etc. I carried only the essentials when I hiked so one bag was enough for me to fit everything I needed. I packed my clothes for two days. I would leave early in the morning tomorrow. It was evening already, so it was better if I had my dinner and woke up early tomorrow. I was to drive two hours so I needed to be up early. I called my aunt, she was going to be late, so I told her I would sleep early. As planned, I had my diner early and went back to the room. As I was getting ready for bed, I got a call from Austin. A wide grin appeared on my face. “Hey baby.” I cooed, smiling. “Did I disturb your sleep sweetheart?” Austin asked softly. “Nah. I was just going to bed.” I spoke. “Oh. I called to check up on you. You leave with rose tomorrow, right?” he asked. I sighed. “Rose is not coming with me.” I answered. “Why? I thought you guys were going together.” “That was the initial plan, but she is busy so this time I will be going alone.” I shrugged. “Baby.” Austin sighed. “I don’t like you going alone in such places.” “I know.” I said. “I will be fine though. I have done this multiple times Aus, it is not a big deal.” “I am just worried rei, that’s all.” He said. I smiled. “I know.” “Anyway, how’s your stay so far? I miss you, come back early please.” He whined through the phone. I rolled my eyes. “five more days baby. Then we will meet again.” He huffed. “that’s too long.” I laughed. “Suck it up baby boy, now let me sleep, I am tired and have to get up early.” “Alright, you call me when you get there.” “I will. Goodnight baby.” “Good night darling.” He mumbled and cut the call. Austin was my boyfriend back in Auckland. We have been dating for eight months now, we were still in the dating age. My feelings for austin weren’t strong enough to say I love him. He was a nice, laidback guy. But with him I felt like I lacked the spice, there was no mystery, no curiosity, no excitement of what will come next. Maybe too much paranormal s**t made me set my bar high but I simply couldn’t lower my expectations. Sighing for the hundredth time in last two hours, I turned around, closing my eyes. Sleep soon consumed me, along with the excitement of tomorrow’s hike. The morning came super-fast. I woke up at five as I do on hikes and got ready. By six, I was ready to hit the road. Aunt was up too, running after me to remind me of everything like a daunting mother. Well, in a sense she was my mother. “Are you sure you have everything you need?” she fussed. “Check again. You might have forgotten something. Is your phone charged? Have you taken extra clothes?” I halted and turned to look at her. Gripping her shoulders and bent to her level. “Dear aunty Marissa, calm down. I have everything, I have not forgotten anything.” I spoke. “Are you sure?” she raised a brow. I chuckled. “I am hundred percent sure.” She sighed. “Okay.” “Alright then, I will leave now, you take care, I will call you when I get there okay?” She nodded. I picked up the heavy backpack and adjusted it on my shoulders. I was taking my aunt’s car. Dumping the backpack in the backseat of the car, I got into the driver’s side. “Drive safely and please call me from time to time. You already know I don’t like you spending a night in that forest.” She frowned. “I will be fine. The forest is watched over by the rangers and is a pretty popular camping spot, as I have told you a handful times before.” I spoke. Her frown deepened. “Just….be safe.” She kissed me on the cheek, concern flashing in her eyes. “I will be fine, okay? don’t worry yourself too much.” “I will try.” She answered. I nodded. “Can I leave now?” She nodded and stepped back. I reversed from the driveway and sped out. My GPS was turned on, giving me the directions. The drive was peaceful and it felt like I reached quickly. I was planning to stay overnight in then seemingly haunted forest, but it was also a good camping spot, I didn’t really care about the haunting part.