The Girl In Red

The First Time

Going through those doors was like a weight off my shoulders! Sasha was right! It was already so worth it! I took a deep breath. The cold air stung the back of my throat but I loved it. I could feel Sasha almost dancing with joy.

'The forest!' She sang in my head. Theforest? I questioned her but she didn't reply, just purr. The forest isn't far from here, but I do know there are a ton of hunters in the area. It's not a season for any type of hunting, is it? I wondered to myself, half expecting a reply, but Sasha didn't. I could almost feel her nudge me as if beckoning me to go.

"OK, OK..." I whispered to myself, "I'm going." My feet moved without a second thought. A smile growing on my face. The smell of the morning dew still barely clinging to the grass blades hit my nose.

Hearing the crunch of dirt under my boots. The air stinging my cheeks. It all felt amazing for the first time. I never enjoyed the wet nor cold, but somehow I'm enjoying it to no end right now. I've felt warm since I came to school.

'Run!' Sasha cried with excitement. I finally paid attention to where I was and I could see the tree line. The pine trees' fragrance was brilliant as it entered into my lungs, filling my senses. I dashed towards the woods, jumping across the street without looking. A car honked at me but I kept going. I didn't care about anything other than getting to the forest. It was the only thing I could think of.

'Almost there!' Sasha was vibrating with excitement as I neared the forest edge. I made a jump over some ferns and into the forest I went. The smell of soil and bark hit me like a warm embrace.

How have I never smelt this before? I've been to the woods a few times but never have I smelt it! It's beautiful! I felt electrified. I dodge the trees easily. My lungs were burning and my body ached by the time I stopped. Panting, my ribs cried in pain. I almost fell to my knees. How have I not noticed the

pain until now?

'It's because of me.' Sasha smiled. I felt something warm in me growing. Something was being pulled tight deep in myself, like a rubber band being stretched to its limit. The tension built up in me. My

insides are burning. I felt like I was on fire from the inside. The burning grew quickly and was soon unbearable.

'I'd strip if I were you...and I am you. So strip!' I didn't question her, I couldn't. My chest was on fire. I needed to cool down. It's too hot! I ripped off my sweater and felt the urgency deepen. I didn't need Sasha pushing me to move faster. I didn't even pause to put my clothes in my bag. All I knew was I needed these clothes off my skin and now! But, I can't ruin them. I don't have many clothes.

'Just toss them!' I heard her growl. Yes. I thought as I removed my last sock. I could feel her breath.

My body felt like it was set ablaze. My bones felt like glass being shattered. There was so much pain yet I refused to cry out in pain. I clenched my teeth, holding it in as my bones moved inside me. I could feel every snap of my bones as they broke, shifted then reattached themselves. The fiery pain started to

subside as my hands hit the forest floor. My spine arched as fire ran down my spine and quickly disappeared, leaving a cool sensation. I rolled my shoulders as they cracked and settled into place.

I shook my head as the fire had abided. It was over. My body ached and my head was pounding. I knew to wait a minute and it would leave me. It was almost instinct that was guiding me now. It felt natural. I blinked the tears from my eyes and looked around. Everything seemed to have shrunk a bit. Or was it just my imagination? I could hear the leaves rustling in the breeze, birds' wings flapping, and the pitter patter of small creatures. Glancing around myself like I'd never seen the world around me before. Colors were so vibrant, there were even ones I had never seen before. My vision was clear and sharp. I could see cracks in the bark like fingerprints. Small movement from a worm that had gotten too close to the surface wiggled a leaf and caught my attention.

I could feel and see everything! This was amazing! The urge to run overcame me as I felt a smile on my lips. I kicked off with my back legs and ran faster than I'd ever run before. The earth beneath me was moving so fast I felt like I was flying above it. The oddest yet most amazing feeling all over my body was the breeze against my body. Like when you stick your head out the window of a moving car, but, all over your body. I never wanted this feeling to end!