The Forest (Pt 1)

"Happy Halloween!" Derek jumped from the second to last step on the school stairs and threw his arms up, making a dramatic pose.1

"Can you wait to scream till we're actually out of the school?" I asked, ducking my head as several people looked out way.2

"You aren't embarrassed by me are you Angie?" Derek asked in mock concern. I just shook my head and made a beeline for the exit.3

The smell of crushed autumn leaves filled my nose as I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes and raising my head, letting the warm sunlight chase the chill breeze away.4

My moment of content was interrupted as Derek appeared beside me, seemingly out of thin air. "So are we going prowling tonight?"5

I grinned and looked up at him. He did look ready for Halloween, his honey colored eyes shown light golden in the sunlight and his black hair fell across them. 6 foot tall, thin and gangly he had the makings of a perfect Jack skeleton, even the way he walked beside me now, somehow dancing and walking at the same time.6

"Prowling?" 7

He nodded seriously. "I know you've only lived here for a month but yes, Halloween is a big deal around here."8

I snorted, "To you maybe, I don't see anyone else jumping around shrieking 'happy Halloween' at the top of their lungs."9

He smiled, "I'm special." 10

"I'll say."11

I started walking in the direction of my house, but Derek grabbed my hand, "Come on, come out with me tonight, we'll have fun."12

I just shook my head, smiling to myself. Derek was insane, he seemed like a little boy, the way he was bouncing around and grinning non-stop.13

"Please, Angela?"14

I looked and him and sighed deeply. "Alright."15

*16

It was almost eight when Derek came for me. I jumped when the door bell rang and pulled my black velvet cloak around me. Looking in the mirror I made sure that my mask was in place, it was one of those little masks that only covered your eyes. Under the cloak I was wearing a dark red dress. I definitely did not go all out for Halloween.17

Derek on the other hand... was wearing a tuxedo, but it was the strangest tux I had ever seen. Black and blood red, with a rose in the lapel I couldn't help but stare. his face looked pale and his eyes darker. 18

We stared at each other for a moment and he reached out, raising the hood of my cloak so that it almost hid my face, then smiling wickedly he wordlessly offered me his arm.19

I made sure I had locked the door and took the offered arm, letting Derek lead me where he wished.20

After we had walked several blocks (I was quite glad I had worn flats rather then high heels) I asked, "Where are we going."21

Derek just shook his head and led me around several small trick-or-treaters.22

I smiled as several little girls wearing witches outfits darted around us, casting a frightened glance up at us.23

Derek's pace was brisk, and he moved almost without sound, somehow he seemed much different then the Derek that had walked me home this afternoon.24

"Derek?" I asked again, but still he walked on.25

Suddenly the houses seemed to disappear and I realized we had left the edge of town and were headed for the forest, which surrounded the small town that was my most recent home.26

"Derek, where are we going?" I demanded, suddenly pulling my arm out of his grip.27

He turned to look at me and frowned. "Don't you trust me?"28

I backed up a step, his voice seemed different, not the laughing tones that he usually used, but much more serious, much more deep.29

"Derek, I-"30

He grabbed my hand before I could answer and pulled me along, ducking behind several trees.31

"Angela, just come with me." He said, his voice much softer.32

I followed after him, suddenly feeling worried, the hood of my cloak snagged on a tree branch and pulled back, almost choking me until Derek jerked my hand, spiraling me forward.33

Derek suddenly stopped and turned to me, the abruptness of his stop caught me off guard and I banged into his chest.34

Pulling myself back and looking up at him I choked as my breath caught in my throat. His face, in the bright moonlight seemed so white and pale he was almost transparent.35

"Angela?" He said, his voice low.36

"Yeah?" I whispered, his hand suddenly felt very cold.37

"Don't go into the forest."38

I frowned, as I felt his hand slip from mine and he walked backwards, drifting off into the trees, and disappearing in the shadows.39