Untitled story

[AshRose62]

Ok I wrote this story over the past year or so and I finaly finished the last chapter. sorry for the speling mistakes! hope you like it.


Chapter one
The nights shadows grew dimmer as Mandy lay awake in bed, dreading what she was about to do. Many nights she had stayed awake like this with her head and her heart asking her unanswerable questions while her brain ached with frustration. Was running away really the answer to her problems? this was the most common question that Mandy could not answer. She had no concept on the matter, she was merily fourteen. But then why was she doing it? That was another question that rang through her mind often.
The room around her was deathly silent. So silent in fact that Mandy could hear her heart beeting and her slow, painfull breath. With Every minute the knot in Mandy's stomache grew tighter and tighter, making breathing more and more intolorable. Her heart pained immensely to where she thought that it was just a matter of time before it just stoped. Sometimes it was so bad tears would well up in her eye's. But after a while Mandy had excepted the fact of what was needed to be done. It was not that she didn't love her parents'. Oh certainly not. But they, unlike her, she thought, were normal. Normal people, with a normal life, and normal friends. Mandy was anything but a normal person. She saw more than normal people. She knew that there was somthing else out there. Just a sparkle of life, or a ray of light surounded in the darkness of reality. She could see it on every street corner, in every house where people thought they were safe. The truth. Many times she thought she was going crazy. Why, Mandy thought, was she the only one that knew this truth? Why, out of all the people in the world, was she the only one of whom could see the reality in life? These questions were unanswered, as well as others, and they just kept piling up until Mandy couldn't take it anymore. She was to run away.
Mandy surveyed her room a little closer than normal as if to take a mental picture that would last forever. Clothes were spilling out of her dresser, as Mandy's mom had bought her many clothes because she thought Mandy to be unhappy. In a book case next to the wall lay many books that Mandy concidered to be her treasures. She loved books. They could take her to the happiest places in the not so happiest times. Mandy didn't much like music, though all the girls in her grade were deeply facinated by it, so you wouldn't come accross a CD in her room anytime soon. The walls were a creemy beige colour and made the room look actuauly bigger than it was. not a single poster was to be found in her room, although it was odd for a girl of such age. A picture lay apon the wall near the door. A picture of a rose. Mandy had paid no attention to the rose, seeing as how it had been there before Mandy was born.
A note lay apon Mandy's bedside table. The handwriting was neat and slanted. It read:

Dearest mother and father,
By the time you will have woken up this morning, and before you finish your morning chores, I will have been gone. I know that this will cause you pain beond anything, but I will have to live with the choises I make even if I will no longer be welcome here again.I suppose you will want an explination as to why I have been unhappy. The truth is that what I need more than anything is to getaway and find myself. Though you may not understand now I promise to you that I will return to share my thoughts.
Your Daughter
Mandy

The letter, Mandy thought, was verry short and to the point. But she knew that no mater what she wrote to them it would not calm their anger or mend their hearts. She could imagine her fathers reaction to the letter. All the colour drained from his face, he would fall back in the nearest chair and clench his fists in anger. Her mother would run to the phone imediatly, and dial nine one one.
Mandy looked to the clock on the wall. Ten fifty four it read. Mand clenched back the tears as she slowly rose from her bed. Taking care not to step on the floorboards that creek, Mandy made her way down the hallway. The kitchen shortly came in to view as Mandy for the last time smelled the familiar smells of the room. The counters gleamed white in the darkness with plants littered among them. Mandy placed the letter apon the table trying to ignore the agonizing pounding in her heart. Before she had time to change her mind, Mandy clenched her teeth and tiptoed out the back door and into the fresh air. while holding a bag full of her needed acsessories, Mandy poked a flashlight in to the darkness and trudged on.

[Shadow116]

Nice I like it you suprised me :)

[AshRose62]

thanks JD.:)

[Shadow116]

no prob :)

[AshRose62]

Ok I wrote a second chapter today and I took your advise JD and used Microsoft word. And dose anyone have any ideas for a title?

Chapter 2
The darkness weighed upon Mandy until she was forced to rest. She slept in a small hole that laid slanted upon the slope. Mandy kept a knife close by. This knife, she had taken from a drawer in the kitchen. She knew that she might need it more than her parents would. Many times during the night Mandy had awoken to sound her knife ready, but she did not in fact hear the voices of two men that sounded bright and early in the morning.
“So what? We just leave her?” Grumbled a rather dull sounding man.
“No you idiot. That’s what you would do.” Spoke a deeper, more intelligent voice. “ We’ll call the police. She’s obviously lost.”
By this time Mandy was awake. I have to escape. she thought to herself. Mandy got up slowly trying not to make a sound. She looked up through the top of the hole and saw two men arguing viciously standing on each side of the hole. Mandy almost yelled in frustration, how was she to get out now? Just as Mandy had given up she noticed that the hole she was in was not a hole, but a tunnel. Mandy crawled silently further and further into the tunnel. While glancing back at the two men to see how far she was from them, Mandy tripped over a clump of dirt and stumbled down face first.
“Hey Ern she’s tryin’ to get away!”
“Yes thank you but I’ve already figured that much out!”
Mandy struggled and squirmed against the two men but there was no chance. She was pulled out of the cave feet first and then placed upon her feet so vigorously that she thought her brain rattled around her head. Mandy struggled with all her might, against the two men in some hope of breaking free. There was none. Suddenly a bright searing pain nearly blinded Mandy as on of the men griped her wrist tighter. She must have hurt it in her fall. She sank to her feet in lost hope. The man grasping her wrist, a short plump man, let go and went to call the police.
“Relax.” came a voice near Mandy’s ear. “My name is Ernie and that’s my brother Eddie. We’re going to call the police and get you home”
Mandy glanced at Ernie. He wore a look of anger mixed with concern. He wore clothes that made him look like a poor farmer, and had gray eye’s that shone in the light. He had hair of a light blond color that almost looked white. Mandy closed her eye’s, the pain in her head becoming too much for her to handle.
While the man named Eddie was on the phone with the police Mandy devised a plan. She did not come this far to give up, and could not even begin to imagine the looks on her parents faces if the police brought her home. She clenched the knife in her hand more closely
“Hey Ern! We’re to bring her in” Said the short, stout Eddie. “The police station is only- Hey!”
Mandy had pulled the knife on Ernie, and caused the startled man to topple over. She bolted, her eye’s squinted against the pain as she avoided trees and bushes, which had become thicker and thicker as she went.
“ Catch her you idiot!” Ernie yelled obviously trying to make up for his hesitation.
The voice sounded far away, thought Mandy. Now was her chance. She turned left gliding down a dirt path and then sprinted right and made another right some way down the trail. This would definitely loose those them, she thought.
Mandy ran for an hour on end ignoring the pain in her hand and the pressing tiredness. She searched for cover on the ground but no luck. She continued on walking slowly to regain energy if needed. In about fifteen minutes time Mandy found a small cave towards the ground, surrounded by bushels of trees. For the first time this night Mandy smiled knowing that she was safe…for now. She crawled into the small hole and was drowned in darkness. She laid down a little ways from the cave entrance, sighing in relief. But suddenly a warm hand was placed upon her shoulder.

[Shadow116]

Woah great job :)

[AshRose62]

Thanx!

[rae19780625]

Wow... Ash... I was a little down at first when I was left in the Culture threads to post by myself :lol: But it turned out to be a good thing... I came to read fanfics and no updates have happened in the stories I'm reading... I came here to see what J.D. might be up to and came across your story.
First of all, I am very impressed, Ash... goodness... maybe this story hits close to home because I ran away as a teen... but the details, the atmosphere was great. And I loved how you even said how her dad would react... wow.
I think this is a great story and a little hurt you didn't tell me about it :p Not really, but it's very good and I look forward to reading more updates, girl. Good Job... and J.D. is so sweet and helpful... you've got a great person helping you with ideas and suggestions... a title? Hmmmm... wow, I can't help you there... not at this time of night/morning... whatever :lol:
Thanks for sharing your work with us :)

[AshRose62]

Thankyou so much Rae!:) I wrote more but I was half asleep when I did it so it needs a little tuching up. I am glad you liked it.:) Yesterday when you told me you were going to read fanfics I was a little worried that you wouldn't like it. :o Thanx for the kind words rae! your so nice :)

ps. I had a working title for it, but I don't think it was very good.:\

[seraphim]

Beautiful job Ash! I didn't know there were so many creative young people on here....keep up the good work!!:)

[AshRose62]

Thanks that means a lot to me guys :)

[rae19780625]

I guess I'll be patient :rolleyes: *looks at watch* So... anytime soon? I need an update pronto :p J/K, Ash ;)
Hmmm... so what was your working title?
I'm nice? Really? Could you tell my hubby and family that? That'd be awesome... nah... I'm not nice... I'm honest more than I am nice... I didn't know you had a story on here until I finished reading an episode J.D. wrote and then happened to look down and see your name... I was like :eek: I need to see what this chica is up to... Good thing I did...
You were hiding great talent :mad: That was so uncool.. :p

[AshRose62]

sorry rae. :( :)

My working title was Dark Trails but I thought it was to predictable.

[rae19780625]

Hey that is pretty good..- Hey!
Wait a dang minute! Where in the freak did you pop up from? :o
*looks around thread*
Are you psychic or something? We are too cool being one of the few people on right now :cool: I was in culture earlier but didn't know those people in there... *quivering lips*
Apparantly more people go on when no one is in there... if that makes sense... *squints eyes*
I am too hyper to be posting... getting waaaaaay off subject...
Post more already :p You and J.D. are causing me to get... anxious... I'll be forced to read another fanfics... don't believe me? Watch... :p Ok, no more posts in here from me either... :o

[AshRose62]

lol You have much to look forward to I have about 4 more chapters done but they are on my comp. at my moms and I just happen to be at my dads.

[rae19780625]

As Buckwheat would say.... Oooooo Tay! I am off to post somewhere and hopefully scare others away... well not my intention but it does seem to happen :p
I will look for an update on Monday then :D

[AshRose62]

Sorry Rae but I am staying at my dad's two extra days so I'll get the story up either tuesday night or wednsday. Sorry :(

[rae19780625]

:eek: I have been lied too... I am crushed fo sho... :p It's cool I will read it soon enough... :)

[AshRose62]

Chapter 3
Harriet leaned upon the kitchen counter, tears falling silently down her face. Daniel, her husband, stood near by checking on her every so often. “They’ll find her, its just a matter of time.” he kept repeating softly. That wasn’t what had bothered Harriet though, it was the letter. She glanced down at the little piece of parchment for about the seventh time. I will have to live with the choices I make, it said. Why would she say that? She’s only fourteen. She doesn’t even know what she is talking about! Anger welled in her stomach that was soon replaced with guilt. The last thing she had said to Mandy was. “Can’t you just be like any other normal teen?” Now the answer was clear to her about why that look across Mandy’s face was sympathy quickly replaced with false anger. Harriet Cried out and fell into the comfort of Daniels’ arms’.
There was a knock on the door, and a police officer stepped in, looking embarrassed at the sight of the two embracing. “We um… We have more news.”
“What? What is it?” Choked Harriet.
“Well two men found her in the woods. But she got away.” He added hurriedly as to not give false hope. “ There’s more” he added with a sigh.
“What?” Daniel almost shouted. “What is it?” He continued softly.
“She’s injured.”
“What?” Harriet cried.
“Her wrist. she fell. Nothing terrible though.”
Harriet put her hand up to silence the police officer. She didn’t want to know any more. Daniel and Harriet once again embraced. Crying on one another’s shoulders.

Chapter 4
Eddie started the engine of his truck, while glancing sideways at Ernie. “So ah… what’s you say we do boss.”
“We follow the plan” Ernie growled.
“Yes but where shall we go” Eddie asked, choosing his words carefully.
“Go down the road a little ways. We’ll stop and get the hounds out. Then we can track her down. Do I need to run it by you again?”
Looking embarrassed, Ernie grunted and continued driving.
The Yellow looking truck spun around the corner and stopped a short distance away. Without a word Ernie and Eddie slipped out of the truck and let out the two hounds out. Ernie pulled a piece of red cloth out of his pocket and grinned evilly. He had found this caught on a tree branch earlier. It must belong to the girl, he thought.
Ernie and Eddie followed the hounds endlessly that night until The dogs had finally picked up a trail. Ernie smiled into the night. He spoke softly. “Master will be pleased.”

Chapter 5
Mandy tried to shriek but another hand was placed over her mouth.
“Shhh. They’ll hear you” whispered a soft voice near her ear.
Mandy broke free of his grasp a little more controlled now. “And just who might you be?” She said turning around and facing the darkness.
“Shhh. I said be quiet!”
“Yes right.” Mandy spoke quietly. “But who are-”
“I’m Jack.”
“And um… how exactly did you know people are after me?” She spoke into the stillness.
“Their after me too.”
“The police?” Mandy Said now feeling slightly uncomfortable now.
“No.” Said Jack with frustration in his voice now. “The people with the yellow truck.”
Mandy, confused now, tried to see past the darkness to find any particular look on Jack’s face. “But they-They were trying to help me I just-”
Jack gave of a high pitched laugh. “Yah right! They know more about you than you know about yourself. They know how you think. They know how you can see things others can’t-”
Mandy backed herself out of the cave mumbling reassuringly to herself that this was all just a dream. How could he know about that?
Jack came out of the cave, now in full sunlight. “Listen to me.” He said. “You’re not alone there are many like us out there.”
Mandy who was already walking away from Jack, stopped dead in her tracks, speechless. Mandy turned to study Jacks expression. Agitation and admiration were clearly written upon his face. Dark black hair hung just above his forehead, and his eye’s were of the deepest green. But there was something else there. A deep sense of knowing beyond his years. “You-?”
Jack nodded.
Mandy wasn’t able to accept this fact yet but she decided the more they stood around the more time they were wasting. “So where do I go now?”
“We will get out of these woods and find the nearest city-”
“We!” Mandy laughed. “I don’t know about you but I am able to handle this myself.”
“Like you did earlier?” Said Jack becoming stern. “ How many wrists are you ready to break before you’re willing to admit that you need assistance?”
Mandy felt the smirk wipe off her face. “fine.”
“Good.” Jack’s expression relaxed. “ But for now we should get some sleep.” He added noticing the bags under Mandy’s eye’s.
Mandy was almost relived at his decision.
That night as Mandy lay in the cave a disturbing question popped into her mind. She left the cave and made her way over to Jack who was still putting out the flames of the fire they had used to cook their food. “Jack?” Mandy spoke.
Looking surprised to see her awake Jack said, “Yes?”
“I need to know something.” Mandy sat down on a log. “How do you know that I was being followed by those men?”
Jack shrugged. “I heard them talking about you. the night I escaped them.”
“Well, why do they want us? I mean What do they even want with us?”
Jack stared into the now put out fire. “They want us to…Well, they just don’t think it’s a good idea to have people like us in the world.” He looked away quickly not sure how Mandy would take it.
Mandy sighed and looked at her hands. After a pause she said, “You never asked me my name.”
Jack focused his attention to Mandy who was looking him straight back. “When I heard them talking about you I knew I had to help. I have done some pretty messed up things in my life, and I knew that helping you would clear my guilty conscious. They had said your name and I knew I could never forget.”
Mandy stared at the ground for a moment before speaking. “How long have you bean running from them?”
“Ever since I was thirteen. Three years ago.” Said Jack. After a pause he said, “We should get to bed.”
Mandy nodded.

Chapter 6
Three days later Mandy and Jack had made it into the city, and had survived the days on Jacks hunting skills. they had found an alley way that they had adopted as their home until they could move on to another town.
Mandy stood in the darkened alley facing Jack, an angry expression on her face, as she looked most out of place in this dreary alley.
“I would take you with me but I don’t think it’s safe for you.” Jack protested
“Safe! Well you obviously thought it safe enough to bring me here in the first place.” Mandy shrieked.
“Listen,” Jack grabbed a hold of Mandy’s shoulders. “I don’t need you there messing everything up-”
“What! Where are you even going that’s so secretive you need to hide it from me?”
“Just promise me you’ll stay here.” Jack demanded
“ But I don’t even-”
“Promise me.”
“Jack…”
“Promise me.” Jack said now infuriated enough to where he was shaking Mandy.
Mandy looked at him tears in her eye’s and Jack let go hating himself for what he had done. “Mandy,” He spoke softly. “I will be back. And you will be right here waiting for me. Right now there are some things I need to do. Please promise me you will stay here and keep out of sight.”
Not wanting to argue any more Mandy nodded.
“Thank you, Mandy. Thank you.”
Mandy watched him go sadly wondering what on earth he was going to bring back with him.
* * * *
Jack hurried down the street, hoping that he wouldn’t have to break his promise to Mandy. If he didn’t come back who knows what she would do. He really dreaded leaving her behind, but he had no choice.
Jack immediately put his plan into action. With some spare change in his pocket he bough a vanilla ice cream cone at small shop. He sat at an empty picnic table and surveyed the people walking by for his victim.
The weather in the park was extremely muggy that day and the birds chirped louder than normal, protesting against the heat. While Jack sat he thought of Mandy, how he had made her cry sickened him. He knew how she must feel now, she’s probably regretting ever coming with me, he thought. He was glad to have her around though. She brought out the best in him and she was like him. As a kid Jack was sworn to secrecy to never talk about his “problems” as his adopted mother had called them, in public. He knew that one day or another he’d have to tell Mandy the truth and she’d be gone in a heartbeat.
Jack spotted a rich looking man with a leather jacket on walking down the path hurriedly. Now was his chance. Jack cut across the grass and purposefully ran into the man. The ice cream smeared all over the front of his jacket, causing him to shriek in anger.
Jack’s look of determination was soon replaced by false guilt. “Sir I’m so sorry. Let me get that.” He sputtered, taking a napkin out of his pocket.
“No thanks you pit pocket.”
“Sir I insist-”
“No. Get away kid.
Jack left the man franticly trying to wipe off his jacket and walk down the pathway. “This is going to be harder than I thought” whispered Jack as he went into the ice cream shop.

[rae19780625]

Wow, Ash I am very very impressed with your writing ability! You really know how to capture someone's attention. You are very talented and I'm so glad you updated your intriguing story. :) I look forward to reading more soon!!!!! Keep up the good work!

[AshRose62]

:) Thank you Rae!

[AshRose62]

here is another chapter.

Chapter 7
Mandy sat quite uncomfortably in the alleyway trying to think of anything but the putrid smell that filled her nose and made her eyes water and burn. Why, oh why had Jack left her in this awful place? Hadn’t he known that she had never been to a city before? Mandy couldn’t even bring herself to be angry with him. The way he looked at her, as if he was burning inside at the very thought of leaving her behind, was more than enough for an apology. But if he didn’t come back soon she would probably be a little angered. What on earth was he even doing? She thought. Could she even trust him? Every time she thought of this her stomach clenched in guilt. He had helped her get through her time of need, when she hadn’t even wanted to deal with herself.
Mandy opened her pack and fumbled around for the bread she had in there. As she began to eat a voice startled her from behind. “You won’t need that.” “Mandy jumped knocking her piece of bread soaring into the air.
“Jack!” She said, more relived than angered. She smiled.
Jack, who was expecting a more violent greeting, Pulled out the wallet he had stolen from a man off the street. Mandy seemed neither surprised nor angry that Jack stood now holding the wallet. She still wore the look of relief.
“That’s why you were gone?” She smiled knowing that Jack did not in fact betray her.
“yeah.” He breathed into the night air. “I thought you’d be mad.” He looked down ashamed.
“Mad?” Mandy laughed. “I’m just glad you didn’t come back with the police to take me back home.”
Jack smiled then handed her the wallet. “here,” he said “You count how much there is.”
Mandy opened the wallet and gasped in surprise. She pulled out a great wad of cash and began to count. “Four thousand dollars.” She breathed, with a look of horror on her face. “What kind of person would keep that much money where someone could steal it?”
“I don’t know, but don’t take it all. We’ll take three hundred or so. Just enough for food and water for a couple of months.” Jack said hurriedly. “Then I’ll take the wallet and throw it in the dumpster. With any luck the police will find it and return it to the man it belongs to. Then it’s off to wherever may be next.”
Mandy nodded. “ But I want to come with you.”
Jack smiled. “of course.”

[Shadow116]

Wowo stuff is getting intense I'm gonna start reading this over tonight I kind of just jumped in :lol: I need to read it agian.

[AshRose62]

:) Thanx

[rae19780625]

Ash, great update chica!!! You rock ;) Sorry it took me forever to catch up :( I am horrible at reading these days... then I get caught up on K-Site drama and well... now I'm just making excuses ;) Cool avi with Clark and the ladies BTW ... Look forward to reading another update soon!!!! :D

[AshRose62]

Thank you rae!! :) I'm already finished with the next chapter but it's on my other comp. and I don't want to go through the whole copy to disc thing right now. So I will probably get it up tomarow.

[rae19780625]

*snaps fingers* Get with it chica :p

[AshRose62]

I don't think chapter 8 went as planed. it was kind of sudden and quick :\

Chapter 8
That night Mandy slept soundly knowing that in the morning she would go with Jack to dump the Wallet and then they’d be out of this putrid smelling town. Jack didn’t get much sleep for he stayed up all night watching over Mandy and making sure no one was on his trail. The last thing he wanted was for the cops to show up in the middle of the night and bust him for steeling. He enjoyed staying up though, listening to Mandy’s soft breathing and watching the night go by. It was calming to him.
Mandy awoke that morning to find Jack sitting next to her eating a burger from the store to their left.
“Hungary much?” She laughed watching him scarf down the burger.
Jack jumped. “Oh.” he said looking at Mandy. “You’re awake!” he said to cover his embarrassment.
“Yeah.” Said Mandy, rubbing her eye’s. Mandy searched through her bag and pulled out a small hairbrush. She then began to comb out the many tangles in her long red hair.
“What’s wrong?” Asked Jack noticing her expression.
Mandy sighed and set down her brush. “It’s just, well, I barely know you. And yet here we are eating our food with each other. And, I don’t even know where we are going!” she finished raising her voice slightly.
Jack considered her words for a moment then said, “ There is something you must know before I can tell you any of this.”
“What?” Mandy breathed.
Jack did not answer at once, he just sat looking at the ground an expression of sorrow on his face. “You and I are the only one’s like us.” He began. “We were not born…but simply…created.” Jack now turned his gaze on Mandy. “We were created by a man named Doctor Tracy.”
There was a pause while Mandy studied Jack’s face. But she could not detect anything that told her he was joking.
“No.” Mandy stood up trembling with fear and anger. “I…My parents said I was…Couldn’t have been…no.” She placed her head in her hands, sitting back down.
Jack thought it best to continue for he did not want Mandy to think he were keeping secrets. “We were created to be above all others in knowledge. Doctor Tracy, being a lousy doctor, had messed up in the process and it made it so we can see an hear things others can’t.” Jack looked back at the ground.
Mandy who was now crying softly to herself looked at Jack. “That’s not true. I am a perfectly normal person.”
“Can normal people read minds? Can normal people tell the exact date when someone is going to die?” Jack raised his voice suddenly and loudly.
Mandy stood up again, angered. She did not look at Jack as she folded her blankets and stuffed them into her pack along with her brush.
“What-”
“lets go.” She snapped.
Jack snatched up his pack and ran after Mandy, cursing under his breath.
* * * *
Jack pulled his hood further down over his face as he moved into a large crowd. He strained his head to see how far Mandy was ahead of him. Sighing he decided to start jogging again to keep up with her. It had been like this for nearly half an hour now. Jack was surprised that Mandy didn’t get tired by now. But he thought it might be better if they kept their distance for now. It would look suspicious enough for one person to storm their way down city streets with luggage at hand.
Another half hour or so later Mandy had finally cooled off and began to slow down enough to catch up with Jack. They barely talked on their trip. They stopped every once in a while to discuss where to go, In which “That way.” was the most common thing said and by Jack. They were heading far east, which Mandy noticed was leading them back into the country.
After a while Jack stopped Mandy and said that they were to get supplies. After Jack gave her money, Mandy left him to go to the luggage store to buy two duffle bags, while Jack went to the grocery store. Not soon after they were filling Mandy’s purchased duffle bags with the groceries that Jack had bought.
They set off once again stopping only to dump the wallet in a nearby dumpster. As the sun was setting and night came upon them they came to the end of the city and once again entered the forest.
Mandy felt calmed when she stepped into the tree filled landscape. The air, compared to the cities, smelled like heaven. The trees became thicker, and the air sweeter as they poured further into the forest until walking became an obstacle and they had to stop and rest. They ate sandwiches with the supplies they had received from their shopping. Jack, having not slept in two days, was the first to fall asleep a knife close by him. Mandy lay awake for a while thinking of her parents and how she had always felt so close to them. They hadn’t even told her that she wasn’t their child. Mandy cried softly to herself and slowly drifted into a heavy sleep.
Chapter 9
The night grew excruciatingly cold and Mandy was reduced to pulling a pair of sweats over her jeans along with putting a second sweater on. Mandy was the first to wake that morning due to the sudden change of weather. She looked down at Jack sadly for he was covered by only two small blankets. She placed her two blankets on him as well which would not help much but it would help to an extent. Mandy tried not to think about the events that had taken place before, but the more she tried the more the knot in her stomach tightened. After a while Mandy noticed that her stomach was calling out to her for food so she made another sandwich and drained a bottle of water. Before long it was noon and the sun beat down bright and hot. Mandy took off her sweats and sweater. But in doing so she heard something. Running water? Smiling Mandy jogged to a small clearing in the trees and found herself in front of a small flowing river.
“Jack!” She called. “Jack! Was this the river you were talking about?” For he had in fact mentioned a river the night before.
Jack came back to consciousness at the sound of Mandy’s voice, searching the ground for his knife. “What?”
“The river Jack. I found the river!”
Jack smiled yawning. “I knew you were good for something.” He joked.
Mandy looked at Jack in wonder. She had never heard him use humor before. He surprised her everyday.
“lets go swimming.” He smiled.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
He shrugged. “You can’t eat before swimming, can you?”
Mandy was the first in the river, clothes and all, having taken off at Jack’s last words. Jack was closely behind. As they swam in the river, splashing and yelling, Jack noticed something about Mandy: She had this feeling about her. It seemed like her being happy caused him to feel joyful as well.
Lost in thought Jack hadn’t noticed that Mandy had snuck behind him and was now pushing his head under water. Jack caught his breath just in time and swam away from Mandy. He broke the surface of the water and showered Mandy with water. They went on like this for a time until Jack became aware of how hungry he was. They abandoned the river and got ready to take off again. Jack ate quickly hoping that no one had heard them down by the river. Just to make sure he decided to leave early.

[rae19780625]

Wow... very good, Ash :D Great update indeed!!! I like Jack... I mean don't get me wrong, I like Mandy too of course... but Jack is very cool ;)
I look forward to reading more soon, Missy *gives stern look* ;)

[AshRose62]

When I made up Jack I used feature from my x-bf Travis. like his hair, eyes and style

[rae19780625]

Um... update, por favor...

[AshRose62]

Sorry Rae... I'll try to get it on here tomarow.

[AshRose62]

Chapter 11
For the rest of the day Mandy and Jack followed the river north, only stopping twice for food and rest. The day became painfully hot and Mandy and Jack became wearier by the minute. When the night fell Jack finally stopped a panting Mandy, telling her it was time for sleep. They ate little and filled their water bottles two or three times in the river.
“I will stay up and keep watch tonight.” Jack pronounced halfway done with his banana.
Mandy swallowed her food. “No.” She said. “ You stayed up all night last time. It’s only fair if I do it.”
Jack argued but Mandy wouldn’t budge on the subject. They decided to take turns.
All through the night it stayed warm which was extremely uncomfortable for Mandy and Jack for they were covered up with blankets to avoid bugs. They barely slept that night not only because of the temperature but also because of the noise. Crickets sang, and frogs croaked all throughout the night. Mandy’s watch was first and she let Jack sleep a little longer before she woke him for she knew she would not be able to fall asleep right away.
Sleep eventually caught up with her though and she awoke to a chilly morning. Jack was already up and he was sitting around a small fire. He looked worriedly around but when he saw Mandy awake he put on a fake smile.
“What is it?” She asked.
“Nothing.” He said, handing her an apple. “Eat.”
Mandy wasn’t convinced but she ate in silence wondering what the day would hold.
Jack made sure Mandy was occupied with eating before he glanced nervously around. It was as he feared: Ernie and Eddie had finally tracked them down and were camping somewhere nearby. The following night while Jack was on his watch he heard distant voices so he went to explore the area and he found a campground near their own. He thought this strange so he went to further investigate and found Ernie, Eddie and another young looking boy crammed inside a small tent.
Jack grew more uncomfortable as the minutes went by but he didn’t want to trouble Mandy anymore than was needed. “Lets go.” He said.
Mandy looked at him suspiciously but shrugged it off.
They began again, trudging along through the tall brown grass.
The air that day was warm and thick and it caused Mandy and Jack to feel exhausted before they even started. The sun beat down bright as ever as they struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Mandy insisted upon a rest put Jack pressed on not stopping for anything but to fill his water bottle.
Jack became slightly more nervous as the hours passed by, glancing around at merely the sound of a twig breaking.
“What?” Said Mandy after Jack stopped in his tracks. “What is it-”
“Quiet!” He snapped cutting her off.
“Well hello there.” Came an amused voice behind Mandy.
Jack spun around shouting, “Run!”
Jack and Mandy took off at once a smiling Ernie close behind. “Not so fast.” He said coolly snatching at Mandy and pulling her to the side. “The boy!” He shouted to a closely following Eddie. But there was no need: Jack had stopped just after Mandy was caught..
“Put her down!” He shouted at Ernie.
“Aw he cares for the lady.” Said Ernie. “In that case..” He picked up a knife from his pocket and put it to her neck.
“No.” said Jack stepping forward not straying his eyes from the knife.
Ernie made a motion to Eddie and in reply Eddie took Jack firmly by the arm. Eddie smiled.
Chapter 12
Mandy’s heart beat painfully fast as she was lifted up into the bed of the rustic yellow truck. She no longer felt the heat from the sun but only the beating of her heart and trembling of her hands. Jack was also forced in next to her.
“Keep quiet.” He said before getting into the cab of the Truck. “And stay down.” He shined his knife threateningly, smiling at Mandy.
Mandy looked away frightened. Jack put a hand to her shoulder and forced a smile.
On the long ride Mandy and Jack seldom talked, watching the sun sink slowly beyond the fragrant trees. The forest became denser as the hours droned by. Mandy thought of her parents and wondered vaguely what there were doing now, without her. A soft silent tear fell from her eye. Jack noticed this and grabbed her hand in comfort.
From then on the road became bumpy and the trees cast around them like dark shadows. The fragrance of the woods was thick upon them and made it seem stuffy and hot. After a while the truck slowed, gravel crunching softly below the tires.
Panic came back to Mandy instantly. She looked around frantically trying to see through the darkness. Jack only stared off into space a look upon his face that suggested he were remembering something dreadful. Mandy looked down at her shaking hands and tried to control the tears from coming.
The truck stopped and two figures came out. The sound of the howling wind was audible now and it sent shivers down Mandy’s back.
“Come on!” came a voice near her ear.
Struggling against her stiff muscles, she and Jack made their way out of the truck bed. When she was back on the ground two hands grabbed her arms firmly. Mandy looked straight ahead to find a most uninviting looking shadow of a building. She supposed it even looked gloomy in the light. She looked to Jack who was watching his feet as he walked and she soon found out why for she had stumbled.
“Get up!” shouted Ernie from behind.
Mandy struggled to her feet while Jack watched sadly.
They entered the building as a decaying smell met their noses. It took a while for Mandy to get used to the light before she could see anything. The room was mostly empty, except for a row of lockers on the wall. The walls and floors were dirty and papers littered the floor. It looked like a long hall way and at the end stood a door with two men guarding it. They gazed vigilantly at Mandy and jack as the came nearer. The guard exchanged words with Ernie quietly before stepping aside to let them through with an evil grin.
The next room was gloomy indeed. It was dim room with merely two torches of firelight lit. Once again the walls and floors were dirty and it looked as though if you stepped you’d fall right into a dark pit.
Suddenly there came movement from the corner.
“Who is that?” Said a demanding voice.
“It is us. Eddie and I have found-” But Ernie had stopped
A middle aged man appeared out of the darkness. He glanced at the company then smiled. But his grin soon turned to anger. “I have waited a day to many for this.” he said. “How hard is it to catch two children running around the wilderness?” He asked mockingly.
“Doctor Tracy you need not be angry.” Said Ernie. “We found the other boy.”
Jack was immediately reminded of the boy he saw when he found the campsite. Doctor Tracy looked at him with wonder.
“Very well then.” He said, shielding his excitement. “Put them away for the night. I shall like to see this boy.”
Eddie led Jack and Mandy through a door to the left which led to a dungeon sort of place. Mandy felt as though she had fallen into one of her books. There were two cage like things that were separated by piled up bricks. Eddie forced them into one of the cages.
“Have a nice night.” He said grinning, and locking the cage.

[rae19780625]

Wow... Ash I had really missed your story!! Goodness you are such a great writer! Great visuals... you really write beyond your years... this story is intense and spooky... it makes me so curious as to what the freak is going on!! :lol: I'm so so sorry that it took me this long to catch up on it but in reading it so long after, everything written before it came quickly back to mind... as if the story had never paused.
Excellent update!! Keep up the good work, remember that I leave within a month. :( No pressure :p

[AshRose62]

Thanx Rae! :)

You leave within the month?!?! You mean from k-site?