It had been a great week and half; I spent a few afternoons at Furball's with the beautiful Nickoli and ended most nights saying goodnight to the gorgeous Dmitri after hanging out with Mady, Nate, and sometimes Mason. Waiting on the front porch for Mason, I so thoughtfully volunteered him for after his little stunt throwing me into the pool. Of course that was after I pushed him in first. But really did two wrongs make a right? I didn't think so.  

Drifting off, thinking of the two men I wasn't dating; realizing I had come to care for both, more than I would have liked too, especially in such a very short time. Before I could look to deeply into it Mason, my saviour pulled up on his ATV.

Happy to see the adorable Mason, I met him at the bottom of the stairs. "Good morning. I know I volunteered you for this, but I wanted to tell you I appreciate it." I was even more excited now that he was here.

Greeting me with a kiss on the cheek, Mason said, "I have been looking forward to this since you told me. I have a place in mind where I want to show you unless you have somewhere in mind?" Excitement shined from his eyes as well.

"Nope. Lead the way, I'm all yours." Hiking up the backpack so fit more securely.

"Good to know," he winked, "Since where I am taking you is about 15 kilometres or so, we're taking the ATV's. Have you driven one before? How's your arm?" he asked, while examining my elbow.

"The arms good, and I have driven one of these things a couple times in my youth, but that was a long time ago." I took off the sling a little early since I did not want to postpone this another day. I know I should have kept in for another week but my arm really did feel good. I usually healed faster than usual.

"Great. It's easy. I'll give you a quick lesson just to refresh your memory and when you feel comfortable we will head off," Mason said.

After going over everything including a lot I had no clue why I needed to know or for that matter what he was talking about; the maximum power and torque, independent double swing arm suspension and ventilated hydraulic disc brakes had my head swimming with information that most likely would be forgotten in a matter of minutes. Feeling comfortable enough, I jumped on one of Nate's that Mason said he had already asked if we could use it, and than headed off to the woods. My arm was stiff but moved fine.

The trail he led us on was well warn. Too tight to ride side by side safely, so I kept behind at a safe distance. The further we went the more comfortable I became. I was even able to take small peaks around taking in the tranquil surroundings. We even stopped a few times to admire the size of some of the older Spruce and White Pine trees. It was amazing how the sunlight filtered like mesh through the tightly packed greens of the trees looking as if small spot lights on the ground. Songs the birds sang overhead could only be heard when the roar of the engines shut off. Other wildlife scattered as we approached, catching a glimpse of a tail or shadow as they ran in the opposite direction. Freshly tilled damp soil reached my nose as the tires dug up from the light ran the night before, along with the rich scent of pine. The feel of the wind blowing against my skin was exhilarating. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so free, so alive.

Slowing down, Mason came to a halt, turning off the engine, looking behind to talk. "Did you see anywhere you wanted to stop? We have about five more kilometres' then we will be at the clearing I wanted to take you too."

Losing track of time and purpose it took me a second to remember why I was out here to begin with. "Umm. Let's just head for the clearing first and on our way back we can stop so I can take some shots," I answered, not admitting my loss of concentration.

"Sounds good to me. This trail leads us right to where we are going, so do you want to lead?" Mason asked.

Not shutting down the ATV when we stopped, my answer was a smile before I passed him on the trail. Wasting enough time and my confidence with the machine I controlled was greater than before I pushed it farther gaining speed. I was amazing!

Just ahead the light brightened, slowing down some as we broke through the last line of trees. It was beautiful, sun glistened of the damp grass, and the trees stood straighter, taller, and proud. Everything seemed to be even greener here; that was why something caught my eye to the right immediately. Turning to see what it was I spotted that was not the colour other then green and brown, but red and white. Changing my direction, I moved toward the out of place object. I didn't take my eyes long to adjust to what I was seeing. A body. A twisted unnatural posed body.

Going full out, ignoring the yells from Mason, I practically jumped off the machine, ripping off my helmet while racing on foot towards what I could make out as a petite woman or young girl. The girl was on her back lying on an arm, leg bent back, head facing us, hair mussed with a few strands covering her face. It was the horror filled white of her eyes that stared right at me that had me push my legs harder. Red tank top stained and ripped, and the once white shorts now stained red that resembled blood.

Being hit from the side, from what felt like a Mach truck had me falling to the ground screaming. It was Mason's arms protectively wrapped around me that cushioned the fall. Thrashing, squirming, and hitting my way out of Mason's arms screaming, "FAITH!" I was able to scramble away when Mason's grip loosened. Barely getting to my feet before Mason grabbed me from behind. "Let me go! Faith I'm coming baby, hold on. Mama's coming!" I kept on screaming but he would not let me go. Why would he not let me save my little girl?