~{1}~   Friend or foe

The sun shone brightly through the gap between my tattered old curtain and hit me directly in the eyes. No I'm not ready to get up yet! I heard my father's thunderous footsteps coming down to my room. No it's not fair! Mother gets to sleep in why can't I? He opened my creaky wooden door already dressed for a day of hard work and stomped towards me.

"Please papa just a few minutes more?!" I begged but he sighed and sat next to me with a tired grin on his tanned face.

"Rose if we don't do the work who will?" He said his brown eyes full of sleep. I sat up and rubbed my tired eyes yawning quietly.

"I know papa but why so early? The farm can wait another hour can't it?" I whimpered leaning my head on his shoulder. He shook his head and stared at me lovingly. "Half an hour?" He shook his head again. "At least ten minutes papa!" I whined but he grabbed me under my arms and effortlessly lifted me off the bed and swung me around onto the floor. "Papa!" I yelled annoyed.

"There you're up now get ready to milk Betty." He ordered walking out and closing the door behind him. I sighed as I walked to a chair where lay the only dress I have and own. It's nothing special just a working dress for my daily work on the farm. It's brown and a little dirty, covers just my shoulders but exposes my bare arms, at the bottom of my dress I just embroided some roses, I had to do it myself because my mother refused. She refuses to do anything around our home. I pulled the dress over my nightgown and tied my hair up with a piece of white ribbon. I checked myself out and realised how much I've grown. One day my breasts will pop out of this dress and everyone can see my ankles! Oh well there's nothing I can do about it besides I doubt anyone will see me. Not many people do come to visit, I think my mother scares them off by all her complaining. I walked out of my bedroom down the hallway into our kitchen and dining room and on the table next to the bowl of oatmeal was the washing dish. I dipped my hands in the warm water and started washing my face. Father always wakes up just a little bit earlier to warm the water up for me. I keep telling him not to bother but he does so anyway. I quickly hogged down the oatmeal and ran outside where my father was waiting staring at the sun, slowly rising out of hiding from the large mountains.

"It's so beautiful." I said in awe and my father looked at me and scolded.

"No Rose, compared to you it's just pretty." He complimented but stated matter of fact and I gave him a sideways hug resting my head on his shoulder. "Any man would be too lucky to have such beautiful girl you. Speaking of which...." Oh dear I know where this is going.

"Papa." I said in a warning tone as I stepped away.

"Rose you remember the blacksmiths son Aron? Handsome chap..."

"Papa..." Oh yes I remember him and I admit he's handsome... Well actually... "He smells of horse manure mixed with ash."

"So the boy doesn't bathe as often as he should." He said trying to convince me but I gave him a deadly stare.

"Honestly I still have a few years before I am to choose a husband. Besides no one would really want some girl like me." I said stating facts and he glared down at me. Angered by my comment. "Papa no boy has ever come even remotely close to me and bothered to talk to me." I said in real disappointment.

"I sure hope not!" He said crossing his strong arms over his chest and staring at me wide eyed with his mud brown eyes. Now he's confusing me. Doesn't he want me to find a husband isn't that the point of these continued conversation that started a month ago? And now he's getting protective father on me.

"Uh papa... You want me to find a husband or not?"

"Of course I want you to but one I have chosen for you." He simply stated and I gaped at him. "But you must be in love with the man." He sighed then smiled smugly. He scared me for nothing!

"Don't do that!" I said exasperated and he laughed.

"But I'm serious I want no boys coming up to you unless it's the Blacksmith's son or that lad at the bakery..." He suggested and I gasped at him. Never! His face looks like the wrong end of a dead donkey! I'd never say that out loud and also I've never met him personally but I once caught him staring at some girls in a hungry expression. I was instantly put off.

"Stop! Stop right there! Ugh I'm going to milk Betty." I said storming off to the farm shed where we keep all our animals. Betty the cow, Agnes and Will the pigs that now have six piglets, very many chickens, Hazel our goat and Della our horse. Out of all I love Della, she's not a grand stallion that a knight would choose to ride into battle. But  she's way more useful on the farm with her giant hooves.

"Morning everyone!" I yelled lightly pacing to the sacks of food.

"Honk!" Oh yeah and then there's Stanley the goose. "Honk!"

"Morning Stanley." I giggled filling up the food pens. I grabbed a bucket and walked over to Betty who was too busy eating to acknowledge me. I swept my hand over Betty's brown splotched back and she whipped my butt with her tail. "Hey!" I yelled but of course got no response except a flick at my head. I sighed and brought the stool near Betty and placed the bucket underneath her. Once I finished milking Betty I took the bucket back to the kitchen where mother stood at the bench staring disappointedly at everything around her. Like usual... "Morning mother." I greeted forcing a cheerful smile which she did not return. She inspected me up and down and scowled. I immediately felt self conscious and looked down ashamed. I'm working! She can't expect me to look glamorous while milking a cow. I wish she would try just for an hour to do some work here and there and see how hard it is instead she's too busy doing... Well I don't actually know what she does. "So..." I said awkwardly but she straight away interrupted.

"Where's breakfast?" She asked her brown dead eyes glaring at me. "Are you deaf child or just lazy?" She questioned placing her hands on her chubby hips. "Make me some oatmeal." She ordered sitting down at our old wooden table that is slowly disintegrating.

"Can't you make it yourself? I have to help..."

"I beg your pardon? Be quiet and do as your told! No questions no excuses just do!" She growled then turned away from me looking too snobby for someone as low as her. I'm not being rude but in these times we are merely middle class compared to well, all of society. "When someone above you orders you to do something they expect it to be done straight away. Life rewards you eventually..." At this point I decided to just ignore her. She says the same thing every morning 'do as your told and life will get better. Others before yourself Rose! Serve others then think of yourself!' Maybe she should take her own advice... No I shouldn't say that I'm sure she does have some kindness in her heart, deep down somewhere. She's not so bad I mean she does help her friends, and the church and when she is in a good mood she will cook now and then but that is very rare. I served her oatmeal then quickly walked to the door to help father in the fields.

"When was the last time you washed that rag?" My mother asked as I held the door handle. Let me think...

"Um just yesterday morning I think." I responded and she scoffed.

"Wash it again today and yourself for that matter. Oh look you can see your ankles!" She scolded flipping back her straw hair back.

"Mother I..." I wanted to tell her that I can't and there's no point if I'm going to be working all day. But she gave me this look, a challenging one as if she is daring me to make a sound. So I shut my mouth and just nodded. It would be nice to have a bath but after I've worked.

"Rose I need your help with Della!" My father yelled out.

"I'm coming Papa!" I yelled back.

"A lady shouldn't yell!" My mother said. Well neither one of us are ladies but again I kept my mouth shut and ran to my father's aid outside the shed with Della. She's a very big horse and her coat is brown with white splotches, with a white main.

"What took you so long?" He questioned hooking Della up with our old carriage.

"Mother." That's all I have to say for him to understand. He grunted then placed his straw hat on his head and we led Della out to the corn fields. We spent the next four hours picking fresh vegetables and dumping them on the carriage then headed back to the farm house just talking about life and gossip of late. And of course he tried to bring up my future again but I quickly changed the subject.

"Rose I'll be heading into town to the market." I instantly frowned at him. He said I'll instead of we'll, he doesn't want me to come with him.

"You don't want me to come?"

"Not this time, I'm meeting an old friend after I sell the goods." He was referring to our food but why can't I meet this old friend? I didn't push it though. Maybe this is some long time friend reunion and he would rather meet him alone. However what am I meant to do while he's gone? I don't want to be alone in the house with mother, she's unpredictable. I huffed and we stayed silent all the way back home. I jumped off the carriage but my father stayed on getting ready to leave again.

"Wait you're leaving now?" He nodded so I walked around to his side and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Good bye papa." I said then moved out of his way as he and Della rode off. As soon as he was out of sight my mother appeared in the doorway.

"Bath time!" She ordered. Why does she care about my hygiene so much? I followed her inside and saw that she's has actually taken the time to clean up the place everything looked spotless. "Go to the river and clean yourself up and instead of cleaning up that rag you shall wear one of my dresses." She said passing me one of her gowns. When I saw it I swear it took my breath away. I've never worn such a fine gown like this before. It's got a white blouse with long sleeves, the actual dress is a red soft material that feels wonderful on my hands, so smooth and and looks rich. I will definitely look like a wealthy girl but why am I to dress so formal?

"Mother why should I wear this? I mean what is the occasion?" I asked a little excited.

"We have a guest coming over and I want you to look your best." She said smiling but it didn't reach her eyes.

"But Papa isn't here."

"Exactly this means we can finally get some quality time together." She said cheerfully. She actually wants to spend time with me! I knew there was some kindness in her heart somewhere. I am so glad she's decided to show it but now that I think about I'm a little suspicious. "Go on get ready I expect you ready in an hour." She said shooing me out of the house. I stared at the door slammed in my face for half a minute then ran off, my destination to the river. I ran over the grassy fields the wind blowing my ribbon out of my hair but I didn't stop for it, I just enjoyed the feeling. The cold air rushing through my hair making me feel almost free to do whatever I want. Snap out of it Rose you've got to get ready. Soon I was surrounded by old but strong trees that are so tall it looks as if they are holding up the sky. I reached the clear river and laid down the dress mother gave to me, then slowly stripped out of my clothes. I'm not worried about people seeing me no one ever comes to these parts of the woods. Mainly because of the beast. On every full moon night the beast comes, no one has ever actually seen what it looks like, but there have been people who have claimed to see it. They call it one of Satan's pets. It has killed three people already which has everyone spooked but it makes me wonder what they were doing out late at night in the woods in the first place. Anyway it's only rumours going around not many people believe in it. The villagers are smarter than you think. I neatly folded up my dirty dress feeling the cold air freeze up my bare skin. I covered breasts with my arms. Yes I know I said I wasn't worried but it's just something I do. I stepped inside the cold water and yelped.

"Cold!" I squealed but kept walking in making ripples in the water. Once I settled in the water just at my waist I realised mother never told me who the guest was. I didn't even think of asking. I scolded myself as I poured water onto my arms. Might as well dip all of me in. So I held my breath and went under the surface my whole body getting cold and wet. When back up I gasped feeling even more frozen stiff. Eventually I warmed up in  the water like I new I would, and just stared up at the clouds. One of them looked literally like an eye, I looked closer at it thinking it was just my imagination but then it blinked. Is it God that's watching me bathe? When the church says he watches over everyone I didn't think he'd be well... Watching me especially at the current circumstance. "God is a pervert?" I whispered and I swear the eye widened then in a blink it was gone. I hope God doesn't punish me for calling him that. Is it a sin to catch him out when you're in the nude? You know what I think I'm clean enough. I rushed out of the water and ran to the new gown. I put my night gown on first then gently pulled on the gown making sure not to ruin it. I slipped on my shoe slippers that are old and do not go well with the magnificent gown but they're all I have at the moment. I picked up my other dress and started running back this time way faster than before.

~{*}~

"Rose come stand here I want you to be the first thing he sees when he walks into the door." My mother ordered and I still don't know who she's talking about. Should I be afraid? What isn't she telling me? I stood tall in the centre of the room watching as my mother walked to the door. My palms are perspiring and my head is aching, mother tied my hair up tightly in a bun almost pulling my head off my body. She opened the door and a cloaked hooded figure stood there. His face not seen by the naked eye and body looks almost threatening. "Welcome to my home my Lord." Does he not have a name?

"You said we were to be alone." He said hoarsely his voice deep. My mother stared at me then back at him. "I must speak with you alone for this to work." He stated.

"For what to work?" I accidentally said out loud and he looked at me finally but his face still hidden. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a beasts face hidden under that navy blue hood. My mother came up to me and dragged me out the door.

"Why don't you go off and play with some girls your age." She said giving a shifty smile. Wait what?

"But you said...." Before I could finish she slammed the door in my face. What was the whole point of all this if I was to be left outside like an unloved pup? Well did I really want to spend my time with my mother and her 'friends'. See if I think like that then this isn't so bad. But where am I to go now? "Go play with some girls your age." Mother had said and unfortunately I don't really know any. I guess this is a good chance to meet some. Oh I wish father had taken me with him into town this would make this so much easier. I started walking away from the farm down to the track my father took to go to the market. Here goes nothing. I kept walking and untied my hair letting it fall loosely in brown waves on my shoulders. I kept on tripping on the dress so eventually I carried the front up in my hands and kept walking. She could of at least let me wear my own dress.... I was soon away from my father's land and came up to a field that is owned by another farmer, actually I guess you could say he's our neighbour. Mr Lawrence and his three sons....

Darwin:

Light brown hair that goes up to his shoulders, pretty dark green eyes, the real hard worker in the family. The oldest son age 20.

Stephen:

Blond-brown hair cut short in a more boyish hair style, pretty but manly face and grey eyes. Ladies man and the second oldest. Must keep away for the safety of your own heart age 18.

Barney:

Mud brown hair that is short, grey eyes like his brother Stephen. Hollow cheeks and a bony figure, strange boy and is very quiet, often keeps to himself. The youngest child but my age 16.

"Rose is that you?" Mr Lawrence bellowed and all the men looked up to look at me. Stephen gave me with a lazy grin while Darwin gave me a kind nod and then there was Barney who had no expression on his face. Except for his eyes which looked at me warily. Mr Lawrence however being the likeable character he is simply smiled and left his work to come and greet me. "How are you my girl? I just saw your father ride past here an hour ago."

"I'm well thank you." I responded cheerfully then the boys came up behind him waiting to make their greetings. "You remember my sons." He said.

"Darwin, Barney and of course Stephen." I said giving him a small smile and he took my hand pulling up the sleeve of the dress and pressed his warm lips upon it.

"My fair lady, such a beautiful gown for even a more beautiful woman." He flirted still holding my hand. I blushed at his comment and took my hand away.

"Yes I must say I have never seen you in such dress." Said Mr Lawrence.

"If it were my choice I would choose not to wear it specially with all the work." I said.

"Well if you don't like it neither one of us mind if you take it off." Stephen said with a wry grin. Darwin the oldest slapped him upside the head and Barney looked like he was having a mini panic attack.

"Ignore my boys... Anyway where are you heading?"

"Off to the village actually to uh... See some friends." The village is just another way of saying town just to let you know.

"Oh wonderful! We were just about to head there now!" He said and the boys looked at him confused.

"We were?" They said at the same time. He glared at them and they quickly changed there answer to.. "We were!" I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head.

"So how about you come with us there it's a very long walk and I doubt those pretty shoes will last." He makes a fair good point and also I don't want to have to walk all the way there.

"Oh since you insist." I said and he beamed up then ordered his sons to get his carriage ready. Then Darwin helped me up on the carriage where I sat next to an over confident Stephen and a shy, timid and a little creepy Barney. Along the way every now and then I'd catch Barney starring at me intently. Either at my face or my chest then he'd quickly look away ashamed but keep making little peeks again... And again. Maybe him and Stephen really aren't so different. "So Stephen still breaking hearts?" I questioned sarcastically.

"Are you offering?" He suggested seductively and I felt Barney tense beside me.

"Merely making conversation Stephen no need get carried away with intimate fantasies." He laughed at me then admired me with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Stephen leave Rose alone it's obvious she goes for the more manly type." Darwin stated then flexed his muscles showing off. I giggled and held down a blush while Barney sighed heavily. I looked at him and he looked away afraid to look me in the eye.

"So Barney are you a lady killer yourself?" I asked smiling and he looked at me as if I were crazy.

"No! I'm... Strictly just a one woman man." He said quickly as if trying to prove a point. I giggled at his outburst.

"I'm glad one of you is a gentleman." I emphasised gentleman and the older brothers rolled their eyes. "How is your mother?" I asked changing the subject because Barney looks uncomfortable. They just shrugged and said she was fine then went on about themselves, bragging about their 'talents' and other stuff that I was only half paying attention to. I was to annoyed at the fact that Barney was staring at me again.

"Alright I'll drop you guys here." We stopped at some part of the village where a lot of girls and boys my age were just hanging out and playing around. The spot was just outside on a clear stone ground area and beside us was the entrance to the village. Darwin went with his dad off to someone's house, Stephen went off to chat a few girls up so I was stuck with Barney. It wasn't even a minute before everyone froze and saw me especially some boys. There was this big group of girls that just stared at me with wide eyes.

"Hey Barney..." I'm assuming this boy that ran up to us is one of Barney's friends but as he got closer he looked at the both of us wide eyed. Why is everyone reacting this way? It must be the dress.

"Um... Harry this is..." Barney started but then Harry interrupted.

"Rose. You're Derricks daughter, the farm girl that works." He said amazed and I am surprised he even knows who I am. And what does he mean by a girl that works?

"And I'm guessing you're Harry I friend of Barney's." I said then noticed more boys coming up to us smiling at me and whispering to each other. I've never gotten this much attention before especially from the opposite sex.

"Alright guys step away she's with me." Barney said wrapping his arm around my waist. I tore it off me and stepped away awkwardly while he frowned at me. Why is he eyeing me possessively? It's making me feel subconscious and scared.

"So are you all friends of Barney?" I asked all the six boys that stood around me. Some tall, some short, some younger, some older but all are giving me this weird smile. One tall ginger head boy with lots of freckles on his face wrapped his arm around Barney's shoulder.

"Yes in fact he and I great friends." Barney gave him a confused glare but it was Harry who spoke up.

"Since when!?"

"Since now." The ginger head growled then looked at me smiling. "I'm Malcolm." He let go of Barney and came closer to me holding his hand out. I shook it but somehow he managed to step closer to me. Some other boy shoved him out of the way and shook my hand introducing himself as Adam. Black curly hair, pale skin and brown eyes. He's the son of the tax collector and he started bragging about it. Soon the others wanted an introduction and they boys got competitive with each other. No fists fights or anything just them showing off and talking about where their families come from. What their fathers do and all the 'brave' risks they have taken. None of what they're talking about interests me at all. I want to go over to the girls and spend time with them. Except one of the girls with long blond hair and dull blue eyes is glaring at me sourly. Once she saw me notice she put up a fake smile and came over to me all the other girls following on behind her. She stood close by to Malcolm who actually took no notice of her presence until she cleared her throat. Twice.

"Hello I'm Rose." I greeted holding my hand out to her but she eyed me up and down and ignored my gesture.

"I'm Annette daughter of the villages best butcher." She said lifting her pointy nose in the air. I do believe I never asked of her fathers occupation but I just nodded anyway and smiled.

"Best butcher? Please you're father couldn't sell a squirrel." Adam sneered and there were a few snickers here and there but once Annette shot daggers at them, it was goodbye to smiling.

"Anyway our group is no place for refined, posh snobs." She stated.

"So I guess then you should be off since you seem to be snobby." I murmured under my breath so no one could hear me.

"What was that?"

"Nothing I just didn't think of this as some exclusive group for the working class." I said.

"Well what would a rich girl like you know about us anyway?" Rich? What is she talking about? It must be the dress that's confusing her.

"Um Annette I hate to tell you this but I am just a farm girl, I'm a commoner like you." I responded but from the sour expression she did not like being called a commoner. She placed her dirty hands on her hips. This is when I really took notice of how poorly she's dressed. Yellow, mucky dress with a stained white apron and then there's the dull shawl she has wrapped around her shoulders. 

"Even if you are just some farm girl we don't just accept anyone without them passing a test." She said grinning suspiciously. A test... I turned around to face the boys.

"Did you boys have to do a test?" I asked and they nodded.

"Don't worry we've all done something different." Malcolm said. "I had to stand in the middle of town and dance for ten minutes with a ferret in my trousers." I covered my mouth holding back my laugh while remembering that day. I can not believe he willingly did that.

"I remember that... Dear me! I don't have to do that do I?" I asked quickly whipping around to face Annette. She turned around to face her friends who all started whispering to each other. Out of nowhere Barney appeared and whispered in my ear. "Rose you don't have to do whatever they ask." I just stared at the group of whispering girls who all looked at me with either sympathy or unreadable expressions. My palms are perspiring again and I'm getting nervous.

"Should I be afraid?" I whispered more to myself then anyone else but the boys who are standing uncomfortably close to me reassured me that I'll have it easy. But I have a feeling in my gut that is telling me to just go home. But then there's this part of me that's anxious to know what I have to do. This maybe the only chance I ever get friends. Finally they all turned around to face me and I swear I can see an evil twinkle in Annette's blue eyes as she smiled.

"So I have decided what you have to do." Have to? So I have to do this or they'll reject me that's just fantastic. I crossed my arms over my chest impatient and waiting for them to give me an answer. "The old hag at Hollow hill." Everyone gasped and started whispering again while I stood there confused.

"The what?" I asked and everyone gasped again.

"You don't know about the witch?" A girl asked shocked as she moved around Annette and stood before me. She had pale skin and raven black hair that made her ice blue eyes stand out. I shook my head at her and her mouth went agape, just hung there as she looked at me incredulously. "The old hag at Hollow hill is the evil and ugly witch, who lives not far from here in the woods up on a hill where no life grows or dares to come near. The only beautiful thing that she has at that old cottage is an apple tree that grows the most delectable red apples anyone has ever seen. No one has ever actually tasted one but they say that fairies used to live in that tree until the old hag came along and claimed that land as her own." What has this got to do with making friends? Annette huffed impatiently and pushed the raven girl out of the way.

"You have to take one apple with out getting caught and bring it to me." She said obviously thinking I wouldn't be up for the challenge and obviously I am not. I've never heard of this old hag and they want me to steal from this woman. I don't want to give Annette the benefit of the doubt because she seems like a real... No I have never said words like that about people and I'm not starting now. But this however is ridiculous they can't expect me to do something like that and yet they are.

(I have never forgiven myself for giving in like that but one good thing did come out of it)

"Well show me where this hag's home is and I'll get you that apple." I said to her face and her expression quivered to annoyance then back to a smile.

"Follow us." She and everyone else went off down a trail into the woods. I don't like the fact that we have told no one about our leaving, and that no one has realised we're gone. Everyone was talking to each other even Barney was preoccupied so I walked alone just following the others. Although I did notice the boys walking close beside me, if they're trying to be discreet their not doing a very job of it. They're whispering but I can clearly hear what they are saying about me.

"Even from behind she's a beauty." I heard Adam whisper. I suppressed a giggle and I can feel the redness in my cheeks rise.

"Did you see the size of her..." Malcolm started but stopped there and I can see from the corner of my eye him gesturing with his hands. Now my cheeks are really heating up. I'm right here I want to say but I let them talk, curiosity getting the best of me.

"They're bigger than Annette's." Another boy responded.

"Every girl's bosoms are bigger than Annette's!" Adam laughed and all the boys shushed him. But I laughed with him and covered my mouth trying to block the sound out but giggles escaped through my fingertips. Annette turned around and gave me a suspicious glare.

"What is so funny Rose?" She questioned me and I took calming breaths and felt the boys tense behind. I looked at the boys and smiled.

"Private joke right?" I asked the boys and they nodded embarrassed and thankful I didn't spill. I then stared back at Annette. "I don't think you'd get it." I told her and she huffed annoyed and continued onwards.

"Do you think she heard everything?"

"I can hear you now!" I giggled and they laughed nervously. "But don't worry I won't tell." I heard them come closer and Malcolm came up to my right while Adam was on my left and all the other boys just stood near.

"We didn't mean to offend..." Adam started but I stopped him.

"You didn't offend me Adam, you have made my day." I said to him and he chuckled nervously then eyed Malcolm wearily. I turned to look at him and saw him staring down at my boobs. "Be careful Malcolm." He looked at my face but his eyes kept trailing down. "Don't want to lean in to close or you might set off my booby trap."  I warned then walked ahead of them all. After a minute or two they all burst out laughing. Ten minutes later we reached a clearing. Beautiful different coloured flowers stood tall and seemed as if they were smiling at me. Adam got a knife from his pocket and cut off a white rose from its bush. Which kind of broke my heart.

"A beautiful rose for a beautiful Rose." He smirked passing me the rose. I gladly accepted it and saw the boys give him annoyed glares. But I pricked my finger on a thorn and it started bleeding.

"Oh well done Adam you hurt her!" Malcolm yelled but was sort of smiling.

"I'm so sorry Rose!"

"It's fine don't go crazy I just pricked myself." I assured him and took a whiff of the delicate pale rose. My favourite flower is actually tulips but they don't need to know that.

"Come on Rose it's time you prove yourself! Boys leave her alone." Annette ordered but they ignored her and to aggravate her more they stepped closer to me. "Fine but Rose has to do this alone. Follow that path until you reach her cottage." I nodded and looked at dirt path that seemed normal, nothing scary just normal trees. Maybe she isn't so bad as they say she is.... I headed towards it then the raven haired girl grabbed my arm.

"I'll come with you halfway." She whispered to me clutching my arm. Oh thank you God.

"Elena what are you doing!" Annette screeched. So that's her name, it's pretty. Elena ignored Annette's annoying high pitched voice and we continued walking.

"Thank you Elena but you don't have to come even halfway. I chose to do this."

"I can't let you go alone this is the worst idea Annette has ever thought of. Even mine was less harsh than this." She told me looking at the trees wearily.

"What was yours?" I asked as we walked further away from the others, the scene getting darker.

"I had to be Annette's slave for an entire month. She is a horrible person." Elena growled and I stared at her confused.

"She's not that bad is she? I am sure she can be a decent human being."

"Yeah she can be if you do what she wants. I'm only doing that to get closer to the boys." She said truthfully. "The boys seem to have taken a new interest though." She grinned deviously as she stared at me and I blushed looking ahead.

"I don't see why they would take a liking to me I'm just another girl." I admitted and she scoffed.

"You're fresh meat. Also you are pretty and have big bosoms of course they're going to take notice of you." If we weren't in the middle of the scary woods I would burst out laughing but I don't want to attract any unwanted creatures. I looked up above me and noticed how the trees curled in and started looking deformed. As we kept walking  everything got darker and more eerie.

"Ok Elena I can go on from here you can go back." I said even though I am dying inside. What am I thinking? Just stop thinking and do it I'm already halfway there.

"Believe me I want to but I have to see this with my own eyes." She whispered so we kept walking our feet making crunching noises breaking lots of sticks and twigs. But those noises were nothing compared the drumming sounds of our hearts beating. I heard the wind whisper as it blew us towards our destination and the leaves rustled about. I don't want to be here. We stopped when the path ended and there was another clearing just not one as pretty as the last. Annette was right this place is lifeless. The green grass won't grow any nearer to this area. It's cold and creepy, it seems like a place death would go to have a picnic. It's horrific. There is no life anywhere and that cottage they were saying is merely a shack made of sticks and moss. Everything looks dead... Then I noticed the tree full of bright pink blossom flowers that looks just wrong in this dead environment. Blossom flowers means no apples, no apple means I came here for nothing. "Look there's one apple left on the tree." Elena whispered.

"Where?"

"On the end near the back see the branch closer to her home." She's right. There it is fresh, ripe and ready for the taking. But my legs refuse to move. "Go get it quietly then we'll run." She said and I nodded taking slow steps one after the other. The palms of my hands perspiring as my heart might as well be punching holes through my chest. I took quiet but deep, deep breaths to help me feel relaxed but it's not working. I reached the tree at last and wrapped my hand around the delectable fruit, just one pull then run. So I pulled it off but something came out of the scary shack. I looked at the old shrivelled up woman. And the banshee screamed!