Lessons In Love II: Anniversary of Horrors

Middle Wood (Part 1): Departure & Arrival

Nathan's feet scraped at the slippery polished floor beneath him as he desperately ran to the end of the corridor. His shoulder collided into the wall with a thick, sickly crunch as he failed to make a sharp turn to the right. He winced, cradling his throbbing arm as he forced himself onwards towards the stairs. Only seconds ago had he witnessed the sickening sight of blood-drenched sheets and chunks of human flesh scattered like gory debris, smeared up the walls of the master bedroom. The most recognisable pieces symbolising what used to be his mother.

Nathan's lungs struggled to take in the few gasping breaths he could manage, each one biting at his lips as he finally descended the stairs. An ear piercing, unearthly shriek of fury echoed from the other end of the corridor and followed Nathan down the stairs. He cried out in terror, falling down the last few steps and groaned as his shoulder hit the landing floor. He forced himself to stand and lunged for the front door. The latch refused to turn. The frame rebuffed his flailing fists and a scream so close and deafening that Nathan had to clamp his hands to his ears, glided down the stairs. The heavy thud of footfalls soon followed from upstairs, and in utter panic Nathan left his escape route behind and dashed into the kitchen. It was spotless and gleaming, welcoming him with an innocent tranquillity that failed to calm Nathan's hammering heart or heal his broken shoulder. He made a rash decision and groped for the cell phone inside his jean's pocket. He examined it dumbly for a brief moment then dialled with shaking fingers.

The sound of the staircase creaking unnaturally floated in from the hallway as something dragged itself down to the landing. Nathan pressed the phone against his ear hard as the dial tone whirred away at a casually pace.

The sudden, sharp crash of wood splintering and skidding across the stone floor grabbed Nathan's attention as he watched the broken stair banister halt at the kitchen's doorway. Nathan grabbed for the nearest drawer and pulled out the biggest knife he could find. He pointed it at the doorway, his weapon of choice looking like a giant wagging finger as it shook uncontrollably in his hand. He waited.

A hollow silence had fallen and Nathan nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice barely an inch from his ear informed him to "Leave a message after the tone". He swore loudly then froze as a new, menacing noise drifted in from behind the kitchen doorway, beyond his line of sight. A slow, soft scratching. That grew louder and faster and closer to where the banister lay silently on the floor. It became so loud that Nathan's cried out in pain but refused to block out the sound, too terrified to let the knife loosen in his white-knuckled grip. The sound became the equivalent of a thousand nails scraping at a blackboard as a tremendous roar shook the very foundations of the house.

Nathan shouted at his phone, not hearing one word leave his lips. Hot tears stung his cheeks and he wiped at his eyes, his throat sore from every screamed syllable. Five long, black fingers appeared at the door and curled around its frame. Nathan's last word trailed into an exhale of breath. He starred silently at the five clawed digits digging savagely into the dry wall which crumbled and fell to the floor. A large carnivorous head peered suddenly into the room; large red eyes scanning the room intently as they darted left to right then fell on Nathan's trembling figure. Nathan's terrified gaze was met by a vicious glare. His heart threatened to tear threw his ribs, as his tears dripped freely from his chin.

One last shriek stabbed at his eardrums, a blur of movement and Nathan saw the flash of teeth as long as icicles. Those big, red, terrifying eyes burning into his retinas as he let out a long, choking gasp. Wet, warmth flowed from his chest and poured down his stomach. Nathan's hands went slack, dropping the phone and knife with a soft splat into the circle of blood at his feet. His vision blurred, then darkened, as he slipped unceremoniously to the floor.

There, in his own home, Nathan Scott died.

--X--

"We're here!" Peyton announced as her convertible passed the elaborate, towering sign that read "Middle Wood Forest Villas". Each letter was carved from wood to look like the branches of a tree had entwined and formed the words as if by magic. They seemed full of promise, promoting the wonders that hid behind the wall of tree trunks that towered over the sign itself. Peyton peered up through the lush emerald leaves that spiralled down lazily from the canopies high above. A serene silence pressed against her ears, interrupted only by the odd bird song and far away hammering of a woodpecker. Everything seemed so damn peaceful...and then Lucas gave a loud sleepy grunt from beside her and Peyton almost had a heart attack.

Peyton took a moment to take in the sight of her three comatose passengers and a cruel smirk spread across her face. She waited for the car in front of her to take the right turning into Middle Wood's entrance then slammed her palm down on the horn.

Lucas woke with a start and would have smacked his head on the convertible's roof had it not been folded neatly away behind the two sleeping beauties in the back. Brooke being one of them, stirred groggily from her slumber and lifted her head hesitantly from its comfy resting place, the crook of Haley's neck.

"Ah you're awake!" Peyton chirped brightly and smiling broadly, receiving distasteful looks from her audience as she followed the other car ahead towards the entrance on the right.
"Well except Hales here," Brooke acknowledged with a nod as she arched her back and neck, groaning when something clicked loudly. "She'll sleep through anything. And I've tested that fact in ways so disturbing and experimental that Lucas would have wet dreams for a month." She finished with a lazy, self-satisfied smirk.

"Way, WAY too much information Brooke." Peyton whined as she pulled the car alongside the registration booth.

"Yeah, well I'm the benefactor of this lil getaway so unless you don't wanna end up sleeping with the bears – and I'm guessing they'll be three of them, with three separate bowls of porridge and a bed just right for you – I'd listen to every smutty comment I have to offer, Sawyer." Brooke gushed in a falsely sweet manner, betrayed instantly by her evil grin.

"You're an ass." Peyton grumbled sulkily and attempted to bite Brooke when she ruffled her blonde locks. Brooke noticed the cottage sized timber cabin beside them and got up to climb over the passenger door.

"Speaking of which I better go sort out the boring stuff." She said with an air of forced determination. Peyton handed her the files and forms she'd need to present from the dashboard's compartment and watched her friend skip over to the booth window where an insanely enthusiastic employee waited to greet her.

Lucas gave a strange grunt from beside Peyton and appeared to have reached the land of the living. He took in his surroundings and suddenly looked uneasy. "Wow. There are trees...lots of trees." He stated as if this were the most unnatural sight he'd ever witnessed, peering upward to the forest's canopy like Peyton had earlier.

"Ah, yeah, Forest Villas? Clue's kinda in the name Luke." Peyton replied in amusement.

"Yeah it's just...they're really big. And...did I mention...how many...I'm feelin' like a minority."

Peyton missed a beat and in the brief silence Brooke's giggling and Haley's soft snores could be heard, while the blonde sniffed subtly for the aroma of alcohol or possibly narcotics. Peyton's next words were careful.

"As in...the trees...are...the majority?"

"Mm."

Peyton blinked and then slowly reached out her hand, proceeding to flick Lucas in the head.

"Ow!"

"Sorry. Just checking you're actually awake."

Lucas laughed and massaged the red mark on his temple. "Okay, fair enough. A strong cup of coffee might be in order." He admitted sheepishly as he closed his eyes and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. Peyton smiled and squeezed his shoulder affectionately as she felt the effects of the three and a half hour journey take their toll. She would definitely be out for the count as soon as she found a bed.

The hysterical giggling coming from Brooke caught Peyton's attention for a second time and she couldn't help notice Brooke's worryingly flirtatious manner with the manager of registration. Instinctively, Peyton looked back at Haley only to find her snoozing away in that adorable way of hers. "Okay, thanks!" Brooke's voice drew her interest back to her and she watched her hop back in the car as she waved goodbye to the registrar. "Right," She started in a tone bearing great news, "We're in Villa 165. It's in the Brown Owl Zone. Get going Goldilocks!" Brooke teased cheekily as patted her driver on the back. Peyton growled playfully and steered away from the booth and along the fern-trimmed path deeper into the forest.

Peyton glanced in her rear view mirror to see Brooke trying to wake Haley to no avail. Peyton furrowed her brow. When she'd looked back at her earlier she could of sworn, just for an instant, that Haley's eyes had been fixed on Brooke flirting with the Cabin guy, closing quickly when she felt Peyton's gaze upon her.

--X--

If it hadn't been for the numerous and colourful signs dotted around the park, Peyton would have been ready to call it quits and make camp on the most inviting patch of dirt she came across. Thankfully, several significantly placed arrows with Stern looking Brown Owls printed on them guided the way, each time Peyton concluded she was lost they appeared like beacons of hope on the horizon. The gang reached their designated animal zone under 15 minutes even though it felt a hell of a lot longer. Peyton navigated the winding road that gradually branched off into smaller cobblestone paths leading up grass green slopes; a bungalow sized villa waiting at the top of each. It felt uncannily like an everyday street in the suburbs, albeit a suburb nestled deep within a sea of redwoods. With Lucas serving as spy he scanned the villa numbers through the trees and wild vegetation, they finally arrived at Villa 165.

Peyton killed the ignition and sighed with relief as her legs were allowed to stretch after their stiff captivity. Lucas mimicked her actions from the other side of the car, pacing the leaf-strewn ground as he let out a hearty yawn. Brooke had turned to wake Haley but was shocked to find her girlfriend missing. Allowing herself five seconds to be choked with utter panic, Brooke finally spotted the brunette making her way up the cobbled path to their villa. Brooke was a little put out by her girlfriend's sneaky departure but she brushed it off. At least she hasn't run off yet...she thought, chewing on her lip as she hopped over the car door like a gymnast.

"Hey Haleybutt, wait up!" she yelled. Haley managed to roll hey eyes in secret before she turned to greet Brooke with a wide smile. "Not gonna get far without these." Brooke smirked as she jingled a set of keys in front of her. Haley's smile grew at the goofy look on Brooke's face and she almost forgot why she was so pissed.

"After you, honey," Haley insisted, hoping her cheery tone didn't sound too forced; Brooke skipping past her as she went to unlock the front door. Peyton and Lucas appeared either side of Haley and the trio gave the villa a once over. From the outside it looked unnaturally white and sterile compared to its lush and earthy setting. The three friends shared a dubious look as Brooke got the door open and beckoned them inside with visible excitement.

However when they went inside they all understood Brooke's giddy enthusiasm, as their jaws collectively dropped. After walking through the small the small corridor that served as a cloak room their eyes were met by a lavish and luxurious living room and kitchen area. A large L-shaped sofa dominated the far left and back walls; the rich honey coloured wallpaper adorned with framed watercolour paintings, most portraying the surrounding landscape. Large sliding patio doors lined the right wall, next to a thick-set fire place that joined with the divider which created a cosy kitchen nook. This also harboured a gap where a generously sized TV sat complacently. A polished dining table stood near the front of the house, just to the left of them and various closed doors were dotted about the interior.

"So this is the main living area," Brooke suddenly announced, making the other three jump," the bathroom's behind the door in the kitchen and the toilet's through that corridor in the room next to the front door. Don't ask me why but if Lucas could ensure he closes the door after use that'd be swell." Brooke smiled, her hands together in mock thanks as the other girls snorted then pretended to find the floor very interesting as Lucas raised his eyebrow. "The kitchen has a fridge, a sink and everything else we need. Plates, forks...knives for Blondietoslitherwrists!" Brooke rushed out as Peyton swiped at her and she had to dodge behind Haley. The blonde glared as Brooke stuck her tongue out from behind Haley. She was in safe territory. "As for sleeping arrangements," she continued, never missing a beat," the room to the left has two singles. That's you and Lucas." Brooke stopped to laugh, "God, I'm funny...and the double bed is past the kitchen in the room at the end, which is where Haley and yours truly will be sleeping."

"How comes you get the double bed?" Peyton asked with a bite of envy as she her arms folded across her chest.

"Because Peyton you won't be having any sex anytime soon and if you take that bed from me I'll bite off your face. Kay?" Brooke summarised with a menacing sweetness that made Peyton take a step back.

"Aaaaaaaand last but not least...Haley if you'll follow me please."

Haley, instead of following, was forcibly dragged to the patio doors. Brooke drew back the flamboyantly red curtain in her way to reveal a scene so beautiful that Haley heard herself gasp. Brooke was quick to unlock the door and slide back the door so that Haley could step out and take a better look.

"This Villa has the best view out of all five-hundred. The Middle Wood's website recommended it...I picked it cus I thought you'd like it." Brooke explained tentatively. As Peyton and Lucas came out too they both noticed Brooke wringing her hands nervously. Haley was too busy gawking at the crystal clear stream flowing peacefully past the gentle slope that met with the fortified wooden decking. It accommodated four deck chairs and a table with a closed brolley in its centre. Haley walked slowly around this and sat at the head of the slope, listening to the heavenly birdsong and the distant strumming of an acoustic guitar that she presumed belonged to one of their new neighbours. Butterflies danced around each other as sapphire dragonflies darted in between the thick trunks of trees, standing like columns supporting an elaborate, emerald ceiling miles above her head.

"I don't like it...I love it. It's amazing, Brooke..."Haley said breathlessly, unable to tear her eyes away. Brooke sat beside the captivated cutie and wrapped her arms around Haley's waist. She perched her chin gently on the girl's shoulder and whispered, "Well it's got competition now you're here."

And for the first time in weeks, Haley felt herself melt inside at Brooke's simple words. She turned to face a lip-biting brunette who seemed just as surprised when her lips were met with a kiss. The kind of kiss that lasts a second but winds you for one hour.

Peyton frowned. Something really wasn't adding up here. Casual flirting and pretending to be asleep one moment then gift giving and open displays of affection the next? Nuh uh. I'm not buying this crap and believing its fudge. She'd let it lie for now but later Brooke and her would be having serious words.

"So," Lucas drew out as he clapped his hands casually, attracting the attention of the two lovebirds, "Who's bringing in the luggage?"

There was a tense silence filled only by the sounds of the various woodland creatures and the steady trickle of the stream, as glances were quickly exchanged.

"Not it!"

"Not it!"

"Not it!"

"Not- DAMMIT!!!" Lucas yelled as he lowered his head in defeat and trudged off back to the car.

--X--

The girls had decided to settle around the table overlooking the stream; due to the fact Haley wouldn't budge from the spot. Brooke had gone back into the villa to find the site plan and activities sheet while Peyton and Haley shared a bag oh Oreos with the local squirrels.

"Aren't squirrels meant to eat buts?" Peyton asked Haley, who paused in mid-throw of her chosen Oreo.

"Well...they don't seem to mind. Though from the packet I'm thinking these things have enough artificial sweeteners to put an elephant into a diabetic coma."
"...Maybe we should stop."

"Yeah. Maybe."

"Hey guys, found it!" I- OH MY JESUS ON A STICK!" Brooke screamed as she arrived outside and quickly jumped onto the nearest deck chair. Haley and Peyton gave her an identical "what-the-fuck?!" look.

"Ha. Squirrels. Cute. Lovely...fluffy...squirrels." Brooke managed weakly, swallowing like there was something horrible stuck in her throat. She pulled a face of disgust as she slowly sat down in her chair and placed a large, intricate map on the table.

"You still have a grudge against them don't you." Haley teased dryly as she scrunched up the bag of Oreos and put it away.

"It's...a possibility." Brooke said slowly, her eyes narrowly following the grey, fuzzy rodents as they scampered off. "But anyway! I've got the map. Feast your eyes on paradise." Haley and Peyton inspected the miniature scale bird's eye view of the park and Haley particularly noticed several words highlighted in Brooke's red lipstick. Places such as "Spa" and "Village gift shop" seemed to rank highly. "Now all the restaurants, shops and basic leisure activities are at the Village Plaza. That includes the Lagoon."

"Lagoon?" Peyton asked curiously.

"Think indoor water theme park."

"Suhweet."

"Totally! As for the more extreme stuff, horse riding, rock climbing, abseiling from very high platforms and screaming for our lives, etc, they're dotted about the forest. Oh and if you're feeling flabby there's a sport's centre with outdoor and indoor tennis courts overrrrr here." Brooke pointed to a grey square with a big white S on it.

"Wow, and here's me wanting to take a nap." Peyton said, yawning loudly and letting her head hit the table. Haley and Brooke laughed but stopped instantly when Lucas appeared.

"Right, that's every suitcase, backpack and HANDBANG- yes Brooke, five in total!" He growled as Brooke attempted to look innocent and whistle, "-officially unpacked from the car. Now I'm gonna go pass out if no one has any objections?"

Three heads shook.

"Think I'm gonna go unpack m'crap and catch some Z's too." Peyton added.

"Okay, but make sure you packed something scantily clad, slash, waterproof for later!" Brooke called after the retreating blondes who yelled a mumbled response. Brooke sighed and set eyes on her girlfriend who appeared lost in thought before catching Brooke's eye and smiling. Brooke sauntered up to the smaller brunette, looping her arms around her neck and turning Haley to face her.

"Me...and you...are gonna be so wet tonight." Brooke breathed huskily. Haley said nothing then barked out a laugh.

"Oh Brooke, you're a great, big dirty whore, you know that?"

"Yeahhhh," Brooke sighed with pride, "but you love it really." She leaned in and kissed her nose affectionately. Haley had no honest answer that would keep her girlfriend happy.

So she simply smiled.

--X--

End of Chapter 1