A/N: Hi all, first fanfic I've written in a very very long time. The inspiration for this was Witchcraft by Pendulum I have had this stuck in my head for a very long time. I've been slowly creating and developing this into something I can put down onto paper. And, well this is how it came out.
This is potentially being extended, where her modern day life will be explained in all its glory.
I hope you enjoy :)
Alice stopped in front of the little brick-and-mortar townhouse she shared with her two flatmates - university friends both. She put her foot up on their fence and leaned forwards, feeling the twinge of stretching muscles.
It was full dark by the time she slipped her key in the front door and pushed it open. All the lights were off in the house. Odd, she'd have thought at least Hattie would be home by now. She flipped the switch to the hallway light. Time for a new lightbulb then! In lieu of more powerful lighting, Alice opened her phone to guide her feet around the various obstacles (mainly Lenore's shoes, she really did need to get a shoe rack for all these shoes).
She made it to the lounge without hurting herself, which was incredible considering the number of sharp objects on the floor, and tried the light there. That one didn't work either. Okay, more likely a new fuse would be needed. But that wasn't right: the light in the bedroom hallway was on. And Lenore's door was open.
Hattie was sitting on the couch, backlight from the hallway. Alice's hair stood on end. She raised the cellphone's rays and paused when the light came to Hattie's waist. What was that? She flicked up to Hattie's face. Her eyes were open. There was no response.
Alice's stomach clenched. She stepped back. The cellphone dropped. Her eyes went to the open door. The shadows from Lenore's room crept along the hallway floor. And there, just illuminated by the hallway light, was an arm. The doornob rattled, the door swung open. Lenore's face came into view, as blank as Hattie's. Alice's throat contracted. He was coming for her now. Boots stepped over Lenore and into the light. He had seen her now.
Her brain caught up to her body when she skidded down the stairs. She left it behind again as her feet gained purchase and launched her down the street. There was no time to think, only run. She could hear his cursing. He was following her! A sob caught between her breaths. No time! He was too fast! His knife-lunge caught the back of her neck and she screamed. She couldn't spare her hands to stop the bleeding, had to run faster! Got to get out, go far away! She could still hear the heavy thunks behind her. They weren't close. She daren't look behind her, she knew he was still following.
Her breaths were coming in ragged gasps now. His feet had trailed off some time ago, but she couldn't stop. Don't stop running, he'll get you! Got to go far away, as far away as far away can be! Her heart thudded fit to burst. Her legs gave out. Her tears would not be stopped.
In the middle of nowhere and anywhere, Alice curled up on the ground and cried.