That in this world, you are not beholden
Hazel wanted to believe that this was paradise.
She wanted to lie back on the white, warm sand and feel her worries simply dissolve from her mind, the anxiety and fear that seized her daily to become forgotten. But try as she might, she could not relax. As she sat on the sand with Georgia beside her, the tickle of hair on the back of her neck alerted her to a discomfort which had goosebumps rising on her skin despite the tropical heat. Her dark-haired companion seemed unphased as she laughed at the others galloping through the turquoise surf and doing cartwheels up and down the beach. Amidst the joy and picturesque display, Hazel found she was unable to shake her unease, this feeling in her gut that something was not right.
A harsh breeze that was much too cold and bitter for the current climate suddenly came from behind her, tossing her long chestnut locks over her face unexpectantly. This alarmed her slightly, as one tended to assume that the wind would always be travelling from across the water, not towards it. She righted her hair and cautiously turned away from the sea towards the immense jungle behind her. The wind picked up again, and the young girl squinted at the trees as their branches shook violently. The wind seemed to carry the faintest of buzzing noises, yet she could no longer hear the others laughter. Then, she glimpsed something just beyond the tree line. A black shape, merely a shadow in the darkness of the jungle, but she could almost see it's disfigured face. The insidious presence was looking straight at her, watching them, she could feel it. And in the next moment, she swore that she made eye contact with soulless sockets that were crying tears the colour of fresh blood.
"Hazel!"
Her mouth, which had fallen open to release a cry of terror, merely squeaked in surprise as Georgia's hand vigorously shook her forearm and brought her mind back to the present. She turned back to her friend. The children were still laughing and playing in the shallows.
"You alright? Look like you've seen a bloody ghost!"
She swallowed to re-stimulate her voice box.
"O-oh…I was just…did you…." She faced the jungle, but there was nothing there, "see that?" she barely whispered as she trailed off, voice lost with the breeze which once again gently swayed the trees to and fro.
The buzzing had not stopped, it still hummed just above the swishing waves.
Long time no see!
I am sorry that it's been so long, but I'm super happy to be posting again. I hope I will get a more substantial chapter out in the next month or so, apologies for this one being so short. The boys don't make an appearance I know, but it is an important chapter nonetheless.
I must say a huge thank you to reviewer Hope, who sweetly left 2 reviews asking me to update so I thank you for the kind words and motivation and hope this is okay for now!
In the meantime, school takes priority I'm afraid. It's a pity I can't write reports as well as I can write fanfiction.
Hope you're all okay, a lot has changed this year and it's been tough. Stick with it people, there is light at the end of the tunnel :)