bChapter Three/b - The Loft
pBy the time we arrived at the island nightfall had shrouded us like a thick blanket. Jake and I strained our eyes for a glimpse of our surroundings only to be greeted with sounds of various types of nocturnal creatures.
p"Grab your bags," our father said. We squinted as he struck a match, lighting a lantern and holding it high above his head. Long shadows stretched in front of him as he made his way along what was visibly a stone-lined path.
p"I must stress some rules that must be abided at all times," he said slowly, his footsteps crunching heavily. We slid our bags farther up on our shoulders maintaining our silence.
p"You must be quiet. At ALL TIMES."
p"Why?" Jake demanded. There was no answer.
p"You are allowed to travel on the South Side of the island during the day. You will not be allowed to venture out in the evening."
p"And most importantly," a long pause filled the air. "You must NEVER sneak into the main house."
p"The main house? But where are we---"
pI was unable to finish my sentence for he stopped so abruptly that Jake and I slammed into him from behind, propelling him forward several steps. His back stiffened in annoyance as he swiveled on his heels, glancing down at us with eyes full of impatience.
p"You will be staying in the loft."
pBefore either of us could ask what he meant he pushed a door open and ushered us quickly into a massive building. Stalls were erected on two walls opposite of each other but there were no horses in occupation. In fact, the building looked untouched.
p"Up," father commanded. He jabbed his finger above him and it was then that we realized what he indeed meant.
pA drop ladder was rigged up towards a trap door. With certain trepidation I placed my hand on a rung, swaying slightly.
p"Did you hear me?"
p"She's…afraid of heights."
pI felt my face start to flame with embarrassment but it was nothing but the truth. Just glancing up towards the door in the ceiling made me feel lightheaded.
p"Yes, well…" there was a soft hiss as our father rubbed his face. Seeming to make a decision he nodded to affirm his thought and once more pointed.
p"Up you go."
pI felt rough hands grab my leg, hoisting me several rungs up. I clung miserably and only began to move when I felt him touch once more. Amazingly I made it to the top and as my head tapped on the door it flipped backwards revealing an area as large as our apartment that we had left behind not so long ago. Clawing at the hard wood flooring I fell stomach first upon to floor, rolling quickly away from the trap door.
pA minute later Jake's head burst through the opening. His face was twisted in fury and it was not long before I realized why. Father sprung up after him but he did not come completely through. He stared at us as if he expected some form of gratitude. When neither of us spoke he just grunted.
p"Until tomorrow," he said neutrally.
pTears sprung to my eyes. He was supposed to say 'Good night darlings. I love you. Do you need anything? This is only temporary. If you need anything don't hesitate to come get me."
pBut there was nothing…
pExcept the sound of a lock and a key and the horrible realization that we were locked up in a strange place high above ground with no chance of escape.
pBy the time we arrived at the island nightfall had shrouded us like a thick blanket. Jake and I strained our eyes for a glimpse of our surroundings only to be greeted with sounds of various types of nocturnal creatures.
p"Grab your bags," our father said. We squinted as he struck a match, lighting a lantern and holding it high above his head. Long shadows stretched in front of him as he made his way along what was visibly a stone-lined path.
p"I must stress some rules that must be abided at all times," he said slowly, his footsteps crunching heavily. We slid our bags farther up on our shoulders maintaining our silence.
p"You must be quiet. At ALL TIMES."
p"Why?" Jake demanded. There was no answer.
p"You are allowed to travel on the South Side of the island during the day. You will not be allowed to venture out in the evening."
p"And most importantly," a long pause filled the air. "You must NEVER sneak into the main house."
p"The main house? But where are we---"
pI was unable to finish my sentence for he stopped so abruptly that Jake and I slammed into him from behind, propelling him forward several steps. His back stiffened in annoyance as he swiveled on his heels, glancing down at us with eyes full of impatience.
p"You will be staying in the loft."
pBefore either of us could ask what he meant he pushed a door open and ushered us quickly into a massive building. Stalls were erected on two walls opposite of each other but there were no horses in occupation. In fact, the building looked untouched.
p"Up," father commanded. He jabbed his finger above him and it was then that we realized what he indeed meant.
pA drop ladder was rigged up towards a trap door. With certain trepidation I placed my hand on a rung, swaying slightly.
p"Did you hear me?"
p"She's…afraid of heights."
pI felt my face start to flame with embarrassment but it was nothing but the truth. Just glancing up towards the door in the ceiling made me feel lightheaded.
p"Yes, well…" there was a soft hiss as our father rubbed his face. Seeming to make a decision he nodded to affirm his thought and once more pointed.
p"Up you go."
pI felt rough hands grab my leg, hoisting me several rungs up. I clung miserably and only began to move when I felt him touch once more. Amazingly I made it to the top and as my head tapped on the door it flipped backwards revealing an area as large as our apartment that we had left behind not so long ago. Clawing at the hard wood flooring I fell stomach first upon to floor, rolling quickly away from the trap door.
pA minute later Jake's head burst through the opening. His face was twisted in fury and it was not long before I realized why. Father sprung up after him but he did not come completely through. He stared at us as if he expected some form of gratitude. When neither of us spoke he just grunted.
p"Until tomorrow," he said neutrally.
pTears sprung to my eyes. He was supposed to say 'Good night darlings. I love you. Do you need anything? This is only temporary. If you need anything don't hesitate to come get me."
pBut there was nothing…
pExcept the sound of a lock and a key and the horrible realization that we were locked up in a strange place high above ground with no chance of escape.