The first chapter is up! Enjoy :)
Belmar, New Jersey
August 4, 2024
She woke up to an overcast morning outside.
This was something that was not very surprising. The weather app and channel have been calling for rain at some point early this afternoon. But at least the morning will be clear enough to get some time outside and she knew where she wanted to go this morning after breakfast.
So, she got out of bed and started her morning routine and did some exercises starting with a couple reps of pushups. Then went into some ab exercises right after, followed by arm exercises. The routine lasted its usual length of forty-five to fifty minutes.
Once she finished, she went to take a shower. Then she put on some body lotion and deodorant before slipping some clothes. As always, the last thing to go on were her dog tags and grabbed her iPhone. Afterwards, she went out to her small kitchen and went to work making breakfast for herself.
While she ate breakfast, her iPhone started to ring. She picked it up and noted the caller I.D. said it was her friend and work colleague, Jason. So, she answered the phone.
"Hey, Jason. What's up?" She asks.
"Hey Hanna, sorry for calling so early but I just had something important to ask you. Did you put the paperwork for the new students in the blue folder or the red one in the filing cabinet? I need to know, because I need to reorganize some of the paperwork in the file cabinet because it's getting a little clustered in there again. Figured I'd go in and do it this morning, since it is Sunday, and we're closed today." Jason said.
"I put it all in the red one up front." Hanna replied.
"Thanks, Hun. Apart from that, what are your plans today? Movies on the couch seeing as we have a bad storm coming in later his afternoon?" He inquires.
"Well, perhaps. But before I get to that, I would like to go to Allaire State Park this morning. Get a nice walk in there before the downpour later. How about you?" She asks.
"Nothing much, Mark and I have to run a couple errands this morning after I sort the paperwork at the dojo. Afterwards, we may just so a few chores around the house then watch a few movies." Jason replied.
"You actually going to be paying attention to what you're watching on TV? Or you and Mark going to be too busy giving each other attention instead?" Hanna jokes.
"Hahaha, very funny. Though who knows, maybe we'll break out the new camera he got a couple weeks ago and shoot a porno. You're more than welcome to come and watch if you want." He teased.
She chuckles a little at his response.
"Nah, I'd be more of that friend that would come to kill the mood by flashing you guys while you're busy getting hot and heavy." Hanna joked.
"Doubt you would kill the mood. It may just turn me on more. Seeing as I'm more or less Bi than gay. I very much appreciate a nice set of women's tits too you know." He pointed out with some laughter in his tone.
"Oh really? Is that an invitation then?" She continued joking with him.
"It can be if you want. I'll happily service you, seeing as it's been a long time since you have been in a relationship. I don't think Mark will mind." Jason teased.
Hanna started laughing more.
"Somehow I doubt Mark would mind. He doesn't seem to be the type to share." She said between laughs.
"With other guys, no. But he never said anything about women." He joked.
"Jay, I love you and you're my best friend. But if I do find myself having sex again, it will be with someone I'm in an actual relationship with. Seeing as you of all people know I'm not one of those people who look for flings or one-night stands." She says.
"So, does this mean you won't have my baby then?" He asks in a fake hurt tone.
The young woman started laughing again.
Leave it to Jason to say something like that. Funny, how all their years together in the service never seemed to have change what she calls his 'class clown' personality. He's always been this was since they were in school as kids. Nice to see some things just never change.
"Yeah, ok! Something tells me that would be a total deal breaker between you and Mark! Don't think he'd be too happy either!" She said between laughs.
"Ehh, I'm sure he'd get over it." Jason says, nonchalantly.
"Somehow, I doubt that." Hanna replied.
"Yeah, well, anyways, I won't keep you from your nature walks because I know it'll make you grumpy. So, I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning, Sargeant." He said.
A soft smile appeared on her face.
"We have been out of the marines now for four years and you still insist on calling me by rank?" She inquires.
"Even so, you'll always be my Sargeant, Mighty Mouse." Jason told her.
Her smile widens as he referred to her as the nickname, he gave her all the way back in elementary school.
"If you say so, Corporal." Hanna says.
"I do. Talk to you later, Hanna. Have fun on your walk. But not too much fun though. Because I don't think I have enough money for your bail if shit goes down." He teased.
She rolls her eyes, "Love you too, Class Clown. Goodbye."
"Love ya, bye." Jason replied.
Then the call ended.
Hanna just shakes her head with a smirk as she takes a sip from her glass of water. Then she resumes eating her breakfast.
About ten minutes later, she finished eating and took her plate to the sink and washed it. Then she put it on the drying rack and went to grab some things before leaving her small apartment.
She grabbed her iPhone carry case, put her iPhone in and connected the clip to the waist band on her army green cargo capris. Then she grabbed her air pods and pocketed them. Next, she grabbed her all-purpose utility pocketknife and clipped that to her side. Then the last thing she grabbed were her car keys before heading out.
Hanna walked down the hall and down the steps to the first floor of the apartment complex and left. She then walked to her car that was parked in the first row of the parking lot about fifteen feet away and got in.
Thankfully, according to the weather, she still had plenty of time to get at least one to two hours of a walk in at the park, which was located only thirteen minutes southwest of where she lived.
She left the parking lot and was now on her way to Allaire State Park.
It was a smooth drive down to get to the park. The roads didn't appear to be as crowded our congested this morning as she headed down Allenwood Rd. and then NJ-138 E to get to her destination. Probably because many locals and tourists were put off by the overcast skies and incoming storm.
Hanna pulled into to park around 9am. There were hardly any other cars there and it looked pretty quiet. She got out and started heading for one of the many trails here off to her left and up ahead. Then she proceeded down the trail.
Even though it was overcast, it was still quite warm and muggy out. But she didn't let the warm and sticky temperature get to her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her air pods and stuck them in her ears. Then she took out her iPhone and turned on the Bluetooth to connect the air pods to her phone. Afterwards, she went into her iTunes and to one of her playlists and hit shuffle. Not a moment later, tunes started flowing through the air pods as she continued her walk.
Memories consume like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume I'm safe here in my room
Unless I try to start again
I don't want to be the one the battles always choose
'Cause inside, I realize that I'm the one confused
I don't know what's worth fighting for or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate and say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way, I know it's not alright
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit tonight
Hanna started to lightly mouth the words to the lyrics as she walked on.
She continued done the dirt path through the dense foliage on either side of her. One of the many things she seems to love about this place was how peaceful it was. But even then, it still never stopped her from being hyper alert of her surroundings as she continued looking around. Something that was both out of habit and second nature to her after doing three tours or a total of twelve years in the U.S. Marines.
Hanna has been to this park many times over the last several years. She knew each monument and trail and has even gone off the trails a few times and trekked through the woods to give herself a little more of a challenge.
Right now, she was contemplating doing just that, as she finished crossing a small wooden bridge that crosses over a stream below.
She walked maybe another twenty feet down the path away from the bridge, before deciding to turn right and walked off of the trail and into the surrounding woods.
Hanna was walking through the woods for about a half hour, going up and over some large rocks and a couple logs as she went and was getting quite the workout from it. Even as the heat persisted, she pressed on. After all, she was used to even more rigorous training than this.
Though she did notice as she continued walking, that the wind started picking up a little bit. It was most likely signifying the oncoming storm that will be here within the next few hours or so. The light breeze did feel rather nice on her sweaty skin.
After another five minutes, Hanna stopped and started looking around the area. She did a slow, full three-sixty turnabout scanning her surroundings. As she did, she started to feel a little off as she continued looking through the foliage around her. It was strange, like an eerie feeling suddenly crept up her back. Something that only generally happens when she feels she is either being watched or senses something about to happen.
Though, Hanna cannot understand why she would suddenly feel that way. She doesn't believe anyone was out here in the woods besides her and she can't really fathom what could happen out here in these woods, which were for the most part generally safe.
The feeling never left her though, if anything, it felt like it was getting stronger each second, she was out there. Her senses were then telling her to go for cover.
So, she left the small, open area and started pushing through some bushes and passing trees as she went.
Hanna only did so for around five minutes. Then as she took another step forward, she put her foot down on very soft dirt and leaves in front of her below some cluster of bush branches she was pushing through.
What happened next, completely threw her off guard and surprised her. As the ground where she stepped suddenly gave out and caved in. Next thing she knew, she was falling with a small yell leaving her mouth as she did.
She fell through some hole in the ground, and it became pitch black all around her as she fell further away from the hole and only source of light above. Hanna let out a few more screams in fear as she continued further down into what seemed like a never-ending abyss.
Until several seconds later, there was this sudden flash of bright white light that quickly surrounded her.
It all happened so quickly. First there was this bright flash. Next thing she knew she hit solid ground and started rolling down a grassy incline.
Hanna continued rolling down for what had to be several seconds. Even when she tried to stop herself, she couldn't. All she could do is try to tuck and roll to try and prevent any serious injury. But before she could, she finally came to an abrupt stop as she slammed into level ground.
A sharp gasp left her as she did. She grits her teeth and slowly rolled onto her back and lays there for a few moments trying to collect her bearings and wait for the everything to stop spinning.
When her vision finally came into focus, she found herself looking up at a bright blue sky. She furrowed her brows in slight confusion because she was certain the sky was completely overcast and quite dark not a couple minutes ago. Now, it looked like there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
Hanna slowly sits up with a grunt. Her body felt quite sore all over from that fall and tumble. She can only hope nothing is broken.
But before she could check herself, her eyes were drawn to her surroundings. As she looked around, she quickly came to realize she didn't recognize this area. It certainly wasn't Allaire State Park.
'What the hell?!' She thought, as she continued looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
Hanna was still in the woods, but it was no woods she recognized. Which didn't make any sense because how can she be at the park one minute and then somewhere else completely?
Plus, what the hell was that bright flash of light that surrounded her while she was falling?
She slowly stood up, stumbling a little on her legs as she did. Hanna then turned her gaze to where she fell. Right to her right was a grassy hill that led up several meters. The hill stretched on in both directions on either side. Then she turned around and looked to her left to see a tree line that led into some woods.
Hanna still didn't understand what was going on. But she felt she needed to find either the nearest path, road, or hopefully some people.
The question was, which way should she go? Heading into the woods didn't sound like a very good idea. Perhaps, if she goes back up this hill, she can get a better view from up there and maybe find where she needs to go.
Before she began walking though, she stood there for a moment checking herself over.
She was covered in some dirt and grass stains. She didn't really see any open wounds anywhere, except for some minor scrapes on her arms that weren't really even bleeding. Hanna then reached up and started prodding different areas on her body to see if anything felt loose or out of place.
Thankfully, all she felt was some bruising, but nothing any more serious than that. On top of that, she was both surprised and relieved to see her iPhone was still in the black case connected to her capris. Her pocketknife was still connected to her waistband too. Seems like the only things she did lose were her air pods, which fell out of her ears when she fell through the hole.
Once she was satisfied, Hanna started to walk up the hill she just rolled down prior a few minutes ago. At least it wasn't all that steep and wasn't that hard of a walk up. Though it took her at least a good fifteen minutes to make it all the way up it.
When she did finally make it to the top, Hanna was relieved to see a wide dirt road not ten feet away from her.
More trees lined the road on the opposite side and seemed to stretch along the length of the road that seemed to go on for miles in either direction.
Hanna reached up and pulled her iPhone out of the case. She then went into her compass app and gave it a look to see what direction this road went.
As she turned her hand and lined up the arrows on the compass with the dirt road, she realized it went east and west. Now, the question was, which way to take. Left to go East? Or right to go West?
In the end, Hanna decided to go east and see where it takes her. The important thing was at least she was lucky enough to find a road and roads always lead to civilization somewhere.
Not a moment later, she put her phone away, turned left onto the road and started walking down the side of it.
As she walked, she looked up and noted the position of the sun on the sky. Something she found a little off. She swore before she put her phone away, it said it was around quarter after ten in the morning. But judging by the sun's position, it looked like it was early afternoon.
Hanna didn't have too much time to think about it when she heard faint sounds that were gradually getting louder coming from down the road ahead of her. She shifted her light gaze from the sky to the road, but didn't see anything.
Until she noticed there was a bend in the road to the right where the view was obstructed by trees where it turned. That is where the sounds were coming from.
She furrowed her brows in part confusion and curiosity and kept on walking to the source. Whatever it was, it didn't sound like a car or even a motorcycle. So, what else could it possibly be?
Unfortunately, she would come to quickly regret what it was she heard. Because not a couple minutes later, someone came around that bend and not just someone, but four strangely dressed individuals on horseback.
Hanna squinted her eyes and cupped a hand over them to shield out the sunlight, trying to get a better look at them as they continued traveling down the road, headed her way.
As they got closer, she did a double take at what she saw. Even rubbed her eyes a little before setting her gaze back on them. What she saw, shocked her to the core.
It wasn't men on the horses. It was apes!
"The fuck!?" She said to herself.
They were almost upon her position now, and Hanna was unsure if she should try and run or stand her ground. But even she knew, she wouldn't be able to outrun a horse.
The small group of apes reached her within the next couple minutes. They slowed down their horses when they spotted this woman on the side of the road. It seemed strange to see a human woman all the way out here and by the looks of it by herself.
Plus, what in the world was she wearing?
"You! What are you doing all the way out here? What settlement did you come from?" One of them questioned her.
Her eyes widened, when she heard them talk.
'Seriously!? Where the fuck am I!? Fucking Twin Peaks or something!?' Her mind screamed.
"Are you deaf or dumb? I asked you a question." The same one barked.
Hanna brushed aside her shock and tried composing herself. As she observed them, she noted they all toted rifles, that were strapped to their backs.
"Excuse me, Sir. But I am lost. Can you please inform me where the nearest town is?" Hanna asks.
All four of the apes, that she saw actually looked like humanoid gorillas, all shared looks with one another before they turned their attention back to her.
To them, this woman seemed very strange, and they can't get over the strange attire she was wearing. It was definitely not the same type of garbs or dress that the rest of the female humans here wear. She also had this strange necklace around her neck.
"Why are you dressed like a man?" One of them asked.
Hanna gave them a funny look.
"Pardon?" She asked.
"Why are you dressed like that? All females here wear dresses. Why are you wearing pants and a very revealing shirt?" They continued questioning her.
Revealing? Hardly. She was wearing a tank top and last she checked, it covered all the important bits.
"Last I checked, we have been allowed to wear pants for quite some time." Hanna retorted, slipping her composure a bit.
They gave her scrutinizing looks. This woman seemed awfully bold and ballsy to speak of them in such a tone.
"You still haven't answered our question. What settlement are you from?" One of them repeated.
'The land of delusion, apparently.' She thought.
"Not from around here. Hence, why I said, I'm lost." Hanna said, more slowly.
She didn't appreciate their line of questioning or how they were talking to her. If there was one thing she hated, it was being talked down to like she was lesser than everyone else. She spent most of her younger years dealing with just that and she sure as hell wasn't going to get it here from some oversized baboons on horseback.
One of the gorilla's turned to one of his comrades.
"Think she is an alien human?" He asks one of them.
The more they studied her, the more they came to believe she could be and if that is the case, they may have to take her in.
"It's possible." He replied.
Then one of them turned to another comrade.
"Break out the ropes." He told him, while gesturing to the woman.
Hanna tensed up when she heard those words and saw him gesture towards her. Then she saw the other nod and slide off his horse and onto the ground.
He then reached into a saddle bag and pulled out a lengthy piece of rope.
"You're coming in for questioning." One of the gorilla's told her, as the one on the ground headed towards her with the rope.
"Questioning? On what grounds?" She asked.
"Quiet!" The same one snapped.
The one gorilla was now only about a foot away from her now, holding out the rope in front of him in his hands.
"Don't give us any trouble now." He says, as he attempts to reach out for her with one hand.
Hanna narrowed her eyes.
'You want it, you got it.' She thought.
Quicker than any of them realized, her hand shot out and she nailed the gorilla in front of her in the face. Then she grabbed the rope and quickly circled around him, bringing the rope up across his throat and tightened it, making him gasp and let out a strangled sound.
"Halt!" One of them yelled.
Then the other three gorillas drew their rifles and took aim.
But Hanna had other ideas. She kept a firm grip on the rope around the gorilla's neck and stayed behind him, turning him into a human shield. The gorillas were shocked to see a human react in such a way and so quickly.
"Wait! Hold your rifles!" One of them said.
They didn't want to risk shooting their comrade.
"Move." She growled in the gorilla's ear.
Then she started lugging him along, as she kept a tight hold on the rope around his neck.
Hanna started pulling him over with her, while making sure he stays firmly in front of her as she made her way to the other side of the road to the tree line. This only took about a minute, before she made it to the nearest trees on the side of the road.
Once she was where she wanted to be, Hanna quickly let go, turned around, and started darting through the woods.
The three gorillas on horseback quickly approached and saw their comrade was fine, as he pulled the rope loose from his neck and had a small coughing fit.
"Bane, you alright?" One of them asked.
"Yes, let's just get the little bitch and go." He spat in anger as he ran back to his horse and hopped back up on it.
"Let's go!" One of them said, and they started heading into the woods with their horses to pursue the strange woman.
The woods were pretty dense, but not dense enough to hinder their horses all that much. They should still have a good shot at getting to her.
Until Next Time ;)