Page 20 of Twisted Thorns

Chapter 11

Avalina

The fallen leaves crunch under my boots as I walk along the wooded trail. The autumn breeze has a bite to it today and I'm thankful for my wool coat as I clench it tighter around me and dig my hands in the ruby red pockets.

Here I'm able to escape. Surrounded by nature, the pressures of my life fade away and I can hear myself think. No longer struggling with the mask of who I used to be, wrapped up in staying on top of trends, shopping and spending money on things that mean nothing to me. No more worrying about what I don't remember and who my friends expect me to be.

Here I can simply be myself, with no filters and no mask. The tension I've been carrying eases away and I feel like I can breathe again.

I pause at a small creek burbling over rocks and sit on a fallen log. Dipping my fingers in the cool water, I'm struck by its clarity. I think of my own murky memories and how I long to recover that same sense of surety about my past.

But here, listening to the creek's quiet song, I know at least one truth still rings clear: my love for these woods, for the quiet joy of this unfettered existence.

Raising my face to the sunlight glimmering through the trees, I close my eyes and inhale the cedar and damp earth that surrounds me.

After the trip to the city that Iris and Claire planned, my missing memories have plagued me and I've felt even more disconnected from what should have been my closest friends. For not the first time, I wondered how well these friends even knew me.

Iris and Claire, I feel a bond with, because I have known them both almost my entire life. But Amanda and Jessica? I feel as close to them as I do a random stranger I meet on the street. We seem worlds apart.

My mind shifts back to the surrounding woods. For now, it's enough. It has to be.

Rising, I dust off my pants and continue down the trail, wondering when or if Kieran will show up. I pause at the edge of the clearing, taking in the unbroken expanse of sky above me. The trees fall away, opening up to a vista overlooking the valley below.

A slight movement catches my eye - a presence shifting in the shadows of the trees. I turn, scanning the woods behind me, but see nothing. I blink and that's when I see him - a tall figure emerging from the trees. As he comes closer, I recognize him. Kieran.

Kieran makes his way towards me. He moves with predatory grace, his dark gaze intent.

I'm rooted to the spot in anticipation. Even the birdsong has stilled. It's as if the entire forest is holding its breath, transfixed by this man's commanding presence.

Watching him glide towards me, I can't help but take in his tall form, dressed in the all black attire I've seen him in around town. His black hair falls slightly in his face, casting shadows on his sharp cheekbones.

He steps closer, moving to stand beside me, and leans against the tree trunk. "We used to see each other."

"In secret," he quickly adds, as he sees the furrow appear on my brow. "We met in these woods, actually".

"We did?" Shock colors my words. Why has no one mentioned this before now?

His lips curve into a sensuous smile. "Why do you think this is your favorite spot?"

He continues. "We met about eight months before your accident. We got to talking and realized we had more in common than one might think. After a few run-ins and a stern talking down from Iris to stay away from you, we kept our relationship secret."

My mind reels, trying to make sense of his words. "For how long?" I whisper.

"Until your accident. Until you didn't remember." He says simply.

"But that was months ago. You have said nothing until now. Why?" I demand.

He sighs and looks away, running a hand through his dark tresses. "I thought I was doing you a favor. I knew how much you wanted out. Out of this town, out of this role. I wanted you to have that without me dragging you down. I thought I was giving you what you wanted."

I cross my arms over my chest. "Prove it," I declare, staring him down with a boldness I do not feel.

Kieran simply pulls his phone out from his back pocket, typing something before turning it so I can see what's displayed.

I peer at the screen, unable to process what I'm seeing at first. Photos. Lots of photos. And video. I tap the first photo, making it larger. It's us. I glance around. The photo appears to have been taken here, in these woods. I look at the date. Ten months ago. I tap the screen and start scrolling through pictures and video of us here in these woods, by the quarry, the lake. Our arms are around each other. We're smiling at the camera. There are more images of what looks to be an old farm, where we're cuddled on a plaid blanket, kissing.

Scrolling, I find more photos of us in my apartment, last December when I had my holiday decorations up. Suddenly Kieran's hand is there on the phone, taking it away from me. I think I glimpse a bed between my fingers.

"I don't have any photos of you on my phone. For all I know, these are all fake..." my voice trails off, the disbelief clear in my argument.

---