There are parts of that day and I remember so vividly. The sound of the gravel road beneath our feet. The way it crunched in response to our steps was almost soothing.. inviting.. Saying yes, come into these woods, please. I have always felt the pull in these places to go deeper into the quiet.

I remember, too, how I was quite happy to be out in the country as the slower, less saturated by people always in a hurry to be somewhere, quiet, calm living had always suited me best.

I also recall, very clearly, that he wasn’t saying much of anything.

He had come around that afternoon when I was no longer meant to see him asking politely and in such an old fashioned gentlemanly way, that I could never resist, if I would like to go for a walk.

His eyes were insistent and I knew a walk was innocent enough. I had already decided I was bored of teasing him and that we were very clearly incompatible. He was too kind. I would make a mess of him in the end even though it was unintended. But I could let him plead his case once more and then let him down again gently. I never mean to hurt anybody even though it was inevitable.

As the clouds rolled in unexpectedly I could feel a palpable shift and something came over him just like the gray that blotted out the bright yellow of the sun. Time stopped or slowed or didn’t exist at all and it was in that in between moment that I don’t remember very much.. that I only recall as a blur.

Before I knew what was happening, I was down in the tall wet mix of grass and wildflowers with dirt pressed into my back and my fingernails into his. I could see something very different in his eyes and I knew he could see a little fear but mostly intrigue in mine. I also knew I could say no at any time. He did not let any barrier stop him; whether it was my clothing or my body and I said nothing to make it end.

And as I lay there after..breathless, limbs spread open like trampled flowers, soaked in rain, sweat and his lust, I thought..I guess he does know what I like..

the blood
& the bones

#thebloodandthebones #fantasyseries #shortsstories