November 16, 2011

[Shes the gift that keeps on giving [2]]

You know that feeling, when it feels like someone is watching you? You give in to the urge and turn around. But no one is there. No one ever is.

'Hey! Who's there?' Caroline shouts, though she's not stupid enough to think anyone will reply to her. A small, grey, fluffy bunny hops out into her path. She slowly steps towards it like the predator she is, but it startles and runs so she follows to chase it through the trees. It's quick but so is she.

Again, as if from nowhere, its back; that feeling. It's like she is the one that's being hunted. She quickly turns to catch them, not seeing where she going and she falls catching her ankle in the plummet. She attempts to pick herself up but rests on her elbows for a moment to catch her breath; staring at the mixture of leaves and dirt beneath her she waits for her ankle to heal.

In her weakened state he steps right up to her, his dirty black worker boots stop only when she is close enough to kiss them. Caroline freezes in uncertainty; friend or foe? She feels him pick her up by the scruff of her neck, as though she is the animal. Those shoes are the last thing she sees before her sight goes black and she's out cold.

...

'I have a gift for you.' he says walking in uninvited, stopping in the doorway.

'For little old me? You shouldn't have.' his reply, sarcastic. Standing across the room he look at the man he hasn't seen for many years, a little shocked and not at all surprised at his unannounced visit.

'Now, now old friend, don't be like that. You'll love it' He goes to walk in further.

'Wow wow wow!' he throws out his hand signalling him stop. 'You know to wipe those nasty boots before you walk into my home, Nathan.' He watched as he does so. 'So then what's the occasion?'

'Long time, no see.' He smiles 'This is practically a reunion; people bring gifts to those don't they? So, did you miss me?' He walks in stopping in the archway that separates the hall from the living room.

'Please' he scoffs 'I had forgotten your existence.' He sits circling the brim of his Whiskey glass with his index finger. Growing impatient with the silence he says 'So then, where is my gift that you speak of?'

'Oh yes!' He jumps, forgetting what brought him here in the first place. He comes back inside, carrying something big, before he can cross the threshold he hears 'FEET!' being hollered from within. So he wipes his feet, again, and continues inside placing his gift on the sofa. He gazes at his old acquaintance to revel in his reaction.

It is a reaction of disbelief and confusion; he stares at it, not understanding. 'Consider it a pet.' He looks up, eyes searching for his friend only to find he is alone, his questions unanswered. He gets up and heads towards the door contemplating whether or not to go after him, then stops. He shifts, his gaze burning into the back of the sofa and slowly makes his way over to it, not taking his eyes of his gift. He finds himself sitting on the low coffee table in front of the sofa , jaw resting in his hands, his elbows on his knees, frozen; not knowing what to do. He falls into a trance-like state, which is till his gift starts to move, stirring from her involuntary slumber. Immediately panicked by what she sees when her eyes focus, she jumps up bracing herself on her seat, forcing herself into it as though it will provide her some protection.

Wide-eyed and breathless she brings herself to speak...'Klaus!'

He offers a very sarcastic welcoming smile 'Caroline.'