Nowhere To Hide

The cabin looked empty as we drove past. Suddenly a candle lit up the window. Look, Claire called as we drove through the woods noticing the small cabin. Moonlight shone down on it from beneath the parting leaves of the tall trees. somebody must have decided to fix that place up, she told me glancing over at me as we stopped. A chill trickled down my spine. I don't like it, I muttered. It's getting chilly and late. Let's go home. I muttered shivering a bit trying to warn off the chill. No, let's go check it out. Claire responded starting to open the door. Grabbing her shoulder, I shook my head telling her No, it's not a good idea. We promised mom and dad that we would be home at nine. It is eight thirty already. They are going to be worried if we do not show up on time. You know how upset dad gets. I added. Oh, come on Ellie where is your sense of adventure? I just want to explore the house a little bit. I have always wanted to see the inside. Shaking my head again I tried to keep her from getting out. Images flashed through my mind of someone camping out here in the woods. Reaching for her arm she jumped out of the car before I could stop her. Knocking on the window I rolled it down. If I don't come back in five minutes call the police, she said giggling. That's not funny. I growled. Get back in the car. giving me a wink, she walked away. Rolling up the window I listened carefully for any strange sound or a scream. Noting but stillness. I was getting nervous. I could see her moving slowly the cabin as if she was creeping up on someone. Claire, I mumbled when I heard heavy footsteps coming toward the car. glancing over to where I thought Claire was, I gasped. She was gone. The footsteps sounded as if they were getting closer. A twig snapped as someone moved toward me. Dead leaves cracked as they moved to where I was sitting. Sliding down in the seat as far as I could go I waited for a minute before checking my phone. I wanted to cry when I looked at it. The battery was dead. How was I supposed to get any help for us now. I heard the door handle jingle. thankfully Claire was smart enough to lock the car. I could hear the person walking around the car checking all the doors. I was glad for the tinted windows which made it harder to see me. Glancing over at the ignition I realized Claire had taken the keys with her so I could not drive away. Claire where are you? I muttered. Please come back. I begged. I could not get calm. I could hear the footsteps walking away now. Hopefully they did not come back. I jumped when my phone rang. I thought the battery was dead. Looking at it I could see if was coming from Claire. I did not answer. What if Claire had been captured and tied up somewhere and the person was just calling to see if someone else was out in the vehicle. I could sneak out of the car and run for help, but I had no idea where we were? I hated when Claire took the backroads home. Sinking lower and lower to the floor I waited for a minute when I heard the sound of footsteps coming toward me again. Great, what can I do? Looking for a weapon I was ready to fight for my life if I had to. It sounded like a few people. I could hear someone muttering. The key twisted in the lock as the door flew open. I screamed just as strong hands pulled me out of the car. My arms went into a frenzy off hitting when I heard the laughter. A familiar voice said my name. Ellie, calm down. Looking into my boyfriend's eyes the tears started to roll. Ray, I mumbled. It is alright, he said trying to comfort me as Claire and her boyfriend Jason laughed. you should have seen your face Ellie, Jason teased, as Claire and him stood behind us. I could feel the anger rise up in my throat. What is the matter with you? I screamed at Claire and Jason before turning on Ray? I could have had a heart attack. We were just going to surprise you. Jason said. Ray's dad bought the place. We were going to fix it up as a hangout for all of us. That was cruel. Oh, Ellie you're so dramatic, Claire replied as they all laughed again.