CHAPTER 4 - THE CABIN

~MILLIE~

“Urgh.” My alarm clock buzzed on the drawers next to my bed. Reluctantly, I extended my arm out from the warmth of the covers and turned it off. Ahh, another sleepless night. Dan plagued my subconscious mind during the midnight hours, tormenting me with the same reoccurring dream. A dream where I appear to be happily walking down the street on a hot summer’s day. The warmth from the sun-kissed the bare skin of my arms and legs and a gentle breeze playfully danced with the fabric of my beautiful knee-length dress. The scene is perfect. I'm completely lost within that moment. But then it changes. The sun hides behind thick black clouds as the atmosphere turns cold. Dan appears out of nowhere. Right in front of me with a knife and a sinister grin which resembled that of the Joker. He would lunge forward towards me and at that moment, I would wake up. The thought of his face in my dreams sent tremors down my spine with an icy bite.

    I rubbed my eyes trying to focus as the bright light of the sun peeped through the curtains.

    It has been two weeks since I left Dan. Two whole weeks. I mentally thanked Megan for changing my number as well as my phone when I broke it. Even though he couldn’t get to me, I still felt uneasy. Almost like I couldn’t let go of this nagging feeling. Well not yet anyway. As much as I wanted to act like things were good, I knew what that son of a bitch was like.

    My subconscious must have known too as it was allowing the dream to reply every single night. Even when it woke me up, it rewound to the beginning as I started to succumb to the slumber one again.

    I signed in defeat as I sat up and rested against the headboard.

    When will this feeling go away? When will I feel like myself again?

    A little gentle tap came from my door.

    “Good morning sunshine!” Megan said, poking her head into the bedroom.

    “Morning…” I was not in the mood for pleasantries, especially after yet another pathetic night’s sleep.

    “Oooh, girrrrl, you look like shit!” She teased. “Another bad night?”

    I simply nodded. Sleep scratched my eyes with every blink which didn’t help my appearance. I knew I looked like shit. Every single bloody morning. Megan on the other hand looked perfect and full of energy as normal. I was envious at her ability to wake up with effortlessness. She was definitely a morning person… And I was not one.

    “Maybe some alcohol later when we celebrate will help you sleep. But first, breakfast in bed.” She placed a tray of jam on toast and a coffee on the side.

    I could honestly get used to this.

    “Thank you, Jeeves,” I mumbled as I munched on my breakfast.

    “HA! Screw you! You cheeky sod!” Megan laughed as she poked my arm.

    During the past two weeks, Megan was extra gentle with me. She would do everything for me, breakfast, lunch and dinner, although I always objected. She had taken time off work to make sure I was ok, and she was even careful with her words, ensuring ‘ballbag’ wasn’t mentioned unless I brought him up. Yes… I know, childish, but she thought by giving him a nickname, it would make the situation less shitty, so, she christened Dan… Ballbag.

    She smiled at me as if she knew my thoughts. I looked at her beautiful face. God, woman, I love you.

    “Right Missy, get yourself ready, today is a big day! April will be expecting us at 10 am.”

    With that, she leapt up from the bed and disappeared down the stairs.

    I finished my breakfast and headed towards the bathroom. Turning the shower tap on, I slipped out of my pyjamas and stepped under the hot water flowing freely above me. My skin turned pink beneath the water. Ahh, that is much better. Steam filled the room like a blanket of mist as I washed the night’s sweat away from my body, imagining the negativity was being carried away into the abyss that was the plughole. I need to be more positive. Maybe, some daily gratitude would help me, or some uplifting meditation? Hum, I may try it.

    “I am strong… I am confident… I am… I… Urm… I am free!” This was actually harder than it sounded! I was no good at ‘bigging’ myself up.

    I gave up and promised myself I would try again tomorrow. After washing, I turned the taps off and stepped out. Grabbing a towel, I wrapped myself up and headed back into my room.

    I reached for my makeup bag and sat down in front of the large mirror resting up against the wall in my room.

    I looked at the pale face staring back at me. My eyes were red from the lack of sleep and thick dark bags sat underneath them. My skin looked dry and my lips were cracked.

    Wow, I really do look like shit. I need to sort this face out!

    Oils and creams were applied first, foundation followed, topped up with a little concealer. Eyebrows were fine-tuned and mascara was added to elongate and curl according to what the advert said, not that I saw any of that. A simple smidge of blush topped off with a little bit of colour on my lips finished the job. Although I went for the natural look, I had to use way more makeup than normal, and it was still nothing short is wizardry to make myself look somewhat presentable.

    I brushed my hair and tied it up in a high ponytail. When I reluctantly accepted my appearance, I stood up and made my way over to the drawers. A plain white t-shirt and a pair of light blue jeans took my fancy. I picked some underwear from the top drawer and quickly got dressed.

    Gripping the breakfast tray, I made my way down the stairs to greet Megan who was sat at the table reading a large old book. She smiled as her eyes left the pages to meet mine, before darting back to the book.

    She looked engrossed.

    I popped the crockery in the dishwasher and gazed outside. The sun was already high, and its rays were beating down onto the wildlife surrounding the garden, causing even the most vibrant of flowers to shine even brighter. What a beautiful place and what a beautiful day.

    “Ready?” Megan questioned as she closed her book and replaced it neatly on her bookcase.

    “Ready!” Swinging my bag over my shoulder, I headed towards the door, my body rushed with excitement but also nervousness.

    It felt like my first day at school. Would I like it? Would I be liked? Would I be found? Thoughts raced through my mind. I hated this. I hated what he has done to me. How he made me think. How he made me feel. I needed to cut those imaginary puppet strings!

    I got into the car and sat in silence as Megan started the engine and pulled off her drive.

    “You have got this!” she reinforced almost like she could sense my internal anxiety. I returned a modest smile.

    #

I glanced out of the car window and noticed the wide-open road dominated by trees was now replaced with an enclosed lane imprisoned by nature. A river of green ran alongside the beaten and unidentified track. Rough tree bark stood proud and branches linked arm in arm creating a barricade into the depth of the forest. Even with its intimidating appearance, the brightness still danced between the leaves making the dust sparkle like glitter.

    I was fascinated. 

    As the car slowed to a halt, my eyes fell onto a large timber-framed building. Its exterior was a natural wood colour, with multiple white framed windows. The entrance was also white, and had two large glass inserts, allowing you to see inside the building. Large trees towered over both sides of the shelter, almost creating a hide and seek type feeling. It was like the shelter wanted to hide away from the outside world, as I couldn’t see past the front of the structure. It probably made the animals feel safer, knowing that they were surrounded by their natural home.

    From what I could see though, I knew this building was going to be massive inside.

    Hanging from the wall just above the front door was a sign which read ‘THE CABIN. Rescue rehabilitate and release’ I liked it.

    “Let’s go!” Megan beamed as she jumped out of the car and into the arms of a lady who was waiting for us by the entrance. Ahh, that must be April.

    I followed timidly.

    Wow, she is gorgeous!

    Her hair was fiery red and cut into a shoulder-length bob which appeared to be longer at the front than it was at the back. Her hairstyle perfectly framed her slim delicate face. Her eyes were a stunning shade of emerald green and her complexion was fair, but it perfectly matched her features. She looked the same age as us.

    At least she wasn’t as tall as Megan though.

    Result! Another short-arse to join me.

    “Ahh, you must be Millie? I am so pleased to meet you.” Her voice was as soft as her skin tone.

    “Hi, nice to meet you.” I offered my hand to shake. She looked down at my waiting hand.

    “Oh no lovely, we hug here.” She said as she grabbed me, pulling me in for a squeeze.

    Wow, she even smelt good! Wait, is this a girl crush? I felt my cheeks turn pink at the thought.

    “Now, let us go inside. I have so much to show you.” She sounded so excited.

    I liked her, she made me feel comfortable and at ease. I could see why Megan was friends with her.

    Reaching for my hand, she held it tight and pulled me into the clean and immaculate building.