14 November 2012
After a few tears, me and Rosie set off into the forest. It had become not the forest I knew, but the forest of which was to beware and where anything could emerge and grab you in a matter of seconds. The little one struggled, as I held her hand, helping her to reach the top of the hill. And to my surprise, Alek was leaning against the nearest tree like the first time we had met.
"Spying are we?" I asked, giving him the 'your cheeky aren't you' expression.
"No, just making sure to protect you if, you needed any help. You honestly thought I would leave you?" Alek smirked.
"Well, you can help Rosie here" I said, pointing to Rosie.
Rosie was hiding behind me, still gripping tightly onto my hand.
"Sis, who's this?" Rosie asked in her innocent, sweet, tiny voice.
"This is Alek, Rosie. Don't worry he won't bite, and he is going to help us get Daddy and Mummy back" I replied to the five year old.
"Won't you?" I turned to Alek.
"Your wish is my command" Alek replied cheekily, looking down at the little one:"Hello Rosie" Alek greeted her, giving the friendliest smile.
"Hello" Rosie replied, shyly.
"Do you want a ride?" Alek asked Rosie, patting his shoulders to indicate the permission of a piggyback.
The child nodded.
I let go Rosie's hand, as she walked towards Alek; who picked her up with no hesitation, and let her sit on his shoulders, her small feet dangling, and her sweet head resting on Alek's curly hair. Rosie smiled in delight- she was tired, and it was way past her bedtime. Soon enough, the child fell asleep. And that was the time when me and Alek thought it would be safe to finally talk.
"What exactly happened?" Alek asked, an expression of worry forming, as he continued walking.
"I don't know. But my parents have gone" I replied, looking down at the ground.
"Oh, I'm so sorry" Alek continued: "We should of gone earlier".
"It doesn't matter"
"Yes, it does. I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you back there"
The rain began to drop now, and we became more and more desperate to find some shelter.
"It's ok. I'm sorry too".
Soon an old tree that had long been on the ground came into sight. As we both sat down, Alek had to wake Rosie from her sleep.
"Rosie, I'm sorry, but let me just put you back to sleep" Alek whispered into Rosie's ear.
The little girl looked so exhausted, that it looked like she was ready to fall asleep on even a rock. I took of my jumper, and sacrificed it to my little sister. Carefully laying the jumper onto the ground, Alek placed the five year old onto the barely acceptable 'bed'. Then Alek took his own raincoat off, and covered Rosie. I stroked her gentle, blonde waves from across her face. She closed her eyes, and dreamt on.
"What about your sleeping bag?" I whispered to Alek.
"I went out searching for food before I left, and once I came back, there was not a trace of my rucksack, the sleeping bag, or anything" Alek replied.
"They're onto us" I whispered back, sighing.
We both stared up the the sky. The full moon; a pearl, that hung among the tiny sparkles of light shone. It was so beautiful up there. We gazed for as long as I can remember, the heat from our body's only just keeping us warm. Then a warm hand touched my face, and I looked into those shimmering green eyes, that reflected my stunned expression.
"I will do anything to protect you, and your family" Alek whispered, leaning in to kiss me.
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Chapter 23: Nightfall • Opuss № I