Angela Gabrielle Bacang

I am running as fast as I can. I’m so petrified that my chest feels like it’s about to explode. Someone has been following me in the woods. I can see her—all draped in gleaming white gown and her pitch-black hair is so long, it almost touches the ground. And that fragrance—so sweet and hard to resist! Yet, it makes me scared. Wait! She is beautiful but has a vicious look on her face telling me that she’s intent on catching me. She is coming for me. Nooo!!! I suddenly come to a cliff so high that I shiver the moment I look down at the deep blue lake below. I’m so desperate to get away from this woman… A1. I will jump off the cliff… A2. I will turn around and face the perpetrator. A1. I find myself falling down towards the end of me, when suddenly I hear Mia’s voice calling my name. I let out a scream, “Mia! Help me!” Then I wake up, all drenched in sweat. It was all a dream—a bad dream. A2. “What do you want from me?!” I demand from the floating woman behind me. “Clark! Clark! Wake up!” It’s Mia’s voice! I jerk myself up, breathing heavily. I feel relieved to find myself in my own bedroom. What a dream! *** “So…you had a bad dream? Hmmm?” Mia says at the breakfast table. Her eyes are smiling but curious, which is understandable for she knows I have never been haunted by a bad dream before. At least not that kind of nightmare. Not ever since she came to my life five years ago. I smile weakly. “Yeah. It was weird.” “Will you mind telling me about it, Hon?” She asks before sipping her coffee and putting the mug back on the table. B1. I tell Mia about the dream. B2. I prefer not to tell Mia about it. B1. “Well, I won’t. But under one condition. It should be just between you and me. I mean it’s not that serious. “Sure. Now tell me. Was someone trying to choke you or something?” There was a teasing tone in her voice, typical of Mia. I nonchalantly narrate to her what I could remember from the weird dream. Mia seems to be curious, maybe amused, by the eeriness of it. She then nods and in the end, dismisses the topic. “Hey! It’s six o’clock. I better get ready for work. See yah later!” B2. “It was no biggie, Hon. It’s only a nightmare.” “Alright. If you say so. See yah later at supper, then.” Mia stands up and heads back to the room to get ready for work. *** It feels awkward being all alone in a new house, a new environment. Mia and I just moved in last night to this charming little home tucked in the countryside well away from the bustling city life. Everything’s new—the furniture, the bed, and the view outside, even the air. It is nothing like our old condo unit in the city where all we can hear is the unceasing noise coming from vehicles, industries and busy people. Here, the silence is almost deafening. Only the occasional sounds of birds and insects could be heard. I feel so unused to it. But, the place is perfect for a thriving author like me. I need a surrounding where I can concentrate better and get the inspiration. Mia would probably be back just shortly before supper so I am thinking of doing something to keep myself occupied. Or should I start writing my next book? I wonder. C1. I check the house’s interiors and exteriors. C2. Into the woods! C3. Explore further and see what’s in the woods. C1. Now is the perfect time to explore the different features of this house. I check the other parts like the rooms, attic, basement, back porch, etc. I even wander inside the small garage outside the house. So far, nothing needs some fixing or special attention. Everything seems nice here. I even like vintage atmosphere of this isolated property. The back lawn and gardens are perfect and offer enchanting views of the distant mountains and rivers. I look around me and take in the views of the spacious back lawn. And then there’s something else that grabs my attention just about a hundred feet away from where I am—it’s the woods. It must be really cool out there under the dark shades of those lush trees! Will there be wild animals in there? And there’s something else, too. A fragrance—it’s quite familiar. My gut feeling tells me it comes from the woods. I am trying to remember about that recognizable scent. And then it hits me—my dream! I’ve sensed it in my dream last night. Panic is slowly creeping inside me and it takes much effort to dispel the nightmarish thoughts away. C2. I decide to make a stroll into the graveled path leading to the woodland. I can smell the cool fresh air coming from it. I pay attention to the beauty that surrounds me while making my way to the mouth of the forest. The fragrance of the various radiant flowers growing wildly, the hums of insects, and the colorful butterflies flying here and there—they all seem to blend in perfect harmony. “This is paradise,” I say to myself. Before I know it, I am now at the woods’ entry portion feeling hesitant at first but I feel like being drawn by an unknown force to go further into the thick forest. In my mind, I keep wondering what it is and where it comes from. It is that distinct aroma I’ve been sensing all along ever since I followed the rocky road. It’s so irresistible. The weird thing is that the fragrance seems to be so familiar. It’s as if I have encountered that scent sometime in the past. And then it hits me—my dream! I’ve sensed it in my dream the night before. A pang of panic is slowly growing inside me yet I can’t seem to make myself turn away. I need to follow that fragrance. C3. Further into the opening of woods, I can see an even smaller trail that points to a small round clearing bordered by unusual flowers of various hues. Then I spot at a corner a long wooden bench and an antediluvian swing covered in vines. Sweet! Without thinking clearly anymore, I let myself walk towards the enchantingly adorned clearing. It’s like entering into an unknown world. While making my way down the footpath, I sense that the scent is getting stronger. It is coming from the very spot where the clearing is, I know. I now stand in the middle of a perfectly round patch of smooth ground encircled by vegetation of some sorts I haven’t before seen in my life. The air here is much sweeter, enveloping my whole sense. It seems to have a dreamy spell. Someone must have been dwelling here, I say in my mind. I also notice a small pond just behind the wooden bench. I sit on it and realize that the fragrant aroma dominates the whole place. There are hundreds of butterflies everywhere. They all look so fascinating while dancing their way in the air. “I can stay here all day,” I say to myself. *** I snap from my imagining. How long have I been here? I glance at my watch. It’s already 12 noon. It’s time to get back inside the house. I am preparing sandwich in the kitchen and intuitively peek at the window. I could see the woods. I feel happy upon its sight. Perhaps, I should go there tomorrow. Mia arrives just in time for supper. I am so excited to see her. She’s the best girlfriend in the world. For five years now, Mia has been very supportive of my career even willing to move in here and be farther from her workplace just to be with me. There’s no one like her. At the dining table, we are but chatting about our day. Mia is telling me about her upcoming business trip next week. She’ll be gone for 4 days. I then tell her about the woods at the back of the house before we decide to go to bed upstairs. D1. Mia and I make love in the middle of the night. D2. Mia and I sleep peacefully. D1. I am moaning while Mia is rocking on top me—her short blond hair, dangling just above her broad shoulders and swaying to the rhythm of her voluptuous body. Then a weird thought has distracted my mind from the sensuality of the moment. It is the memory of the lady in my dream—her slender body, the opposite of Mia’s, and long long black hair. What if Mia had such long black hair? It would have been really sexy to grab it by now. I shiver at my shamefaced thoughts just as Mia reaches her climax. It’s now way past midnight. I look at Mia. She is sleeping soundly beside me, while here I am, still awake and thinking of that strange woman in my dream. I can hear a distant sound, an animal’s howl. It’s maybe coming from the forest. An hour has passed before sleep finally clouds my sanity. D2. We are in deep slumber tonight. No dream. No nothings except for that distant howl of animal from afar that partly awaken me in the middle of the night. I glimpse at the wall clock. It’s 2:30 am. Finally, I am falling asleep. *** A familiar sweet floral scent rouses me this morning. I groggily grope for Mia beside me and find that she is no longer in her side of the bed. She’s probably downstairs by now. Slowly, I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling for a minute before sensing the presence of someone in the room. I divert my eyes to where the entity is and see a woman standing by the glass window facing the back lawn. She seems to be intently looking outside although I couldn’t entirely see the expression on her face. One thing’s for sure. It’s not Mia. She has a slender figure…and a long straight black hair. Panicking, I jump up the bed. My heart is pounding in terror. Am I just dreaming again? I slap my face in my frustration. Yet, still, she remains there, unmoving. Trying my best to keep my voice as calm as possible, I ask, “Who are you?” My heart goes cold when the woman by the window slowly turns her head and reveals her face to me. I want to scream in horror, but I am utterly surprised when I see that she is smiling at me. She looks normal. Not the ghostly one you see in movies. Her face is bright and sunny. In an instant, calmness replaces the alarm I first felt, even more so when she opens her mouth to speak, her voice so pleasant as she says, “Hi.” I am about to say another word when the door suddenly flows open and Mia comes in with a breakfast tray on her hands. “Hey, sleepyhead! Breakfast in bed is ready!” Mia is beaming. She’s still in her skimpy night robe. My mouth is still agape about what is happening in the room. I hastily direct my gaze back to the window. The beautiful woman is gone! “Honey, you look like you have seen a ghost. Are you okay?” Mia is now bringing the breakfast tray to bed. “Did you see that?” I point to the window. “Oh. The window.” “She… I mean, there was a girl standing there just before you came in.” “I didn’t see anyone, Hon. Maybe, you’re dreaming again. Here, have some breakfast. I made these for you.” “Are you sure you haven’t seen anyone?” “Yep. Oh, wait. I notice something. What is that fragrant smell?” “See? You sense it, too!” “Yeah. Weird. Where does that come from?” Mia is contemplating for a moment and then dismisses and changes the topic. “Hey. You’d better eat now, while I go take a shower. I guess I’ll be a little late for supper later.” She kisses my cheek. I am still confused but trying my best to stay focused and to consume the bacon and eggs right in front of me. E1. I consume at least half of my food and decide to go to the window where the woman was. E2. I decide to bring the food tray back to the kitchen downstairs. E1. I realize, while peeping through the glass and looking outside, that the window offers the best full view of the woods at the back of the house. Coincidence! I can clearly see the graveled path that leads to the woods, the opening to the interior of the forest. Several minutes have passed and I am still staring aimlessly at the tiny paradise laid out below me when something grabs my attention. She is standing there. The woman in my room is right there, somewhere among the flowers and trees at the edge of the forest. Her white dress bright in broad daylight, her back towards my direction. She seems to be looking down all the blooms beneath her. I hastily run to the door. I need to catch up with her before she disappears again. I don’t know why but something about this woman is pulling me to her…or to know her. I run down the stairs to the kitchen and peek through the window by the kitchen sink before hurrying to the back door. To my disappointment, she is gone again. Dammit! Where did she go? I try to look around outside, but not a trace of her can be found. Feeling hopeless, I flop grudgingly down one of the chairs surrounding the dining table. E2. I have lost my appetite to eat everything that Mia has prepared for me and so I clean up my plate at the sink. I glance up the window and catch a sight of the woods again. Should I go there? I wonder. In the end, I choose to wait until Mia goes to work and by the time she’s gone, I will re-visit my small secret paradise. *** Just in time, Mia is now hurrying down the stairs. I can hear her footsteps approaching the kitchen. I am sitting on one of the chairs when she storms cheerfully into the room. Mia sits down on my lap. “Kiss me.” Before I can say a word, Mia’s lips are already softly brushing my own. My fingers are also finding its favorite spots, now caressing her back and thighs at the same time responding to her kisses. For a time, my thoughts about the mysterious lady are deterred. Then Mia finally stops, faintly giggling as she does so. “I’m gonna be late, sexy. I need to go now. So, see you later?” I give a sigh. “Alright.” “I love you, sexy.” “I love you, too.” *** It’s 9 o’clock. I am at the kitchen for quite some time before I finally resolve to go out to the back lawn. I keep seeing the woods wherever I go, still bothered by the mystery I have been experiencing ever since we set foot in this new house. It is quite clear to me that the woods have got something to do with it. Before I realize what I am doing, I find myself going down the path leading to the mysterious place. It’s like I have this uncontrollable urge to find that girl and know who she really is or what she wants from me. I’m quite convinced now that “she” was the woman who haunted me in my dream. Just like before, the walk towards the green haven is enveloped with that sweet floral scent. The truth is I’m starting to get addicted to it. The fragrance continues to grow stronger, as I now slowly approaching the main entrance to the forest. Then I see her. She is sitting on a wooden bench in the middle of a clearing a few yards from where I am. There are butterflies all around her. Despite my bewilderment, I find her enchanting. F1. I approach and talk to her. F2. I remain in my position and wait for her to notice me. F1. “Hi…” She readily looks up. Wearing that smile again. She is beautiful. Her face is so delicate and bright, quite in contrast to her gloomy hair. She speaks, to my surprise, in such a warm soothing voice that is very feminine. “It’s Diana.” “Diana? I-I’m…” She laughs. “I know you, Clark.” “H-how do you my name?” She just smiles and stretches out a hand. A colorful butterfly perches on it. Before I can open my mouth again, Diana stands up. The butterflies are following her. “Come with me.” F2. I am fixing my eyes on the striking lady amidst the beautiful scenery beneath those trees. She looks pleased with the butterflies around her, perhaps unaware of my presence. But to my astonishment, the girl suddenly looks up as if she already knew I am here. She is beautiful. Her face is so delicate and bright, quite in contrast to her gloomy hair. She speaks, to my surprise, in such a warm soothing voice that is very feminine. “It’s Diana.” “Diana? I-I’m…” She laughs. “I know you, Clark.” “H-how do you my name?” She just smiles and stretches out a hand. A colorful butterfly perches on it. Before I can open my mouth again, Diana stands up. The butterflies are following her. “Come with me.” *** For some reason I cannot fathom, I agreeably walk beside Diana. It’s like I’m so comfortable being with her already. God, what is happening to me? I don’t even know her. “Do you live here, Diana?” She glances at me, smiling. “Yes.” We keep walking deeper and deeper into the woods until we reach what seems like an end point. It’s a cliff and below it is a small village with gleaming white buildings and houses. It is like I am viewing on a fairytale land. “Here. Follow me.” G1. No. There’s no way I am going with a stranger. G2. Yes. I need to know more about this strange lady. G3. Welcome to Secret Woods. G1. A sense of alarm is now growing in my head. I do not know who this woman is. Who knows what danger awaits me there if I follow this stranger whose subtle charm is almost irresistible. Then, I remember the nightmare I had the first night we stayed here. “I…I’m sorry, but I must go back.” “Don’t be afraid, Clark. I’m not going to harm you.” Diana says this so reassuringly that I almost want to take my words back and just follow her. With all the strength I could muster, I force myself to turn around and hurry back to the path that leads back to the house. Half running and half walking, I then look back at where Diana is. She is still standing there although it is now hard to see her face and expression. Is she mad? Finally reaching the back lawn, I turn back again and see the dark woods. The wind is cold now. The sky suddenly goes dark as rain clouds start to gather up, particularly over the woods. Then it is starting to rain. G2. Again, I can’t seem to refuse Diana. She is now walking ahead of me and down the narrow and steep stone steps at the left side of the cliff leading to the settlement below. As I watch her slender figure and cool graceful movements descending the stairway, I cannot help but admire her subtle seductiveness. Is she a goddess? A princess? Maybe she is and she lives down here. We finally come to the bottom of the cliff where the village is and there I see people garbed in dreamy white clothing like Diana’s. So far, they look like normal people except their outdated fashion, which reminds of Greek mythology; some of the children, men and women even wave their hands as soon as they see Diana and I. The place is so lovely and peaceful with all the fascinating flowers, trees and those archaic small white stone houses. One structure stands out in the farthest part of the charming residence—a tall white edifice that reminds me of a castle. Still, that addicting sweet fragrance is everywhere, particularly here. Diana glances over her shoulders and winks at me; her long wavy hair sways with her body. “Welcome to Secret Woods.” G3. The door of the palace unexpectedly opens in front of us. I stare up the majestic marble staircase that leads up the enormous front door. Is this really happening? It seems as if I am in one fantasy movie now being abducted by an alien or something. Diana reaches out her hand to me. Suddenly, panic strikes me. I look at my watch. It’s not moving. What? It should not be malfunctioning now. It’s been barely a month since I bought it! It seems like a bright Sunday morning here yet I sense something strange and spooky about the place. I look around and see that everybody is standing outside his or her house just watching me. “I’m sorry, Diana. But I need to go.” She frowns, a trace of disappointment in her enchanting blue eyes. It’s almost scary to look at her, but then she smiles warmly again and I feel relieved. “Don’t be afraid, Clark. I’m not going to harm you.” Diana says this so reassuringly that I almost want to my words back and just go with her. But something is wrong. Strangers in an unknown land, that’s almost like a dream, surround me. What if they will do me harm? With all the strength I could muster, I force myself to turn around and hurry back to the path that leads back to the stone steps. Half running and half walking, I then look back at where Diana is. She is still standing there although it is now hard to see her face and expression. Is she mad? Everybody is not moving, too. I hurriedly climb up the steps. Finally reaching the top of the cliff, I turn around again and look down below. I am astounded beyond words. All I could see below is a wide lake. No village. Nothing but a clear beautiful lake. Diana is gone. The wind is cold now. The sky suddenly goes dark as rain clouds start to gather up, particularly over the woods. Then it is starting to rain. I run further into the woods trailing down the narrow path. I pass by the clearing and then at last, find myself out of the mysterious forest. I run again towards the house. The rain and thunder are now in full blast. I am soaking wet and dripping when I reach the backdoor. *** I look at my watch. It’s already past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Shit! I am shocked. It feels like only an hour or so has passed. How can this be possible? There is something about the woods. Is it some sort of magic or spell? H1. I must call Mia and tell her about it. H2. I’ll call my bestfriend and tell him about it. H2. I need to go somewhere to think clearly. H1. I hurry up the room and dial Mia’s number on the phone. Good thing she picks it up after the second ring. “Hey! What’s up, Hon? Everything okay?” “I need to talk to you about something.” “Honey, I really would love to but I don’t have enough time now. I’m on my way to another meeting. Can it wait until dinner later?” “But…” Mia seems to be in a rush and cuts me from finishing my statement. “I’m sorry, Honey. I really need to go now. Bye.” She hangs up. “Great.” I take a deep sigh and finally decide to go somewhere and grab something to eat. H2. Kyle, my bestfriend who is a fiction writer, is always interested in mystical or supernatural phenomenon. He is currently on a vacation in Germany and I’m sure he will go crazy when I tell him about it. Too bad, the answering machine says Kyle isn’t available until tomorrow morning. I leave a message to him asking him to call me up when he can. H3. I am driving my car down the dirt road towards the main highway. It is already a quarter past four and the rain has already subsided; yet, the world outside remains dim and gloomy. I am turning down the left lane to McKinley’s Diner. I will just wait for Mia there. I remember Diana, her face and her dark hair. Is she real or just a product of my imagination? At the diner, I can’t help but think of what had happened in the woods—the mysterious scent, the butterflies, Diana, the village below the cliff. My tangled thoughts are making my head spin now that I’ve already consumed 3 bottles of beer. I’m waiting for Mia. What should I tell her? That I got enchanted by a ghost woman? I am about to order another bottle when Mia comes in, her face lights up as soon as she spots me in the corner. “Hey. I’m starving. Let’s eat,” she says as she settles on the seat across mine. Mia talks about her day in the office before she asks me about what I’ve called her about. “Tell me about it.” “There’s something about the house—or the woods. I know you might think I’m crazy or just imagining it. It’s really strange, but it’s happening, Mia.” Her face is now serious while listening to me. I then narrate to her what exactly happened first in the room and back there in the woods, although I am very cautious about not telling her the details like how I got attracted or seduced by Diana. Mia keeps quiet for a time when I finish telling the story. I can see that she is thinking. I am a bit anxious of her reaction. “I should go with you to the woods and see it for myself. I’m free tomorrow.” “Really? Are you sure? I mean, how about your work?” “After the spending a stressful day and pulling off the presentation, boss gave me a day off.” “Wow! That’s great! Thanks, Hon! I thought you would think I’m being ridiculous.” She laughs. “I need to see this girl and tell her to get lost,” Mia jokes, although I can see a look of concern on her face. *** I am awakened by a strange sound. It seems to be coming from outside, at the back of the house. I glance at Mia; she’s fast asleep. Her head is resting on my right arm. “Mia, honey, wake up,” I whisper. She grumbles and hugs me tighter, and dozes off again. The sound is getting louder yet Mia remains slumbering. Somebody is calling my name. It’s Diana’s voice. It’s soft yet it’s audible even from up here. “Clark… Come here, Clark… Come to me.” Such seduction in her tone; it’s making me ache for her. I1. No. I love Mia. I2.Dammit! I must see her. I3. Oh, Diana. Wait for me. I4. Making love with a goddess. I2. I feel an overwhelming longing inside me. Slowly and gingerly so as not to rouse Mia, I get up the bed and make my way noiselessly to the window facing the woods…expecting to see my seductress. And there she is! The moon is full and bright and so I can visibly see her gleaming in the dark on the grated path to the forest. She is naked, looking up to me. I3. I quickly rush to the door and soundlessly open it. I run down and out to the back lawn and onto the path where Diana has been waiting for me. Beautiful and unclothed, Diana is standing among those flowers. Her naked body and scent is clamoring for me to come. Without hesitation, I grab her waist the moment I reach her, her tantalizing figure as delicate as a flower is now pressing against my own ravening body. My aching is too powerful I feel like a hungry wild animal. Diana is smiling and looking at me keenly. I swoop her gentle weight up into my arms. She is now kissing me passionately and hungrily at the same time. I find the best spot for us at the clearing in the woods. I lay her down and she arches up when I cover her body with mine. Her black hair is spreading like a blanket. The ground is as warm and soft as Diana’s slender body. I4. Diana and I are making love in this magical part of the woods. It is like no other. It seems so endless. Timeless. I don’t want it to end. I’m under her spell now. How long have I been here in the woods? All the time with her, my soul is whirling in utmost pleasure. She blows my mind with a desire I cannot fathom. I temporarily forget about Mia. *** Somewhere at the back of my mind comes a fleeting thought about Mia, those years I have had with her. She has been a wonderful girlfriend. She is independent, a career woman who is successful and can take care of herself. In short, she doesn’t need a man. With Diana, it’s a strange and different world. Everything is light and blithe. There’s no career or status to worry about. I can be who I am in her world, away from the cruelties of reality. Most of all, I feel needed…and wanted. Should I go back to Mia and live in reality? Or, should I stay here with Diana and live in fantasy? J1. I choose fantasy. J2. I should face reality. J1. I open my eyes and find myself in an unfamiliar bedroom filled with sweet floral fragrance. It is a huge chamber bursting with strange white embellishments. The bed itself feels like pure soft cotton. There are flowers and butterflies everywhere. It’s bright outside. A smile then forms on my lips. “Diana?” I hear a soft chuckle of a woman and turn my head to the direction. At the farthest right side of the room is a dresser with a massive mirror. I see her reflection right up. She is not naked anymore. She is combing her hair and staring back at me as well. Then she turns around. “How’s your sleep?” It’s me who’s chuckling now. “Am I abducted by a goddess?” “Fairy is more like it.” “So you’re a fairy lover, huh?” Without warning, Diana advances towards me in bed and goes on top of me. I now realize that I am bare-naked. Swiftly, to my surprise, she takes off her white gown revealing her white sexy breasts, leans over my face and puts a finger on my lips. “Shhhh…” She then makes love to me, slowly at first but eventually the movements are getting more intense as the moment progresses. Diana’s long black hair is dangling and brushing my thighs as she arches and pushes her head back, moaning and calling my name. God… This goddess is making me crazy! She continues to rock on top of me until at last we both explode in ecstasy. J2. “Clark…” I jerk off as soon as I hear someone calling my name. “Diana?” “Diana? Who’s Diana?” I am dumbfounded to realize that I am in my bedroom. More so when I turn my head to my side and find Mia, not Diana, awake and lying on my arm. A serious look on her face. “Clark? Is there something I need to know about?” “What time is it?” “Who’s Diana, Clark?” Mia demands. I am very much confused right now. I am in my own bedroom, and lying in bed with my girlfriend just like how I had been. So, where’s Diana? Was it all just a dream? I don’t know if I should feel happy or sad about it. I pull myself up and hold my head with both hands. Without thinking, I stand and rush to the bathroom leaving Mia with a puzzled expression. I look at myself in the mirror. Nothing’s changed. To lighten my confusion, I decide to take a shower. Yet, even in the shower, all I can think of is Diana and those sensual moments we have spent together. It’s just hard to believe that it was all just a dream…a beautiful dream. Finally, I just shrug and smile to myself. “Back to reality, Clark.”