Forever Alone

by Arika Jackson

My father was a very wealthy man. My mother had died years ago and I was the only child. My father bought a vacation home out in the countryside of South Dakota. We had been visiting there for many years, always in December. Each year we came, I wanted to explore the forest that surrounded our countryside home. I had asked my father many times if we could go into the woods just once. He always replied with an "I'm to busy today" or "maybe some other time". I felt so let down when I heard those words. I always thought he bought a vacation home so he could relax. We came to the cabin every Christmas, but this Christmas I wanted to go in the woods. I was determined. It felt like something was pulling me toward the Forrest. Little did I know my life was about to change drastically, forever. Let the lesson of my story stay in your mind; always...Never go venturing in the forest at night alone. Or for that matter-anywhere, you never know what might happen.

I was sitting in front of the fireplace having a warm cup of tea, when I discovered that I could leave to explore the Forrest and be back before my dear father even found out! A huge grin fell upon my face as I pulled my cup of tea closer. My chair felt so cozy this year. It was a soft, fluffy, red chair. I snuggled close to it and took a nap because I knew my father wouldn't fall asleep until the early morning hours. I awoke to a burnt out fire and covers draped over my body. I thought to myself, father must have gone to bed. Once again the satisfying smirk came across my face. I slowly and carefully got up, making sure not to awaken my father. I peeked out of the window and much to my surprise, snow was coming down! I could feel the look of frustration overcome my face. "No matter, I'm still going" I said to myself.

I tiptoed to my bedroom and put on the warmest clothing I could find. While I was rummaging around to find everything I needed for my brief trip, I looked on my dresser and froze. It was a picture of my Father and his ex-girlfriend. "What is that doing here? I guess father forgot to throw out the garbage" I thought aloud. Her name was Kendra. They dated for a short time, and in that time she had no good things to say about me. She told father that I was nothing but an eleven year old spoiled brat from Satan himself. Of course, I couldn't disagree with her. I am quite a monster, I smiled once more. I remembered all the terrible, nasty things I had done to Kendra. I recalled one winter I put roaches in her vegetable soup. The look on her face was priceless! I turned the picture face down and continued my quest. I went to fathers’ room and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll return soon" I whispered.

I walked out cautiously and gently stepped outside. It was colder than I expected, but I was certain not to be out for long. After getting under the trees, the Forrest seems slightly warmer. Even though it was winter, the Forrest did not seem dead at all. There were no animals in sight, and nothing seemed so bad about these woods. I loved how the trees hung over me. I also loved how they swayed in the cool breeze. I was very happy I decided to come and explore the woods a little before we left. We were leaving the day after Christmas, and Christmas was tomorrow! I wondered to myself what father was getting me this year. "I'm too old for Barbies" I said out loud. Maybe he'd get me some real makeup! My Mother never wore makeup, but she was still so beautiful. I wondered why father would even dream of being with another girl. I wish mother were here. A few tears dropped from my eyes, but I quickly wiped my tears away. It had been so long since I cried. I had friends, and they always called me the tough one, and "Miss cruel" was also among my nicknames. My friends always came to me when someone teased them. Whether it was the boys or the girls. My friends knew I'd set them straight. I smiled. I bet mother would have taken me to the Forrest. I don't think my father really loves me, I thought to myself. I know he didn't really love mom. That's probably why he wanted to be with other women. Mom and dad never showed any appreciation for each other. It soon got very cold, to the point that I started shivering. It wasn't this cold before, I thought. I decided to keep walking anyway.

I looked up and realized that I had no idea where I was! Then I started hearing things, little noises all over the Forrest. I ran behind a tree and waited for the noises to end. I fell asleep behind that tree. I estimate I woke up around six in the morning. I tried to listen for my fathers screams but I didn't hear any. My dad always wakes up about seven anyway, so I decided to turn around and retrace my steps. When I seen the sun rise then I would know how to get out of these woods. I kept walking, but still I seen no sun. "This is crazy!" I screamed aloud. "I've been walking for hours, but still no sun!" I felt so helpless. I just wanted to go home. As I cried, I begged the heavens to bring me home, but I remained lost and alone. I feared I would never see my father again. I missed him just as much as I missed my mom.

I now realized how good I had it, and how going alone in the woods ruined my life. I always got everything I ever wanted, but I was still dissatisfied with my life. Did I go crazy or is this some type of supernatural Forrest? Is this all a dream? I asked myself all these questions and more but to no avail. I had no idea how I got stuck in this never-ending Forrest and how the sun never came up. No matter how long I waited, the sun never rose into the sky. I wondered what my father did when he realized I was gone. Did he cry or did he get back with his ex-girlfriend Kendra? I hoped he did not have children with her and forget all about his only daughter and my mother. I only wish I was home. I wouldn't complain about anything again. I wouldn't be the little girl everyone knew and most everyone hated.

I dreamt I was home again, but when I woke I instantly realized I was not. Months later I realized I would never be home again. I knew I would be alone in this Forrest forever, and I knew this was no ordinary Forrest. For the many years I've been here, the sun has never come up, and no one has ever come looking for me.