Fantasy Land

Tabatha looked around herself. The classroom was meant to be bright and cheerful, but it took her into an unknown world. More children her age began to fill the room as 8 o'clock drew nearer. She stood next to her desk and watched the others as they gathered together and chattered a little bit. Their voices made a hum of whispers, sounding like wind. The wind took her flying back and she thought of home and her backyard. The journey through the clouds was so exciting! From the sky, she could see so many beautiful things! The wind was rather cold and she shivered a little. When she landed in her backyard, the leaves rustled around in the breeze beneath her feet to clear and opening for her to stand. Her mother would be angry to see her home from school, so she decided to hide in her hidey-hole which she built within a burrowed out opening inside the largest pine tree. The smell of pine seemed sweeter than usual.

"Tabatha?" the voice was her new kindergarten teacher. "Would you like to take off your coat and put it in the closet over there?" Tabatha looked up into the woman's face. She had kind eyes and she showed her perfectly white teeth through her pink lips when she gave Tabatha a compassionate smile.

Tabatha took off her jacket and walked toward the closet. The light had been turned off inside the closet, and Tabatha walked into the cave. As she stepped inside, she could hear the drippings from the damp ceiling as they hit the floor. She saw two white circles with black dots in the center, looking at her. It frightened her, but she didn't want to seem like a chicken by running away, so she whispered, "What do you want?" The eyes didn't answer, but got closer. She noticed a knothole in the wall of the cave and hung her jacket on it. She held her lunchbox tight in her hand. She didn't want whoever this was to eat her lunch. Slowly, the eyes got lower to the ground, and smaller.

"Yeeow." The sound was soft and high. The cat crept into the light for Tabatha to see. "Meeow."

"Oh, hello." Tabatha said, happy and relieved that it was only a friendly cat.

"Hello." Said the cat. "May I ask what you would be doing in my cave?"

"Oh, I didn't realize this was your cave." Tabatha said, as grown-up as she could. "I guess my curiosity got the better of me."

"I must say," said the cat, which seemed quite proper, "have you heard the saying: Curiosity killed the cat? I would rather it said: Curiosity killed the little girl." The cat smiled slyly and motioned for her to come into the cave farther. As Tabatha came closer, she could see a little fireplace with two chairs close by. One looked quite comfortable with a large pillow on top. She headed toward it, but the cat leapt on top of it before she got there. She sat on the not-so-comfortable-looking one instead.

"You are an interesting girl." Said the cat, "I have been watching you for some time now."

Tabatha was aghast. "Really?" she said.

"I would like to give you this." The cat said, handing her a rather pretty necklace that glittered in the firelight. Tabatha took it and examined it carefully. It was silver and had circles and swirls on it. There was a small, purple gem on it that seemed to glow magically.

"Hold it with care." The cat said importantly. Tabatha decided she should go and politely dismissed herself. She put the necklace in her pocket.

"Tabatha, do you wish to join us?" her kindergarten teacher whispered into the closet. "We are about to sing my favorite song."

Tabatha set down her lunch box and came out into the light of the room. The children looked at her and whispered to each other with little snickers. The teacher didn't seem to notice and led Tabatha to her seat in the front of the class. When the teacher turned her back to gather papers from her desk, Tabatha felt something cold on the back of her neck. She turned to see a boy with a big mischievous grin on his face. She smiled back and touched the back of her neck. There was something wet and slimy there. She pulled it off her skin and saw that it was a lizard! She couldn't help but gasp. She treasured it in her hand and turned to look at the boy again. "Thanks!" She whispered, happily.

The boy stopped smiling and looked shocked. Tabatha couldn't stop smiling. It was the neatest gift she'd ever gotten! She set it on her desk and rested her chin on the desk in front of it. She focused her eyes on it and found that it was looking at her too. Its little tongue flicked and hit her on the chin. She giggled a little and felt the grass around her. She rolled over on her back and looked up into the sky. A cloud that looked like the lizard rolled about and became the little boy and then turned into her kindergarten teacher. It's mouth moved a little like she was talking and then her perfectly white teeth showed again in her compassionate smile. She reached out as if to touch the sky and the cloud resembling her teacher held something out to her. She threw the object and it came floating down to her. When it met Tabatha's hand, she found that it was a paper. She looked up and saw her teacher smiling at her again.

"Tabatha, what is this?" her teacher asked, pointing to the lizard.

"It's a lizard that I got as a gift just now." Tabatha answered. She turned to look at the boy again. He was crouched over the paper with a crayon and did not look up at her.

"Did Tommy give that lizard to you?" the teacher asked, kindly.

Tabatha looked back at her. "He did. Is his name Tommy?" she asked. Her teacher nodded. "Then, Tommy's my new friend." She smiled up at her teacher. The teacher looked back at the boy whose name was Tommy.

"May I take this lizard and put it in a jar on my desk until it's time for you to go home?" she asked Tabatha, keeping her eye on Tommy.

Tabatha nodded happily as the woman took the lizard gently in her hand and walked toward her desk. Tabatha looked back at Tommy. He was now watching his teacher with a look of despair on his face. Tabatha grinned at him. He glanced at her and began to draw on his paper again. She looked down at her own desk and saw that her picture was of a cat. "Hello." She said quietly to the cat as she got the necklace out of her pocket and put it around her neck.

"Hello." said the cat.

The Escape: Part Two

I didn't know what time it was. The clock on my dash read 6:08 but I knew it was right. I knew it was well after midnight...but not yet even close to sunrise. I still couldn't help glancing back in my rearview mirror now and then, searching for any headlights in the distance although it was many hours ago that I had seen Frank. He had made everything feel much more risky. The freedom I had felt at first now seemed to wait in the sidelines for when it felt it was safe to appear. He had reminded me that I wasn't yet free until I was completely invisible. I wanted to vanish.

The approaching sign on the highway told me I was going to be entering a town soon. Although, I didn't know much about where I was. He had never allowed me to know anything about where we were. He had only told me we were home and all that mattered was that we were together. I didn't know anything about anywhere. Although he felt secure in my ignorance, this gave me the power of the unexpected. If I couldn't know where to go, how would he know where to find me?

I could see signs of life now. A few scattered homes here and there away from the highway, their driveways long and winding down to the road I had been driving on since early afternoon. I was getting very tired and knew I had to eventually stop to sleep but I was afraid. I had to switch direction or take a random route somewhere before stopping. Frank knew I was headed this direction, but that's all he would be able to tell.

Then I saw a flashing hotel light in the distance. Vacancy. Ok then. I would just have to hide the car. Maybe tomorrow I could make a trade with someone or something. How absurd. I felt like I was in one of those horrible movies where the one on the run sells his or her car but that leaves a perfect trail right to the idiot. What would I do then? He probably would get people searching for me...searching for my liscense plate. I had to ditch the car...soon. I looked around the cab once more. Oh, it would be hard to part with her. The warmth and safety I used to feel within this car on those horrible nights when I had to get out. Those nights when I refused to stay in the house any longer but could only get in the car, with no keys, and lock the doors. This car had been my solitude for hours...until he would come around looking and unlock the door to find me. I hurried to shut out the thought of him once more, scolding myself for letting my thoughts wander again. Yes, it was better to forget the car.

I pulled into the hotel lot. Maybe I would get an idea here. I couldn't bring this car with me any further. Sitting for a few minutes, I noticed a bus stop. I hadn't thought of this before. Grabbing my purse, I left my car parked next to the hotel and walked toward the bus stop. "This is the end of the trail for you, Mr. Jennings," I thought to myself. I wished I could have a clue as to when or where the bus would come and go. Perhaps there was some kind of pamphlet or posted timeline or something. I didn't want to ask the hotel clerk because I was sure he would be questioned about me. Then they would know I had gotten on the bus for sure. Of course, they'll suspect it anyway.

As I got closer to the bench at the stop, I noticed someone laying there. Sleeping. It was the middle of the night. I guess I should be sleeping too. I got closer and noticed the ripped clothes, the snarled hair, the dirty hands. But the face was so peaceful. It was a beautiful face and looked so out of place framed in that matted hair. I watched her sleep for a moment. It seemed she was having pleasant dreams. There was a hint of a smile playing on her soft lips and her eyelashes fluttered now and then. It made me want to sleep too, but I wasn't sure if there were people following me or how close they were if they had been following me.

Then I saw that the woman held in her hand a bus schedule! I didn't want to disturb her, but I needed to know when the bus was coming. I reached for the paper in her hands but then remembered I don't know what time it is. The paper wasn't going to help me when I didn't even know what time it is. I let my hand drop to my side. Then I set my purse on the ground and layed down next to the bench, resting my head on it. It wasn't the most comfortable pillow but it was better than nothing at all. Perhaps the earliest bus would be coming soon. I would simply make myself less visible while I waited. I hardly had noticed the woman on the bench. Another on the ground would be even less noticable.

I lay there for a few moments, looking up at the stars. I wished I could live in the stars, to become a part of the sky and be so free from the world, to just be another sparkle in the sky. Pondering about what this would be like, my eyelids slowly dropped and I fell into a beautiful dream about playing on the stars and flying into Neverland. I looked and looked for Tinker Bell or the Blue Lagoon where the mermaids lived. But all I could see was forest. Trees everywhere. Silence. No one there. But I was happy.

Suddenly jumped at the sound of a loud gush of air releasing followed by a rolling roar. I shifted my weight painfully on the cement ground. Somehow I felt like I had gained 100 pounds overnight. My hips hurt and my neck was cramped. My stomach was reaching within itself for breakfast and I felt I would be sick soon if I didn't eat something. Groaning I slowly opened my eyes to bright light. The woman on the bench was gone and a long blue bus was parked on the curb. I quickly grabbed my purse and boarded. Every bone in my body ached, pricking at memories in my mind that I didn't want to remember.

I headed toward the back of the bus, but then quickly took a seat when I noticed the back seats were filled with muscley men who looked as though they should be riding motorcylces and not a bus. I ducked my head and avoided eye contact with those around me. My stomach growled and I opened my purse. All I had was a bag of sunflower seeds so I popped a couple into my mouth. I retreived a small comb and mirror and appraised my appearance. I was, of course, hideous. Like always. However, I could fix my straggley hair a bit.

Looking up from my mirror, I was met with green eyes. It was the woman from the bench. She was sitting in the seat in front of me, turned backward, and staring. It startled me. Her angry mess of hair curled around her face in mats and her sweater was thin. The expression on her face was the most perplexing, however. It was a look of disgust. Her nose was wrinkled like I stunk of something terrible and her eyes burned with fury. I wanted to look away but was so stunned I just stared right back.

Finally she spoke. "What are you DOING?" She spat at me.

I couldn't answer. What was I doing? I looked down at myself, then around my seat as if to find some explanation to what she was referring to. "I'm sorry...have I done something to offend you?" I finally said, looking up at her again. But she wasn't there. I looked up the isle to see the back of her as she approached the driver of the bus.

"Stop the bus." She said urgently. "Stop it now. She's getting off."

Was she referring to me? What had I done to her? I gripped the seat beneath me, and crouched down trying to become invisible. Suddenly I felt the hair at the top of my head being jerked up and my head had to follow. I squeeled and looked back into those green eyes. What horrible contrast her face was to the content picture of peace I had seen during the night before. Had I been admiring this person?

"Ok girl," She spat at me again, "He's not stopping for you. But you'll be getting off at the next stop. I'm not sharing this bus with you." At this she turned and strode a few feet forward to take a seat. I was so perplexed I had forgotten how hungry I had been. What had I done? I looked up toward her a couple times again before sliding over to gaze out the window. I had planned to stay on this bus all day. I would just eat sunflower seeds until tomorrow. I'd gone longer without eating before. But now she wanted me off the bus at the next stop? I wondered how far that was. It wouldn't get me anywhere. He would be sure to find me.

I looked up toward her again. She was looking out her own window on the opposite side of the bus. Swallowing, I rose from my seat. I had to have a word with her. Perhaps if I explained...I swallowed again as I approached her seat. Sitting across from her I cleared my throat and waited. She glanced over at me and grimaced, wrinkling her nose again.

"Sorry, do I stink? What right do you have to kick me off this bus anyway?" I didn't recognize the strength in my own voice, "I am not going to be getting off this bus until I want to. Now either you tell me what you're problem with me is, or you'll just have to deal with it."

Sighing, she turned to me. "You're Sarah, right?"

In shock I slowly nodded.

"Meet Linda. Danny's first wife."

(to be continued...)

The Escape

I drove and drove and drove. I didn't have a plan. I didn't follow a map. I just had to go and go. I had to get away. I felt the wind in my hair as my windows were open. The chill of the air was invigorating and I knew I could go on forever this way. I would leave it all behind. I would never go back. I had money in my purse and clothes on my back. I heard the roar of the engine and I felt so free.

Nothing could stop me now! He would never find me. He wouldn't have any idea where I went, because I don't know that yet, myself. I just wanted to drive.

The sun dropped lower and created long shadows across the road. I had to close my window as the temperature of the wind dropped, freezing my breath before my face. The heater felt nice against my frozen hands. I hadn't noticed how cold they were until the warm air hit them. It made me smile. It was comforting, the safety of my car. The sound of the tires' swift movement on the pavement created a calming hum. I didn't turn on the radio. All the music I knew would only remind me of...

The road was long and stretched before me until it finally disappeared around a curve, and for the first time I wondered where it would lead me. The possibilities were infinite. I burst into laughter. I couldn't help myself. It was effortless and felt like a release within me that had been long held in. I let my body heave with laughter until I no longer could breath. And then the tears came. I didn't understand myself. Where were the tears coming from? It surely wasn't unhappiness, but sure bliss. What a release! I let the tears fall freely until finally they ran dry. The light was fading behind the trees and I could see stars appearing in the skies like beacons of renewed life.

Then the lights appeared in my rearview mirror and I felt my stomach roll. For a short moment I contemplated putting on more gas. After all, I was making the biggest escape of my life. But my realistic side brushed away the adventurous thought. Of course that would eventually only take me back to him. So I put my foot gently on the break and pulled to the side, grabbing my purse to find my license.

I had just found it when I heard him tap on my window. I looked up and caught myself.

"Awe, Mrs. Jennings! What are you doing alone out here at this time of night?"

It was Frank. His best friend. I couldn't breath, and suddenly wished I hadn't stopped. "Oh, I'm just.." What can I tell him? "Headed to visit...my sister."

---end of comment left at Pictures, Poetry & Prose---

I knew my explanation wasn't convincing. But Frank just smiled and told me to drive more carefully. A storm was in the forecast tonight. He gave me a warning and let me go. Let me go, but I knew in two seconds he would pick up his cell phone.

I pulled out onto the road once more with my eyes fixed on him strolling back to his patrol car in his nonchalant manner. What a pig.

Then I couldn't help myself. I floored it. I watched him turn with a sudden shocked look on his face and hurriedly get into the driver's seat. I searched the road for a sign. I prayed for help. If I could just keep Frank from calling him. Just another hour or so and I knew he would be coming home anyway and find me gone. By then it would be too late.

The lights were blaring me through by rearview mirror again and I contemplated what to do. Habit told me to put on the breaks and pull over again. What if I did? It would definitely confuse him...save time? What if I told him I wanted him to pull me over again...no that's ridiculous! I shuttered at the idea of seducing that pig. No, I wouldn't do that. Ok, I know. I slowed down again, but didn't pull over. Going a steady speed, well under the limit, for about 5 minutes with him tailing me, he finally came up on my left side. A glance and I could see his confused glare. I grinned at him and waved. He gestured for me to pull over and I shook my head at him, pointing at my watch. I slowed a little more and rolled down my window. He rolled his down in turn. "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to make time." I yelled to him, "I won't speed anymore, Frank. Thanks anyway."

He seemed to take it with a nod. Any other cop wouldn't have. He slowed, and I knew he was picking up his cell phone at that very moment. But now I could see the state line. I would be gone and he could never find me now. I simply had to keep going...and never stop. I would cross state line after state line. I would only stop when I felt it was time.

The lights faded behind me. I imagined what he would be thinking now. I indulged myself in imagining him heartbroken and sulking in his beat up truck. I knew he would never react that way, but in my mind's eye I wanted to see him cry. I wondered at the thought. What would he look like with reddened eyes and shaking hands?

Just then I decided that this would be the last thought of him I would ever allow myself to have. I would never let his face enter my mind again. He no longer existed. And niether did Mrs. Jennings. From now on I am Shayla Krenton. On to a new life.

...to be continued.