Chapter Text
It's a rather cold Friday night and you have decided to pay a little visit to your lovely brother, Mark. He's been very supportive of you living on your own, cheering you up if needed, and helping in any way he can. Mark visits you consistently, as he knows very well the struggles of living on your own. His support has helped you in the past, and you are very grateful for his company. Now, you have decided to return the favor and visit him for a change. Keeping this visit a secret from your brother, you hope the reaction will be warm and welcoming.
As of now, you are on your way, driving down to Mark's house. Chills run down your spine as you see the road getting darker and darker. Any light from the moon was now covered by a thick layer of dark clouds. Only the headlights from your car illuminate the way. Lowering the speed, you pay close attention on the road. Sounds of rain tapping on glass can be heard. It's beginning to rain.
There is still quite a drive till Mark's house, and the rain is only picking up. You decided to flick on some tunes to sound in the background, in attempts to calm your nerves. The road slowly closes in on a fairly isolated area, covered by tall trees. Signs can still be seen, informing that the nearest services can be accessed in several miles.
Beep, Beep!
Suddenly, a loud beeping starts from your car's panel. You look at the blinking light, and frown deeply.
Shit. Shit! No!
You notice your dashboard warning lights are on, signalling a failure in the motor.
This isn't good...
With a heavy sigh, you pull over to a side of the road. Turning off the music, you exit your car into the pouring rain. Immediately you are soaked from head to toes, and the chilly wind bites your skin. You go over to the hood and open it to inspect the damage. A cloud of black smoke escapes, causing you to cough. You frantically wave your hands to clear the smoke. Soon after, the air was clear and you could see the the overheated engine.
Damn it, I can't fix it now..
The radiator is busted, and it'll need replacing. The car is in no shape to be driven now. Your mind is at loss, thoughts racing, panic rising. You reach in your pockets to pull out a phone, you'll have to call Mark.
After a while of ringing, a voice sounds from the other side of the line. "Hello, sis?" Your brothers voice sends reassurance. "Hey! How's it going?" You can hear noise coming from the background, almost like another voice. You brush it off.
"Mark! Mark, I... I need your help." You're almost embarrassed to admit it, now the surprise is ruined.
Confusion and worry lingers is Mark's voice. "Are you alright? What happened?" He questions. "I can't hear you very well, are you outside?"
You explain your situation. "Y-Yeah, I'm.. I was on my way to your place, I-I wanted to surprise you but..." You felt tears welling in your eyes, voice getting shakier. "M-My car broke down and I can't fix it, I-I..." Your words stuttered, but you tried to hold it all in.
"Calm down, alright! I'll go and get you very soon! Just don't worry!" Mark kept reassuring you, and the background sounds ceased. His words were able to calm you down, and you kept nodding to yourself. "Where are you? Can you see any signs?"
You took a look around, and a sign caught your eye. "Y-Yeah, I see a sign. W-Wait.." You stepped closer to see it better, when suddenly-
BEEEP
A truck ran past you, splashing water on you. Your bones shook from the shock, and quiet cries escaped your mouth. "I-I.. M.." You couldn't piece the words to form a sentence. The realization of being stranded in an isolated area, cold, wet and scared, it all finally got to you.
Upon hearing your cries, Mark began consoling. "Hey, hey! It's okay! Don't cry, alright. I promise you, everything will be okay!" His voice rang in your ears. "Now be careful, look around you. Are you safe?"
You took a look all around you. Seeing through the woods was impossible, but the streets seemed quiet with no one around, only the blinking headlights shone from your car. Nodding, you answered. "Y-Yes I'm f-fine.. it's s-safe.." You muttered, and heard a sigh of relief from Mark.
"Okay, good." He said. "Now, I want you to look at the sign again, but be careful."
Complying, you cautiously stepped towards the sign, taking deep breaths. The sign read clearly, that a nearby village by the name of [x] was only five miles away. You informed your brother, and he seemed to be knowing where to drive.
"Alright! Now listen, I'll be in that village in less than an hour. I'll need you to walk to there." Mark explained. "And I assure you, the woods are safe. You'll be fine, trust me! But maybe look out for the spiders that roam the area there." He added jokingly, lightening up the mood. A saddened giggle escaped your lips, and you felt much better.
Mark knows just what to say..
You felt up to it, you felt as you could do it. "Alright. I'll be on the border, w-waiting for you."
"Alright! See you soon!" Mark bid his goodbyes, but before he could hang up you heard another voice. "Is everything fine man?" It was faint, but you could hear it. It seems as if Mark had company. Embarrassment ran through you, knowing you must have made Mark seem like a fool in front of his friends.
Your phone buzzed, you received a text message.
I called the pick up, so they'll get your car.
Start walking, sis!
See ya soon
It was from Mark.
You took one last glance at your car. Checking that you have all the valuables, you begin walking down the road. Water splatters under your feet, and rain is pouring down your face. Shivers run down your spine, and your face expression is tense. Nevertheless, you keep walking through the wind and rain.
After a while of walking, your feet are beginning to ache. You've been walking miles by now, nearing the destination.
Not too far now...
You remember the reassuring words of your brother, and they keep you going. He's doing so much for you, you honestly feel bad for burdening him at times. You run through the conversation you two held before, and the thought of spiders return to haunt you. You decide to pick up your pace, as you scratch at nothing.
You finally made it to the border of [x], a massive sign welcomed you. By now, you were completely exhausted, drenched and stressed. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw lights approaching. A car stopped by you, and you saw the window roll down. It was Mark.
Ah, thank God!
You ran up to the car, watching Mark getting outside, colliding in an embrace. "It's oaky, sis!" He rubbed your back. Head resting on Mark's shoulder, you watched the passenger door open. A tall figure stepped out. You assumed it was the voice you heard on the call, and hid your face from the person's field of view. Mark noticed your action, and chuckled. "Don't worry about him, just get in the car so we can take you home!" Mark loosened his grip, and you got in the back seat of his car. You watched the two talk for a while before getting inside the car themselves.
Mark and his friend shut the doors, and turned to face you.
"Geez, you are soaked to the bone!" The person said. It was too dark to figure out any features, but what clearly stood out was the thick accent. "God, I feel sorry for you." Said so, he turned to face Mark. "So this is your sister?" He questioned, and Mark nodded.
"Right, lets get you back home, we'll let you rest for a while." Said Mark, and started the car. All buckled up, Mark drove us down to his house. You spent the time watching rain drops run down the window, listening to the two males chat in the front seats.