Charging through the branches, leaping over roots and bushes, sliding down muddy embankments. Frankie loved the woods behind the playing fields. Lost in a world of her own she had been many things: knights, outlaws, monsters, animals. Here she had space to let her imagination flourish.
As the sun began to set the woods took on a different character: dark, oppressive, shadowy. Sounds amplified around the treetops, each one a sinister echo. A broken twig became a giant’s footstep, a bird’s song became a warning call. Now Frankie crept stealthily, careful not to make a noise.
With a heavy heart she left the den she had built and walked to the edge of the woods. Across the threshold lay real life with all it’s rules and conventions and limitations: the small bedroom she had to share with her little brother, her parents downstairs having their nightly slanging match.
She heard the voices approaching and instinctively shrank back into the shelter of the foliage. A girl’s laughter, excited and happy. The boy seemed quiet and nervous. They came across the playing field holding hands. She recognised them both from school, they were a couple of years above her.
They entered the woods and stopped a short distance from her. Frankie crouched down. She knew she shouldn’t watch them. They thought they were alone.
The girl leaned with her back against a tree. The boy pressed against her, his mouth meeting hers, then exploring her neck. Frankie saw their hands fumble around and stifled a laugh as the boy’s trousers slipped down to reveal his naked behind. The girl’s legs wrapped around his waist. The pressing and kissing grew faster. They awkwardly rubbed their bodies up and down until both were breathing heavily. With a final suppressed cry they were still. Their panting was the only sound.
Frankie couldn’t take her eyes away. She knew what she had seen even though it was the first time she had seen it. Only when they began moving again, adjusting and fastening their clothing, did Frankie realise it had gone dark. She had to move fast to be home in time for dinner and avoid getting a row from her mother.
She took a step back and heard the twig snap. She looked back and saw the boy looking round. ‘Who’s there?’ he shouted.
Frankie panicked and ran, breaking cover and dashing out into the open, heading for home as fast as she could. Behind her she heard the boy shout: ‘You dirty little pervert. Did you enjoy the show?’
For the rest of the summer Frankie didn’t return to the woods. Her games seemed childish and unsatisfying now. She couldn’t stop seeing the two bodies entwined against the tree. The girl, head tilted back, mouth open.
Frankie wasn’t sure why, but she knew she wanted to feel that same way.
This is a response to the Thursday Photo Prompt – Woodland curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
Eyes opened to a whole new type of game… wow, Iain, brilliant write!
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Thank you Annie, glad you liked it 🙂
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Oh my. She may be a few years to young for all of that.
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One of the difficulties with children is that they mature at different rates and times and for different reasons. Unfortunately the decision seems to have been taken out of her hands.
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Good one Iain! Hope they didn’t see who she was so they leave her alone at school.
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Thanks Janet, I did think about that but decided to finish the story as it is. I think she got away unseen – of course she will see them in school and will know their secret!
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Very descriptive and a fascinating coming of age story. Frankie grew up fast that night.
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Thank you so much.
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
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Not the best transition from childhood, perhaps.
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Perhaps not, on the other hand maybe it’s best to get it over in one sharp shock!
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Unfolding mystery…that’s my choice 🙂
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you 🙂
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My pleasure! Have a great weekend. Michael 🙂
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This is beautiful, great language and exploration of the characters. Very believable. Awesome imagery.
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Thank you so much, appreciated 🙂
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A rude shock for her, but a sweet one ultimately. A refreshingly different coming-of-age story.
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Thank you so much
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Adolescence is a terrible time. I remember the overwhelming feelings that I really didn’t want any part of.
There was a wooded area near the place that I lived between the ages of 10 and 12. Fortunately, I never encountered anyone having sex there!
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A lucky escape! Thanks Cara.
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I am glad she escaped being victimised by them, poor Frankie not got much going for her in her life!
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Nope – seems like she’s had a rough start. Thanks for reading 🙂
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🌹
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When I started reading I expected a rather creepy story – and then it turned out to be a very erotic one… Brilliant! 🙂
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Ha, I hope you enjoyed. I did think creepy at first, but wanted to try something different. Glad you liked it 🙂
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The woods are always host to strange things – imaginary or real. I love how you used both in your story. I too thought it would be creepy and was pleasantly surprised to see it was an end-of-childhood story.
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Thank you, glad you liked the twist to the story 🙂
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