My name is Becca. I know that because it’s short for Rebecca. I am 21 years old. I know that because I was born in 2002. I go to the University of Miami. I know that because it was the college closest to home. I have a boyfriend of two years and his name is Jackson. I know that because he's just spent the last three hours trying to justify the fact that he hit me publicly at a party. I promised myself that this would be the last time and so it is. Kingston, my brother, picked up his phone immediately when I called. No questions asked, he told me yes when I asked him to pick me up. Now, his old truck sits outside the apartment I was in. He gives me a look from the driver's side. I'm slowly walking to him. The dried blood on my face and short dress is enough to change his sullen expression into one of pure glistening rage. The second I'm safe and sound in the automobile, he's storming the building. I don't watch after him, I know he's giving Jackson hell both emotionally and physically. Fifeteen minutes passes. Then, thirty and Kingston still isn’t back. My eyes threaten to well shut and it is then that I realize that tears have been falling for quite some time. I don't fight it anymore. I let them close.

•••

Waking up feeling dirty was the last thing I thought I wanted. The welcome air nipped at my skin.

The sun wasn’t up yet. I know that because my eyes didn’t have to adjust to brightness. I was in a foresty-scented area. I know that because the strong scent of pine trees burned my nose. I was laying under a bridge; near a line that I’d never thought I’d cross. I know that because across the bridge and line stood a large door waiting for me to come inside. I immediately crossed the line and waited patiently for the door to beckon me unto it. I continued to wait and felt the light, looming presence of another near the door’s entrance.

“Are you going to go in?” My own voice surprised me as it came out in a clipped and hurried croak. The masculine tone responding to my question wasn’t at all menacing or alarming, but rather very soothing and sweet. The man** huffed and quickly said, “If you are looking for a simple way out, this isn't it, Becca.” **I looked at the man before me. His eyes were penetrating and a beautiful shade of green. His dark hair contrasted the light of his eyes and I didn't think I would ever be able to stop staring. His skin looked butter soft and I actually had to pinch myself to be sure everything wasn't a dream.

“As long as I'm with you, I’m safe and I believe that is my way out.” He seemed hesitant to touch me and I understood why that was. He looked me up and down, his disappointed face made me want to turn and run, but, instead, I reached for his hands and he gripped mine in response. He opened the door and thrusted himself into the entrance with impressive speed. Coming through, I realized the depth of my choices. My eyes shut for a minute as he pulled himself out of my grasp.

My eyes snapped open as I scanned the familiar bedroom I’d been in the entire time. I was in a green and woodsy themed room. I know that because even in the dark, I recognized my brother’s room. I looked into Kingston's captivating green eyes and saw no regrets. I know he didn't regret the things we did, because I didn't regret them either. My brother just gave me the best night of my life, and I know this because I was never really lost in the forest, I was lost in his sheets.