The chill cut straight to her bones. A shiver ran over her skin. Her thin frame shook trying its best to warm herself. Even the wool overcoat and fleece tights didn’t seem to help. Winter was never kind to her. It always ended up her worst season. This time, however, she’d decided to make a fresh start; a way to try and combat the bad luck that surrounded her in the year’s darkest months.
Her breath was warm as she cupped her hands around her mouth and blew, warming them before stepping out into the pavement. Hemlock Grove was small. A town where gossip spread like wildfire. A place where the bar was full of regulars and housewives took their children to play at the one and only park. It was a place of community and solitude. But it was also a place where even the darkest secrets could be kept. One where outwardly appearances were everything allowing you to hide in plain sight of you were good enough at the game.
Hemlock Grove was perfect.
She strolled down the sidewalk, making her way to her car, doing her best to smile and nod at passersby. Even new, no one gave her a second glance. Her raven hair fell softly at her shoulders, a slight curl bouncing as she walked; Pale skin almost luminescent; Icy blue eyes that could pierce through someone’s soul; a thin frame and long legs. Yes, beauty had been kind to her. But Emily had grown extremely skilled at becoming someone you could forget. Something absolutely necessary for her own survival.
Main Street being only a few blocks before entering the woods, the drive had been short. Short and peaceful. Nothing around her except nature at its finest. Uncorrupted by humanity. Controlled by the wild. Silent. Serene. The only place she felt she could gather her thoughts and make sure her most recent plan to live undetected was fail safe.
Her mind had wandered far from the slightly winding road in front of her and it wasn’t until a loud CRACK filled the air, followed by a low hiss, that she was back in reality. ‘Fuck sake,’she said aloud to into herself. Rubber slapping against the pavement could only mean one thing. Emily pulled over and got out to see the passenger tire flat, a small branch sticking out of the side. She wretched it free. 'Asshole,’ she scolded it before tossing it aside.
She got back in her car and waited for someone, anyone to drive by. Fifteen minutes later and still nothing. Grabbing her purse, she got back out and into the cold once more. Emily pulled her coat closer around her, locked her car with a confirming beep, and took off back toward town.
Night had begun to fall and the wind picking up made the cold that much more bitter. Her cheeks flushed red. Her exposed skin stung against the air. Her ears turned to icicles. Winter still seemed to hate her. Internally arguing with herself, she caught sight of a home atop a nearby hill. She stood at the base of its long driveway, debating on whether or not to make the trek up to it. No one appeared to be home and the surrounding area was desolate like everywhere else.
With nothing to lose, however, her feet made the decision for her. Her limbs felt frozen by the time she made it to the door and knocked. Her only hope was that the owner was a total dick and would let her inside to warm up. She’d hate to have to reveal the real her in order to so so. Especially since it was the very thing she was running from.