Wicked Garden

I came across a notebook of some of my unfinished writing. I thought I would finish a few. It was a bit harder than I expected, as they brought me back to the frame of mind I was in almost 10 years ago. This is the first one I was able to finish. Aside from the lyrics, these words are my own. Yes, even in this 'tale' I have buried hints of references to public safety. Let me know what you think. (About the tale itself, the writing, things it reminds you of,whatever comes to mind.) I would really appreciate feedback on this one.

The italicized lines are lyrics to 'Wicked Garden' by Stone Temple Pilots

"Wicked Garden"

She sat alone with her thoughts, mindlessly fingering the hem of her left sleeve. As she sat with her legs tucked underneath her, she let her mind wander the halls of memory. Rain drops splashed against the window pane. She stared, unfocused, at the Japanese Maple struggling against the tiny space it was allotted in the 'garden box' built into the bench on the deck. Her body was sitting on a couch looking out a window, but her mind was in a garden bathed in twilight.

Can you feel like a child? Can you see what I want? I wanna run through your wicked garden Heard that's the place to find ya But I'm alive So alive now I know the darkness blinds you

She saw him strolling through her memory, unbidden, his eyes fixed on her as she waited under a Weeping Willow, a dark flower nestled in her hands.What was she doing there? Was she waiting for him? Who was he? She stuggled to remember the achingly familiar face and form. She had seen those finely sculpted features before. His brown eyes were flecked with gold that seemed to dance merrily in his stern visage as he watched her face contort in contemplation. A mist began to swirl around them, and she accepted the extended hand he offered her. All the pain seemed to ebb away from her body and soul, as she allowed him to lead her along the glowing path that seemed to materialize in front of them.

What pain was she leaving behind? A hiss escaped her lips as she linked her arm around the one he offered her as they walked. Where did that bruise upon her arm come from? As she inspected the purple marks, she noted that it appeared as if someone had grabbed her arm. Her companion followed her gaze. His fingertips rested softly upon her skin as he gently traced the outline of the bruise. 'He did this to you. How much more must you endure...' It was a statement rather than a question. She slowly nodded in agreement. 'Tell me about it.'Her eyes widened slightly as they fixated on his lips. She had heard the request, but his mouth had not moved.

Can you see without eyes? Can you speak without lies? I wanna drink from you naked fountain I can drown your sorrows I'm gonna burn, burn you to life now Out of the chains that bind you

She cast her eyes downward mournfully. 'It was nothing.' 'You lie.' he said, as his eyes began to darken. 'I do not know where to begin.' she faltered. His eyes again caught her gaze, and a soft breeze whispered, 'Show me.' With another nod of acquiescence, she closed her eyes and began to remember. She could 'feel' his presence in her thoughts.

At first, she could not summon a concrete image. Disconnected shapes seemed to float around her thoughts. Such a strong surge of emotions began to overwhelm her. Confusion. Anger. Disappointment. Sadness. Disbelief. What had happened? Slowly, the images began to take on familiar forms. She was shouting at someone with dark hair. His eyes were brown, and the corner of his mouth seemed to curl in a smile that sickened her. There was falsity in that smile, hiding some secret or truth she was loth to hear.

The scene slowly began to unfold, and she felt as if she were watching a play from a distance. She felt a strong sense of abandonment and neglect. She saw herself tending to the sick and wounded, then training and overseeing others in the tending of the ill and injured. She looked at the Dark-haired one, looking for approval? Acceptance? Support? Whatever it was that she was looking for, she did not expect the indifference and (could it be?) jealousy she was faced with. This realization puzzled her, for he was also trained to tend to the sick and wounded. A remark was passed to indicate that she should not be above him in station, when HE was the one who had more time vested in training. He belittled her skill and adept abilities to lead others. Feelings of lonliness began to creep in, and it seemed that his attention was elsewhere. It began to dawn on her that she was competing with another. His absences became longer and unaccounted for and a feminine giggle began to haunt her thoughts. There was even the cliched 'scent of another woman' upon his garments at times. Garments that should have smelled of smoke and ashes.

Next thing she knew, she was confronting him, and instead of his denial, he began to accuse her of infidelity and demanded acceptance of his actions without question. She had turned away to run from the fiasco in silence, for she knew no good would come of the situation if she let loose the tirade that was building. She had wasted her breath before. As she turned to leave, he grabbed her arm and flung her around to face him, holding her close to his chest as he demanded she not turn her back on him. He let go of her arm as she slapped him with her free hand, and fled.

The images disappeared, and she dropped to the ground in a heap sobbing, the 'connection' broken. Her companion knelt down beside her, and took her into his arms. 'Shhh, Little One. He can not harm you any more. Let me help you.' She remained in his arms until her tears were spent, and the ache diminished. She reveled in the warmth of his embrace. Her spirit felt as if unseen fetters had fallen away.

Can you see just like a child? Can you see just what I want? Can I bring you back to life? Are you scared of life?

He carefully tucked an errant tendril of hair behind her ear as his steady gaze seemed to burn right through her. 'I did not intend to cause further hurt, Little One. I only wanted you to see that he was not good enough for you. Do you remember a few years ago, when I wanted to take you away? I still mean it.' She pulled back from his embrace slightly, and smiled wanly as recognition hit her. 'You can not mean that. I thought you had forgotten.'

Burn, burn, burn Burn your wicked garden down Burn, burn, burn Burn your wicked garden to the ground

Out of the ashes of chaos, I rise above it all. For I am a Phoenix. Reborn amidst the flames.

Can you feel pain inside? Can you love? Can you cry? I wanna run through your wicked garden Heard that's the place to find you 'Cause I'm alive So alive now Out of the dark that blinds you

She knew her companion now. Love was indeed blind. He had been her Warrior all along. He had been there for her, even though he had to endure the fact that she was seeking comfort in anothers arms.

Can you see just like a child? Can you see just what I want? Can I bring you back to life? Are you scared of life?

Deep in her heart she felt that this was not forever, no matter how much she wished it. But , he had only to ask, and she would go to him. She would answer when he beckoned, and he would keep her safe. It was her turn to heal.

Burn, burn, burn Burn your wicked garden down Burn, burn, burn Burn your wicked garden to the ground