Monster Crush by Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne

Fierce Reads authors Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne were chosen as Twitter Fiction Festival Selections this year for their paranormal romance that, let's face it, fills the sasquatch sized hole in all of our hearts.

Day One

Jen was supposed to be on a plane. Amherst started in a week.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

But Jen was looking forward to going back to Amherst for her Junior year like you’d look forward to an appendectomy.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

And there was also the issue of the bartender Ian. Sandy blonde hair, strapping physique, sparkling gray eyes.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Why, oh why had they met on the last day of her Colorado vacation? It wasn’t fair.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

She had watched him all night as he tended bar. Since she was only 19, she couldn’t drink.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

But he had made her a virgin Harvey Wallbanger that was pretty darn tasty and served it with that tasty smile of his.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

When Jen had gotten up her nerve to approach him, they’d hit it off. As the regulars drifted out, they’d talked into the night…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

A night that ended with her in his arms and him kissing her all over.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Kissing on the mouth is boring, he’d said. Instead Ian had kissed her on the shoulder, the neck, the palm of her hand.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

And what his mouth didn’t touch, his hands did.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen walked up and down the length of the bar now. She couldn’t wait to see Ian again.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

He would be so surprised, and so psyched that she had decided to stay in CO.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Who knows, Jen thought. Maybe I can even get a job here at the bar.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She knew her parents would flip out, but Amherst was their idea, not hers. In fact nothing was ever her idea—except this. Ian.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Finally, around 8:30, Ian walked in. Jen jumped up from her stool and rushed to his arms. He looked surprised, that’s for sure.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She knew that look. It’s the look someone makes when they’re surprised by a hair or a bug or a razor in their strawberry cheesecake.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Yep. It’s a kind of look you really don’t want to see when the surprise is… you!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

What are you doing here? he said. His gray eyes flashed angrily.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

I-I-I wanted to see you again, Jen stammered. Ian stalked behind the bar and hung his jacket on a hook.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. He leaned across the bar, I thought you understood last night was just a one time thing.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen slumped into a booth. She couldn’t believe this. Sure, he’d said that. And yes, she’d agreed. But how could he still feel that way?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

The way they’d talked, and laughed, and shared – a one time thing? He was wrong. It was more than that.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

She decided to stay & talk to him later, once the crowd thinned out. She watched him, pouring drinks for the regulars.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

He was so gorgeous, chatting and laughing. A pretty blonde woman spit out her drink at something Ian said.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Ian was funny, Jen thought. And everyone seemed to like him.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

But not funny enough to laugh that blonde was laughing. She was braying like a donkey!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

A scruffy man in coveralls noticed Jen noticing Ian. He’s an odd duck, the man said. Been tending bar here a few years now.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

He lives up in the woods somewheres, the man said, picking his teeth with a matchstick.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The old man patted Jen’s shoulder kindly. If I were you, he said, I’d set my sights on someone a little more… run of the mill.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Jen watched Ian go to get ice from a cooler out back. She followed him, proud of herself for being assertive for once in her life.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Why couldn’t she have been this direct with her parents when they sat her down and forced her to pick Amherst over Colorado College?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Ian makes me feel strong, Jen realized. Like a stronger version of myself.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen cleared her throat and Ian spun around. Ian, it's just me, she murmured. Why are you being like this? I don’t understand.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Of course you don’t understand! he snapped. You don’t know anything about me. You need to get on a plane and go back to your life, kid.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Kid? Jen shook her head. Just because I’m under 21 doesn’t mean I don’t know what I want.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Yeah? What do you want? Ian asked. I want to be here with you, dummy! Jen said. I want the chance to get to know you better!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

There was just no way he didn’t feel something for her.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Maybe he didn’t feel the same was she did, but he had to feel SOMETHING.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Listen, she said softly, if you say you feel nothing for me, then I’ll have to accept it. But for me, last night was … pretty much… magic.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Ian looked at her with a sadness in his eyes she felt she could fall into forever. I just can’t, he said. I’m sorry-it can never be.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

He went back into the bar. She should have left. Of course she should have. Maybe before she’d met him, she would have. But she didn’t.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She had grown this brand new backbone because of him, so technically it was his fault, right? Right, she told herself.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

She waited in a coffee shop across the street, drinking cup after cup of the brackish house roast…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

When he closed the bar at 2 am, she followed him.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Ian went up, past the side streets with the little, slumbering Victorian houses sitting in a row. Past the gas station and into the woods.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

It seemed like he hiked for hours, up through the pines and aspens. The ground grew rocky underfoot.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen followed from a distance, a little scared by the woods, but determined to learn more. Once Ian stopped & turned, as if he’d heard her.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Even if he can’t hear me, she thought to herself, then he can probably smell the sweaty stank I’m emitting all over this poor forest.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

What did he mean, It can never be. Why? Was it just because she was a college girl and he was a bartender? That was stupid.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Finally, she saw Ian approach a rock wall at the base of a cliff. And she saw a dark opening in the wall – a cave. Noeffin’way!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Ian lived in a cave?! Oh man, Jen thought, just my luck. The first guy I really feel something for is some kind of spelunking fanatic.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Then she had another thought, He could be homeless and ashamed of it. Hmm, a real homeless guy. Was there something kind sexy about that?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

No, there wasn’t.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Yes, maybe there was…
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

He’s homeless, Jen thought, getting her head back in the game. He’s homeless and that’s why he’s pushing me away.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Too bad so sad for him, Jen smirked to herself. I’m not going anywhere. Except right into that thar mancave!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Just as Ian ducked into the cave, Jen heard a sound behind her.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She turned and caught a glimpse of something tall.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Something wild.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

A bear? A gorilla? A huge-freaking-something coming at her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The huge-freaking-something picked up a rock the size of her carry-on luggage.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

BAM, carry-on luggage to the head. And everything went dark.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Back to Top

Day Two

When Jen woke up, the constant rhythm of a headache thumped at her temples.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She found she couldn’t move – she had been tied up with some kindof homespun twine that smelled like wet Chihuahua.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

Jen looked around, taking in her surroundings with disbelief and spiraling dizziness. The walls and floor and ceiling were rock.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

The air smelled damp and masculine. Musky, even.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

Jen was lying on some kind of bed made out of piles of animal skins. Hello? She called. Ian?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

What had happened to her last night? She remembered seeing the bear-gorilla-thing before she was hit. What the eff WAS that thing?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

Jen shifted to get a better look at the cave. There were lots more animal skins and also some strange tufts of wool on the rocky floor.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

The tufts had collected in the corners, sort of like snowdrifts. Stinky, hairy snowdrifts. Nice.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

A few human objects were here and there – some folded clothes, tin mugs and plates, and a mirror and wash basin set on a small ledge.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Definitely a man-cave, Jen thought to herself.The only things missing were a neon beer sign and a dart board.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

There was even a poster tacked up onto one of the boulders – a street in Cairo at twilight. Huh.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

This is where Ian lives? Jen thought. But why? She looked at the piles of skins. And did he kill these himself? Hadn't he seen Bambi?!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

Ian’s living quarters seemed… less than ideal. The opposite of ideal.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

No cable, no running water, and the nearest Starbucks was sweaty-eight miles of hiking away.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 29, 2012

Then again, so was civilization and with it her parents and the subtle but constant pressure to become a stock broker like her dad.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

As she glanced around, the cave and its possibilities began to flourish with appeal.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Then she remembered she was there more as a hostage than a guest. After all, people didn't usually tie up their overnight guests.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

No, people usually didn’t tie up their guests… unless they had been reading 50 Shades!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Hello? Ian? I'm awake, she called.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

There was movement at the head of the cave but it was too dark to see anything.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

A single candle offered the only light, and its glow only illuminated so much.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Maybe with more candles she’d see a toilet and a flat screen. One could hope, right?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Ian? She called. I’m sorry I followed you. I shouldn’t have.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

She tried not to panic. Please, she prayed, don't let Ian be some kind of serial killer. Let there be a good reason I’m tied up!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

And then she saw it.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

A towering form entered, hunched considerably by the cave ceiling. Eight feet tall, maybe more. Covered with long, shaggy fur.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The hands of an ape. The face of a monster.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Probably the teeth of a shark, but Jen didn’t foresee him smiling anytime soon.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

He was… he was… there was no use in denying it. He was a sasquatch.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

Jen felt like she was gonna go nuts, but he was real! Not legend, not myth. She was looking at a big living breathing freaking big foot.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

One that knew how to knock humans unconscious and bind them in homespun ropes.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

The beast shuffled forward, holding something in his giant, wooly mitt. He grunted and then lunged forward.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen struggled and kicked, trying to back away. Get away from me!!! she screamed. The huge animal pulled back.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 28, 2012

The daylight from the cave’s entrance went dark as he backed out. And then the sunlight returned.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The small waft from his exit caused the lone candle flame to dance. He was gone.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Good, she thought to herself. Maybe he realized how close he was to getting his squatchy balls kicked.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

And then she saw that the sasquatch had set something down - a tin cup full of blueberries. The cup lay close to Jen, right at her side.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Oh geez, she thought. The sasquatch was gentle. He meant no harm. And apparently he had opposable thumbs, too.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen looked at that tin cup for a long time and then her headache-ridden, fully uncaffienated mind pieced together what must be happening.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Ian had somehow tamed a sasquatch. He must take care of it and act, somehow, as his protector, she realized.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

It explained why the animal had attacked her the night before. The sasquatch must have thought she was a threat.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

It didn’t know that she loved Ian too. Or maybe it did, and it was jealous of her. And maybe it should get over it.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

I’m sorry, Jen called. I understand you won’t hurt me. Come back, please, Mr… Beast-thing-fellow.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

The sasquatch stuck his shaggy head into the cave. Please, Jen said. Can you untie me?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The sasquatch grunted in the affirmative.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Or at least, that was what it sounded like; her Aunt Lucy always made that same sound when offered a second helping of fried chicken.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

His giant fingers were clumsy with the twine. She tried not to shrink back from him. Animals smell fear, she reminded herself.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

He began to grumble in frustration. Easy now, Jen murmured. But the animal bared his teeth!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

A scream rose and then died in Jen’s throat as the sasquatch leaned forward and bit through her bindings.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Not her wrists. Not her throat. Just the dumb rope!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Thanks, Jen said, wondering when, when, WHEN Ian would show up and explain his living situation and his unique, hirsute roommate.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

He grunted in reply. And Jen officially decided he must me related to Aunt Lucy.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen got to her feet, wearily. She saw a canteen filled with water and drank from it eagerly. She couldn’t ever remember being so thirsty.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Luckily, she had a Nature Valley Granola Bar in her purse. So what if they were a sort of little-kid-ish – they were delicious!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

She gobbled it down, then assaulted the tin cup of blueberries.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

What she would have given for a double red eye with a foam cap! But still, it was breakfast.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The sasquatch watched Jen eat and drink. When she was done, he raised a hairy paw and pointed toward the mouth of the cave.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

You want me to go? Jen asked. He grunted.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

I want to wait for Ian, Jen said, pleading. I need to talk to him before I go. The beast pushed her towards the exit. And daylight.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

I don’t want to hurt him! Jen said. I'll never tell his secret – that he’s your protector. I just want…I want to tell him I love him!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

It had slipped out of her mouth, but Jen realized it was true. She did love Ian.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

The idea of insta-love had always repelled her. All those idiot Disney princesses falling for a guy after a ballroom dance and a kiss.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

But here she’d gone and done the same thing. And they hadn't even had a real, REAL kiss yet for goodness sake!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

The sasquatch watched her, his eyes looking almost sad.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Maybe he’s seen other lovesick girls up here, trailing after Ian, Jen worried. Maybe this happens all the time!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

What a great reality show this would make! Jen thought as she polished off the last blueberries. He, She and It!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Then there came a sound - a horrible animal bellow from outside!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Next to Jen, the sasquatch growled—more fiercely than Aunt Lucy ever had.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

He rose and prowled out of the cave. Jen stumbled to her feet.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

The sounds that came from outside were horrific: snarling, pounding, branches and skulls cracking.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Jen slowly approached the mouth of the cave, afraid of what she would see…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Outside, the sasquatch fought another of its kind. Teeth gnashed. Fur flew.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Their howls and war cries filled the woods. The beasts attacked each other with a raw and deadly grace.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

And somehow, to Jen’s watchful eye, the fight seemed personal. The sasquatches were pissed – at each other.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Ian’s sasquatch threw the other into a tree. Snap and crash - the pine toppled over and finally, the attack ended.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

The other brute slunk away, giving Jen a dirty look over its shoulder. She wondered if it would understand the middle finger.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

Was that… was that about me? Jen asked. Ian’s sasquatch grunted in the affirmative as it squatted on the ground to lick its wounds.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

I’m sorry, she said. I promise I will go as soon as I have the chance to talk to Ian.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 28, 2012

The beast shot her a look that said, You’d better. Together, they settled in to wait.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 29, 2012

Back to Top

Day Three

Where could Ian be? Maybe he had a day job he hadn’t mentioned to Jen. That seemed possible... likely, even. She'd just have to wait.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Well, she said to the sasquatch. Might as well make myself useful!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

She started to tidy up a bit. The cave certainly needed it.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Jen took the animal skins outside and beat them against the rock wall of the cliff, holding her breath from the stank that wafted up.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

She folded Ian’s clothes and put them in a tidy pile.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

She wanted to smell them, to take in Ian's yummy smell, but for some reason she would feel humiliated if the big foot saw her do it.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

The sasquatch was keeping busy too, running some secret sasquatchy errands, Jen supposed. Every so often he came and checked in on her.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

For the moment, it was just squatting by the entrance to the cave, watching her and picking its teeth with a twig.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Jen’s stomach growled. Loud. The sasquatch gave a huff. A laugh, maybe? He beckoned to Jen.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

I hope he doesn’t think I speak sasquatch, Jen thought. His body beard will grow gray before that happens. He grunted again.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

I’m coming, I’m coming, Jen said. She followed the animal out of the cave and up a switchback path that lead to the top of the cliff.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

There she saw an abandoned campsite, with a fire blazing cheerfully in a pit. So the sasquatch was a boy scout?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Two skinned rabbits were roasting above the flames on a spit and a skillet filled with wild onions sat steaming off to the side.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

A boy scout and a chef? Jen was impressed! She couldn’t remember the last time she cooked—burned—something without a microwave.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

You did all this? Jen asked the sasquatch. He shrugged in a demure way that nearly made Jen laugh out loud.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Who knew sasquatches could be demure?! And… Who knew sasquatches could shrug?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

The food was delicious. The sasquatch squatted on his haunches and ate along with Jen, both of them tearing into the food with abandon.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

She knew if Ian were here, she’d probably try to be a little feminine and maybe chew her food. But ate as wildly as the bigfoot beside her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Eating like a beast – with a beast – on the top of a mountain cliff! My parents should see me now! Jen thought. She felt fierce!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Ian makes me brave and this sasquatch makes me feel wild. She thought. Then, Okay - am I really assessing how a sasquatch makes me feel?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Yum, Jen said. She lay back on the ground watching dreamy clouds drift above.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

It felt like watching a baby mobile made by mother nature, with the wind in the scrub oak as her lullaby.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

I could get used to this, Jen said. And she drifted off to sleep as the sasquatch sighed.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

When she woke, it was the late afternoon. She sat up with a start. Was Ian back yet? Where was her ‘squatch?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

From the shadows, the giant beast grunted to her. He had been keeping watch, she realized. It was kind of sweet.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Did he have a crush on her? Did sasquatch even get crushes? Did sane people ask themselves if sasquatches got crushes?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

The fire burned, making a pretty glow as the sun, finally, began to set. The sasquatch started crooning. His song was somehow… familiar.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Is that "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction???!!! she asked in shock.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

The sasquatch grunted in the affirmative and kept on humming. He was… well... he was pretty good!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

If his mouth could form words, he could be the sixth member of One Direction! Jen thought.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

...One Direction could really use a basso profundo to ground their sound. Then she shook herself out of her One Direction reverie.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

When will Ian be back? Jen asked the beast. Do you think… do you think he’s staying away because I’m here?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

That was probably it. He didn’t want to face her. Or he thought she was nuts.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Tears slipped from Jen’s eyes. What was she doing here, on a cliff top, with a sasquatch, watching the sunset?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

…while he serenaded her with a teen pop ballad?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Suddenly the sasquatch patted her on the back. She looked up. There was a kindness in his gray eyes.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

He pointed out to the sunset. Yes, Jen said. It’s beautiful… He pointed with more urgency. It's really beautiful, Jen said.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

And then the sasquatch began to shake. Violent spasms tore through his body.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

What is it? Jen cried. Are you okay? What’s happening?!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

He was shaking so hard some fur was flying off. Then she realized ALL his fur was coming off. Like mange at the speed of light.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

As the sun flared behind the horizon, a golden light burst from the body of the sasquatch.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Jen gasped. It was… He was…
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Ian. He stood there in all his naked glory.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

And “glory” was the understatement of the millennium.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Jen backed away, looked away, and then took another good look. Yep, it was Ian all right.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

She would know those… uh, shoulders…anywhere.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Jen, Ian said. I never wanted you to see. To know about me.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

You-you-you’re a sasquatch, Jen stammered. A man by night and a bigfoot by day.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Yes, Ian answered simply. That’s what I couldn’t tell you. This is the reason we can never be together.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

It was too much for Jen. The tears that had fallen before were nothing compared to the sobs that wracked her now.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Disappointment and confusion overwhelmed her. Ian knelt and held her in his arms.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Which made it a million times worse.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

I fall in love, Jen cried. I fall in love and it’s with a freaking big foot!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

We really prefer the term sasquatch, Ian said. He cracked a smile and Jen laughed.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

They laughed together, first chuckling and then roaring in the twilight. Jen wiped the tears from her eyes, when the laughs finally let up.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

You do realize you’re naked, right? Jen asked.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Yeah, Ian answered. His bashful grin made Jen blush. You stay here, he said. I’ll be right back.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

He came back a few minutes later, fully dressed and carrying some skins for them to sit on. He handed her a metal flask.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Is that whiskey? Jen asked. You know I’m underage.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

No, he laughed. It’s coffee. Coffee! She said. Where was it? I would have killed for some coffee before!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

You have to know where to look, Ian said. I have a lot of stuff hidden away in that cave.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Do you have a hot shower hidden there? Jen asked dryly.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

God, you’re funny, Ian said. And beautiful. It was all I could do to keep my hands off you all day.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

That would NOT have been cool! Jen laughed. Being macked on by a sasquatch?! No thanks.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Ian handed her the coffee again and she drained the last drops.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

I should take you back down the mountain while there’s still a little light, he said sadly.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

No, Jen said. But I- I want to... I want to--
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

You want to what? He said, a desperate anger rising in his voice. Stay with me? Live this insane life with me – beast by day, man by night?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

It’s absurd, he said, looking away from her. You have to go.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Maybe later, Jen said. But I waited all day to talk to you.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

All right, Ian sighed. What do you want to talk about?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Well, for one thing who hit me on the head last night? It was a sasquatch, but it wasn't you because you were, um, in your man form.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

My "man form," he chuckled. I like that.It was Edna, he said. She, uh, she likes me.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Edna? Jen screeched. There is a girl sasquatch named Edna?!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Yeah, Ian laughed. Edna. She used to be human at night too, but after a few years, your human hours dwindle away.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Ian looked into the fire. His future was grim, Jen realized. Oh Ian, she said. I’m so sorry.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

There are up sides to being a sasquatch, he said. I have super-human strength and I heal crazy, crazy fast.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

But I do miss my mom. And I’ll never get to travel. I’ll never get to see the pyramids at Giza, or the Taj Mahal.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

But look, Jen gestured to the mountaintops, the sandstone vista painted purple and navy by the evening. This is better than the Taj Mahal.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

I’m dreading going back east, Jen confided. My parents want me to conquer the world of high finance and I’d rather fall off a cliff.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Ian shot her a glance. Not this cliff here, she joked. But you know what I mean.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Ian took her hands in his. You’re going to go back home and tell them you’re changing your major, Ian instructed her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

And then you’re going to find a great career and marry some great guy and be happy, Ian said.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

He looked so sad, Jen felt like her heart was collapsing inside her chest.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Instead of speaking, Jen leaned over and kissed Ian on the cheek. Then the back of his hand. Then the delicious area under his jaw.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

An area that now smelled nothing like wet Chihuahua and everything like the Ian she knew and craved.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

The skins they lay on were warm and the fire burned brightly against the blue-black sky.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

She couldn’t keep her hands off him and he couldn’t keep his off her either.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

I should get you down the mountain, he murmured. We need to stop.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) November 30, 2012

Don’t tell me to stop, she pleaded. Not when we just got started…
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) November 30, 2012

Back to Top

Day Four

Jen awoke to the feeling of Ian’s fingers brushing a few strands of her hair out of her face. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

What a great view to wake up to, Jen thought. He looked like a blonde Jensen Ackles. Supernatur-yummy!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

He was sitting up, gazing down at her with an expression so tender and full of regret that Jen’s heart caught in her throat.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It was the kind of look that had “never” written all over it. As in they could NEVER be together.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

But Jen ignored his glum expression. There had to be a way to work it out.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

If he loved her... if he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him - they could find a way to make it work. They had to!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Jen stretched. She expected to be stiff from sleeping on nothing but animal skins over the rocky ground, but she felt great.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Physically, anyway. Her insides felt like a cocktail of love, hope, terror and desperation.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

It will be dawn soon, he told her. Let’s get going. I’d like to get you as close to town as possible before I turn.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

But there’s something you never told me, Jen insisted--
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

I have to be really careful around town, Ian interrupted. If anyone catches sight of me as a sasquatch, I’ll be hunted day and night.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

There’s just one thing I want to know, she stalled.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She wanted to know if he loved her as much as she loved him. But somehow her nerve failed.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

How did you get this way? she said. If he says ‘I was born this way’ I’m going to freaking pass out, she thought.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

He rubbed his stubbly face. I guess you deserve the story, he said.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

I had a fight with my dad and I left home in a stupid fit. I was determined I would make it by myself, he told her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

I was only 16 and I got a job washing dishes down at the tavern. Then this woman came in. She was… she was gorgeous.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

There was a faraway look in Ian’s eye that Jen did NOT like. She snuggled nearer to him to remind where he was—and where he wasn’t.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She was exotic. Sophisticated. Wild. At the end of the night she said… she said… Well, it doesn’t matter what she said. She kissed me.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Jen REALLY didn’t like the way he looked now! He was clearly lost, remembering a kiss from the past.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Jen gasped. She realized that for all their making out and romantic moments, they still hadn’t kissed on the lips.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

This mystery woman not only enjoyed a permanent space in Ian’s memory, she’d also enjoyed his lips!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

I’m going to kiss her right out of his memory! Jen decided.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

She put one hand on the back of Ian’s neck and drew close to him, closing her eyes as her lips moved toward his—
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

No! Ian shouted. He stood up. Are you crazy?!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Crazy to want to kiss you? Jen cried. You’re foaming at the mouth about some old biddy from the past.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

And I’m right here in front of you. I feel like a chump!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Ian strode away from Jen and faced the edge of the cliff.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She turned me! Ian said softly. Edna kissed me on the mouth and turned me into this half-man/half-beast.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Edna? Jen gasped.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Edna, Ian spat her name out like a curse. She wanted me for a mate. She still does. It’s dangerous here for you.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

But she’s the one who hit me over the head that first night... Jen said. Shouldn’t she have been in a human form then?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Yeah. I don’t know why, but after a few years, Edna stopped turning human at night. Maybe there’s some kind of clock counting down...
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Do you think that’s what will happen to you? Jen asked. That’ll you stop turning into a human?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

The glowing sky was growing brighter by the moment.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

The question hung in the air like a pestering mosquito.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

I don’t know, Ian said bitterly. I’ll probably die a monster. Hiding from hicks with iPhones. Eating rabbit and foraged weeds. Alone.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

I’m not like Edna, he said. I’d never turn someone to keep me company.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

He looked down into the woods as if Edna were there, watching them. Listening.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Jen tossed a dirty glare toward the tree line, just in case she was. She wondered if Edna would understand the middle finger.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Ian kicked at a rock and sent it tumbling down the hill.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It felt like all Jen’s hopes and dreams were on that rock, now irretrievable.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Why don’t you just go already?! He shouted. Go now, before I turn!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Okay… Okay, Jen said. The sun was cresting the mountain. But she didn’t move. Couldn’t.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Ian began to shake. He gritted his teeth, growling: GO!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

But you love me! Jen cried.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

No! I don’t! He snarled. GO!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It was just too much. Jen tore down the cliffside, tears coursing down her face.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She loved him, she loved him. She did. But it was impossible. Ian knew it already.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

And she’d better start getting used to it.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Crashing down the mountain, roots seemed to grab at her ankles and branches snatched at her hair.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

No de-tangler would win in a fight against her rat’s nest of a hairdo now!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She ran and ran, getting nearer to civilization all the while when she tripped over one last rock.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Jen fell, sobbing to the ground. Dirt in her mouth, hair, nostrils. She didn’t care.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

This was the end of something big. This was the end of something she wanted more than anything else. An end before it ever really began.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Sitting there, crying in the clearing, Jen realized she’d left her purse in Ian’s cave. She snorted with a derisive laugh.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

What was she going to do? Hike up the hill and face sasquatch Ian again?
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Or maybe she’d just leave it, cancel her credit cards and start over. It wasn’t like Ian was about to use them anytime soon!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Only then did she hear the snarl.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Jen looked up. There, on top of a boulder, was a mountain lion, poised. Ready to spring.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

She reached out and grabbed a stout scrub oak stick.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

In a flash of golden fur and jagged teeth, the beast was upon her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Jen pushed against the snarling lion with the branch, shoving it away as it swiped with razor-sharp claws.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It turned out she did have fight left in her, even it was just pent up frustration. She whacked the massive feline with the branch.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Help! Jen screamed. Ian, if you can hear me - Help!
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

The lion clawed her ear and neck with its claws. A scream rang out—a scream that mingled with Jen’s.It was the lion. Her victory cry.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

And then Ian, sasquatch Ian, was there. He grabbed the cat by the back of the neck the way a housewife would handle a kitten.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

Well, maybe not as gentle. Depending on the housewife.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

He threw the cat off to the side and squared off, ready to fight. Jen watched the lion, tail twitching in anger, size up the sasquatch.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It was sizing up Ian. Her Ian.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Jen pressed her hand against her neck. There was blood. Lots of blood. And her ear. It was… it was torn and dangling.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

She was glad she couldn’t see it. As it was, she was trying to keep from passing out.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Maybe she was in shock. Maybe she’d lost too much blood. Maybe she was dying.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

She fought to regain full consciousness. Her eyes struggled to focus. On Ian. On the lion.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Just as Ian the sasquatch moved threateningly toward the giant cat, a third figure stepped into the clearing.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It was just a blurry shadow in Jen’s vanishing sight. But she knew what—who—it was.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Edna! She launched herself at Ian, grappling with him.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

What was she doing? Why was she choosing this moment to show up!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Jen got her answer as the mountain lion turned its merciless golden eyes back onto her. Not the fighting sasquatches. HER.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 1, 2012

It licked its chops and let out its blood-congealing victory scream. Then it took a step toward her.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 1, 2012

Back to Top

Day Five

Jen shook her head, trying to clear it. Everything felt like a daydream.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Or, maybe a day-nightmare resulting from blood loss.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The Ian she knew and loved was in his sasquatch form, grappling with another sasquatch, the evil Edna.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

All the while the pissed-off mountain lion had its eye on Jen.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Edna wanted Jen dead. And all she had to do was keep Ian busy until the lion finished Jen off.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Which might be pretty freaking soon if she didn’t do something!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Ian pulled free from Edna and tried to reach the mountain cat but it jumped and sped ahead – bounding towards Jen with a wild cry.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Jen reached for another branch – a rock – anything she could use as a weapon… There was nothing.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Jen pushed back, scrambling to get up, to run.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

The effort was laughable - the massive feline was on her in a flash.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

It sank its teeth into her thigh, hamstringing her. She couldn’t believe this was happening.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Of all the things she accepted in the last 24 hours, she couldn’t accept this. But hey, who really CAN accept their own death?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The mountain lion threw Jen to the ground and sank its deadly teeth into the back of her neck.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She was in so much pain her whole body felt like one giant scream.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

But then the animal whimpered and released its hold.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She didn’t care.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Jen fell face first onto the ground.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She didn’t care about that either.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

She looked up to see sasquatch Ian twisting the lion’s head sharply, with a resounding CRACK. He threw the cat to the ground.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

And still she didn’t care. What was there to care about? She was dying and death has a way of keeping you from sweating the small stuff.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Jen saw Edna motionless form laying beyond the cat. This she cared about. A little.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Edna was dead - good! It felt like a thorn had been removed from Jen's side—but the rest of her body was still ripped to confetti.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Sasquatch Ian squatted down and grunted at Jen. He touched her face gently with one, thick-skinned finger pad.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

It’s okay, Jen said. I’m going to die. Just…She sputtered as blood bubbled up in her mouth.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

It felt like her lungs had vomited instead of her stomach. She felt warm and cold all at once.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Death, real death, was not like you see in a play or a movie. And whoever heard of a Sasquatch Romeo & Juliet, anyway? Nobody. That’s who.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Leave my body somewhere the cops will find it, she rasped. So my folks won’t worry…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Sasquatch Ian shook his head, No. She saw determination in his eyes.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

He picked her up, as if she were a small, frightened child, and cradled her to his chest.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

He does love me, Jen thought. She was weakening by the moment. But in that thought, a tiny hope sparked. It was faint, but it was hope.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Jen felt her warm blood wetting Ian’s thick pelt. I’ve got to hold on, she told herself. We must be nearing town now…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

All she could do was cling to Ian. And to her hope. Somehow consciousness came easier.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Her head bobbed against the thick muscled chest of the sasquatch. She tried to hold on, but she was so weak…
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She’d heard of people fighting off death. How they weren’t “ready” to go yet. She’d never put stock in that. Until now.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The sasquatch gave no sign of slowing. Oh no.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

There! Ahead, down through the trees she could see the winding gray road - the town’s only highway. And the gas station…
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The beast—Ian— looked into her eyes.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Wait! Jen cried. No! You can’t take me into town! They’ll see you. They’ll capture you!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

No! she shouted. But only when she struggled to get free did Ian stop running.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She could read his expression. His face said he didn’t care about being caught. That her life was worth his. That he'd already decided.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

She lifted a weak hand and put it to Ian's ape-like face. Pure love shone down from Ian’s gray eyes.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Where did she find the strength to struggle? Hope? Selflessness? Both?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

And then she did what she had wanted to do from the first moment she laid eyes on him...
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Jen realized that’s where the strength came from. Love. Loving Ian. I can do this, she thought. I will do this.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

An electric shock shot through her body. A golden light poured from Ian’s hairy body and filled up her own.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

With the last energy in her body, Jen reached up a bloody hand. Pulled him down as if to whisper to him. And kissed him on the lips instead.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

She couldn’t even draw enough breath to scream and she felt the jagged cuts and lacerations knit themselves back into solid flesh.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Her body had so many punctures she felt as if she were leaking light.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Then the light became more gentle and glorious and Jen became aware that she was still kissing Ian.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

The holes filled in. She no longer felt leaky. She no longer felt the fingers of death coaxing her away from the mountain.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The light pulsed between their two bodies, making Ian Jen and Jen Ian. Two became one.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Now she knew what all those Disney princesses were talking about. This kind of kiss could make a girl do crazy things.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Ian dropped her to her feet and she stretched her arms. They were hairy and long.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

She felt strong. And she was. Stronger than death. She felt wonderful. Like a sharpened version of herself.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

She was covered, head to foot in downy, auburn fur. And she was beautiful.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Gillete didn’t have nothin’ on these pits now, she thought. And she laughed – her laugh was something like a grunt crossed with a woof.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

She could understand his grunts perfectly now. They didn’t form structured sentences, but they did form structured emotions and actions.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

My beloved, grunted Ian. Maybe ‘beloved’ wasn’t the exact word, but this kind of communication was different than human language.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Everything about his body, the sound of his grunts, the almost indiscernible expression on his face. Oh yes. She understood.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

They didn’t have verbs and adjectives, they FELT like verbs and adjectives.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Well, “watching” wasn’t the right word in English or in Sasquatch. It was more like “ogling in slack-jawed disbelief.”
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

A human observes us, he said, pointing. Jen saw a gangly gas station attendant watching them.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

We must flee, Ian grunted. Can you run? I can, my darling, she told him.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

"Ogling in disbelief while kind of choking on the Skittles he’d been eating." Taste the rainbow, she wanted to laugh. Don’t choke on it!
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

But now she had all the time in the world to learn it. With Ian.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Or at least, she thought she did. She might understand Sasquatch, but communicating it might take practice.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The kid at the pump dropped his Skittles as he fumbled for his camera. The rainbow scattererd everywhere. Jen knew what he was doing now.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

They ran for the woods. For their man-woman-cave.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Hands shaking, he took a shot of the two giant beasts disappearing up the hill.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

And she was right.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Just good enough to get locked away in an insane asylum. Still, he dialed his best friend’s number.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

He looked at the photo. Dang it, he thought. Not good enough to sell to the The Sun.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Look, Gary continued. You and me’s going big foot hunting this afternoon. I got a real good line on a couple of lovebirds.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Hey snot-face, get up. It’s me, Gary, he said into the phone. Yeah, I know what time it is, stupid. I had the early shift at work, remember?
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

Yep, a couple of prime sasquatch lovebirds. And he was gonna find 'em.
— Emmy Laybourne (@EmmyLaybourne) December 2, 2012

Gary shut his phone and looked at the shot he’d gotten. It was like all the other shots of "sightings". Furry, blurry, and questionable.
— Anna Banks (@ByAnnaBanks) December 2, 2012

The End

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About the Authors

Anna Banks grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really). She now lives in Crestview, Florida, with her husband and their daughter. She is the author of the novel Of Poseidon and the upcoming Of Triton. Follow her on twitter!

Emmy Laybourne is a screenwriter, lyricist, and actress. She has acted in movies, television, and improv groups including Chicago City Limits. She lives in Chestnut Ridge, New York, with her husband and their two children. She is the author of Monument 14, her fiction debut and the upcoming Monument 14: Sky on Fire. Follow her on twitter!

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