Blackwood

Chapter 3: the Bonfire

With just a few hours left until the bonfire the town seemed to be glowing with excitement. Teens tried to keep their parents from knowing about the event, but it was always futile. May or may not be me who is mostly to blame. I didn't keep secrets from my parents. I always let them know when and where these things would be. They expected alcohol but wouldn't bother us unless I called to let them know their was an issue. We had an amazingly trusting relationship.

Sam was first to arrive at my house, since my parents we both working we had agreed to meet here. The weather was decently warm for fall so Sam was sporting cut off jean shorts with a hoody, completing the look with her worn cowgirl boots. She was already completely ready but no doubt came to make sure I was ready according to her standards. I was wearing jeans with a plain hoody no matter what she had to say.

She was bouncing with excitement over which guys would be there, trying to narrow down her favorite. I mostly tuned her out until Elle and Eric thankfully arrived.

Elle was dressed similar to me and stood hand in hand with Eric. They greeted me and immediately wanted to compare school schedules. A happy break for me from boy talk. Sam pouted a bit but joined in. Once we were all ready to go I heard my dad's car pulling in the drive. Sam rolled her eyes, but Elle always agreed that having my parents know was a good idea.

I walked outside to greet my dad. The weather was fairly warm. Big beautiful clouds hung in the sky with the warm sun peeking through. Seemed to light up the beautiful autumn colors even more.

"Hey honey, just wanted to go through everything with you one more time." Dads husky voices greeted me before he pulled me into a hug. I just rolled my eyes where he couldn't see and smiled. This was the same every time.

"You're going to the usual spot correct?" He asked sternly.

"Yes." I stated.

"Your phone is fully charged? And have a full canister of pepper spray just in case?"

"Yes and yes." I visibly rolled my eyes at the second questions.

"All four of you will stay together the entire time and come back here for the night?"

"Yep."

"Promise you'll call if you need anything?"

"Of corse daddy, I love you!" I replied and kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Okay then, have a good time and be safe." He finished and gave me a smile.

The group waved at him as we walked towards Eric's tru k. The area we were going to was not a part of the Blackwood Estate but it was fairly close to it. Somewhere that had been a hang out spot for many many years. It took about 30 minutes of walking to get to it, but since it would be dark by the end we would drive as close as we could. I've never been afraid of being in the woods at dark but it always made my parents nervous. Because of wild animals and all that.

The sun was beginning to set when we arrived. The bonfire was already going, someone had brought a stereo so there was music as well. As I glanced over the forming crowd I was stunned to find Trace, he gave me a smile, so I grabbed my friends and walked over to him. He was alone and seemed uncomfortable but seemed genuinely happy to see me.

"Hey Trace!" I greeted him enthusiastically. He smiled in return. "This is my friend Elle and her boyfriend Eric, and my friend Sam. Guys this is Trace." I finish the quick introduction, gesturing to each person as I did.

"Nice to meet you all." Trace politely replied, still seeming nervous.

"So you're who the town has been talking about." Sam started, which instantly made Trace freeze. What an ice breaker, I rolled my eyes. "I can see why, you are worthy of gossip." Sam added as she stepped closer to Trace who seemed to be growing even more uncomfortable.