In the Woods

Prologue

It was the first day of school. I was the new girl in middle school, the one who didn't fit in anywhere.

I got my schedule from Principal Lockhart. I thought it was funny his name was Lockhart, because I was currently reading the Harry Potter series, but I didn't make any jokes because I don't want to have aa bad reputation on the first day.

When I left the Principal's office, the hallways were crowded to a max where it was almost unbelievable. I tried to make my way through the crowd, but I just got pushed and shoved as the different cliques rushed past, knocking the younger and or smaller kids out of the way. Finally, I was pushed roughly onto the floor. I got up and edged along the lockers until I came to mine, and entered the combination, swinging the locker open.

A rat squealed, in a net, in my locker. I screamed and jumped back while the rest of the hall laughed at me. Only one person appeared to be sympathetic...the boy i just happened to have a crush on since 4th grade. My heart pumped when he walked up to me... I turned away so he didn't see me blush.

"Ugh." He shook his head. "The Seers do that to all the new kids. Don't be embarrased." He took the rat out of the net, leaving the locker space open for my stuff.

"Who are the Seers?" I asked him, loading in my shoes for gym and slamming the locker shut behind me, turning to Math class.

"The Seers are the biggest clique of all." He rolled his eyes. "There's Seer - she's the leader - and 'Jenny - second in command- then Yu Chin, Aly, Opal, Cas, Emma, and Sierra."

"Wow, that's a big clique."

"Yeah." He seemed to be waiting for something. Then he sighed and held out his hand. "I'm Trent, Calin Trent."

I shook his hand. "Adia Hensley."

"That's a pretty name." He reflected, smiling. "Got to go to class, see ya." He called over his shoulder while running across the hall. I watched his blonde hair flow with the wind, then shook my head and carried on with my business. I'm not worth his time anyway. For all I know, he already has a girlfriend. All we're ever going to be in friends, if that much.

I humored myself in art class by drawing randomly. I knew almost all you needed to know about it - the watercolors, the pencil outline, the different colors and the mixtures. I drew randomly, almost not paying attention to the teacher until I felt her eyes on my now finished piece of artwork. "What's your name?" She asked.

"Um...Adia Hensley." I covered my work with my arm, but she gently drew it back.

"That's lovely." She said. "Can I show the class?"

I reluctantly let her take the paper and bring it up to the chalkboard. When I looked at it, my blood ran cold.

I had drawn a wolf, but now that I looked at it, I realized it was more than a wolf. It had black and grey fur and piercing amber eyes that stood out from the drawing, so it seemed to be looking right at you, it's lips drawn back in a snarl.

"This, class, is true work of art!" Ms. Drew said proudly. "Now, everyone clap for Miss Hensley here." I slid down in my seat as everyone clapped, and I felt myself going red, which did absolutely not go with my very blonde hair. I was the first one out of art class and the first on the bus. I passed Trent and he tilted his hat at me in greeting. My heart ka-thumped so loud I was sure everyone could hear it and I sat down quickly.

At home, my family was getting ready for our weekly picnic. It was supposed to be on Sunday, but it was raining yesterday so we moved it to today.

"Adia, honey, get your brother out of his room!" My mom called impatiently. "We're ready to go!"

I groaned. John had lots of video games in his room, and once he got into them, you wouldn't get him out without things being thrown and obscenities being said. And then Mom would come up and take away his video games for a week or so for cursing me, and he'd prank and tickle me for the rest of the week because it was apparently "my fault". Trust me, I knew the drill... I had gone through it at least a hundred times. At least he was leaving for college in three years.

I went upstairs to find him rapping the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song while playing call of duty. I rolled my eyes and tugged on his arm. "Come on, John. It's time to leave."

He turned from his game and flipped me over on my back across his lap, tickling my stomach and sides. I squealed, laughing in surprise, until I finally broke away, my hair a mess. I pouted. "And I just brushed it, too!"

"I'm sure dad would've let me stay home and play." He sighed, putting away his game.

It hit me like a slap in the face. It was today, five years ago, when dad packed his bags and left. I had run up to him, innocent at 7, and asked him where he was going.

"I'm going away, Addie-girl." He had said, pulling me in for a hug.

"When will you be back?" I had whined, clinging to his leg as he closed his bags and started walking through the garage to his car.

He had turned, kneeling down in front of my so we could see eye - to - eye, with a serious expression. "I don't know, Addie-girl. Be good to your mother and your brother, okay? Be good for me."

I had solemnly promised, thinking he'd be back in a few days. But he never came back.

I didn't realize I was crying until John hugged me. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to bring up memories..."

"Well you did!" I yelled.

"How can I make it up to you?" He asked, concern filling his voice.

"Get your butt downstairs!" I snapped out at him. After he went down, I followed him, my anger and emotions slowly fading. I mean, it's not like he meant it.

"Thank you Adia!" Mom smiled. "Now if we hurry, we can catch the sunset. "

My mom's dinner was beautiful. Sausage and tortillas with a pumpkin pie to boot. It was delicious! It may have seemed simple, but it was great.

"Uhm...mom..." John said slowly. "It's after sundown; when are we leaving?"

"We're not." Mom said. "We're camping out here for tonight. Adia and John, here are the flashlights, go get some wood for the fire. I already packed your pajamas."

I sighed as we plodded along near the edge of the forest. "Mom and her surprises. I should have suspected this."

"There's no wood here on the edge, we're going to have to go into the forest a little ways." John sighed and led the way in.

There was plenty of wood in the forest, but I felt uneasy. I kept seeing those amber eyes from my picture, hidden in the bushes, penetrating, studying, but on guard. I was glad to finally leave and roast marshmallows. Soon after, a little rain shower came by and we went to sleep... mom and I sleeping in the car and John in the little tent.