In the Woods

Chapter 1

In the morning, we all had to wake up especially early so John and I could shower and get into clothes wearable for school at the home place before leaving for school. Mom has a Chevy, and that's really all I know about her car. John and I have been trying to persuade Mom to get a Honda, but I guess inside we both knew it would never happen. She's the kind of person who goes for the car with the least amount of ads.

We tried again on the way to school. "But why not at least a Honda, mom? The ads say...'

"Most of the time they over-exaggerate ads, kids. Once they advertise for a car or an app five times out of six, they're normally trying to get rid of it so they can get more money to get more cars."

"But...what's the logic to getting the ones with the least amount of ads, then?" John wanted to know.

"It's just something my parents did, and it's always satisfied my needs. I mean come on, it's not like I need something very fancy, like a Lexus and a mansion. I'm fine with two kids and a small two-story house."

We grew silent until mom finally sighed. "I know you mean the best, kids, but my Chevy is really all we need."

"We're low on money, aren't we?" I asked suddenly. "You've been denying us stuff all month."

Mom sighed. "We are a bit low on money, but you don't have to worry about that. Dad will send in his monthly check soon."

"Where is dad?" John asked, stealing a glance at me. I ignored him. "Where did he go?"

"I don't know, sweetie." Mom said quickly, obviously holding back. "He just... left. But he's still sending monthly checks, so I'm sure he's employed somewhere."

"Did you guys divorce?" I pressed. Mom had always kept back information about Dad, just enough so that we knew he was okay, but no further.

"Why do you want to know about Dad all of a sudden?" Mom asked at a red light, turning around to look at me.

"No reason, just curious." I mumbled, leaning back and crossing my arms.

Truth be told, I didn't know why I was all of a sudden curious. Mom never told us about him... where he was, why he left, that sort of thing. I was just suddenly fed up with not knowing, with being held back from information... John and Mom talking in low voices together in the bedroom alone with me locked out, them suddenly ending a converstion when I walked in, exchanging secret glances, being all secretive and quiet and stuff... I didn't like it.

I pointed. "It's a blue Bell truck!" We passed it slowly so John and I could name the different flavors on it. It was one of our many "car traditions".

One of our car traditions was to point out the different coors of the roofs of houses when we went through a neighborhood. Childish, I know, but Dad introduced the game to us and after he left, we never thought to stop it. Besides, it was a way to get through traffic without cussing out the other drivers.

Finally, after what seemed ike forever, we actually got to school. I ran in and ran into Dillan.

"Watch where you're going, grade seven." The older boy mumbled, pushing me out of the way. I grabbed his chin, pulled it down to my face, and slapped him before running off.

"Class, these three boys are from 8th grade." Ms. Drew announced. "I'm sure you're wondering why they're here. They aren't allowed to go on the field trip their grade is having, so they're coming here, to this grade, for today. Dillan, Josh, Chase, come on in. We're ready."

Just to clarify, I only knew it was Dillan I crashed into because of his nametag. I'd never seen him before, but at least now I knew what he looked like.