Welcome to the Glade

Chapter 1: A Normal Day

 Today is the first day of summer. As much as I enjoy school (not), I am super stoked to spend it with my two best friends, Lindsey and Jackson. Oh wait, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Alexis. Alexis Peters. I'm 15 years old, but in one month I am turning 16. I will finally get my license!!! Me and Lindsey have been dreaming of being able to drive since we were like- 5. Of course, she doesn't turn 16 for 5 months, but it's whatever. Anyways, this morning, I got up, made my smoothie, and got on my bike to ride over to the shop. That's where I am now. The shop is this small corner coffee shop that Lindey, Jackson, and I turned into our hangout place. They sell the best lattes. The door to the shop opens and there are my two besties.

"Lexi!!! Who's ready for summer?!!" That's Lindsey. Yes, she can be very crazy, but most people like her. MOST. And to her right, my best friend and her boyfriend, Jackson. They have been dating for two..years now? Yeah. Wow! Time really does fly. Ever since they started dating, they have been trying to find me a "significant other." Yeah, that hasn't really worked so well.

"Alright let's get some coffee, then we can head to the beach." Every summer, we head to the beach on the first day, to kinda.. start our summer off right. I slowly start to make my way to place my order, when something odd catches my eye. It's a boy. Yes, I know, I said they hadn't succeeded.. But hey! That doesn't mean I have interest in nobody. I waved and smiled at him. He was a little bit different than everyone else. Every time I looked over during class, his head was stuck in a book, or he was drawing. He even played the guitar. I didn't run into him often, seeing as we don't have any classes together. He waved back and I realize that I am staring. Whoops.

"Um, can I get an iced coffee? Just plain please. Thank you." I grabbed my coffee and headed back to the table that we always sit at.

"So, what is the plan for today?" Lindsey looked at me.

"I was thinking... we ride our bikes down to the beach, walk around, and then.. Have a picnic?" I already made sandwiches, so I was hoping they would agree.

"Sounds good to me." Jackson looked at Lindsey and she nodded. "So.. you made food?" He smirked at me, causing me to laugh. This guy was always hungry.

"Alright, let me go use the bathroom." I got up and was heading for the bathroom when suddenly someone called my name.

"Hey." It was him. Oh shoot, I had never actually had a crush on anyone. Anyone real, I mean. Of course there were book characters. Like Romeo!

"Hey." Oh no, I don't know what to say. I don't even know his name! "Um, don't mind me asking.. what's your name?"

"Hayden. Hayden Reynolds."

"Lexi!! Hurry up!" Shoot, I forgot about my friends. Is that bad?

"I'm Lexi. Sorry, I really have to get going.. My friends are calling. It was nice talking to you though!" I blush and turn around. He waves goodbye and I walk towards Lindsey and Jackson.

"Soooooooooo who was THAT." Goodness, Lindsey is so nosy.

"That's Hayden. Just met. And, before you say anything, no I have not changed my mind about a 'partner'.

"Fine. Whatever, it will happen someday. Come on let's go. As much as I love this coffee shop, you cannot keep me here forever."
With that, we start walking towards the bikes. I unhook mine from the rack and start to ride down the street. One of my favorite things to do is ride around. I may never know why, but I enjoy observing way more than I do talking. The view here is amazing. The road that I live on leads right down to the beach. Most of my days are spent reading, or sitting on the beach enjoying the cool breeze. Yes, that's me. Lindsey has this weird obsession with the stone.. she thinks it's magic or something.. I don't know why anybody would believe those legends, but I can't help but feel something.. nostalgic, whenever I am around it. Sometimes we set up a picnic right next to it. It's a great conversation starter y'know. We are almost there, but I need to hurry cause the basket is slipping.

"Okay!! Let's stop by the stone!" Lindsey calls out behind me. I pull over, and hop off my bike. It takes me a few minutes to set up, but after I finish we all sit down. I pulled out the sandwiches and we started to eat. As I was finishing, I looked up at the stone. It was pretty big.. But it was also old. Very old. I really don't know if the legends are true... or if the names were carved there for some other reason, but I do find it fascinating. All of the sudden, something shimmers on the other side of the stone. A piece of glass maybe? As I'm walking over, I realize that it's a necklace.. well, more like half of a necklace. It looks kinda like those heart necklaces, but it's a circle. Just a circle, cut in half. Like half of a moon. As I am looking at it, I realize that it's wet.

It must've washed up in the ocean...

I picked up the necklace and put it around my neck. I walk back to where Lindsey and Jackson are. They both look at me.

"What were you doing?" Jackson looks at me funnily.

"I just.. thought I saw something is all." I'm not sure if I want to tell them about the necklace yet. It seems a little.. fishy.

"Mhmmm sure.. don't tell me you finally started to believe in the legends?" Gosh, she wants me to believe in the legend so bad!

"No... are you guys almost ready? I think i'm gonna head back." I started packing up the food when I noticed both of them staring at me.

"It's just a rock." And with that, I hopped on my bike and rode home.