A Tale Of Water

Chapter 1

I was chasing Fitz through the woods, again. He had somehow convinced me that Prom Queen nominee, class president, and all around high school dream Marnie Wade had wandered into the woods with odd, artistic Steve.

This wasn't something I had anything interest in, but Fitz was interested in Marnie. And the fact that if she liked Steve, then she wasn't just interested in jocks.

Fitz, while relatively fit, was no jock. He was the kid with the goofy smile, unkempt hair, and wisecrack remark that would bring any class to a roaring laugh. Teachers liked him, even if he rarely did well in school, and he had loads of friends. He also harbored the world's largest crush on Marnie Wade. She was his kryptonite.

I didn't get it, but I supported him none the less.

Not today though. Today there was no support for his insane crush, because today that crush had led us to getting lost in the woods around Loch Ness. Each year our school let the senior class pick their ideal destination for the winter break trip. For the last ten years it had always been Disney World. Always.

Then, for some odd reason, several months ago at the end of Jr. year, Marnie started talking about Scottish highlands, and how gorgeous it war.

So now, of course, 75 of Newlin County High School's senior class are visiting Loch Ness. In the middle of winter. Along with 10 chaperones, 2 bus drivers, and an over zealous history teacher. Our group's chaperone, a young Ms. Cameron, was no doubt panicking over missing four of her charges.

I was also panicking, but mostly due to the fact that it was getting dark and Fitz kept pushing forward.

"Fitz," I called out. His sandy blonde head turned back to me.

"What?"

"Let's head back, this is insane. She isn't out here."

He sighed.

"Olive, you can go back if you want," he turned away and started pushing through the trees. "But I know I saw them back there, they came this way, and they might be lost and need help."

"Fitz, we are lost, and we probably need help at this point."

He ignored my exasperated sigh, and I worked to catch up with him. I was not an outdoorsy person. I preferred computers, board games, card games, you name it - pretty much anything but spending time outside. My mom used to take books away from me as a kid, she made me go outside and make friends.

Which is how I met Fitz.

When you are both the odd ones out every time team sports take place in class, you start to bond. Plus, we both loved the same television shows, and hated cake frosting. Some friendships were just meant to be.

i was trying to look back to see if we left any discernible trail, when Fitz suddenly stopped. I toppled over, taking him down with me in a clumsy fall.

"Ouch." I saw his face grimace.

"Sorry!" I tried to help him up.

"I think I heard something over - " but before he finished, a loud snapping noise silenced him.

I briefly wondered about the existence of Scottish bears, when a familiar face walked into view. Vivian Meri, 2nd Flute in the school's marching band.

"Vivian?" Fitz walked towards her.

"What are you doing out here?"Vivian asked, looking around, as if she was trying to see if anyone else was with us.

"Making out." I smacked Fitz's arm.

Fitz's deadpan humor was lost on her though, as she just nodded softly.

"What are you doing here, Vivian?" I asked.