The Peregrine Passage

Chapter Eight: Hazel

Had Adam really been about to kiss me or was that just in my head? Did he pull back because I yelled about a clue, or because he felt instant regret? Was I the one to pull back? And, more importantly, was there some sort of drug-cult-thing running rampant through Maple Ridge?

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep last night. I got home at around 11 and my mom was full of questions. She wasn't mad at me, thankfully, she just wanted to know everything about Adam and what we were doing. I lied and told her that he was just a classmate and we were doing research for a school project that happened to run late. I guess that wasn't a total lie; it is how this whole thing started.

I still don't know what's considered research and what's considered digging into a town mystery at this point. Are we supposed to write about this and submit it to Mr. Fuller at the end of the semester? I stuff my face back into my pillow and pull my blanket over my head just thinking about Mr. Fuller. Things have been uncomfortable and weird ever since he accused me of drug dealing, which was completely out of line. I did start taking my pills again about a week or so ago. I feel almost too focused now, going from being completely off of my medication, cold-turkey, to randomly starting it up again. But, if it'll get Fuller off of my back, I'm willing to pay that price.

It takes everything I can to pop out of my blanket cocoon and roll out of bed. My fuzzy wool socks, thick sweatshirt, and space heater still aren't enough to keep me warm as I step into my bathroom to take a morning shower, attempting to wash my anxious thoughts away. The mornings have been dark lately since the recent time change and it's really been affecting my mood.

I turn the water as hot as it goes and watch as my mirrors become coated with steam. It's probably better that I can't see my face, anyway. I have a sinking feeling that the circles under my eyes have only gotten darker. I light a blueberry cobbler candle and step into the warm shower. The scalding water is comforting and I close my eyes as I scrub away my woes with honey-scented body wash.

Feeling a lot fresher, I step onto my cushy white bath mat and moisturize my face. Today is going to be a good day. It doesn't matter if Adam was trying to kiss me, or whether or not I wanted him to. I like the way things are and they don't have to change. Blowing out the candle, I make a quick wish that it won't be weird between us, just to be safe. I'm not sure if you're allowed to make wishes on all candles or if that's just a birthday thing, but I'll take what I can get.

Where Do Broken Hearts Go by One Direction blares from my phone while I get ready. If anything can boost my mood, it's One Direction. I dance around my bedroom and decide that I'll dress cutely today. The candle magic is working already and serotonin works its way through my veins as No Control comes on.

For my outfit, I choose my cable knit dark blue sweater, my favorite jeans, and tiny silver hoop earrings with a matching necklace. I put my hair into a loose side braid and dig around my top dresser drawer for some gloves and a scarf.

I take my speaker and spin around in the kitchen while I pack my lunch. I find some leftover spaghetti from the back of the fridge, a bag of Chex mix, and a Honeycrisp apple. I look at our key hook and see my mom's keys are missing. It's not even 7:30 am and I feel a little worried for her. I don't have the time to text her, though, given I'm already running late.

I slide on my boots and sling my backpack over my shoulder on my way out of the front door, careful to lock it behind me.

My walk to school takes me past Sweet Tooth, our town bakery and cafe, and I can't resist a peek inside. A customer opens up the door and I'm hit with aromas of freshly baked bread and some sort of pie. Unable to resist, I dart in to pick up a cup of coffee.

I recognize the lady at the front counter instantly. It's Audrey Merriam, the owner. She has her hair swept up in a messy bun and is wearing a pink apron with a black long sleeve shirt underneath. She was a friend of my dad's and used to babysit me as a kid. She waves as I step up to the counter. I see a blackberry pie on display and quickly realize that it was the source of the heavenly smell.