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Chapter Nine - The Family Gathering

CHAPTER 9

Did she see right?

Hazel couldn't believe it. The markings were small. The shadows played against the light on the wood. Maybe she had mistaken it? But no. She was certain she saw it dully marked on the tree.

Three crimped lines that ran horizontal and an oval shape. It was drawn lightly, but Hazel could make them out. She developed a small headache as she fondled with her necklace.

She had only seen the markings once before in her life. The disturbed memory chilled her to the bone. She tried to shake it off. Maybe Emily wanted to scare her? Maybe she was obsessed with the news about the killings and was insane, after all? Like the girls had said.

She bit her lips with unanswered questions. Wondering why Emily would mark the tree like that. She would just have to get to the bottom of it soon. Her head couldn't function with most of Rocky Peaks people gathered.

The sun had set. It was early evening with a cool breeze. Hazel hugged herself tight around her midsection despite the warmth of the bonfire blazing in the middle. She felt the heat of the flames lick her face. There was a hum of excitement muttering amongst the group of people that settled around the fire. Some sat on scattered logs while others sat against it on the ground.

Hazel watched Gabe laugh lazily as he nestled on the ground between Dawn's legs while she sat on the log. Both of their faces illuminated by the fire. All the people's faces were. The light dancing in and out across their features.

Asher took pictures with his camera. A few people posed as he clicked away. Iggy and the girls dispersed amongst the group, talking softly in conversation. This was their precious family meeting.

Hazel's spirit didn't match theirs. Finding the markings placed a dampen on her rattled mind. Her eyes found Emily, sitting silently, hidden in the corner. Hazel watched her for a while. But Emily didn't look her way once. Maybe the girl was playing with her head and couldn't face to look at her with her damn riddles?

The family meetings were held in a small clearing in the woods. It was a few yards away from the compound. Rocks and tall trees surrounded them. Hazel now understood why the compound was called Rocky Peaks. She hadn't realized so much rocky terrain there was. A flash of light blinded her eyes. Asher snapped a picture of her. It was probably a horrible take. Her mouth almost pulled in a frustrated pout.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked with a side smile.

Hazel shook her head. "Just slightly nervous about my first family meeting."

He smiled and sat beside her. She noticed his dark brown hair wasn't in a tousle. He had combed it neatly back. "You have nothing to worry about. It's an enlightening experience." He said. "I think you'll enjoy it."

Just then, everybody's chatter and laughs dimmed down. Everyone's eyes looked up towards a steep rocky ledge. The General stood. His observant eyes looking down at everyone. There was something mystical about him that enthralled Rocky Peaks people. They all sat still and gawked at the man. Hazel knew he was the leader. But why were they so entranced?

Her eyes frowned slightly, studying Mykel. She had met The General formerly. He had an aura about him that stood him out from the rest of the men. He had authority. Oozed sex appeal. His words were hypnotic. This she all gathered in thirty seconds of meeting him. But Hazel didn't fully understand the power he possessed over the group. Even though he looked like a sex god. Who died and made him president? Or in this case, king!

She guessed she was going to find out tonight.

Hazel shook her questioning thoughts and looked up at him as the others did. She wanted to blend in. She wanted to belong. It was important to her. Her thoughts still swirling. And this entrancement wasn't helping much.