The Trial

Chapter 2

"And what makes you think that?" I ask him eyebrows raised. The way he said it he sounded like I've already agreed, which I haven't done. He smiles sideways at me,

"I'm not letting you sit alone trying to live someone else's imagination," then he rolls his eyes and leans in closer to me, "Look Sadie, you are still pretty new in town and you need to see more of it."

I nod my head once agreeing with him. I do need to see more of the town and meet the locals. If I will be living here for four more years then it's important to know it the best I can. Even if it's just temporary. But this is Will, he parties, a lot. I am no party person.

"What do you have in mind?" I keep my voice held back and low so he knows I'm not agreeing to it just yet. He shrugs like it's no big deal, but there's something he is hiding in his eyes,

"A small get together-not a party-" he jumps seeing my eye roll, "it's like this mandatory neighborhood meeting thing." He tries to explain this while rolling his hands around in a questioning manner. His voice goes up a small octave and I can tell that there is more to this.

"What else?" I ask crossing my arms over my chest. He sighs and shoots his gaze around the diner before settling on me again,

"I just hate going alone to these things, they're so boring and I figured that you know boring so..."

I laugh lightly at the last part forgetting my hesitation, "Okay I'll go, but no alcohol," I point an accusing finger in his direction. He raises both hands up in surrender,

"Cross my heart,"

••••

The mandatory neighborhood party turned out to be a bonfire. The neighborhood was located on the outskirts of town and it was huge. The buildings seemed to be newly built, spacious, and surrounded by nature. The forest sat just behind the house that this get together is located at. It's the biggest house in the neighborhood possibly belonging to the owner of 'Darnell Heights'. Despite the large prices of land each house has the neighbors seem to be close knit. Everyone knows everyone here.

The fire is tall and wide being surrounded by a brick wall so the fire doesn't spread. They call it 'The Pit' because it's where they throw their cardboard boxes and extra fire wood. Anything that could possibly burn they throw in the pit instead of throwing it in the trash. It's nice that they have come together to create this for future use. Back home we didn't know our neighbors because no one ever went through the trouble of creating a block party. This neighborhood created the ultimate block party with over five hundred people showing up to just chat and eat a good cooked meal. It almost felt like a family gathering.

When my right shoulder is bumped I set a small smile to my lips getting ready to apologize for being in whoever it is's way. I never have the chance though because once I look at him no words leave my mouth. His hand touches my back so lightly I might have imagined it.

"Excuse me," he mutters sliding past me. I would have replied that it was my fault, but instead I memorized his features. A strong jawline gracing stubble against his olive skin. The black shirt he is wearing bringing out the hazel shade of his irises. The brown hair on top of his head is sticking out in random places like he has run his hands through it a thousand times. As he leaves me the muscles in his back and arms tense exposing the toned ligaments hiding just under his clothing. His broad shoulders and tall height making him stand out among the surrounding crowd. I am too busy trying to keep track of where he is in the backyard that I don't notice Will by my side until he pokes me,

"Sadie?" He asks following my gaze trying to pinpoint what has me so flustered. I shake my head forgetting the mysterious man and settling on the idea of him never noticing me unless I'm standing in his way.