The Hidden World book 1

Chapter 4

Hunter held Aubrey as he walked to school. He had gone against his mother's order's today, Sort of. He also broke his promise to Aubrey.

They were supposed to get there early in the morning but instead, he waited until his mother had gone to find a job then left. They were going to be late but oh well at least they were going.

School mattered and Hunter wanted Aubrey to know that. He didn't want Aubrey ending up like his mom. Fighting to stay in a house and trying to find a job that will last only a few weeks.

"Hey look there it is" He told her but she just frowned and looked away from him. She was still mad from this morning when they couldn't go. He had tried to cheer her up by telling her her favorite story but it didn't help.

Hunter sighed through his nostrils. How could he make this up to her?

He walked in and to the elementary office to find Mr. Bartin and a different lady from the other day. Mr. Bartin turned to him and the frown on his face turned into a bright smile.

"Hello Mr. Tress. I heard you hadn't come to school today" He said, tilting his head to the right slightly.

"We overslept," Hunter answered, not wanting to tell him his mom told him not to come today.

Mr. Bartin nodded. "I see. Well you're not the only ones." He smiled and Hunter couldn't help but smile back. He got to the desk and checked Aubrey in.

"I'll contact your mother to tell her that you're here" The lady said with a cheerful voice.

"Oh no thank you. I already told her we were here, You don't need to bother her with that" Hunter replied and shifted Aubrey as she clung to him.

The lady nodded and Mr. Bartin said "You're on top of it today. Well Mr. Tress, if you don't mind me asking, could I accompany you to yours and Miss Aubrey's class?"

Hunter didn't see the trouble in it and agreed. They walked down the hall to the first grader's classrooms. They walked in silence. Mr. Bartin waited outside the door while Hunter walked in and set Aubrey down.

Gray ran up to her and hugged her. She returned the hug and then they walked to the rug where a few other kids their age were.

"I'm glad she's here," Ms. Mortars said next to him. Hunter smiled.

"She likes it here, especially Gray. They are like best friends after one day" He chuckled.

Ms. Mortars nodded in agreement. "They are definitely close. Gray's been so sad... until now"

They laughed. Hunter saw it. Another bracelet but on Ms Mortars wrist. It was the same as Mr Bartin's. Alright it had to mean something now. If three people were wearing them that he knew then it had to mean something... right? It could just be that they came from the same jewelry store. Hunter shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking about this.

"Mr Tress" Hunter turned to see Mr Bartin. "Let's get you to class" He said nodding to Ms Mortars.

"Right," He said.

"I'll take her bag from you" Ms Mortars breathed as she took it from him.

"Thank you." Hunter said, giving her a nod of gratitude. She smiled and Mr Bartin led him out of the classroom. Hunter's heart felt heavy, it did that at times even in the happiest moments he had in life. His heart would just feel heavy as if someone he knew had been hurt. He knew it wasn't that but why did it happen often?

Hunter followed Mr Bartin. "You're quite smart, Mr Tress" Hunter looked at him shocked. That was true, ish. He was really good at English and math but he was also a lot older. Then again he also didn't go to school for quite some time.