"So you're from out of town?" the cab driver asks as he drives down the highway.
"Yup, I'm from New York," I answer, looking out the window.
I take in the unfamiliar surroundings. So far all I've seen are the silhouettes of dozens and dozens of trees, which is not something you see too often in the city.
"I take it this is a really big change of scenery for you?" the cab driver chuckles as if he read my mind.
"Yeah," I nod, still looking out the window. "You could say that."
I landed at the airport about a hour ago and now I'm in a cab on my way to a place called Mystic Falls.
My parents thought it would be a good idea for me to spend my last two years of high school in Mystic Falls. They said it would give me a chance to see what it was like to be away from home before I leave for college. I think it was just their way of convincing me to stay in the city for college, so I'll be close to them. But they're sadly mistaken if they think their reverse psychology is going to work on me.
I've been to Virginia to visit family members in the past, and I've never heard of Mystic Falls, but apparently my mom grew up here, so she thinks I'll love it here too. I'm supposed to stay with an old friend of hers, Liz Forbes. She's the sheriff of Mystic Falls, which I think is pretty badass, so maybe I'll like her.
My mom said Liz has a daughter my age named Caroline and we'll be going to school together. I'm not entirely on board with this whole small town high school thing, but at least I'll know someone. I just hope Caroline isn't a bitch and I get along with her.
I realize the cab driver has been talking the whole time I've been zoning out and I try to listen to what he's saying.
I hear the words 'animal attacks' and I focus all my attention on what the driver is saying.
"I'm sorry, but could you repeat that? I thought you said animal attacks."
The driver looks at me through the rear-view mirror. "Lately there have been a series of strange animal attacks in Mystic Falls, especially at night."
He must notice the alarmed look on my face because he quickly says, "Don't worry. I promise I'll get you to your destination safe and sound before anything happens."
I nod as he gives me a reassuring smile.
I pull out my phone and text my mom.
You didn't mention anything about animal attacks in Mystic Falls.
I put my phone away as the driver comes to a halt.
"Oh my God!" he exclaims, undoing his seat belt.
"What is it?" I ask, concerned.
"There's a man lying in the middle of the road. He could be hurt. Stay in the car," the driver instructs as he gets out the car and closes the door.
Great, I think as fog starts to surround the car. I'm stuck in a car at night on the highway on my way to a town known for their crazy animal attacks. How much better could my life get?
My phone goes off and pull it out to read a text from my mom.
Liz says she has it under control. Don't worry.
I let out a deep breath. Maybe my mom's right. Liz has everything under control and I don't need to worry.
I realize that the driver has been gone for a while now and the fog is thickening. Scratch that. Time to start worrying.
