Chapter One

My eyes open slightly as I look out my window. The buzz of my alarm clock wakes me a little more. I sit up in my bed and look over at the clock. 3:30 in the morning? why would I set my alarm this early?

I look at the calendar to see what day it is. January 16. Then it hits me. Im supposed to be ready by now to get on the plane. You see, im going exploring today. Maybe for a month. This will be my first big expedition, and mom isnt very happy about it. She says its too dangerous for a 17 year old girl. But hey, she did it, and im going to do it.

"Violette, get up!!" I hear my mother say. I jump out of bed and walk lazily over to my dresser. I pull out a light blue tank top and tan cargo pants. I grab my bag and put all the important things I might need into it.

Matches, A first aid Kit, hydrogen peroxide, medical alcohol, my ipod, video camera, walkie talkies, and a pocket knife.

I put my bag over my shoulder and walk into the living room to find my best friend and my mom.

My little sisters name is Blaire, and she is joining me and my best friend Tyler on our journey. She is 13, and Tyler is 19, two years older than me.

We say goodbye to my mom and as Tyler and Blaire walk across the front lawn, my mother pulls me aside."I trust you, Violette" She pulls out a small pistol and puts it in my bag. "Keep Blaire safe" "I will. Dont worry we'll be fine" I smile and kiss her cheek. "I love you" she says as she pulls me into her tight embrace. "I love you too, mom"

We pull away and I trot over to Tylers car. I open the door and before I get in, I glance back at my mom to see a worried look on her face. I get a bad feeling in my stomach as I jump in.

Im sure everything will be fine.... I think.....