Photograph [on hold]

Where were you?

I grabbed a sweater and threw it on, heading outside to the woods and stepping onto the path. Glancing down once more to ensure my tennis shoes were tied, I walked. I stopped at a tree momentarily to climb it, taking it branch by branch. Gently I sat myself in the large tree on a sturdy branch. A couple squirrels scurried down the tree, but I was focused on the view. You could see the tops of the trees and if you looked at the proper angle, the house tops. I closed my eyes and felt the breeze before slowly climbing back down. Walking South, I walked until I lost the trail. Then I ventured further. Deeper, until the sky was starting to darken. Sang....you need to leave! My conscious voice whispered. And I knew that I did, but I didn't know how. I was lost. I was alone. And I was terrified. I sat down next to the tree, reprimanding myself for going off the trail. Ugh. And as storm clouds grew overhead, I was more worried. Remembering my cellphone, I quickly pull it out. If I can get a reception....I could text Kota! Walking first north, I checked my phone. Less reception. East- less reception. West....Bingo! I quickly moved closer, and after hoping I might find trails first but didn't, I looked through my contacts. First I tried calling Kota. No response. Then Nathan, Victor, and Luke. No one. Then I tried North's, but no answer from him either. But then my finger stopped on another name- Silas. I hadn't met him yet but he was one of their friends right? He could probably get them to help me or if it came down to it, help me himself. With a shaking breath, I click call. And he answers. "Hello?" A deep voice says. "Hi. Are you Silas?" He clears his throat. "Um, yes. Do I know you?" "Um, we haven't met. But do you know North, Luke, Victor, Nathan, and Kota?" There's a pause. "Yeah. Are you Sang?" A deep blush covers my cheeks. "Yes, sorry. Do you happen to know if any of them are available that I can speak to?" "Yes, North is here." Rustling fills the air before I hear North's gruff voice. "Sang? Is something wrong?" I swallow as I feel the raindrops on my shoulders. "Um- yeah?" "What is it?" He asks concerned. "I was walking and I lost the path and it's about to storm." He doesn't say anything but mutters under his breath. "I'll call you back." That's the end. The phone line cuts of and I start to cry, taking shelter under a tree. Thank goodness I bought a waterproof phone case. The rain grew heavier and leaked slightly through the tree branches. There was a small buzzing noise. I didn't care, until I realized it was my phone. I scrambled to answer it. "Where are you?" North asks. "Walk to the back of my house, then into the woods. Follow the trail until it ends. But don't be stupid like me, okay? Make sure you can find your way back." "Okay," he says gruffly. "From there I headed east for awhile before turning south. Then from there, I walked west." My voice is shaking from my tears. "Are you crying?" He asks softly. "No," I sniff, earning a chuckle. That's when I make out a hazy figure in the rain. I jump up and run, soaking my clothes without caring. I run right to North, standing a little ways off, carrying an umbrella. I smile. "Thank you," I say softly. "Sorry you had to come rescue me." He shrugs. Ending our call, he clicks on another name. I recognize it to be Silas. "Okay so head north." We walk. Silas instructs us back to the trail and I sigh in relief even though I'm cold, wet, and tired. I eventually meet Silas. He's quiet but he seems thoughtful. And he speaks another language. Eventually we reach my house and I give them both hugs and great thanks. But as I wave goodbye and step onto my back porch, I notice the kitchen light is on. This could mean one of two things:
-Someone broke into my house...
-My mom was home.
And if my mom was home, and the light was on, then she was waiting for me. I could potentially get in trouble. I walk in, walk through the hallway, and hold my breath. My mother's eyes find me. "Go change and come back down," she states quietly. "It's time we had a talk." I swallow and quickly go upstairs, hurriedly drying off and changing. I pull on a pair of cotton sweat pants and an old school t-shirt, putting my hair in a messy bun. Then I force myself to walk downstairs and join her in the living room. My mother sits perfectly straight; her short blonde hair dusts her shoulders. Hoops sit gently in her ears, and even though my mother is wearing makeup I can see the circles under her eyes. A steaming mug sits in front of her on the coffee table and I choose a seat across from her. She starts casually. "How have you been lately?" "Fine." I reply shortly. "You?" My mother shrugs. "Could be better." We sit silently for a moment. I can hear the rain beating around us, but the silence in this room is heavier. I think about if she really meant it. About when we used to talk comfortably, with unforced happiness. But my mother is never around. Or she's around and she working, or is choosing to ignore me.....like she usually does. My eyes follow my mother's fingers as she wraps them around her mug and takes a small sip. I don't look at her eyes, rather the wall behind her, or the steam of her cup, or the floor. "Sang," she says quietly. I can't tell if she's upset or tired. "Where were you today?"

Oh no! Cliffy! :) Hopefully I can update this again soon, maybe tonight. Anyway, that's about it. Thanks for supporting, voting, and most of all reading! See you next time!