I Am Number Four

Chapter One: Trying to be Normal

The setting summer sun shone weakly over Florida bay and while most teenagers were goofing off around in the water or along the beach; a young woman sat under one of the many trees away from the mass of crowds. 

Flipping through her book, Avalon Halliwell would occasionally look up to see who was passing her before turning back to her book; she had little interest in what was going on around her. 

The warm day had been nice and Avalon had spent the afternoon catching the sun in her yellow halter bikini and bottoms, it was strange to think that in a couple of days she wouldn't be here anymore instead she would be across the country. 

"Ava, come on the bonfire's about to start," Nicole called out to her, she sighed before sticking her book in her bag and moving to pull on her hooded poncho cover-up; she was going to miss living here in Florida. 

It happened every couple of years and Avalon didn't know why her parents couldn't just find somewhere for them to settle.

"What were you doing?" Nicole asked when Avalon reached her before they started to walk towards the bonfire, where the rest of the teenagers had started to congregate. 

It had been a great day and Nicole was a little disappointed that she hadn't been able to spend more time with her best friend; she'd been having a great time watching the guys mess about in the surf. 

"Reading and sunbathing," Avalon replied with a shrug before Nicole wrapped her arm around her friend, she knew that she didn't belong here; however, it was better than being at home with her parents packing. 

They were both far too happy about moving again and Avalon had no idea why they always had to move; she had never been any place longer than two years before they moved away for some reason or another. 

"I can't believe your leaving, it's like you only just got here," Nicole whined hating that her friend was leaving so soon, she didn't even know where Avalon or her parents were moving to.

Avalon didn't say anything, she rarely got to make friends because of what her parents did and she didn't want to dwell on it; the two friends reached the bonfire where everyone else was. 

"Okay, so who's here?" Avalon asked changing the subject, she didn't want to think about moving and instead wanted to enjoy the night; she nibbled on her lip looking around trying to work out who was here. 

Nicole grinned pleased, she looked around knowing that most of their school was at this little party; she spotted a group of boys approaching and focused on the leader. 

"Well, I do know that Daniel Jones is here; he pulled off some wicked moves on a jet ski earlier," Nicole mused while looking over at the dark haired boy who was standing with his friends joking about before they started to make their way over to them. 

It was no secret that Nicole had a bit of a thing for Daniel, he had arrived in the area a few months ago and since then she hadn't been able to take her eyes off him. 

"Oh look he's coming over here," Nicole gushed before she started to fix her hair as Daniel and his friends reached them; she rested a hand on her hip before she pretended to laugh at something that Avalon had said. 

Forcing a smile, Avalon went along with it and tried to relax; she didn't want to cause any problems and she was hopeful that they'd all have a good time. 

"Hello Nicole," Daniel greeted making Nicole fluttered her eye-lashes, she smiled pleased that he hadn't stopped to speak with anyone else; she was hopeful that he would be asking her out soon. 

Daniel smiled while his friends started to talk with Nicole, who seemed to love their attention more than anything else; she had always been friendly and he enjoyed speaking to her.

"I'm Daniel," he said introducing himself to Nicole's friend, he had seen her about but didn't really know much about her; she tended to keep to her small group of friends and not branch out. 

Daniel had also noticed that she spent quite a bit of time with her head buried in a book, she seemed to prefer it that way; he couldn't help but notice that and it made him curious about her. 

"Avalon," she replied feeling a sharp tug within her as Daniel moved closer, she peeked over at Nicole trying to ignore the strange feeling that was suddenly making itself known. 

Daniel nodded as he watched her, there was something about Avalon that seemed to interest him; he couldn't remember the last time that he had felt like this. 

"I haven't seen you at one of these parties before," Daniel murmured starting to walk along the beach with Avalon, no one seemed to pay them much mind enjoying the party more than anything else. 

The night had quickly drawn in and now only the bonfire seemed to light the party, it was a nice calm evening and everyone was in good spirits. 

"I tend to keep to myself; my parents are journalists so we tend to move a lot," Avalon explained making Daniel nod before he looked out at the ocean; he knew the feeling about moving around, he hated it more than anything else and he would have to do it again soon. 

"I know the feeling my dad's an author," Daniel revealed simply before looking at the brunette next to him, who nodded still feeling the instant connection she had with him that she had moments before.

Daniel sighed as he felt is phone vibrate before he looked at Avalon, he knew who it was without having to look and he was a little disappointed that they wouldn't get to spend more time with one another. 

"Nicole?" Avalon guessed looking back down the beach to the bonfire, she was a little surprised how far they had wandered; she guessed her friend had high hopes of having Daniel to herself. 

Daniel nodded his head, he looked towards the pier hating that they had to part but he wanted to spend time with Nicole since he had spent so long trying to get her attention. 

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Daniel mused hopefully looking at Avalon, he frowned when she shook her head in response; he suddenly didn't like the idea of not seeing her again. 

It was sort of silly but Daniel had found himself greatly attached to Avalon, he had never gotten this attached to someone before and he knew that it wasn't a good thing. 

"I'm moving tomorrow," Avalon murmured feeling bad about this, she offered him a parting smile before she started to make her way back along the beach. 

Daniel stood silently for a moment watching Avalon leave, his heart pounded in his chest and he couldn't believe that he wouldn't see her again; he couldn't let her just slip away. 

"Why don't we swap numbers?" Daniel called after her, he jogged towards Avalon knowing Henri would not be happy about this but he had to speak with Avalon again. 

Stopping and looking at Daniel, Avalon chewed on her lip as she thought about what he had said before she nodded her head; she reached for her phone before handing it to him. 

Daniel smiled entering his number knowing that he would like to have one friend that he could keep after her left this place; he got lonely only having Henri to talk with, he wanted to talk with someone his own age. 

"I'll see you later; better not keep Nicole waiting..." Avalon murmured before she started to walk away again leaving Daniel with a smile on his face; he started to make his way down to the pier where Nicole was waiting for him.