Ravenpoint

Chapter One

The drive to Ravenpoint was long and boring. All that surrounded the town was miles and miles of rocky, bumpy dirt road and tons of pine trees. I think there were a few broken-down cabins here and there, but nothing populated by anything but spiders, tics, and wildlife. We got there later in the evening on Wednesday. It was a decent looking day. The sun was setting behind the old, worn out church at the center of the town, and the sky was a pretty yellow and orange color. Maybe this town wouldn't be terrible besides the fact that it was in the middle of nowhere, I didn't know anyone, and that it had a creepy feeling to it. 

You see, my parents divorced 12 years ago back when I was 4, and I've lived with my mom and grandparents since then. But now, after a few here-and-there visits with my father, my mom finally decided to let me move into the tiny, run-down town he's lived in for a few years. Ravenpoint. You see, I've never been there even once. I haven't visited my dad since he lived in Atlanta, Georgia five years ago. Now don't get me wrong, I love my dad and all, but this town is just a bit eerie, and also I'm far away from all of the friends I spent 12 years making and maintaining. Now, I've got to give all of that up for my dad? And this weird little town?

When we pulled into the driveway that was made of sandy, dusty dirt, I saw my dad's screen door open at the front of the house. Dust, rocks, and dirt flew up as the tires dug into the driveway. I pulled down the sleeves of my sweater over my hands and quickly glanced at my reflection in the car's mirror. I sighed and looked over at my mom. 

"Well, Ashlyn, we're here." Mom smiled sadly at me, resting her hand on my shoulder. I smiled sadly too and looked up at my mom's tear-filled eyes, "I'll miss you baby. Come visit us anytime."

"Of course I will, mama...I mean mom," I hugged my mom tightly, "Take care of Shaggy for me."

Shaggy was my bull dog. He was there since I was little. Heck, he's even almost my age! Shaggy was the sweetest, most loyal dog.

Sighing and holding in my tears to spare my makeup, I grabbed my bags and walked up the creaky, wooden stairs to the porch where my dad was standing. He smiled and pulled me into a huge, welcoming hug. I smiled a little bit sadly, actually. But his smile was full of joy and excitement. I could've sworn he was nearly crying. 

"Welcome home, Ashy." He smiled.

"Don't call me that," I sighed, "You know I hate it."

Mom pulled out of the driveway, once again a cloud of sand and rocks brewing in the air. Then, I heard the tires plunge through more thick dirt as she drove back home. This was going to be a ...different experience with my dad. Hopefully not a terrible one, either.

"I'll show you around the house, and I'll show you your room!" Dad held the door open for me, "You've grown up a lot."

"Five years changes a lot, Dad." I sighed again.

"I know, I know," He returned my heavy sigh, "I know you're not happy about this, but I miss my little girl. It's been five years without my daughter. Lighten up a bit, Ash-Ashlyn."

I shot him a look and once again sighed, "Fine. I'll try and make things work. I'm just a little upset cause I lost everything I've gained in the past 12 years..."

Dad hugged me again, and this time I was less hesitant than the first hug I'd received. I actually managed a smile and then he showed me to my new bedroom. Maybe this wouldn't be that bad...

Yet....