My 16th Summer

Deep Into The Dark Forest . . . What Could Go Wrong?

It's been more than two weeks since the bedroom incident. Oliver has barely said two words to me, and isn't even trying to hide the fact that he's avoiding me at all costs.

Winston told me Sam was gonna call, but she never did.

I've never felt quite so alone . . .

I never even got out of bed yesterday. I'm considering doing the same today, due to the fact none of the boys even noticed I wasn't around.

Alex? Forget about it, he's been out of the house more than anyone. God only knows what he's been up to!

Ayden? Well, he's pretty much the only one I've talked to in the last seventeen days. But barely! I think he only talks to me because he thinks it's the right thing to do. I'm honestly not sure I agree with that logic . . .

Winston? Kid's always either at the library, down at the lake fishing with Alex, or with his new girlfriend.

Yes, you heard correct. Winnie got a girlfriend. All I know so far is she's thirteen, has chocolate brown hair and porceline (sp?) skin, purple eyes (contacts I suppose . . . ), and her name is Hero.

He hasn't brought her around though, they mostly just spend their afternoons at the movies or hanging out in the mall.

Me, on the other hand? Well, we've already been over my social life. Or rather, lack of it.

I replayed 'I Need A Doctor' by Eminem and Skyler Grey. Great song, can't get enough of rap these days.

I love rap, because every rap tells some sort of story. Whether it's a heartbreak, death, drug problem, cutting problem, girlfriend with an eating disorder-- Whatever! It's all touching for me.

Some even explain almost exactly what I've been through.

Time to get up. No exceptions.

So with that, I got up, took a thirty second shower, and used my 'wet to dry' straighteners. Oh so useful . . .

I put on my favorite pair of shorts and a flattering white, fitted tank. I skipped downstairs, feeling a little better about today than I was before.

"Hey Claire." Ayden mumbled when I walked into the living room. He didn't even look up from his book, but I tried not to be offended.

"Hey, where are the guys?" I asked him, sitting down on the couch next to him.

"Oliver's out back, Alex is at the lake."

"Where's Winnie?" I asked him, flicking some of his blonde hair out of his eyes.

"I'm reading. Can we talk later?" I swollowed a lump in my throat.

"Sure."

I walked outside, and there was Oliver. I'm pretty sure he was chopping wood, but I honestly couldn't tell what he was doing with that ax. Hopefully he hasn't gone murderer on us.

"Hi Oli-" I tried, only to have him walk away mid-sentence.

Guess it was worth a shot . . .

I ran down to the lake, which was about three city blocks distance down the road. Pretty conveniently close, if I do say so myself!

I didn't see Alex anywhere.

"Alex!" I yelled, beginning to worry. Sure, I left my room at five or so, but this is summer! How exactly is it already getting dark?!

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Why am I worrying about Alex? The only thing he's said to me since that night is 'shutup' and 'I have to go'.

"ALEX?!" I yelled again, this time at the very top of my lungs. I searched around the perimeter of the lake, but he was no where to be found.

And into the forest I go . . . 

God, I should've never accepted this 'job'. If you could even call it a job. This is just a MESS!

I need coffee, I've barely slept since the day Oliver found me in Alex's room. Also the last day he talked to me . . . It's already June 27th, only one more week until my birthday!

My third birthday without her . . .