New Dawn

Sophomore

FRESHMAN YEAR SEEMED TO FLY BY IN AN INSTANT and before I knew it, I was sixteen, back in school and starting a second year of high school. My summer was spent with Nahuel, he wouldn't let me out of his sight for longer than a day. Although I enjoyed the time we spent together, there was only so much of him I could take. It wasn't his fault. He was always respectful and thoughtful but there was something about me that needed some time alone, to reflect. Sometimes Nahuel made me anxious and I needed the time to calm down. No matter how anxious I was, I was always able to calm my nerves with a trip to La Push for a visit with Seth or Embry.

After the first few weeks of school, I set up plans with Seth, Embry, Brady, and Eli to hang out that Saturday. Nahuel was not happy when I told him the news and he almost forced me to bring him along. But, after a lot of persuading, Nahuel gave in and let me see my friends without his company. The week before Saturday passed slowly and when Friday came around, I felt miserable. There was no logical reason for my misery but nothing seemed to lift my spirits and that night, I only slept an hour. During the short

nap, my dreams were filled with the women I had dreamt about so many times before. Her eyes were red with warning but there was something about her that drew me to her and sent sadness pulsing through me.

Climbing out of bed, after being startled awake by my dreams, I looked over to my alarm clock. It was three in the morning and falling back to sleep was hopeless. Frustrated and confused, I changed into a pair of red skinny jeans and a sweater with one of my scarves. After pulling on my old black rain boots, I carefully pulled open my door and snuck down the hallway. Sneaking out was never a problem for me because my parents were hard sleepers. As I walked down the stairs, I noticed a light on in the kitchen.

A hushed voice spoke, "Lydia?" It was my little brother Cris.

Frowning, I moved toward the kitchen, "What are you doing up so early?"

He laughed softly, "I could ask you the same thing." He shined a smirk at me, "Going to see the boyfriend?"

Taking a deep breath, I shook my head in disagreement, "No. I couldn't sleep and I have plans with some of the guys from the reservation so I was just gonna head to the beach and walk around until it's time."

His smirk turned into a frown, "Mom said I could have the car today."

"You just got your permit, what are you going to do anyway?" My exhaustion had made me much more irritable than normal. "Sorry. I'll just ride my bike. It'll kill some time."

"I don't want you to be riding in the dark. Take the car."

Smiling, I gave him a half hug, "I'm not taking the car. The exercise will be good for me."

"Hell no. I'll drop you off. How about that?"

My baby brother was always looking out for me, "It's too late...or early. You need sleep."

He seemed to perk up as he realized something, "Wait. Nahuel left his motorcycle here the other day for me to practice. I know he won't mind if you take it. Just go slow and try to stay off the main roads."

A rush of excitement pushed my miserable haze to the side.

The thought of riding a motorcycle thrilled me and I could feel my face light up. "That's perfect Cris. Thank you."

He smiled but looked a little skeptical, "Don't do anything too crazy."

"I won't."