The House in the Woods

The Day takes a Turn

Owen POV

I look at my shirt, and then look between Gabriel and Luke. Gabriel stops his happy dance when he sees the look in my eyes. I glance back at Sean. I know that he can read the "Get them" message that I am sending him.

Luke and Gabriel start sputtering out apologizes, "Sorry, Sorry, it was meant for Doc."

Sang is looking at all of us. I can see that she is trying very hard not to laugh.

"Family meeting, boys, get them," I say and we start running towards Luke and Gabriel.

When the others realize what is going on, they join in the chase.

Silas scoops up Gabriel and North picks up Luke.

We all gather at the dock down at the lake. I motion for Nathan and Victor to help North and Silas.

"Mr. Taylor, Mr. Coleman, I am assuming that you are responsible for this skunk attack, but were you expecting me to be on the receiving end?" I say in an even tone, raising one eyebrow.

Luke responds saying, "No Mr. B, we were targeting Doc."

"Well, then Mr. Taylor, we have several issues to discuss. Can you explain why I was sprayed rather than Sean?" I ask.

Luke blushes a little and says, "I was not expecting you to jump in front of Doc. I mean, who jumps in front of a skunk?"

I look at him and say, "So you did not take in your surroundings and anticipate the actions of those around you. On a mission that could be an issue. Sean, Kota, with me." We step over to the side and put our heads together.

Sean is the first to speak, "Let's just dump them in the lake. I don't want to have to huddle up with you for long Owen; you are really kind of smelly."

I look at him and say, "I should make you switch shirts with me. It was YOU they were trying to get, not me."

Kota looks at both of us and says, "Well it is obvious who won this round. I think losing to you again, Doc, might be punishment enough for them."

We walk back over to the others, and I stand in front of the group. "Mr. Coleman, Mr. Taylor, you have been found guilty of a prank gone wrong. While I must give you points for originality, the execution was poor. As a result, Sean will retain the title of prank master, and you boys will take a nice swim in the lake. Throw them in, boys."

At my word, Gabriel and Luke are thrown into the lake.

What I was not expecting was the sudden charge of Sean and Kota. I was in midair before I realized that they were pushing me off the dock too.

I heard Sean as I was hitting the water, "Sorry Owen, but the smell is just too strong. You needed a bath."

I quickly swim back to shore and Sang is waiting for me with a towel. She laughs and says, "Umm...the smell is still there. Maybe you should take off your shirt, Owen."

I laugh and say in a sultry voice, "Miss Sorenson, if I did not know you better, I would say that you are just trying to get me out of my clothes."

Around me everyone is laughing until we hear Sara screaming out my name and running for the lake.

Sara PoV

I scream when I see the boys pushing Owen into the lake. My vision clouds as flashes of light start appearing before my eyes. My head is pounding, but I know that I need to get to Owen.

What do those big bullies think they are doing pushing him into the lake like that? I run down to the side of the lake and slap the blond haired boy that pushed Owen in the water. "Go pick on someone your own size. Are your parents here? I am sure that they would be so proud of you thinking that you can bully someone smaller than you."