The Garden [ON HOLD]

Chapter One: The Morning

*AUTHOR'S NOTE: So this is just a little thing that I started writing in class a few days ago and I just wanted to get some feedback on it. I was trying to capture the whole 'Secret Garden/ Fairytale' consept with Elise's yard, so let me know how I did! I have more to this, and will update soon. Thanks!*

Elise slung her plaid backpack on her shoulder and brushed her curly brown hair behind her ears. Sighing, she took one last glance in the mirror; her eyes were bloodshot and puffy and her face was pale and blotchy.

“Have a good day!” Her mom called from the other room. Elise rolled her eyes at her mother’s constant nagging to enjoy life.

“I’ll try,” she replied, faking excitement in her voice. She lingered a moment longer at the mirror, then pushed open the glass door, the cool autumn breeze blowing past her, rustling the dead leaves on the porch. Pulling her thin gray hoodie closer to her body, she balled her hands into fists, bristling at the chill of the air. The old tire swing she swung on regularly hung loosely from the towering oak tree, swaying from side to side. An aroma of pine trees wafted over her nose and a smile crept onto her face. Although it was cold, autumn was her favorite time of year. She was more awake now and some of her stress had melted away with being outside. Feeling at peace, she closed her eyes, but her thoughts of serenity were quickly interrupted by a sudden jabbing in her ribs.

“Ah!” She screamed, almost losing her balance. But her terror quickly changed to irritation and relief when she saw who it was. Sam, her best, and well, her only friend, stood behind her, laughing his head off.  “You’re a jerk, Sam!” Sam laughed harder, holding his stomach.

“You’re just too easy to scare,” he retorted, still laughing at her reaction.

“I hate it when you poke me in the ribs,” she mumbled, crossing her arms. He laughed again, flicking his chestnut hair out of his tan face. She grinned at him and uncrossed her arms.

“Hey, are you okay?” He asked, noting the dark circles under her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just had a rough night’s sleep,” she said dismissively. He eyed her warily, but dropped the subject. A stronger breeze rang the wind chimes and swirled Elise’s hair around in the air. Sam stifled a laugh and she shot him a glare while running her fingers through her hair, attempting to smooth it out. 

“You look fine, don’t worry,” he reassured.  She gave him a small grin.

“Thanks, Sam. C’mon, let’s just get to school.”