The Girl of Petra

The Ruins

Have you ever found something new when you were little, like a bug or a flower that you that you think is just absolutely awesome? Well that is what happened to me; except I found a girl.

To begin with, my name is Ren Greyson. I attend Ironwood Academy with my friends Acirema Luven and Henry Finberg. They're pretty much my only friends. We are all juniors. Everyone thinks we are weird. Henry is from Sweden. I've known him since our freshman year. I could tell from his blonde hair, blue eyes and strong accent that he was Swedish. He also has a few inches on me. Now Acirema is probably the prettiest girl that ever talked to me. She has dark reddish-brown hair and brown eyes. Acirema is slightly shorter than me. I met her in sixth grade. My mom, sister and I moved around a lot. The three of us now live in this sleepy town of Petra. I guess my mom figured it was finally time to settle.

Because I'm such a nerd and into paranormal things I heard about these "haunted" ruins. Supposably they're so sacred no one comes near them. There is stories of people coming to these ruins and disappearing. I don't know sounds a bit sketchy but interesting. I think people just go out there, do stupid things and get lost. I'm smart enough to get a detailed map of the area. I have pretty good survival skill anyway so I had to check it out.

I got a pack ready and headed out. I came to the clearing in the forest. Surprisingly the ruins were beautiful! The plant life perfectly intertwined with the stone walls left behind. Some parts even still had vivid colors. I would miss out on an amazing view just because it was dangerous. It didn't even seem like a place you would be scared of. Well media does have an effect on people; like when horror movies are placed in creepy asylums. It was so serene. I wish I could stay here forever. I wondered what kind of people used to live here. Honestly I didn't know a place like this could ever exist. Untouched by modern people and so quiet. There was also engravings in the stone. It was strange because as I was snooping around one of the "rooms", well I'll just call it a room, was fully intact. I found the door but it was sealed. The door had some kind of ancient writing on it. It looked as if it needed some kind of key. Maybe if I walked around I can find it.

As the day dawned on a sudden rumble shook the ground. Usually earthquakes don't happen in these parts. Maybe I'll actually get to see a spirit! But I just ignored it and kept treading on. In the middle of a court yard there was a tree. The tree was ancient but not very tall. I inspected the spectacular tree. I'm not really into nature but I bet my sister would love to see the tree. Near the peak I could see a silver object fused within the tree.

I heaved myself onto a nearby limb and could plainly see the shape of a key. Yes! I actually may have found it. Luckily I was equipped with my pocket knife and carved the key out. There again was the sudden earthquake. As clumsy as I was I fell out the tree. The key matched the door and had beautiful carvings. I could believe I may have actually have found the key that fast. Although this place isn't very big I thought I would have more of a challenge.

I hurried over to the door, key in hand. I lodged the key in and turned...