Nefouria :D

Chapter 1 and 2 and 3 or something...

 Nefouria

Chapter one:

The Strange Woman

My mother reached for me from above. I lifted my hand to touch hers. Outstretched, our fingers almost touched.

I awoke, still draped across the fork of the largest limb of the tree that shaded my back yard. Laying face down in my lap was a book with the title '304.'Funny, I don't remember bringing a book up into the tree with me. Perhaps my prankster of a brother had snuck it onto my lap while I napped.

Gathering the book in one hand, I slid off the limb and landed in a puddle soaking my shoes like a sponge soaking up water.

I looked at my watch. 12:03 p.m. It's only the afternoon, I thought, I still have enough time to get ready for lunch. People were coming over, and that took a bit of extra preparation. I didn't know these people, but they were coming to say goodbye to my family. We were moving to California.

I went inside my house, quietly slipped up into my bedroom, tossed the book on my bed, sat on the edge of my bed and slipped off my wet shoes and socks. I thrust my cold feet under the blanket and pulled it up to my shoulders. Perhaps if I lie here quietly, everyone will forget I'm here I thought as I pulled the blanket up over my head.

"What's up with you Vonella?" A voice said from my bedroom doorway. I peeked out from under the blanket and saw my brother Derek leaning against the door frame.

"I'm not here." I said stubbornly, and pulled the blanket back over my head. I could almost hear him roll his eyes.

"Well, since you're not in here, I hope you're in the living room. You have to be ready to answer the door if anyone shows up before Dad gets back."

"You do it!" I growled.

"Can't. Dad told me to make sure the back yard was cleaned up." His voice sounded distant as he walked away down the hall. I heard the back door open and shut.

"Ugh!" I groaned and threw the blanket off. I slouched down the hall and collapsed on the couch. I barely had time to tuck my bare feet in under the couch pillows when the doorbell rang.

I groaned again, rolled off of the couch and slouched towards the front door. Reluctantly, I opened the door. A woman stood on the doorstep. She wore drab, well-worn pants, a simple gray blouse, and tanned leather boots that had obviously seen many miles. Draped over her shoulders was a hooded velvet cape clasped at the next with a shiny brooch in the shape of an owl.

"Is this the Sishi household?" She asked. Her voice sounded friendly, matching her appearance.

"It sure is. Are you here to say goodbye to us?" I asked sadly.

"No, nothing nearly that final." She said and stepped through the doorway, casually pushing her way past me.

"Uh?" I said.

"Where's your father deary?" She asked questioningly.

"He went to the market to fetch some things." I told her "But my brother Derek is here if you need him."

"Ok good, good. I don't need your brother, all I need is you, Vonella." She said. She pulled the hood of her cape up over her head and motioned for me to follow her. I can't follow someone I don't know I told myself She could be dangerous and I'm following her into a trap.