Wildfire

Chapter 1

The sun raises high in the sky and beats down low and harsh. I woke up this morning at about five zombie walking my way towards the bathroom. Seeing as I had a long dough filled night that made my upper arms and my wrists still cramp. I nearly slaved away in that kitchen to the point of passing out on the floor. I had at best maybe six hours of sleep and all I can do now is hope that a shower will mask away any exhaustion.

Warm droplets of water pelt against my skin. The warmth cascades down my body enough to calm my nerves and rekindle my determination. I mentally rehearse my big line. 'Welcome to the neighborhood. It's always nice to see a new face seeing as we don't get many from around here. I'm Saressia from next door.' Extend hand for a formal greeting. 'It's nice to meet you. My family and I were wondering if maybe you'd like to come over for some tea somet time?'

That's it!

Hook line and sinker!

I smile suddenly feeling confident and ready for the task. I finish up the rest of my shower, drying myself off as I walk to my room, and head towards my closet. I put on a simple black and white striped shirt and a pink skirt. I brush away all the loose tangles from my hair staring back at my reflection. Black hair, dark brown eyes, and medium brown tanned skin. I was basically the spitting image of my father all except for his eyes. I got mine from my mother. Now let's see if I can work up some good charm like my mother.

I untangle all the knots from my hair and proceed to head downstairs where I kept my cookies wrapped in foil. On my way down my mother spots me and immediately beams most likely happy at my attitude towards the situation. I skip towards her with a smile approaching where my plate of treats sat and begin to unravel them.

"Well don't you look pretty" She smiles eyeing my top and then my pink skirt. I hope she's not thinking of a dozen ways on how to steal them from my closet.

"All I did was shower" I tease putting away the foil and dumping them into a nearby trash. My mom watches me in silence as I reopen my baked goods setting them back into my hands. I place the plate between my palms and hold it mere inches away from my chest.

" Honey, if you don't want to you really don't have to. If you don't feel comfortable-"

"No worries" I smile walking over to my shoes by the staircase next. I take a seat on one of the steps placing my cookies beside me. I begin to slip on my black converse and tie the laces. Once secured I grab the plate back in my hands and head for the door.

"Are you sure you're okay. Your brother and I could always go with you-"

"It's all good, Mom. I got this" I wave her off taking a hold of the door knob within my hand. "I won't be long" I say. It's a simple greeting really. A get in and get back out situation. Surely it'll only take me ten minutes at the most. I give her one last reassuring smile, pushing the door open, and with the sun glaring down at me I step out onto our porch.

From behind I swing the door back closed and begin to walk my way towards my right. To the Warrick house. It's weird to think about now. I've never once spoken to Mrs. Warrick in my life. Hell, I don't even remember what she looks like. I begin to wonder if I ever saw her in or outside her house. This slightly unnerves me realizing how little I know about these neighbors. All throughout the years I've never heard anyone speak a peep from this house, but judging by the new black car parked in the driveway I know new company has arrived. My stomach churns and my chest burns with uncertainty. If it weren't for the two cars in the driveway I would've thought this house was abandoned. I mean that's basically what it's been like for as long as I can remember due to how isolated Mrs. Warrick is. Though that doesn't make me feel any less anxious. Slowly I begin to enter into their same said driveway tightly hugging the cookies against me.