Finding Anamaria

Chapter 1 - Just Arriving

Ashton just arrived to Pennsylvania. He knew the risks he would get when it comes to finding his little sister but he didn't care because he knows it's worth it. Even if it takes day and night, he won't giving up on searching an important member of his family. As he steps out of the bus, he saw how huge the city was and glanced around in amazement. The only purpose he came was to find Anamaria. He pulled out his map and waited for little footsteps to show up which means those footsteps is where Anamaria is moving at anytime. The footsteps showed up so he started walking on his journey. As time passed, it was dark and when he stopped seeing the footsteps, he looked up and was near the woods. "This is it.." Ashton said lowly to himself. He took a deep breath and started walking towards the woods.

The Moonlight was so beautiful, the night was silent...too silent.. The only sounds you hear were crickets chirping and owls whooting. Ashton felt alone but he wasn't going to let that stop him from walking. He glances at the map again and there it is..the footsteps showed up. From where he is, those footsteps were only a few blocks away. Impatience strucked to Ashton's heart and he began running. He kept running hoping this would be an answer he has been looking for. He smiles while running because he couldn't wait to see his sister (well if that's her). "I must know.. must know..must know.." were those exact words that was running through his head. He stops running and sees on the map that the footsteps are close. He catched his breath and from the bottom of his lungs he shouted to get anyone's attention: "ANAMARIA!" Hoping that it is her.. "ANAMARIIIIAAAA!" Taking another deep breath.. "ANAMARIIIAAA!" His voice echoed through the woods. When he looked back at the map, the footsteps were not there anymore. Agony, pain, and lost hope is what Ashton felt. He let himself fall to the floor, craddling to his knees, and started to tear up. "I lost her..she's not here at all.." he sobbed as he said those painful words. Ashton crumpled up the map and tossed it aside. "I'M SO STUPID!" He said as he threw it and started to sob more.

"Who's there?" A voice appeared from the woods. When Ashton heard the voice, he got up quickly, and looked at a dark path surround by trees. He wipes away his tears and said lowly "Anamaria?.." Ashton sees someone and starts walking toward them. It was a teenage girl with long, red-orange like fire hair and slight peach skin. She started walking to a light where he can see her. She stands underneath the moonlight and asks "Who are you?" "Don't you remember me? Ashton goes underneath the moonlight as well standing in front of her. It's me Anamaria... it's your brother..Ashton.." He looks at her afraid if she doesn't remember him. She looks closely at him and strokes his cheek with one hand "Ashton?" she asks lowly as a tear rolls down her cheek. Ashton nods as a tear rolls down his cheek and she wipes his tear "yes.." he says. She smiles sad and hugs him tight. "You found me." "I would never want you missing so I went on a search for you because you're my little sister that I love so much." they both hug happily and glad to see each other. She chuckles happy "I love you too Ashton." she smiles whipping her tears. "Lets go home." he says. "I..." Ashton looks at her curious but worried. "I-I can't.." She looks down hurt and disappointed. "I promise things have gotten better since mom and dad died." "I can't go with you Ashton.." "Why? I came all the way here to find you..Why can't you leave with me? I can't lose you again.." "I know and I'm sorry. Tell grandma Amelia that I love her. I have to stay Ashton. I don't have a choice." "You don't have to keep running, just come with me.." "I.."

"Anamaria?! Who are you talking to?!" says a voice from a distance. "You have to go.." "No I am not leaving without you!" "Stay right there!" the voice was coming closer. It was a girl with long brown hair added pink tips, warm brown eyes, and peach skin. "Anamaria, who is this?" "This is my big brother Ashton.." "Ashton this is my partner in crime Gretel.." Ashton's heart was racing. He hasn't seen a beautiful girl since Skye despite the fact that he left her. "Well Ashton you do have some explaining to do.." "I have explaining to do?! Things were getting heated with Ashton. "My parents passed away 3 months before Anamaria ran away, Anamaria has been missing for 8 years, and I FINALLY FOUND HER! Now do you know how I feel?! 8 years without the youngest sibling in the family.." Anamaria started covering her face in disappointment as she tried not to cry again.

"Well then, I'm sure professor will allow you to stay since we have extra room.." "Gretel what are you doing?" Anamaria asks nervously. "Both of you please follow me..." As Gretel started walking, Ashton looks at his sister confused. She sighs "Just do what she says."  Ashton started following both of them as they were leaving the woods.