The Unkown

Chapter 2

As I opened my eyes the events from last night’s dream came flooding back to me and I sat up breathing deeply to calm myself. What does it mean? Is it like dad said there’s a hidden meaning? Slumping back against the head board I gazed up at the ceiling praying that on he’s second day of school Blake Greves would decide not to come in. Groaning I climbed out of bed and dressed for school, today’s attire being black hoodie with a pair of black skinny jeans and ballet flats to finish the look. Gazing at myself in the mirror I was once again reminded of how plan and boring I am. Picking up my bag I walked down the stairs and out the door still without seeing a single member of my family. Pulling the garage door open I admired the view of my orange denya and watched as it glistened in the sun. Crushing on my helmet I climbed on the back and revved the engine listening to it purr. Accelerating I was out the door and down the street in a matter of minutes slowing, down for the village traffic I drove past the new shop, Gem’s, and remembered I had my first day at work. As I past the fields I looked out over the lake and pictured myself out there on a raft writing what would sure be a master piece. Rounding the corner I was in the school grounds, looking about I saw two parking spaces nearby and hurried straight for one, just as I was about to enter the space another person on a bike got in first. Turning right I went into the other space but that didn’t make me any less angry, almost jumping of the bike I tour my helmet off and stood waiting for the person to climb down. Then I got distracted by what the person was riding, it was a Harley Davidson made from skulls and flames, gawping, the rider final got off. Closing my mouth I indicated for them to take their helmet off, obliging slowly the person slide the helmet off. With a gasp I was shocked to see, as they say “the man behind the mask” was in fact Blake Greves.

“Can I help you?” he asked a smug look on he’s face.

“Uhh...Yeah how dear you cut in front of me that could have ended so badly.” I know my argument was half hearted but I still persisted.

“Well I knew it wasn’t going to end badly so I cut in front. Is there anything else?” and again he was smug looking and sounded a little cocky.

“Where did you get your bike?” The words slipped out before I could clamp my mouth shut.

“Oh it was a gift had it for years,” His vague answer left something to be desired and I ground my teeth together to stop myself pursuing it further, “I’ll see you in class Mai. Oh and by the way cute denya.” And with a wink he turned and walked away. Glaring at he’s back I prayed for a car to suddenly come and hit him. As soon as that thought entered my mind a car came zooming around the corner and straight for Blake. As fast as I could I ran towards him and Rugby tackled him to the ground.

“What the....?” He didn’t finish the sentence because right then I knocked the wind right out of him. Whipping my head up, I watched as the car skipped and stop a couple of meters away. Sighing deeply that no one got hurt I looked down at Blake. Smiling I began to remove myself from our knot on the floor but the sudden clamp of Blake’s hand stopped me, looking back down to him I saw a flash of emotions; Confusion, happiness and most of all anger.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He muttered looking expectantly at me.

“Well I didn’t think of it at the time I just reacted.” My voice showed my confusion.

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Now we were both even more confused.

“What are you talking about?” I was beginning to get annoyed.

“About what you are.” He looked so serious it stopped me from giggling.

“An Aquarius?” it was the only thing I could think of apart from brunette but that was even more stupid. Blake was silent and just stared at me unable to stop myself I took that time that appreciate his facial features. He’s strong jaw line leading down to a slightly cleft chin, just above that was positioned a baby pink pair of lips, then angled nose and I dared myself to looked into he’s crystal blue eyes. I had to admit it he was good looking.

“You don’t know do you?” Blake whispered so unexpectedly that I almost jumped out of my skin.

“I don’t know what?” I didn’t get it how could he know something about me that I didn’t even know myself. Again all he did was stare as if trying to tell if I was telling the truth or whether I was keeping the truth from him. I could assure him I was keeping it from him now if I only knew what it was everything would be so much easier!

“It doesn’t matter now, um do you mind getting off of me please?” He muttered without looking at me. Confused I acted automatically, climbing to my feet I stretched out a hand to help Blake which he ignored swiftly ascending to his feet and dusting himself off.

“Right I’ll see you in class.” He muttered still without looking at me and then he was again walking away from me without even thanks. Furious I raced after him.

“How dare you I just saved your life back there and you don’t even have the grace to say thank you.” I was practically running to keep up with him but I was angry enough to keep going.

“Thank you.” He whispered eyes glued to the path ahead.

“Hey! At least have the respect to look at me when you say it. What were you going on about when we were on the floor?” I couldn’t help it, as a slight blush crept up my check, to think about how the full force of he’s eyes made me feel.

“Thank you,” He said turning to face me, “Now can you please stop it because ignoring you and the subject doesn’t seem to be working so DROP IT!” He enunciated each syllable of the last two words. Shocked by he’s sudden forcefulness I lapsed into silence. Quietly we walked into the classroom and sat in our seats. Glancing around I pulled out the poem from yesterday and reread it.

“What are you reading?” A voice said from behind me. Turning round I saw Bobby’s grinning face and jack sober expression, but when he saw me looking he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

“Oh nothing it just something someone sent me but I don’t know who.” Exchanging glances the boys grinned at each a said nothing.

“Either of you two knows anything about this?” and again the both just sat there and grinned. Sighing I turned back around to find Blake staring at me and Cora suddenly appearing in her quite manner.

“Cora you really need to learn to make noise so people know your there.” I smiled as I saw her eyes glued to her IPod as she nodded in my general direction. Shaking my head I gave a short laugh and studied my nails. Blake’s stares caught my attention.

“Can I help you?” I muttered sarcastically.

“You really are oblivious to what’s right in front of you aren’t you? Do you ever notice anything?” Without waiting for my answer he turned away and bent to retrieve something out of he’s bag. Straightening up I gasped with the horror of what i saw before me. Blake ha d just pulled out the first true blood book, this time it was my turn to look away but out of embarrassment not boredom. Thankfully he didn’t get a chance to open the book because just then the bell went for first lesson.

“What you got?” Cora asked actually putting her IPod away.

“Business what about you?” Now what could I do in business that wasn’t the work?

“I got drama,” Suddenly I understood why she put the IPod away, “Bobby can I walk with you to drama please?” giggling I couldn’t help picturing her doing the weird thing with her eyebrows like she’s suggesting something rude and I couldn’t help but laugh out right.

“Of cause you can ma lady.” Bobby said with a bow.

“Mia, Can you show me the way to my business classroom?” Blake’s deep voice carried over everyone else.

“Um ok then what room you in?” Instead of telling me he handed me he’s time table. Scanning down the list when I reached business my heart stopped. He was in my class. And again there was nowhere to sit apart from by me. Looking up I saw the smug looking in he’s eye before he could compose himself.

“You did this on purpose,” I almost shouted at him, “Why do you insist on annoying me?” and with that I stormed off.

“Well,” he said keeping pace with me without even trying, “It’s because your special and you don’t know it yet.” Stumped by that accusation I stayed silent. On the way to class i stopped by my locker to get my memory pen. As I opened the door a piece of paper floated to the ground. Picking it up it read:

“Mirror to mirror, surface to surface,
Never show’s what’s truly there.
Ashes to ashes dark to light,
You’re my sun, you’re my everything,
You’re my whole life.
I’ll rescue you from darkness,
Shadow you from light
I’ll be the balance you’ve always wanted
And I’ll love you for a thousand nights”

It was so beautiful and I still didn’t know who sent them. Folding the paper up I grabbed my memory pen and scurried to class all without looking at Blake. Again we entered the classroom and sat down in complete silence. Logging on to my computer
I signed into webmail and messaged Cora and other friends. The lesson pretty much past without me talking to anyone not even my teacher Mr. Tero. When the bell went at the end of lesson Blake was out he’s seat and out the door quicker than you could say jackrabbit. Climbing out my seat I got the sudden feeling that the rest of the lessons were going to be just as boring as this one.

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Finally the bell went for lunch and I strolled along to the library to meet Cora, and when she arrived she almost jumped on me.

“Guess what I did?” she said jumping up and down on the spot.

“Make the sky fall?” A small giggle escaped my mouth because that was a typical Cora answer.

“Oh ha ha, you’re really funny. No I’m going on a date with Bobby.” She squealed so loud I swear she popped an ear drum.

“Wow how?” I was as enthusiastic as I could be considering it was someone else’s love life.

“Well let me just clarify it’s not really a date,” she said giving me the guilty look,” Because... You’re coming with me.” She said gushing it all out in one breath.

“What? Why do I have to come I’m not the one who wants to date him it’s you,” Sighing I knew I was going to be agreeing with her no matter what I did so I surrendered, “Ok when is it because I might have work.”

“Well I said I’d let him know so you let me know your hours and then we’ll decide.” And with that I now have a date with Cora and Bobby. We sat down and read for the whole of lunch without saying anything.

When the bell went at the end of lunch me and Cora said goodbye to one another and I began walking to English. Stopping by my locker I opened the door and began rummaging through for my English book. Eventually from far at the back I un-wedged it, I tugged at it so hard I toppled back but instead of falling some ones strong hands snaked under my arms and caught me. Pushing me back up, I turned around to thank my savour but came up short when I saw who it was.

“Oh it’s you.” I didn’t even care anymore if I sounded rude or not he just seemed to be there every time I turned around.

“Well your welcome, by the way what are you doing right now?” Blake Greves looked as if there was a more complicated thing going on around us than simply school.

“Um what do you think I’m going to do? I’m going to go to class which is where you should be going.” Turning back to my locker I pulled my lip-gloss out and put it in my pocket, Just as I was about to reach for my IPod suddenly it was gone. Rummaging thought my stuff I looked to see if it was anywhere else but couldn’t see it bending to the floor I looked around to see if it had fallen but again it was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly my head phones came into view looking up I saw Blake had it in he’s hands flicking through the music.

“My Chemical Romance nice, and P!nk, I always saw you as more of a taio Cruz kind of girl.” Totally offended stood up and ripped my IPod from he’s hands.

“Touchy, touchy,” He didn’t seem at all fazed by my attitude, “You want to skip English and come with me? I know a cool way to get off school grounds without getting caught.” Looking at my watch I saw it was already twenty past two it was too late to go to class without getting in trouble so why couldn’t I go? Its wrong that’s why and we could get caught and get in even more trouble than being late for class, but there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind telling me I should go.

“Come on you know you want to I can tell how much you hate English just by the way you got your book out of your locker,” It was true I did hate English and I did pull the book with more force than it needed, “Come on Mia you know you need a break from all your nerdy bookness.”

“If I come with you do you promise to keep from annoying me?” I knew I was asking too much from him but I had to give the impression that I was at least trying to think of an excuse not to go.

“Well I can’t promise that but I can give it a go.” He grinned and that was that I couldn’t think of anything else to say apart from, “OK, let’s go.” Before turning away Blake took hold of my hand and quickly began running down the corridor. Struggling to keep up I had to ask, “Blake where are we going to go?” But instead of answering he just pulled me along. Outside I was pulled along all the way down to bottom field when we came to an abrupt halt. Looking around I could see no way of getting out of school they only option was to hop the fence and there was no way I was going to do that not even if he paid me plus I was too small to even reach one of the little bars going across.

“Don’t worry we’re not going over.” He looked at me and smiled.

“Then how are we going to get out of here?” Every time I was around him I was more confused than I was around anyone else.

“You’ll see.” While I’d been contemplating the fence Blake had moved slightly over to the bushes further down. Joining him I looked closely at the infestation of plants and could just make out if I looked hard enough a gap in the wire fencing behind it.
Looking up at Blake I saw that he was watching me.

“Can I help you?” It was weird how quickly the sarcasm came back into my voice.

“It’s just that I don’t get...” he’s voice flattered as if he started the sentence unsure how to end it.

“It’s just that you don’t get what?” our eyes locked and I could see the answer before he even said it.

“I don’t get...you.” and with that he strode forward pulling the bush away to step through. Once on the other side he held the bush and indicated for me to follow. Gazing back at the school I wondered what Cora was doing right then, probably reading fan fiction. Smiling I turned back to Blake and ducked through the bush. Once there I had a sudden feeling of a giant weight being lifted off my shoulders I hadn’t realized it but I’d been waiting for someone to catch us. Feeling free I jumped for joy spinning round and around I watched as Blake began to get blurry. Stopping everything began to spin but in a good way and I looked at Blake the best I could and waited for him to say what was next.

“Where you want to go then?” He’s head tilted slightly in answer to the question.

“I can’t tell you it’s a surprise.” Turning Blake suddenly walked away. Almost running to keep up I remembered an important factor of this day.

“Blake we have to be back just before the end of the day so I can collect my bike and go to work.” I know I was giving out more information than I should have been but at that point I wasn’t really bothered.

“Ok where you working now?” Now I knew I had let too much slip.

“Oh just in one of the local shops in the village centre” Looking anywhere but at Blake I saw we were heading to the woods.

“Blake come on tell me where we’re going.” I was being impatient but I’d just skipped for the first ever time so I was easily excitable.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” And he wouldn’t say anything more about it. I kept silent as I followed him and he didn’t say anything to me as we walked either. Neither of us spoke even when we entered the forest just before the village. The silence was thick and the feeling of belonging set in once again. We walked and we walked, eventually Blake broke the silence.

“We’re almost there.” He shouted behind he’s shoulder as he was further in front than I was. Sighing with relief I finally took a proper look around. The canopy of tree with the sun shining through looked beautiful so did the forest floor all around us. There was an inkling feeling of déjà vu, liked I’d been here before but it wasn’t possible I’d never ventured this far into the wood’s before no one had it was strictly for hunters in hunting season otherwise it was like out of bounds, come to think of it I had no clue why we weren’t allowed here it was like we were taught from birth not to go too far into the woods and no one ever did. Shaking the feeling off I hurried along to catch up with Blake who was standing close to some more bushes.

“Come on it’s just behind these bushes close your eyes I want this to be a surprise.” Obliging I squished my eyes shut and let Blake guide me through the bush. There was a quick breeze that wasn’t there before telling me we were in a much more open place.

“OK you can open your eyes now.” With that command I blinked my eyes open and saw we were in an opening with a waterfall and pond in it, the feeling of déjà vu got stronger and this time I concentrated on it. The forest the pond the waterfall and Blake. Gasping I remembered, It was like I’d just woke up from it- It being the dream I had just last night- and I gaped at the scene in front of me. And didn’t feel at all scared. Facing Blake I saw the weary expression on he’s face and the hope in he’s eyes and understood that this place must have meant an awful lot to him and here I was with a shocked expression on my own face. Grinning widely I thru my arms open wide and began spinning once again when the world began to blur again I stopped and saw the smile on he’s face. It wasn’t a full blown grin and it was a small smile meant for himself it was one of happiness and it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

“Dare you to jump in the water?”I joked staring at the freezing water. Quick as a flash Blake stripped off he’s shirt and ran towards the water.

“No don’t!” I shouted but it was already too late, I just caught the sight of he’s white torso before I heard the slight splash of the water. Running over I got there and saw him resurface, he’s teeth weren’t even chattering as he floated in the water.

“Your turn.” He shouted gesturing that I was a chicken. Huffing I stripped my jeans and hoodie off and cannon balled into the middle of the water. Resurfacing I realised the water was warmer than it looked. Smirking at Blake I sent a wave of water at he’s face and for a few moment’s we splashed water at each other.

“Stop I surrender but this place isn’t the main thing I want to show you. Can you hold your breath?” Nodding I watched as he swam to the middle and dived downwards it was a few seconds before he resurfaced smiling.

“Ok we can go now,” He held out a hand for me and I took it as he began counting, “ 3,2,1” and at 1 we dived when the water was above our heads Blake pulled me along and into a cave we swam and swam and I began to feel the need to breath. Just as I was about to open my mouth we surfaced. Spluttering I looked around and saw the wet glistening walls of a cave. Climbing out the water I looked around to see what was there, and found a tunnel leading further away from the water. Blake took my hand and we walked into the darkness of the tunnel. Deeper and deeper we went till we came out on the other side, the light was blinding so I had to shield my eyes. Dropping my hand I blinked to let everything focus and gave a gasp of delight, there was lake but this was crystal clear and the light bounced off its surface there were blossoming flowers of blue, red and orange, but the best part was the light, it looked like we was watching our own mini sunset.

“It’s beautiful.” I proclaimed looking around trying to take everything in all at once. When Blake didn’t reply I turned and faced him and like before he was watching me. A funny feeling came over me and I stepped closer.

“What is it Blake?” That wasn’t my voice it had gone all husky and teasing, I didn’t think of Blake in that way, did I? Obviously hearing the change in my voice Blake took at step towards me and we stood just inches apart.

“Mia...if I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.” Each word he spoke our lips almost touched, I could feel he’s breath on my cheeks and though there was a space between us I could feel he’s heat as if he was pushed up against me, and I wanted him to be. Shocked at myself I looked through my mind and saw even when I wasn’t around Blake or even in the same room as him I was thinking about him, and I truly wanted him to kiss me but at the same time I didn’t. Stepping back I turned away and looked at the water.

“You’re probably right I wouldn’t understand by the way what time is it?” I made my voice as cold as I could.

“Um ok then its 15:00 why?” he sounded hurt but I couldn’t look at he’s face just yet.

“I have to go back and get my bike to get to work.” And with that I began walking back down the tunnel with Blake staring daggers in my back. Once back in the water I climbed in and waited for Blake as he stepped in he took my hand and suddenly it went cold at first it wasn’t that bad but after about 30 seconds of holding he’s hand it began to burn.

“Ow!” I exclaimed dropping he’s hand and staring at it, it was slightly pink and tingly, staring down at my hand and then up at Blake I had this funny feeling that he had done it because he was mad at me. I must be going mad how could someone burn me?

“What is it?” He asked staring down at my hand; I noticed that he wouldn’t look me in the eye.

“Um nothing just a weird burning feeling when we were holding hands but it don’t matter we should go now.” I took he’s hand and tugged at it till he came further into the water.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Nodding I watched him look at me quizzically then shake he’s head, “Ok let’s go then you ready? 1, 2, 3.” And we dived. Resurfacing on the other side Blake dropped my hand and swam to the side and pulled himself out. Quizzically I watched as he pulled his shirt on and turned away from me. Climbing out the water myself I turned away from him and pulled on my jeans and hoodie. Straightening up I turned back and saw he was again watching me it was like he’s eyes were glued to me and to be honest I liked it, though I shouldn’t have. Blushing I put my head down and wringed my hands.

“Can we go now?” I said in a voice so low I didn’t expect him to hear me.

“Yeah we can go,” He was suddenly next to me and I could feel the heat of he’s body, “Is your hand ok?” He seemed generally worried about me. I don’t know what came over me but the need to tell him how I thought it happened was over powering.

“Blake is there any chance you could have burnt me? Like your hand was really hot in comparison to the water anything like that?” I knew I sounded crazy but the need to figure it out was to strong. For a moment I thought he was generally thinking about it but then he started to laugh and I knew I had just been looking into it too much.

“Mia that’s impossible you must have a small cut or something on your hand and the water must have caused it to burn, but it would be good if I had some special power to have heat or like fire balls coming out of my hands.” He smirked but there was something in he’s eyes telling me he wasn’t telling the truth but what could it be could he really have secret powers? No it was physically impossible that stuff was meant for fairy tales.

“Fine let’s go then.” I tuned and stomped away from him I knew he was following me because I could strangely hear him breathing. We walked in silent again till we got back to school the final bell hadn’t gone yet it was only 3:15 I had five minutes to be out the school grounds so I can make out I left just after lunch because I was ill. Racing from the bottom field I ran straight for my denya. Quicker than I expected I was in the car park thinking that I’d ran faster than Blake I climbed on my bike crushed on my helmet and was about to reeve the engine when a hand clamped down on mine.

“What the..?” but when I looked up my words ran dry because looking at me with a stone cold look was Blake.

“Mia I’m sorry about today I won’t bother you again.” Then he let me go and walked away. Brain over flowing with questions I revved the engine and rode out to school.

I got to Gem’s by half past and parked my bike out front on the side walk. Opening the door I could hear the normal chatter of a beauty salon with the same atmosphere just with a different cover. Walking over to the counter I stood there waiting for Gem to get off the phone, when she saw me she gave me a big smile and held up a finger indicating she’d only be a minute.

“Ok miss that’s Friday at five we look forward to seeing you thank you bye” putting the phone down she turned to me and looked me up and down. “Well you dress the part but you don’t look the part, we’ll just have to fix that won’t we.” She came from behind the counter and spoke to each of her employees. Each nodded and the ones with customers whispered in their ears they all nodded and grinned at each other.

“Mia if you wouldn’t mind waiting in back we just need to finish up here before we talk to you about your job.” They all looked at me and as it was my first day I was obliged to obey, walking into the back room I sat on the leather couch and waited. It seemed like hours before Gem came to get me but when I looked at the clock I saw it had only been half an hour. The shop was empty apart from the workers and looking at the door I sure the sign said closed. Confused I looked at Gem who was standing by everyone else.

“What’s going on?” I was so confused wasn’t I meant to be working isn’t the shop meant to close at eight?

“Well we were talking and I know you haven’t started yet but you look like a capable person so we’re fed up of looking for new people all the time so we’ve decide to keep you full time and teach you all the ropes, but in order for that to happen you can’t look like any old regular person you’ve got the attitude and the clothes but you just need the rest of the look,” looking at each other’s slowly the workers began to move closer to me,” so how do you feel about a makeover?”.

“What? I can’t have a makeover I’m just plain me.” Still I was backing away slowly but suddenly I was taken out from behind and was sitting in one of the salon chairs.

“Trust me Mia when we’re finished with you, you won’t even recognize yourself.” They wheeled me over to the mirrors but kept me faced away.

“What colour do you think Paul, Red, Black or maybe cosmic blue?” What where they going to do to me?

“Ooooh defiantly red as blood red as we can” what was that about blood? I was beginning to get really scared.

“Don’t worry honey you’re in capable hands.” With that she lent my chair back began washing my hair. Then Paul came over and began tipping something onto my hair and when he replaced Gem her hands were bright red. Gasping I looked at the ceiling and waited for them to finish. Once I was out the water and my hair towel dried they began on my makeup.

“Right first you’re under coat of white eye shadow then use a smoky blue and then black and finally the top eye liner a slight pinkish lip gloss.” He said it all too quick I’d have to ask him to write it down for me. It was never ending next a girl called Tracy came over and began on my hair again.

“Right I’m thinking curly with a side fringe what you think? It doesn’t matter any way I’m going to do it so sorry you got no option.” She was smiling but I could tell that she meant what she said.

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Finally they were finished looking up at them all some had hair dye over them others makeup.

“Are you ready to see yourself?” Gem asked looking tired yet content.

“I don’t know but better sooner than later.” I held my breath and closed my eyes as they turned my chair around to face the mirror. Slowly I counted to five in my head then opened my eyes, and was shocked to see the results. My once brown ‘straight’ hair was now blood red and curly, the olive yellow colour of my skin was now stark white and my green eyes were standout against the sparkling blue black of my make up my lips also looked full and pinker. Eyes tearing up I turned back to the members of Gem’s workforce and grinned at them widely. They all looked happy with themselves.

“Thank you...” I was meant to add something else but I chocked on my words.

“No, there will be no teas I won’t stand for it.” Gem ordered strong voiced but teary eyed. Sucking it up I smiled at everyone and stood firmly in my place.

“Right what’s my first order of work?” I sounded confident and happy with myself. Gazing round Gem smiled at herself and shook her head.

“Well your first order is to go home and have a good rest ready for your first day of training tomorrow,” confused I looked at the clock and saw it was 8 o’clock, “and then tomorrow we’ll teach you the ropes and what you’ll job will be till your ready to start cutting hair if it’s something you want to learn?” I nodded eagerly in reply,” and for now we’ll just write down a few tips to get your hair and makeup right.” Walking into the back room with Gem I sat down and waited for her to write the list for me.

“Thank you Gem really you don’t know how much this means to me,” I couldn’t believe the result of their hard work, “it’s weird how many years I’ve spent being fed up with the way I looked and now in only a few hours and a lot of hard work I look like this.” I almost started crying again, Gem smiled at me and nodded as she handed over a long list of things to do with my hair and makeup.

“Honey it’s ok we were happy to do it just promise me you’ll make an effort,” she pause for a moment then added, “apart from tomorrow don’t try tomorrow do what you can to hide everything because on Friday I want everyone to see the result and I want it to be a result that you did so tomorrow we practise till you get it, so I’ll see you tomorrow.” Nodding I got up and left the back room calling a quick goodbye to everyone who was packing up to leave I walked out the door got on my bike, trying not to mess my hair up, I put my helmet on and rode home.

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There were three of us back to back surrounded by creature of all means of danger, each group facing each of us. I wasn’t afraid I knew I’d be safe during whatever happened next. Just as the thought formed three figures appeared on each side, a small one on the far side, a shrouded one in the middle and a big bulky one right in front of me. He spoke first:

“Back away before I make you,” He’s voice was animalistic deep and growly,” I said back away.” This time the voice boomed over everything else sending shivers up my spine. Slowly the group in front backed away at first then melted into the shadows I couldn’t make out any faces just shapes. The figure stood shock still. Then there was a low growl followed by high pitched howl and the small group on the far side backed away. The last was the group in the middle, like the last there was a low growl but this time it was followed like a voice.

“How dare you endanger her life I will have your lives for this,” the voice was just a low hiss but it carried through the wind, “now go and I will deal with you later.” And with that the figures soured in the air and vanished. For what seemed like a life time no one spoke and the only noise was the dead silence of the woods around us and it looked as if no one was going to speak but then the figure in front of me stepped closer and addressed me.

“Mia you know me, you don’t have to be scared please Mia don’t be afraid of me.” Underneath the growl and anger in the voice I heard someone I recognized, but I couldn’t be. Walking forward he slowly began to come into the light but just as I was about to see he’s face he backed away, “Mia you’re not ready yet I just want to know that you know it’s me and to know you’re not afraid.” If it was who I thought it was then they had a big secret hidden from me but I wasn’t afraid but if it wasn’t then I had a perfectly good reason to be afraid. Sucking in a deep breath I prepared myself to ask the question I wasn’t ready to know the answer to.

“Blake is that you?” I was hoping I was wrong but I knew I wasn’t, “Blake please is it you?” No one said anything but the figure in front of me gave an all mighty raw and it confirmed my question. Blake, it was Blake. Stumbling back I gave a gasp of horror and everything went black.

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The next day for I wore another hoodie had my hair tied up to hide the colour and skinny jeans. When I was standing in front of my locker Cora came over to drop the bomb shell.

“Mia, Mia guess what? Bobby said he could do tomorrow night so we can go on our date.” Her voice went all high and excited and I knew what I was going to say next was going to crush her but I didn’t have a choice.

“Cora you know I can’t do tomorrow I've got work straight after school and I'm going to want to go home cause of when I finish.” I knew I was crushing her hopes but it would be only my proper second day so I couldn’t just skip out. Slowly Cora’s facial expressions changed from on the moon to the look of total despair.

“What do you mean you can’t come tomorrow? I can’t go without you so what am I meant to do?” I could tell she was slightly panicking but I didn’t know what to do.

“I can’t come I got work and you could just go on your own it isn’t that big a deal.” I knew I was blowing her off.

“Please there has to be something you can do some way you can come with me?” It was slightly sad the way she was begging but what could I do I could just ring up and ask what time I would finish tonight...

“Cora hold on a second,” pulling out my phone I dialled the number for Gem’s and waited for someone to pick up when they did I spoke to Gem and she told me what time I finished tonight grinning I turned back to Cora, “Ok I can come tomorrow as long as it’s after 6 o’clock.” There was a sudden high pitched squeak and I swear I'm deaf.

“Really, you can come? Oh thank god.” She walked away big grin on her face but her eyes still glued to her IPod. Grinning to myself I turned back to my locker and searched for my geography word dictionary, there was a sudden pulse to the air and I knew someone was standing close behind me. Holding my breath I turned around and saw that Bobby was standing there.

“Hey Bobby how’s it going?” I sounded happy but at that moment I was, for some reason, anything but.

“Hey Mia long time no see you still coming tomorrow?” I nodded and he grinned like a Cheshire cat, “How about when we’ve been to the movies or whatever you let me take you home?” Again all I did was nod, “Cool I’ll see you later.” The rest of the day I didn’t really speak to anyone. When I walked into form at the end of the day I was hit by the sudden realization that Blake wasn’t in school today. For a few seconds my spirits were lifted but then something sank from inside me and I felt sad. Once the bell went for the end of the day I made my way over to Gem’s, but my mood didn’t change I sulked through the whole introduction to my job as the cleaner and when I did my work I did it with too much force and almost scrubbed a hole in the floor. At the end of my shift I wasn’t in the mood to g straight home and as it was still light out I walked around the village for a while looking in all the shops which most I knew off by heart getting bored I ventured to the far end of the square and came to a little shop I hadn’t seen before. The bell rang as I opened the door on the inside it was like being transported back in time it was like an old fashioned book store. Floor to ceiling selves filled with books with two seats to sit in and behind the counter was an old man in his 60’s. He smiled at me and beckoned me over having nothing better to do I went over willingly

“Take this book it’ll get you back into believing in your heart.” And with that he handed over a book and walked into the back room closing the door behind him doing as the man said I went to the seats and sat down. The title of the book read ‘Forbidden’ on the front was a picture of a man and a woman hugging, it was an eye catching picture. Turning the book over I began reading the blurb:

“I'm not going to hurt you.” He said gazing at me he’s eyes begging me to understand.
“How can I trust when you kept this from me?” I began crying as I ran from the room

Eve was a normal girl not very popular but lived a quite life that was till cold and beautiful Quinn moved into town. Now Eve’s starting to feel things she’s never felt before and they’re directed towards Quinn but what she doesn’t know is that he’s keeping a secret from her and it’s not just that he feels the same, But then her best friend goes missing and everyone’s looking at Quinn. Will she save her friend or save her heart?’

Standing up I walked to the back room and knocked on the door after about five minutes the old man opened it.

“How much for the book?” I didn’t know whether it was boredom or whether it was the blurb form the book but I wanted to read it.

“Free of charge just come and see me some time I could help you.” He smiled and just shut the door without another word. Putting the book in my bag I walked out the shop and began to walk home. When I was about a block from my house I heard a familiar voice coming from the alley next to me. Curiosity taking over I tiptoed into the dark, the voice began to get louder with each step when I got to the turning I crouched low to the floor and peeked around and standing there was Blake and an older man he was beautiful to but there was a darkness about him that Blake didn’t have.
“You’ve been here for almost a week where are the Thrice?” the man said in a voice that sent shiver’s up my spine with each syllable.

“Cole trust me I've found the first power and the most important, the hybrid.” ‘Cole’ as Blake had called him looked impressed for a millisecond then masked it with an indifferent look.

“How, no one has been able to find this guy, not even the shaman and he’s the best we have?” He seemed reluctant to admit that maybe Blake could have found this guy.

“Well I'm just too good and it’s not a guy it’s a girl.” Cole seemed both shocked and happy to hear this.

“What do you mean it’s a girl?”

“Well it’s a female, a woman, a thing of opposite sex.”

“Well I look forward to seeing her, bring her and the other two back as soon as possible.” I was watching closely so there was no way I could mistake it the guy just disappeared, I gave a gasp of shock as the man vanished then wished I hadn’t.

“Who’s there?” I was too afraid to answer I just sat there frozen. “I know your there, please come out I'm not going to hurt you.” By the sound of he’s voice I knew he was lying but something told me it was better to show myself than let him find me. Taking a deep breath I stood up and rounded the corner. When Blake saw me he’s eyes went round and then silted to glare at me.

“How long have you been standing there?” he’s voice had gone all low and cold.

“Um have long would be too long?” I joked, but Blake’s face just got stonier and stonier, “Ok then I guess you’re not in the mood for jokes.” There was a blur and I was suddenly crushed against the wall. I let out a squeal of surprise thinking someone had snuck up behind me but when I looked up at them I was shocked to see Blake.

“How long have you been standing there?” He shouted in my face. To afraid to answer I looked into he’s eyes and saw the anger there and started shaking. “Answer me god damn it Mia how long were you there?”

“N...n...not long.” I managed to stammer out.

“And what did you hear?” he was too angry to lower he’s voice.

“N...n...nothing I just heard your voice so I came to see what you were doing down here and then you started asking me questions I just got curious a...And you weren’t in school today so I wanted to ask you why?” I was only partly lying, and Blake looking in my eyes must have seen that because he released me and began cursing to himself.

“Damn what am I going to do? How can I let her go when she’s most likely heard everything I've just said about...?” he looked back at me and I saw he’s intentions.
“NO!” I screamed as he came towards me and I held up my hands and there was a sudden bright light and everything went black.

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The old man from the book store was standing in a circle of hooded figures that were all circled around a fire. They were chanting in a language that I didn’t understand. The fire began to flicker and smoke began to rise. The chanting began to die down as a figure began to form in the smoke once there was silence someone spoke from the circle.

“Daygonna, welcome to our coven, blessed be.” He spoke to the smoke figure but didn’t lift he’s head.

“Blessed be child, I am glad to be of service but why, my child, have you called upon me on this sacred day?”The voice was as soft as the wind and hypnotic I felt more relaxed jus hearing it.

The book keeper spoke up then, “Blessed be goddess, we have called you on this day to ask has the Thrice finally grazed us with their presence? If so are we destined to fight the dark one and he’s demonic army?” when he said the words ‘dark one’ he’s voice went quite as if it a taboo.

“Ahhh my child you’ve asked a question you know the answer to, so what do you know about the Thrice?” I was too intrigued to move away from my rock which I realized I was leaning against.

“Well there are three members one is a young lady who I have come to believe is the hybrid,” there was a collection of gasps going around the circle at this statement, “and I gave her the first of the three book the up to date one, I also believe that the other two are her friends but we don’t know who they are yet.” Everyone started mumbling they all sounded excited about these people called the Thrice.

“my sons and daughters please concentrate these girls are more powerful than any other witch before us and any witch to come and more importantly the hybrid is the most important she is the only way to defeat the dark one and to save what is left of the dragos before they turn into demons.” The voice sounded happy yet stern on what was clear about what was going to happen, “To answer your final question make the hybrid believe and you will find your answer only she can unlock what will happen between the dark side and the light side” her words slowly faded out just as the smoke did. Once she was gone the chanting started again then when it faded out everyone began talking and he book keeper left. There were two figures standing close by and I could just make out what they were saying.

“Do you think it’s her?” The masculine of the two said excitement in he’s voice.

“I know it’s her I can feel her power when she’s in the room.” This person had a high pitched voice and was obviously a woman “Is it me or is it extremely hot tonight?” The male nodded he’s head, suddenly the woman flung her hood back and in the dimness of the fading fire I could just back out the lighting on pink hair.

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I woke and could dimly make out the shadow of a figure; I knew this was real and not just a dream. I gave a gasp and the movement of breathing didn’t feel right as the figure turned to me I began to blink back into darkness, they began walking forward till he stood directly above me still I was returning to the darkness, then I heard “don’t remember anything but forget nothing” then the blackness was back swallowing me again.