Disclaimer:
All characters in this story belong to James Patterson. But the plot in this story is all mine!
My eyes blinked open. Little spots of light clouded my vision, and a dull pain throbbed in my temples. Then I realized someone was right over me.
I screamed and jumped to my feet.
Surrounding me were five kids. And a dog that really needed a bath. They were all of assorted races and genders. Plus they all looked pretty unkempt and roughed up. I looked down at myself and let out a screech of disgust.
Ewww! Why the hell was I wearing these repulsive, smelly clothes? And the combat boots were too heavy and mud-caked. My hair was knotted and dirt-streaked.
"Are you okay, Max?" The tall, dark-haired one that had been leaning over me inquired, startled. As he came closer, I backed away. He took a small step and I took a few steps back.
He stared at me in confusion, dark eyes glinting.
The taller one, the lighter haired boy, asked, "Fang, what's wrong with her?"
"I don't know," "Fang" replied. What a weird name. Who names their kid "Fang"?
That's when I noticed there weren't any adults around. And we were in the middle of the woods. Where the hell was I?!
I picked up a rather sharp-looking stick and held it firmly in both hands defensively.
"Who are you people? Where am I? Answer me now!" They were very shocked at this. The little black girl looked on the verge of tears, and the little blonde boy was gaping at me.
"Fang" strode towards me, measuring his steps. "You get closer and I swear I'll knock your brains out!" I cried.
Suddenly, he was coming at me like a lion at his prey. Whoa. He was quick. But I was quicker.
The dark guy bellowed in pain as my stick hit him square in the kneecap. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his knee. For a second I felt kind of bad—he was really hot. But whatever.
The rest of the kids came running toward him. And with one last glance back, I bolted off, not sure where I was headed.