Chapter 2

Lost

"Are they gone?" She said, breaking the silence in the clearing.

"I don't think so, but they sort of disappeared about an hour ago." Said the new kid, we call him that, but really he only arrived a day before I, you could still see the colour in his face.

"That's the part that scares me the most…" I said, clearly scared. There was a rustling in the woods, we all whipped out heads around to see what was going on. Then, a spine tingling, shriek.

"Run!" I remember someone yelling but by then, I was already gone. I heard footsteps behind me, not knowing if it was me, or one of Them, but I wasn't going to think about that, at that moment I was focused on survival. I couldn't see where I was going, I was scratched and could feel the warm blood dripping down my arms and face, but that wasn't going to stop me either, I had a home, I had friends, and I had a Facebook status that obviously need updating considering I left my friend permission to put my status as "Is chilling with Jesus" if I died. That is seriously not going to happen.

Another scream pierced the night, and I swear it was closer this time. I don't know how long I was running, but it was a long time before I heard someone say "Marika, stop running!" Clearly not thinking properly, I allowed myself to slow down and turn around. A familiar face welcomed my wondering, bloodshot eyes. It was Johnny Carson, and Thomas Webber. I gave a sigh of relief, and then collapsed into Johnny's arms. I don't cry often, but I made an exception here I cried and cried, not noticing the awkward face Johnny was making, clearly shocked by what just happened, I don't remember blacking out, but I'm sure it happened shortly after.

I woke up to find myself in a clearing, with no one around. There was a creak gurgling in the distance, I remembered that sound from a camping trip I went on with my dad, not long after my parents were divorced. Thinking of my parents made me sick, especially because of the last thing I said to my mom before I stormed out of the house. I said I hate you then, but now I want nothing more than to be cradled in her arms. When I see her again I need to say I'm sorry. If I ever see her again… I thought to myself as I listened to the creek in the distance.

Then it occurred to me, where was everyone, we left the barn last night at around one in the morning, and after that it's just a blur… Who was the one screaming? Where am I? Breaking my train of thought was Thomas coming from the direction of the creek, the tattered clothes he was wearing wet and dripping, "Well look who's up! You've been asleep for almost fifteen hours! We were getting worried…" He said.

"No Tom, it was only you that was worried, I knew she would wake up," exclaimed Johnny, in his "know it all" voice, I can't say I liked Johnny very much, but he sure knew a lot about the wilderness so I thought it would be better if I had him on my side, "They always do."

"Where are we?" I said, ignoring that little comment.

"Well, judging by the look of the trees and the small creek, I would say were about half a mile past I don't know where the hell we are, but hey that's just me, what do you think John?" said Thomas, you see, Thomas isn't like a lot of people, ha has jet black hair, and a face that… well, let's just say only a mother would love. And don't say that's mean, I'm probably being a little generous.

"Thank you for that useless remark," retorted Johnny, rolling his pale green eyes, he was taller than most guys his age, but was about as weak as a fourth grader, he would often hide behind teachers or the principle. He's basically the older version of a teacher's pet, more like the teacher's assistant, don't ask how I know this, I'll tell you anyways, he's been in my class since grade one when I moved here from a big city, it was a major adjustment, and still is, but I've been able to manage, "I suppose in your world, you little comment there got us past "which way is north" because it is ever so helpful!"

"Stop it you two! The last thing we need is more people fighting!" I said, trying to keep order in this crumbling group.

"You're right, we have bigger problems." Said Tom in a soft voice.

"And what might that be?" I said, sounding impatient.

"Yes what more could possibly go wrong?" said Johnny sarcastically.

Thomas replied, "The new kid isn't here… and neither is Hailey."