Chapter 1

Isaac walked out of his house quietly and shut the door. He started to retreat from his house. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he wanted to get there fast. All hell was breaking loose, and he wanted to be nowhere near it. His parents were fighting again. Taylor had locked himself in the bathroom, while Zac was hiding out in their room with their other siblings. Isaac just wanted to be gone. As he rounded the street corner, he saw an empty bench. Softly sighing, he sat down. He closed his eyes, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He didn't remember much. He heard yelling and banging and- and all he knew is that he had to get out. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice.

"Are you alright?"

Isaac opened his eyes. No, he hadn't imagined that voice. A girl was standing in front of him, looking at him very strangely. He shook his thoughts off and quickly answered,

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You seemed a little... upset." the girl said, concern showing. He felt kind of uncomfortable around her. Was it her business anyway? He wished she would just go away.

"I'm fine," he said, a little harsher than he hoped to. She looked a bit taken aback. She turned and went to leave. Before she could get far, though, Isaac was up and following her. He put his hand on her shoulder, hoping she would slow down a bit so he could apologize. She abruptly stopped, and turned, glaring at him. She was making him feel uncomfortable again.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said. He now finally had a good look at her. She didn't look any older than 18, himself being 20. She had blonde hair with dark highlights, and her dark eyes smiled at him, reflecting something he wasn't sure he wanted to converse with.

"It's ok," she said shyly smiling at him, then she added, "I really have to go now, though." Her quiet monotone voice gave him the chills. Still, now that she was leaving, he didn't want to see her to go. He might not exactly trust her, but she sure as hell ingruiged him. She gave a quick wave, and readjusted, with much effort, what seemed to be a rather heavy bag on her shoulder.

"Do you live around here?" he asked, as she turned to leave.

"Oh, you'll see me around," she answered, and started toward what he assumed was her home.

"Well, what's your name?" he called.

"I'll see you another time," she shouted back, obviously ignoring the question. He'd just have to wait to find that out. Her figure disappeared, but Isaac stood there for a few moments reviewing what had happened. Why did she make him feel so odd? Her smile gave him the chills, whether that be good or bad. She seemed so sweet, though, why did she make him so uncomfortable? He shrugged. These questions weren't going to get answered tonight, nor would just standing there thinking about them help. Taking one more look in the direction she left in, he started to walk home.