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Preface

I always thought that one moment can change your whole life; and it was proven in these last months. But, in one second a dream come true can be ripped out of your hands like sand slipping through your fingers.
Not only had I found out secrets that changed my whole existence, my whole family was now ripping apart at the seams. He was still out there; ready to kill all I love, all that I care for. But, that was the least of my worries. I just had to keep running, until I could find some way of getting out of this.
It had all happened so fast, like a dream; but now the dream had become a nightmare. Tiny droplets of sweat clung to my face as I ran towards my worst fear. I heard the panting behind me, he was coming.
This would have never happened if I hadn’t been so curious, if I had just gone along with everybody else. But, that was over and done with. Yet, I only regret getting my best friend tangled up in this mess. It was selfish for me to do that; now that I think of it, I had been selfish a lot recently. I didn’t use my brain as much as I should. Well, I don’t think I would have done it differently if I was put into this situation again. The only problem is that if I live through this nothing will be the same.

Chapter 2
Port Newman

“You have your father’s eyes.” Penny said softly as she looked at me with intent eyes. We hadn’t spoken for most of the one hour we had been in the car. It surprised me when she spoke, I jumped a little.
“Oh, yes. People who knew my father comment on it too.” I said with a sheepish smile. I looked out the window at the side mirror at my deep green eyes. I couldn’t really remember my father or how he looked, but people had always told me that he had green eyes. That was probably the only trait I got from my father.
I looked at the blurs of colour as the world sped by my window. I looked back at the clock, it had only been one hour and we still had almost three more to go. It was a long drive. We were almost at the border to cross into Canada. I couldn’t help but wonder what my new school would be like. I expected it would be just like back at my old school; I would have as little friends as possible and all boys would ignore me. I didn’t have high expectations for the school.
“What’s Port Newman Heights like?” I asked softly as I looked over at my aunt. I had a feeling she wouldn’t know much about the school. But, she must know something at least a little.
Penny looked over at me with a smile. “I had a feeling you would ask that question.” She started with a small laugh. “Port Newman Heights is a really good school. I don’t know much about it, but my neighbour’s son goes there and he seems to enjoy it. I’m sure I can get him to show you around town once we arrive.” She explained to me as she looked back at the road.
My eyes trailed back to the blurs outside the window. Maybe Port Newman will be different. Maybe something good will happen for once.
The rest of the drive was silent, except for some music in the background. I liked how my aunt didn’t feel the need to interrogate me the whole ride. We soon made it to a sign that read, “Port Newman”. My heart pounded loudly as I suddenly became unsure of myself. Maybe it was a mistake coming here, it was a horrible mistake. I wasn’t ready to be here, I don’t think I would ever be ready.

This is my room, mine. For six whole months. It was white, very white. Just like the house, this white house. It had white bricks outside and white walls inside. I didn’t know that my aunt liked white so much. She just blamed her husband for the boring house. I’m pretty sure it was the mix of the two of them that made the house so colourless.
I put my bags on the bed and looked out the window; Port Newman was surrounded by thick green forest. My window overlooked a large patch of the forest; it was nice to look at.
I was about to start unpacking when I heard a small knock on the front door. Penny and her husband went to get food for a small celebration that we were going to have; so I went to open the door. Outside was a boy who looked about my age but he had ginger red hair.
He gave me a small smile and said, “Hello, I’m Cole Hale. Your aunt wanted me to show you around town.”
I looked at him with astonishment; my aunt had actually set this thing up. I shook away the surprised look and replaced it with a smile. “Oh, that would be really nice. Thank you.” I said happily.
I followed him outside and locked the door behind me after leaving a note saying where I was going. Cole and I started walking down the street, with him pointing out different houses and explaining, in great detail, who lived there. He was very nice to me and didn’t seem to be repelled by me at all. We even ended up laughing together at a joke. I was slowly changing my mind about the town. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.
As we continued to walk I saw a small trail of smoke coming from deep inside the forest. “Why is there smoke coming out of the forest?” I asked with wonder filling my face.
Cole’s eyes followed mine to the smoke and he nodded, “That’s where the Carsons live.” He explained looking back at me.
I looked at him with a questioning look, “Who are the Carsons?” I asked him.
“Mr. and Mrs. Carson and their children, Brianna and Edmund.” He said with a small smile. “They live in a cottage in the forest. They like their privacy.”
I nodded in understanding, “Do any of the children go to our school?” I asked him as we walked past the forest onto a busier street.
Cole nodded as we crossed the street. “Yeah, Edmund does. He’s in our grade. I think Brianna is in university.”
I let the conversation drop and we continued to walk around the main part of town. It’s not a really big town and I don’t really understand why the people who first came here would call it Port Newman, because I never once saw a port.
When the sun started to set Cole looked at me, “We should be getting home or we’re going to get our ears chewed out with scolds.” He said with a sheepish smile.
I looked at him questioningly, “Why? Are we not allowed out after dark?”
“Well, we are, but it’s not a good idea. We’ve been having wolf problems in this area lately.” He explained, “I know it’s kind of weird since wolves live up north.” He laughed softly.
I nodded in slight understanding as we approached my house. I turned to Cole, “Well, I guess I’ll see you at school on Monday.” I said with a sheepish smile.
Cole nodded eagerly, “Sure you will. I’ll even give you a tour of the school.” He said with a big smile. “I’ll see you around.” He said giving me a small pat on the shoulder before going back to his house.
I walked back into the house and was greeted by Penny. She bombarded me with questions, “Welcome back Sam. Did you have fun with Cole? He’s such a nice boy, isn’t he?”
I nodded slightly as I walked further into the house, “Yeah, he’s really nice and he told me a lot. I know more about this town then I do about my home town.” I said with an awkward laugh.
Penny smiled triumphantly as she said, “I knew you would like him. He’s a very likable boy.”
I nodded and retreated to my bedroom to get ready for dinner. Penny is a very bubbly person in her own home. She kind of scared me a little, she was nice enough but she was a very “in your face” kind of person.
I sat on my bed thinking of Monday and how much I wasn’t looking forward to it. Cole would be there, but I wouldn’t know anyone else. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was going to be like my old school; me with only one friend. Yet, I had a small feeling it wouldn’t be that way.
I was called down for dinner and I slowly made my way to the dinning room. The food smelled fantastic and I sat down with Penny and her husband and started to eat. The food tasted just as good as it smelled. As always Penny was talking about different things; from school to work, from weather to politics. I just sat and listened as I ate, my eyes kept drifting outside to the dark forest.
I thought I saw something move between a cluster of trees not too far from the house. I looked at Penny, “Cole said that there have been wolf problems around here, is that true?” I asked.
Penny’s face became suddenly serious as she looked back at me. “Yes, it is true. I didn’t get a chance to warn you before. There seems to be a small pack of wolves now living in the forests around this town.” She explained as she also glanced out the window at the forest. “Specialists have tried to locate the pack during the day, but they have found nothing so far. But, deer and sometimes dogs are dying all over the place.” She said looking back at the table. “I don’t know what it is but, I want it to stop, whatever it is.”
I nodded, “I would want it to stop too.” I said softly. Again, I saw something moving outside and I felt my throat tighten. I kept reassuring myself that wolves wouldn’t come this close to the houses. I took a small breath and continued eating, not bringing up the subject of wolves again.
When dinner was finished I helped clean up the dishes and the left over food. Their kitchen was much neater than mine and was nicely decorated, it made me feel welcome.
Penny handed me a small bag, “Can you take this out to the compost bin in the back yard, please?”
I took the bag and walked out the backdoor. The sun was already disappearing behind the trees. A long shadow was cast making the yard look menacing. I marched over to the compost bin and emptied the contents of the bag into it. I heard rustling behind me and I stiffened. I quickly looked back at the house; Penny and her husband were still in the kitchen on the other side of the house. The back door was on the other side of the yard as well. The rustling stopped and I exhaled in relief.
Before I could take a step forward a silver blur shot out from the forest. I wanted to scream but nothing came out of my mouth so I scrambled back towards the compost bin. I hoped to use it as some kind of shield or maybe as a weapon if necessary. The wolf standing in the middle of the yard was about the biggest wolf I had ever seen. Its eyes were locked on me, but I couldn’t help but notice they had a kind of playful look in them.
Suddenly another blur, this time light brown, shot out of the forest. The light brown wolf stood with its back to me. It stood as if in superiority to the other, even though it was slightly smaller. The smaller one growled at the first quietly. They growled at each other like they were having their own quiet conversation. I stood there frozen in surprise and fear.
Time ticked by slowly, but finally the silver wolf bounded back into the forest and out of sight. I felt some relief that one was gone, but the brown wolf was still standing there stiffly. I couldn’t find the courage to move or yell for help. Slowly the wolf turned to look at me with piercing brown eyes. They held a kind of coldness that sent a chill down my spine. It let out a small huff from its nose before turning and bounding off the same way the first one had.
I stood there for another moment just looking to where the wolf had gone. The way it snorted at me was almost in annoyance. I could feel tears burning in my eyes from fright but I knew I would never be allowed out of the house if I told Penny about what had just happened.
I quickly walked back inside and returned the bag to Penny. She didn’t ask why it had taken me so long, which was a relief, and I went up to my room. I sat on the bed and let the tears fall onto my cheeks. I had been so scared and I could feel my heart still pounding violently. I remembered the piercing brown eyes well; they didn’t seem like animal eyes, more human. Though the wolf seemed annoyed at me, it seemed as if it was trying to protect me from the other.
I took in a deep breath as the tears stopped. I wiped my eyes and walked over to my desk, remembering I was supposed to e-mail Kaylee. I was going to tell her what had happened. I bet she would find out anyway; if I didn’t tell her now I would just end up telling her later. Just as I opened my inbox I saw I already had an e-mail from her. I laughed softly and opened it.

Sam,
I couldn’t resist emailing you! Tell me about everything!! And I mean everything. Have you taken any pictures yet? I told you I wanted to see everything didn’t I? I bet you haven’t taken any pictures, so get taking! That scrapbook better be full when you get back! Well, call me sometime! Miss you loads!
Best friends forever! Kaylee

I couldn’t help but laugh at her email. I looked over to where my camera was sitting. It was too dark to take any pictures of the forest, but I could take a picture of my room. Before I did anything else I responded to Kaylee’s e-mail.

Kay,
Hey, sorry I didn’t email you fast enough. Haha! Nothing much has happened. My room is nice enough, and I have a great view of the forest. Penny and Charles are nice enough and they sure can cook. I met a nice boy, Cole; Penny kind of forced him to show me around. He goes to my school and he’s going to show me around on Monday. Oh, but one weird thing did happen, Cole mentioned that they had been having a small wolf problem in that area. A few minutes ago I was outside and a wolf just ran out of the forest and looked at me. It was the most terrifying thing ever! Then another one came out of the forest! But, it was different. It didn’t look at me like the other did. Actually it barely looked at me at all. The two wolves just stood there growling at each other until the first one went back into the forest. I don’t know but it seemed like they were having their own personal conversation in like wolf speech or something. It was so weird, very scary at the time. But, then the second wolf turned to me and made a noise like it was angry or annoyed. Then it also left. I almost started bawling right then and there. I can’t help but think that the second wolf was trying to protect me from the first. Well, that was a very exciting experience and I hope to never have it again. Ha ha! I’ll call you soon! I promise!
Miss you loads! Sam

I yawned softly as I sent the e-mail. Monday was going to come fast, faster than I wanted. At least Cole would be there; but who’s to say that after he’s shown me around that he won’t just leave and never speak to me again. I wasn’t being very optimistic about it and I should. Everything would be fine.

I awoke Monday morning filled with fear; sure Cole was going to be at the school too, but he never took the bus. I was going to be alone on the bus on my first day. That thought made me nervous. What if Cole was going to be just like Kaylee, my only friend?
I wanted to just crawl under the covers and hide, but Penny came in and pulled up the blinds, letting all the light in. I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a groan, I didn’t want to go. I sat up, though, and rubbed my eyes pathetically, just accepting the fact that I had no other choice.
I got up, after Penny had left, and looked out the window at the forest. Even from my window I could see the small trail of smoke coming from the Carson’s cottage. I couldn’t help but wonder about Edmund and who he was. He would probably ignore me, like most people likely would.
Reality brought me back and I snapped out of my daze. I shuffled around the room grabbing clothes; I got dressed and walked down stairs. Penny and Charles were sitting at the table with another place set for me. They both were eating small bowls of cereal and greeted me as I walked to my seat.
Both Penny and Charles left soon after; they are both elementary school teachers in the town. I didn’t mind being alone in the house, my mother was always working so I was alone a lot. I got a bowl and got breakfast for myself. I ate it slowly, keeping an eye on the clock. The bus would be coming soon. I cleaned up when I was finished eating and finished getting ready.
I looked out the window just as the bus pulled up to the curb. I sighed, “Well, here goes nothing.” I mumbled as I pulled on my coat and grabbed my bag. I hurried out the door, locking it behind me, and onto the bus.
Inside was warm and muggy; everyone just stopped talking as I walked towards the only empty seat. I sat down silently and just stared out the window. I could feel the stares from the other students on the bus. My cheeks started to burn, I had never had people watch my every movement before and it made me uncomfortable. When the bus started moving again they stopped staring at me.
I let out a small sigh as I continued to look out the window. I glanced at the person who was sitting in front of me; they had golden hair the shimmered softly. I noticed they were sitting alone as well. I let the thought drop as the bus pulled up to the curb of another street.
A couple people got on, including a girl with dark, curly hair. Her dark eyes quickly found me and the empty seat next to me. She hurried over and asked if she could sit there. I nodded shyly and she sat down eagerly. She soon started chatting with me, about my new school, teachers, classes and everything. She did most of the talking so all I had to do was listen. Most of the time the information she provided was useful, but sometimes it turned into mindless gossip.
“My name is April Swang, it’s nice to meet you.” She said finally holding a hand out.
I shook her hand and smiled at her. She could be a little clueless at times, but she was a really nice person. “I’m Samantha Fredrick.” I said as I let go of her hand. I glanced at the person sitting in front of us just as their head flicked away. I didn’t get a chance to see who it was.
“So, you’re in grade ten?” April asked capturing my attention again. I nodded and April seemed to get more excited. We started comparing classes. I felt relieved that at least April was my friend now as well. We had a few classes together, all except one.
I saw the movement again in front of us and looked up just as they looked away. But, I actually got a chance to see who it was; a male, with golden blond hair that was shimmering.
April also noticed that he looked at me and she giggled softly. She leaned closer to me and said quietly, “It looks like you’ve caught the attention of Edmund.” She said with a smirk. My head snapped up to look at the back of his head. That was Edmund Carson. I heard April speak to me again, “I’m surprised, he doesn’t talk to anyone or look at anyone.”
I looked at her, “I’m sure he’s not interested in me, Samantha.” I whispered back. “He’s just interested in the new girl.” I said with a small sigh.
Just then, well pulled up to the school. This was it, but I was feeling a little better about it now that I knew April as well. As the bus stopped all of the students got up ready to leave. I heard some annoyance in their voices, being back to school. If I was home, I would feel it too.
April and I stood up as well waiting for the long train of students to finish. April left as well her curls bouncing on her shoulders. I went to follow her but my foot got caught on the leg of the seat in front of me. I started to fall face first onto the floor of the bus.
I felt a strong arm wrap around my stomach just as I was about to hit the ground. I looked up to see two brown eyes looking back at me. They had this concerned yet distrustful look to them. There was something familiar about his eyes, but I didn’t know what that was. I stared at him with wide eyes for a moment before he put me back on my feet and fled from the bus.
I stood there for a moment before following quickly; I hoped I could catch him. When I got off the bus, I didn’t see him at all. April was waiting for me and she walked up to me. “What happened?” she asked.
“I tripped.” I said with a sheepish smile as we started walking into the building. We were quickly intercepted by Cole, who greeted us happily. April and I also compared classes with Cole. I was glad to see he was in a couple of my classes as well.
We walked to the English classroom where we all had our first class. Cole insisted that I sit beside him so I did. April sat behind us with one of her other friends. I looked up just as Edmund shuffled into the room. This was the first time I actually got a chance to look at him.
His hair still seemed to shimmer, but I got a chance to look at his face. I was taken aback; he was the most handsome person I had ever seen. His brown eyes met mine for a moment but then quickly darted away. I looked away as well and stared at the black board.
He had a slight tan, but that was probably because he was always outside. How can you live in a forest and not be outside all the time. But, I didn’t see one imperfection on his face. It gave me an uneasy feeling. The class started and I shook the thoughts from my mind.
I listened to the teacher speak about what we would be covering in the next months. When we were given some time to work, Cole quickly started talking with me and April. April’s friend, Claire, didn’t feel the need to ignore me and introduced herself. I liked this place more and more each moment.
Claire had straight dark brown hair that swayed slightly as she spoke. She was funny and liked to make jokes. We only had this class in common, which was kind of disappointing. She was also taking drama. April told me that Claire was an aspiring actor.
After class I started walking with them out of the room. I saw Edmund and I kind of wanted to thank him for saving me from my fall. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.” I told them before walking over to Edmund.
He looked up at my with confused eyes, they smouldered me and for a moment I couldn’t speak. They were so warm, yet so cold. When I was finally able to get some words out of my mouth I said, “Edmund right? I’m Samantha.” I gave him small smile. He didn’t smile back. He just looked at me like he was trying to figure out what I was trying to say. “I wanted to thank you for earlier. So, thank you.”
He smirked slightly, “Don’t try to make a habit of it. I won’t always be around when you fall flat on your face.” He said with a laugh as he turned and swiftly walked down the hallway.
I stood there for a moment. My heart seemed to freeze; at that moment when he smirked he had become a whole other person. Or was he always that rude? I gave a small frown as I walked off to gym.
I met up with April there and she asked what I had been doing. I told her about what happened with Edmund and she seemed surprised.
“Wow, he was always nice to me the few times I needed to talk to him.” She said suddenly seeming lost in her fantasies. She soon snapped out of it, “I don’t know why he would want to be mean to you.”
At lunch we sat at a table with Cole and some of April’s other friends; a quiet girl, named Shannon, who had cropped strawberry blonde hair, and Abi, a cheerleader, who had bleached blond hair. Abi didn’t seem to like me much after she heard about my little encounter with Edmund. I just ignored her rude comments about me. For some reason, Cole and Abi got into an argument and the whole table decided to join in.
I didn’t feel very comfortable with the argument and I quickly retreated out of the cafeteria. I walked to my locker and flung open the door. It quickly hit the locker beside it and came back at me. I rubbed my forehead and turned around to see Edmund coming down the hall. He had that same smirk on his face. He didn’t say anything but just kept walking. I glowered and turned back to shoving stuff in and out of my locker.
I walked slowly to my next class really hoping Edmund wasn’t going to be in that class. When I arrived at the science room I was horrified to see Edmund was sitting in a desk, and with the only empty seat beside him. I let out a long sigh and shuffled over to the empty seat and sat down.
I saw him glance at me, but I didn’t look at him. I just glared silently at the board as the lesson started. The class passed slowly, I didn’t talk to Edmund and he didn’t talk to me. The only contact we had was when our elbows bashed against each other. We both quickly pulled them away and went back to ignoring each other.
As soon as the class was done, I raced out. I glanced over my shoulder as soon as I was out to see Edmund slowly walking out of the classroom. His beauty still made me feel uneasy and his eyes just sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t help but feel that there was something more to Edmund Carson.