1
It was a cold November day, with a light snow and a cloudless blue sky. The trees had long since lost their leaves, and I could feel winter approaching. A cold wind was blowing my short hair around, and I regretted the decision to get a pixie cut the week before. I was also regretting the hike that I thought would be a great idea.
“Why did I decide that a day with a high of 33 would be great to be out in the woods, 5 miles from any road or building with a heater. Alone. What a bright idea, Olliver,” I said aloud to myself.
My phone started buzzing at that moment. I pulled it out, and the screen read “Mom.” I rolled my eyes as I answered.
“Where are you?” Was the first thing she said to me.
“I told you, I’m going on a hike.” I started wondering what I did wrong this time.
“In this weather? Yeah, right, like I believe that. Come home, wherever you are.” Well, there goes any intention of going home any time soon.
“I’m going to video call you” I said, dying to prove her wrong.
“Sure.” I hit the video button, and her angry face popped up. I flipped the camera around and showed her all of my surroundings, being mostly dead trees and grass, dusted with snow and an icicle here and there.
“See? I am over on the trail off of Green Hill Road.” Her anger slowly dissipated.
“Okay, sweetie, but be home by 11, you hear?”
“I’m staying over at Emma’s tonight. Is that okay?” I asked, even though me and Emma actually planned to stay at my house. Whatever, we could find somewhere else if her parents said no.
“Do her parents know?” Mom asked in her typical mom fashion.
“Yes, they know, Mom.” I responded, my patience wearing thin. It must have showed in my voice, because she got mad again.
“Don’t take that tone with me, or else your sleepover with Emma will be canceled.” She threatened. “Got that?”
“Got it, I replied. Now I’ve got to head back, because me and Emma are supposed to meet in an hour and I am five miles in on the trail.”
“Okay. Home by eleven tomorrow, you hear?”
“Yes mam, home by eleven tomorrow. Love you, mom.”
“Love you too. Bye, sweetie.” She hung up at that, and I put my phone on do not disturb.
I started to walk back to my car, dreading the 30-minute walk ahead, when suddenly I hear a voice behind me.
“Why is your glow…Pink?”
I whipped around so fast if my light brown hair were longer, it would have smacked me in the face. “I’m sorry, what? Where did you come from?” I asked the mysterious girl.
“The trees.” She replied. She appeared to be my age, if a little younger, and had long, dark brown hair that was worn in braids. She had the most stunning honey-colored eyes, and had a pink winter dress that reached mid calves worn over black leggings and brown winter boots. She looked so pit together compared to my yellow sweater, white jeans, and red beanie with combat boots. Oh, and she had this yellow... Glow around her. It's the only way to describe it.
"The trees? How? I literally just turned around, and you weren't there before. Also, who are you? Why are you glowing?" I rapid fired her with questions, and she didn't deign answer.
"You must be Olliver. The one we have been watching."
"You've been WHAT?!" I panicked, on the verge of an anxiety attack. "What do you mean! Answer my questions before I call the cops!"
"I'm Emily. I am a light mage, and you are pink. Why are you pink? You have to come with me."
"What? No I don't. I don't know you. Why would I follow you to someplace I've never been, to potentially be harmed or killed? I'm not stupid, you know."
"Fair point. Then let's lead to your car at least, because I'm freezing."
"Fine. You walk in front, so I can see you." I pulled out my pocket knife, waving it in front of her. "No funny moves, or you'll get this in your back." Thank god for my Dads paranoia that I'd get kidnapped, because thanks to that, I actually know how to fight.
"Okay, works for me." She walked in front of me. "Once we get to your car, you should at least hear me out. Then, if you don't believe me, then you can leave. But, otherwise, you must come with me."
"I have time, so I guess I can hear you out."
"Good, because we have lots to discuss."
"You'r
