02

The smell of bacon and eggs probably would have been the first thing to wake me up this morning, unfortunately it wasn't. It was more of a supposed dream I had and my reason for saying this, is because I can't really remember the dream, but all I can tell is that it woke me up in a sweaty state and since then , I haven't been able to sleep.

I believe it has something to do with last night's thoughts about that fateful night, now it transferred to my dreams and has been affecting them ever since.

I can definitely say that my body is exhausted, due to a lack of sleep. Not that I would ever tell my mom that, because she would totally freak out and hover over me. She worries a lot.

Not wanting to dwell on my lack of sleep nor my dreams, I exit my room, tying my curly hair in a ponytail while making my way to the kitchen, where my mom is undoubtedly making breakfast.

You see, my mom and I are a little different, we aren't really related. Elena Davis is my adoptive mother, I had lost both my parents when I was young. Having moved from foster home to foster home, I had met her one day during a time when I had gotten hurt, due to the bullying I experienced each time, from foster siblings. She was a receptionist at one of the hospitals. She would occasionally check up on me and from there , we formed a bond. Right when the last foster home dumped me, calling me too 'weird and crazy' , Elena took it upon herself to adopt me.

So now here we are, 7 years in and going strong.

I have never been more positive and certain about my decision, than accepting Elena as my parent. There are definitely no regrets there. Besides, not being related by blood, I'm of colour, being around 5'9 in height, dark brown shoulder length hair with blonde natural highlights. I swear that I was born this way. My green brown eyes are what I like most from my face yet not the mark from the wolf. Elena on the other hand , is much taller than I am, white with blue eyes, blonde hair, she is absolutely the sweetest, apart from when she's angry. Now she can be scary.

Though we may be different on the outside, but we are family and family sticks together, no matter what.

A smile makes its way on my face when I find her, in her own little world, making a mean English breakfast, earphones in place and dance moves at play. I can't help the snicker that bubbles out of me, when she attempts to do the moon walk, only failing in the process.

Eventually she turns away from the stove and notices me in the process. " Morning Sweetheart, didn't see you there."

"Well that's because you were in your own little world.....Morning" I end off with a kiss on her cheek , making my way to the barstool .

" You could have joined me."

"I think you were better on your own," before I can dig in, I see her take out a third plate.

"Um mom, why ---------" I'm interrupted by the knock coming from the front door.

"Oh Casey, could you get that? Thanks...." She says, starting on washing the dishes.

I don't say anything, but just do as I'm told.

Right when I swing the door open, I'm met with chocolate brown eyes, those I know so well and have missed so much.

"Ethan ?"

*********************

"So let me get this straight, you've joined me so that we can complete senior year together? " I ask, the disbelief evident in my voice, in regard to my boyfriend, sitting right in front of me.

"Hmm......." And that is the only response I receive from him, busy digging into his food.

He's acting like he didn't just surprise me right now.

" This is really good Elena," he compliments my mom, whose cheeks experience a touch of pink from her blushing. She can truly get like this from compliments.

Oh yeah, and they are on first name basis.

"Ethan!" I swat his arm, which results in him almost choking on his drink.

"Okay, okay. If you really needed some loving, all you had to do was ask," he says, turning to me or more like giving me his full attention.

"Well, I hope there won't be any baby making while I'm gone," I hear mom comment on her way out.

I roll my eyes behind her retreating back, turning back to my cute boyfriend who now wears a soft smile, the kind I know will always be reserved for me. Not being able to help myself, I let my feet lead me towards him until I am standing between his legs and his hands rest on my hips.

"So the 'rents' have decided to see the world, and you know how I feel about that house."

" Mansion." I correct.

"House." He says, quirking his brow at me. " Anyway, when I told them about my plans of moving here, and living with my uncle until I completed school, they sure looked more than happy to get rid of me." My eyes soften when I hear the slight sadness in his tone.

" Don't say that." I say softly, feeling quite sad that he feels this way.

" It's true and if you were there, you would have totally agreed with me."

My lips open and close yet words do not come out. And this is not because I have nothing to say, I just can't seem to find the right words to say right now.

So Ethan is an only child, and with his parents both fairly rich with their own firm, it branching out all over the world, they usually have limited time with him. This has continued to hurt him a lot, though he won't admit it.

My fingers make way through his soft, dark hair that I love so much. Tall and handsome, one year older than me, funny at times, committed, loyal and has the meanest craziest singing voice. He might be too humble to say anything, but back where we came from, he already had a fan base.

"I missed you...." He says, breaking through my thoughts.

" I missed you too," I say, leaning in and giving him a peck, before making my way to my seat.

This earns me a pout from him.

I roll my eyes and return back to him, where now he pulls me onto his lap, earning a gasp of surprise from me. " Much better," he murmurs before burying his head in the crook of my neck.

I chuckle at him, starting to dig in when I hear him mumbling something against my skin.

"Huh?"

He moves away from my neck, looking at me now. " I want to show you around, since I've lived here before...."

" Yeah, when you were really small." I remind him, not quite sure about his memory of this place since he lived here when he was just a toddler.

" It doesn't mean I wont remember a few details."

I shrug my shoulders, letting him be.

"I want as much time with you as possible, before....."

"School," both of us scrunch our noses in disgust, before bursting out in laughter.

His laughter is the thing that knocks everything in me, that Ethan is really here and that I won't be alone, no offense to mom.

Maybe moving here won't be so bad.

Later in the day and I can definitely say I've seen my fair share of the town. Though it may be a small town and all, I've heard some good things about it. Apparently, this is the town where activity is never limited, from hosting nice parties to balls, pageants , competitions and other events, something is always done to keep the town on the move . Crystal Valley even has ancient rumours, one in which there had been sightings of unnatural activities, being the first to make a mark in this town's land.

Another rumour would be, that there had been an affair that happened, with a lady of great importance and this unknown man, this rumoured affair led to a crystal rock to be stolen, but later on, had been buried somewhere in this land.

This rock was quite important because of its value and the secrets that came with it. One of the secrets was that it was said to be tied to a family heritage, the first ever family to mark this land as a place to settle down in, whose whereabouts are still unknown till today. Many suspect that there's a secret tunnel along the woods, which holds remains of these mysterious weird people.

"So no one knows this family?" I ask, curiosity deep within me.

"Nope. Like I said, it's an ancient rumour, besides, who wants to dwell on that when you've got the Walton's , they basically run this town." Ingrid says, boredom laced in her voice.

Ingrid is Ethan's cousin and it brought about a sense of relief, to meet her after having spoken to her over the phone before. It felt like I at least knew someone from this town, apart from Ethan. Though we spoke over the phone before, she seemed pretty cool and such a ball of sunshine, I must say. Meeting her in person, just from her outer appearance with the dark shoulder length hair with pink highlights, same brown eyes as Ethan and of course a bright smile, I could tell that she truly is full of personality.

" The Walton's?" I ask.

" Yep, the mayor and his family. They are the cliche rich family, but it's mostly the Mayor's siblings and their children who live here, while the mayor himself and his own family live just outside town."

"I bet they only make it here for social gatherings, but never on an important call." I say, sipping on my soda.

"Oh it's like you know them so well." A new voice says, breaking into Ingrid and I' s conversation.

The new voice belongs to a pretty black girl with big brown-black eyes, her short brown hair frames her face so nicely too. As she stands next to our table, something about her feels a little mysterious. There is a sense of confidence that radiates off her, and by her approach to our table, I am guessing that she knows Ingrid.

"Always on call at the mention of the Walton's," Ingrid says with a smile of amusement on her face.

"Sure, how much I adore them. "The girl says, sarcasm dripping off of her.

" I'm guessing you don't favour them much," I say, getting back into conversation.

Now earning both their attention, the girl finally sits down, joining us.

"Favour is a strong word, let's just say we have our differences. I'm Kayla by the way," she gives off a nod.

" Casey Jay," I respond.

"Cool, so you're new around here, that's why little Ingrid is busy filling you in on the happenings of this place. " I nod in agreement.

" Well, just don't let her get carried away, she might stretch somethings a bit." She lowers her voice, not enough to hide it from Ingrid, who wears a cute little frown on her face now.

From Kayla's tone, I bet she likes teasing Ingrid.

"Let me guess, the ancient rumour of the crystal rocks." I decide to play along, while searching for her take on this matter. " I get sick of that story, especially now there's been sightings of tourists and people wandering around the woods, trying to find these 'rocks of life'...."

" Rocks of life?" I question, my frown deepening.

"Oh you'd be surprised at the crazy things people will say , to earn attention," she says, stealing Ingrid's fry under her nose.

"Clearly not enough, with that mysterious body turning up out of nowhere. Now that's something worth a mouthful." Ingrid mumbles, but I've already heard enough.

" What?" Her head shoots up, her eyes widening a bit, mouth moving yet no words coming out." What do you mean a body turned up mysteriously ?" I question.

At that moment, I notice Ingrid glance over to Kayla, who looks quite unbothered. A deeper observation from my side makes me to see beyond all that exterior, and to notice a hint of uneasiness in her eyes, no matter how much she tries to hide it.

I can't help but question on whether Ingrid just let slip something, not meant for my ears.

"Two weeks back, a body was found right by the roadside, close to the forest. Strangely enough, he had animal claw prints on his body." I wince a bit at the mention of an animal attack.

This reminds me of my own animal attack.

That little moment alone is noticed by Kayla, who sits up straight, now staring at me. " Apart from his neck that was cut open," my head whips in Ingrid's direction as she continues.

" I should have known that you were boring my girl to death."

The sudden sound of my boyfriend's voice, stops me from saying anything. I feel a sense of relief, knowing that he's here now.

He pulls a chair beside me, after giving me a gentle kiss against my temple.

" Ha ha, if you must know, I'm quite fun to be around. "Ingrid pouts at him, leaning back on her chair with crossed arms.

"Oh, should have guessed Casey was the reason for you not visiting," right when Kayla says that, we all go silent.

"I'm kidding Kids...."Kayla says, chuckling at the end.

No matter what, it doesn't ease the awkward silent moment.

"Well I know that I can't stay away from this gorgeous gal, "he says as he leans towards me and peppers kisses along my neck.

I laugh at his fake southern accent.

"Hey , get a room, " Kayla says, playfully throwing a napkin towards Ethan, who ignores her.

"You're just jealous, "he shoots back playfully.

"Sure , like I don't have a ma-boyfriend." I don't miss the mishap she almost made.

This sparks my curiosity.

There seems to be a lot of almost slip ups with them, it doesn't help with my curiosity.

" Hey babe, ready to get out of here? I want to spend some alone time, "he says the last part in my ear ,making sure to playfully bite my ear which brings shivers throughout my body , earning a grin from me.

Looking at him, I almost laugh out loud at him wiggling his brows.

"And already they forget we are here, "Ingrid's comment earns our attention.

An idea pops up, once I remember Ingrid telling me about how much she missed Ethan. "Um, actually, I wanted to pop by the bookstore before we go. You could order take outs in the meantime," I suggest.

" Maybe I should go with you," he says.

" No, no, I'll be fine."

" Are you sure?" He asks with a cute frown.

I nod. " Hmm, I am sure,"

"Okay, just don't be gone for long, it's kind of getting dark out, "he tells me, his face now turned serious.

"I won't, " I say, pecking his cheek before getting up with my bag, saying goodbye to the others on my way out.

While walking, I think about what I heard earlier. The body and the cause, I shudder in memory of how it feels to be at the mercy of a vicious , large animal. Not at all fun. Shaking off those thoughts, I realize that I've been so deep in my thoughts to notice, how far I have gone. My mindless walk has led me past the bookstore and now I approach a dark alley way. This is already not good.

At the brink of my heart speeding up and nerves shooting in every direction, I try calm down and turn around, intending on making my way back , only to be stopped by the sound of something snapping. I whip around, eyes widening a bit in fright.

Being the kind of curious person I am sometimes, accompanied by the voice telling me to go check it out, I find my feet moving on their own until I'm leaned against a brick wall, the dark alley just a turn away.

A sound of something breaking, snaps me into action, that I come out from behind the wall, now making myself visible to whatever was in here. To my disappointment and relief I find nothing, but a dark alley. Being unsatisfied, in slow and easy steps, I go in further till the dark almost envelopes me. Common sense takes over, warning me to turn around and go back to safety. So that's what I do, turn around with intention of doing what I said I'd do.

"Too nosy for your own good , little girl. "I stop in my tracks when I hear a male voice coming from behind me.

Oh no.