Sunday, January 23, 2011

Prologue
Marcus Falton slowly opened the door. He peeked in to see his daughter lying on her bed. He turned and was about to close the door and leave when he heard a shifting sound.

"Daddy?" came Marcus's daughter's soft voice. Marcus stopped and turned around and looked back in. He saw his daughter staring at him, but he knew she wouldn't see her. Not for some time.

Marcus almost cried. He had not heard her say anything for so long... Marcus was rich. He was famous. He lived a great life. That is, until he found out a shocking thing of his daughter. "Yes, Marcia. I'm here," he replied with a touch of sympathy.

"Could you tell me a story?" Marcia asked. "It's just too quiet..." Marcus opened the door and walked in. He sat beside his daughter and looked at her. She had light blue eyes. She was small. She was smart. She had smooth blond hair. However, she was blind. The news shocked Marcus so much he never went to see his daughter until now. Marcus slid his hand down his daughter's smooth blond hair. "It's been so long. Five years. I can't believe it..." Marcus whispered to himself, but not soft enough. "What's wrong daddy?" Marcia asked.

"Oh. Nothing, nothing..." Marcus said. "So what story you want to hear?"
"Something from your past," Marcia answered. That answer rocked Marcus. "A...Alright," he stammered. "How about the time I fell in love with your mother?" he asked. "That would be fine," was her reply.

"It started when we went to a camp..."

Chapter 1
"You sure of this?" Tom asked. "I'm sure," Marcus replied. They strode towards their cabin. Marcus was focused on getting to their cabin. Tom was busy sightseeing. Tom even took out his camera. Tom came was because he was one of the photographers. Have I lost my mind? Marcus thought.

People were rushing around doing their own stuff or just walking. Some ran around preparing for the opening ceremony. Tom was busy taking photos. Marcus was focused to get to their cabin. What else could go wrong? Marcus thought shoulders dropping. Just as he thought that, everything went wrong. His life has been completely turned upside down.

Marcus stopped in his tracks. Tom who was walking behind him nearly smashed into him, but managed to stop himself. "What's wrong?" Tom asked puzzled. Marcus's eyes were focused and wide. Tom waved his hand in front of Marcus's eyes. Marcus still didn't budge. Tom look at the direction Marcus was looking... And saw what he saw. "You're kidding me right?" Tom asked.

Marcus didn't reply. He was in awe. Tom shook Marcus but he still didn't budge. Just at that moment, a guy with a cream pie came rushing by and tripped on his own shoelace. The cream pie flew from his hands to Marcus. Marcus instantly came to his bearings and managed to dodge it. Instead, the pie splattered onto a big guy who was laughing with two other guys. "What's the big idea?" he shouted at Marcus angrily. "I...I...I didn't mean it," Marcus stammered. "No one messes with me," shouted the big guy again. "He's right. He's Lucas, the bully of this camp," Tom whispered into Marcus's ear.

People stopped what they were doing and came to see what was happening. Soon a crowd made a circle around Lucas and Marcus. Some even shouted "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

"You're on your own pal," Tom told mark. Tom went into the crowd and took up position in the front row. He held his camera at ready.

"Guess it's only me and you," Lucas snarled. He punched one fist into his other palm and flexed his neck muscles. Marcus was not a fighter; he was a geek, a nerd. He was about to make a meeting with Death. Lucas came closer, the ring of spectators closed in. It was chaos. It was dooms day to Marcus. The shouts of the spectators didn’t mean anything to him, everything just fell silent. The shouts were just like a distant rumble. He was focused on Lucas. Did he have to die this way?

Just then, everyone heard a shout that stood out the most. It was loud. It was deep. It was worse than getting beaten up. "What is going on here?" came a loud shout that came from a man. It was the principal. Yikes, Marcus thought.

The ring of spectators instantly loosen, they made way for the principal. The shouts were gone. Now Marcus wished that he had been beaten up. He was about to make a meeting with the principal...

"You two! Come with me," the principal said with a voice that made people respect him. He pointed at Marcus and Lucas. Instantly, there were in the principal's office (okay, maybe it was just a cabin used for that purpose).

Chapter 2
"You two better not let this happen again or else!" shouted the principal. "If this happens again, you two will be suspended from all camp activities for the rest of the time! Do I make myself clear?"

Marcus nodded. Lucas scowled but nodded. "Good. Now be gone!" said the principal. As they left, Lucas glared at Marcus. They left in silence, but Marcus knew that Lucas would take a shot at him when he had the chance.

When they exited, Lucas gave Marcus a warning, "Don't even try that again." After he said that, he walked away, leaving Marcus alone. Marcus wished he could have gotten beat up just now. He didn't go to his cabin. Instead, he went to a tree near a lake. He sat down below a tree in the shade and looked around. It was near dusk and the sun was almost directly in front of him. He had to squint just too look around.

There weren’t much people since everyone was busy preparing for the opening ceremony. He felt a slight breeze blow into his face. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the breeze. He was happy. Actually happy. He sat there enjoying the breeze when a voice interrupted, "It's beautiful isn't it?"

Marcus's eyes instantly snapped open. He look towards the direction of the sound... And saw what he wished he never saw. "I'm Clio. Nice to meet you. Marcus right?" came a soft girl's voice. Marcus jumped to his feet calculating his chances of escape. "Don't even think about it," said Clio.

"Th...Think about what?" Marcus stammered. "Escaping. Isn't it obvious? I know that look on your face," said Clio. "How'd -" Marcus began but was cut off by Clio. "Experience," was her answer.

Marcus plopped back down and asked, "You're not going to let me go are you?"
"Not a chance," Clio replied sternly.
"Didn't think so," Marcus sighed.
"New guy?" Clio asked with a chuckle.
"I prefer the word 'freshman'" Marcus snapped back.
"Let's not get a little worked up here alright? We don't want the principal showing up," said Clio jokingly.
Marcus chuckled a bit but he didn't chuckle for long. "There must be a reason you're here," he said.
"You think?" Clio asked.
"Of course."
"Then why ask?"
"Just making sure."
Clio chuckled and said, "It would be a waste of energy coming here without a purpose."
"Right," Marcus replied.
"I noticed you staring at me."
"Really?"
"Don't act stupid."
"Alright."
"Surprised that I noticed?"
"Slightly," Marcus said trying to lie.
"You're lying," Clio said with professionalism.
"Darn."
Clio chuckled. "Come with me," she said and held out her hand.
Marcus hesitated. He took Clio's outstretched hand and got up. "Where we going?" he asked. "You'll know soon." Clio replied.

They walked along the bank of the lake. Suddenly, Clio splashed Marcus. Marcus didn't expect that and was shocked. "Oh, you're on!" he said and splashed back. They ran around splashing each other. Marcus felt great, Clio felt awesome. They had so much fun that they lost track of time. After what felt like hours, Marcus and Clio stopped and went to lie down on the grass. They were both soaked.

"Wow," Clio said staring at the horizon. Marcus followed her gaze and said, "Wish I has a camera." They both chuckled and watched at the sun set. Marcus finally sat up and said, "That was the best time I had in my few hours in this camp!"

Clio laughed and said, "The ceremony's about to begin, we better get back." They both got up and walked back towards their cabin. When Marcus got to his cabin he saw that Tom was inside going through his photos. When he heard the door open, he looked up.

Tom smiled with pleasure and said, "Marcus! Welcome back. Hope you didn't have a rough time." Tom chuckled.

Marcus went to sit down on the cot opposite of Tom's cot. "I better be careful next time. Lucas is all over me."

"Why you all wet?" Tom asked. "I fell into the lake, must have tripped on a stone or a branch," replied Marcus. He didn't want to tell Tom about what happened with him and Clio. He wanted to keep it a secret.

"You better get changed. The ceremony is about to begin," said Tom. "I'm going there first. See you there." Tom got up took one of his cameras and a few extra SD Cards and went out. Marcus got changed into a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt. He buttoned his shirt and picked up a pen. He slid the pen into his jean’s back pocket. Never know when I'll need it Marcus thought. He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He was ready.

Chapter 3
The field was crowded. Music played. People talked and laughed. Marcus was at the opening ceremony. He was just sitting at one of the tables drinking a glass of juice. He was never a party person. He was just drinking his third glass of juice when he saw Clio.

Clio was talking to her friends as usual. Marcus stared in awe. She was stunning. She wore a white dress that went all the way down to her ankles. She even tied her hair Clio saw Marcus sitting there drinking. She smiled and walked towards him. Marcus saw that a nearly choked.

Clio was halfway there when Lucas went in front of Clio's path. "Hey there! Want to dance?" Lucas asked smiling. "No thanks" Clio replied and started walking to Marcus again. "Come on, one dance won't hurt," Lucas said stepping in front of her with his arms outstretched. "I repeat. No thanks," Clio replied sourly.

Lucas snarled and said, "Your choice." Clio went to where Marcus was sitting and sat beside him. "What's a great person like you doing here?" she asked. "Aren't you suppose to be dancing?" asked Marcus nervously. "I would... if you would," Clio said with a smile.

"You're not serious right?" Marcus asked.
"What if I am?" said Clio.
"Yikes."

"Come on, one dance won't hurt," Clio said pulling Marcus. "I don't know how to dance!" Marcus shot back. "Then now's the time to learn to!" Clio said happily. Clio dragged Marcus onto the dancefloor and they began dancing the waltz. Clio guided Marcus with the dance steps. Soon, Marcus had the hang of it.

"This is actually kind of fun!" Marcus said with a smile. Clio chuckled and said, "I told you." Marcus blushed and looked away. When the music stopped, Clio moved closer to Marcus and whispered in his ear, "I know you like me." After she said that, she backed off. Marcus blushed even more and began to walk away. He sat down at a table and began drinking juice again. Clio joined him.

"Clio, I have something to tell you," Marcus said. "What is it?" asked Clio. "I..." Marcus started nervously. "You what?" Clio asked. "I don't like you. Even thought we've only met for a few hours," Marcus said. "Few hours? You're kidding me right? You've known me since we were little!" Clio said. "Really?" Marcus asked surprised. Clio chuckled. "Alright, you win. However, I still want you to know this," Marcus said blushing. "Go on," said Clio staring at mark. "I don't like you. I love you," Marcus said and got up. He walked away, leaving Clio to sit there and stare.

He can't be serious Clio thought. She got up and went after Marcus. "Marcus!" she shouted. Marcus kept walking. "Marcus!" she shouted again. Marcus still didn't respond. Clio began running but tripped and fell. "Ouch!" Clio said aloud. Marcus turned around and saw Clio sitting on the grass. He ran there and knelt beside Clio.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "I think so. I knew you cared," Clio said. Mark blushed and looked for any injuries. "Your dress is torn," he said looking at her knee. "It's ok," Clio said. "Your knee is scraped," Marcus said and went to inspect it.

"Not a deep cut. Won't take long to heal," Marcus said. "Come on. We'll go to my cabin, I got a first aid kit there," he said. "A sewing kit too," he added with a chuckle.

Marcus helped Clio get up onto her feet and held her hand around his neck. They then began walking towards Marcus's cabin. They walked in dim light. The only light came from the lights at the ceremony, casting shadows everywhere.

When they reached Marcus's cabin, Marcus let Clio sit on a bench outside. He went in and searched for his first aid kit. "You need a hand?" asked Clio. "No thanks. You need to heal, I can find it," Marcus said.

After a few minutes of searching, Marcus shouted, "Found it!" Clio smiled as Marcus cam out with a first aid kit. "Why don't you on the lights?" asked Clio. "It'll attract too much attention," Marcus replied.

He opened his first aid kit and began the simple process that he had learned when he was young. "Done," Marcus said happily. "Now, time to find my sewing kit," Marcus muttered to himself. He was searching for it when Clio asked, "You went for survival school?" Marcus and Clio chuckled. "Not really, my parents just taught me simple skills. That’s all," Marcus replied.

When Marcus came out he held a sewing kit. "You know how to sew?" asked Clio. "Sure," Marcus replied. "Thanks," Clio said.

When Marcus was done, he sat beside Clio on the bench. "Wow," he said looking up. Clio followed his gaze and saw a night sky full of stars. "It's nice isn't it?" she said. "Yeah," Marcus replied. Clio reached out to hold Marcus's hand. Marcus didn't flinch; he turned and looks at Clio. He stared right into her eyes. She's beautiful Marcus thought.

They held eye contact for a few minutes. They was silence except for the distant music from the ceremony. Finally, Marcus broke the silence. He turned away and said, "Do you think...?" Clio said, "Maybe..."

Marcus started looking up again and said, "Life is just weird." "It's not weird. It depends on how you look at it," Clio said. Marcus looked at her, and said, "Alright, so to me, life is weird." Clio chuckled.

They sat there for about a few hours. It was only when the ceremony was finishing when he realised that they had sat there for more than an hour. He looked at Clio, she was resting her head on his shoulders, eyes closed. He smiled and shook her gently. Clio slowly opened her eye and yawned. "Huh?" she asked. "Time to go," Marcus said with a smile and pointed.

Clio looked, everyone was returning to their own cabins while workers began cleaning up. She smiled weakly and said, "See you tomorrow."

*


Marcus frantically ran around his cabin and started packing. Someone knocked on the door, Marcus said impatiently, "Come in." The door crept open and Clio stepped in. Marcus stopped when he saw her. "What are you doing here?" he asked puzzled. He noticed she was holding a tray. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her puzzled.

"Breakfast," was Clio's simple reply. She set the tray down on a table and sat on the chair beside the table. Marcus made no sign of acknowledging her. He continued packing at a steady pace. Finally, Clio got frustrated and asked, “Why are you packing?” Marcus stopped with a notebook in his hands and looked at her. “You don’t know?” Marcus asked surprised

. Clio shook her head.

Marcus sighed and said, “Look around you, what do you see?”
Clio looked. “Your cabin?”
“What do you see missing?”

Clio was frustrated. Why is Marcus playing games with me? That’s when it hit her. Tom isn’t in here! The activities won’t start until noon but Tom isn’t here! She opened her mouth to speak but Marcus interrupted.
“That’s why I’m packing. I’m going to find him,” Marcus said with determination.
“How are you going to find him?”

Marcus apparently hadn’t thought of that. “His camera’s gone, so I think he might have gone into the woods. Clio raised an eyebrow and took a plate of bread from the tray on the table. “Eat,” she said handing the plate to Marcus. Marcus took it delighted and ate slowly.

When Marcus finished, Clio said, “I’m going with you.” Marcus instantly said, “No, you’re not!” Clio glared at him but Marcus just glared back. Clio sighed and closed her eyes. Marcus stood and took his backpack and was headed towards the door. “Be careful,” was all Clio said. Marcus stopped at the door as to say something but decided against it and left without a word.

As Marcus walked away, the door closed silently behind him. The sun was shining and Marcus was determined to find Tom, one way or another. Tom was his only friends since he was a kid, ans he wasn’t going to lose him. Marcus doubted that Tom left willingly because Tom’s bed was not made when Marcus woke up. To people around the camp, he looked like a nerd heading towards the woods, but Marcus’s mind was on what he saw when he woke up.

---

Marcus woke with a start. He heard the door slam with such force that he thought the door would had broke. He slowly got up from his bed and went to the window. What he saw made energy rush through him. Tom was being dragged towards the woods; he was struggling to break free from a man with muscular arms. Tom’s struggle had been in vain, the man was much stronger than Tom was.

Marcus instantly took a quick wash, changed his clothes and began packing. He noticed that Tom’s bed wasn’t made up. Marcus went to make Tom’s bed... and saw that Tom’s camera was gone. Marcus finished making the bed and went to inspect the place where the camera had been. The camera had been resting on a five drawer chest. The wood was a bit dented but it wasn’t obvious. One handle from a drawer had come off, but fortunately, it was the lowest drawer at ankle height. He doubt anyone would look that low. Marcus took the handle that lay on the floor; he opened another drawer and threw it in.

Marcus went back to packing. He made sure he cleared any evidence that Tom was kidnapped. He made it look like Tom left by himself and accidentally broke the handle. Marcus couldn’t risk anyone knowing, he didn’t want anyone involved.

He was packing halfway when there was a knock on the door...

---

Clio sat there. Silent. She knew something was wrong but Marcus wouldn’t tell her.