Young Writers Society

September 20 • Friday

(6:37 am)

"I've never been the spontaneous type. The idea of doing something on the spot- just making a snap decision and acting on instinct- is terrifying. I wouldn't say my life is orderly, exactly, but that would be because of things I can't control. Being spontaneous... that's like just asking for regrets. Why would anyone purposely try to upset their life?

"But here, now, getting ready to do something crazy, it's a little bit thrilling. Scary, yes, but also a little exciting. Everything is unexpected, and although that leaves loads of negative situations open to happen, there are also incredible opportunities.

"-F-"

Finnley couldn't believe he was actually getting excited for this. After Mr. Hart had so discreetly passed along that address, he and Mia had looked it up. It wasn't part of a town, really, and it was only about an hour and a half away. They couldn't be sure, because Mia's father wouldn't tell her anything, but she was convinced that it was her Uncle Fred's address.

It was obvious that they needed to go- the hard part would be getting there. Of course, the two would have preferred to go alone, but neither's family would allow it. Mia wanted her father to come, but he was pretending the address didn't exist. She was convinced it was for the sake of her mother, who wanted her daughter completely disconnected from whatever heritage she might have.

Finnley's mom, however, was perfectly willing to go on a road trip. It had been easy enough to explain that it was Mia's uncle (which wasn't a lie) who she didn't see often anymore and wanted to visit, only her parents were too busy with work at the moment.

Things had changed in the morning, though, and when Finnley came down for breakfast, Mrs. Bale was withdrawn, holding back. It made his heart break. "I'm just not sure, dear," she worried. "I-I think I should work the weekend. You know, get some extra money. I know we're not desperate, but..."

Finnley nodded. He knew. "You don't have to, mom. You can work, if that's what's best for you. I keep meaning to get a job, I swear. If it means less work for you, I'd do anything."

She smiled, the way she did when she was trying to cover up problems. She had done it when he was a child, when she was worked up over things he couldn't yet comprehend. Finnley had seen through it even then, just as he saw through it now. Had things really gotten so bad?

"Just get on to school, alright?" she said gently. "Tell Mia I'm sorry. We'll make it up to her some other time. And don't forget homecoming is just a few weeks away!" Finnley grinned ruefully and shook his head. She was always tossing something in there to throw him off.

Finnley walked to school following what was now his usual route. Instead of walking alongside the dark and whispering depths of the forest, he veered deeper into town and stopped by Mia's house. She was leaning casually against the siding of her house, wearing a bright flower print dress with her backpack slung over one shoulder.

"Running a bit late, aren't we?" she teased, but stopped when she saw his face. "What happened?"

"Mom took it back, she won't go with us," Finnley said. His eyes were downcast. He couldn't bring himself to look at her face. "She's... well, she wants to work." He could feel Mia's searching eyes on him. She probably already knew what he was too embarrassed to say.

"Well, it looks like we'll just have to go on our own!" she declared, and Finnley looked at her now, eyes wild.

"On our own? Mia, are you crazy? Your mom might flay you alive, and mine'll die of anxiety!" He stopped and put a steadying hand on her shoulder, as if she was the one who needed steadying rather than him, but all she did was sigh dramatically.

"I didn't think you'd agree, but it was worth a shot." Mia patted his hand, still gripping her shoulder, as if telling him he could let go now. They began walking again towards the school, Mia calmly leading. "Listen. I know you've been looking for a part time job; we can head to town this afternoon and find you one. That'll make your mom less worried. In the meantime, while you work your bum off at some mundane job, I'll see if I can find a phone number in connection with this address. Everything doesn't have the happen right away, see? We have time to work it out."

Finnley wasn't sure if her words or her presence were more comforting. Though she spoke softly, he found that he could still see her fiery spirit within. He was sure, however, that he only looked pale, not fiery at all. He had felt haunted ever since their encounter in the forest. When he occasionally fell asleep, his dreams were full of looming trees, hoots howls and two glowing eyes, like the remnants of burning coals.

Mia was right, though. Even becoming a part-time cashier at the grocery store would be a big help, not only to his mom but to him as well. Work to push away the nightmares that were a little too real.

"Alright," Finnley said. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. No one needed to dwell on such horrible things anyway. "That sounds like a great idea. And I'll buy you pizza if I manage to land a job today."

"Only if you can guess my favorite kind," Mia shot back, sticking her tongue out playfully. The mood around Finnley lifted.

Mia certainly wasn't one to be plain. And she was plant obsessed, which meant she probably wouldn't want anything like vegetarian pizza... "Every topping," Finnley suggested, "or maybe one of those 'all the meats' pizzas. Hawaiian? You might just go for that- fruit on pizza!"

Mia laughed, and it made Finnley laugh too. "You'll never guess," she said, breathless.

"Tell me," Finnley grinned.

"It's cheese!" she shouted in delight. Finnley just shook his head and smiled. It seemed he would never figure her out.