STORY STARTER
In a fantasy world, your character is sent to a wilderness camp for troubled teens.
The Dedriwinkle Chronicles Book 5: Sour
I woke up very early the next morning, Alea, Kai, and Leo still asleep.
I managed to slip outside, realizing I was still wearing the same clothes I had yesterday, and I had no idea where my bags were.
The sun nearly blinded me, and I suddenly felt homesick. A stabbing pain in my stomach. I sat on the wooden deck, holding my stomach.
“Homesick?” I heard someone say.
I turned, and saw Leo standing behind me, wearing the same thing he had yesterday as well.
He handed me a clear glass bottle with a sloshy pink liquid inside.
“Uh…” was all I could say. Did he expect me to drink this?
He laughed and sat down next to me.
“Don’t worry, just a small remedy I made. Should help with the sick feeling.”
I reluctantly uncorked the bottle and took a small sip of the pink liquid. It was horrible. Like a bucket of the sour stuff they covered Sour Patch Kids with had been dumped inside my mouth.
He must’ve noticed my sour expression because he laughed again.
“Still have a couple of tweaks to work out, but it feels better right?”
I was so caught up in the taste that I hadn’t noticed the knot in my stomach loosening.
I nodded and corked the bottle, handing it back to him.
He stuck it in one of his pockets, and we sat in silence for a moment.
“Does it ever get easier? Being away from your parents, banished to some fantasy camp where you’re expected to live because you’re a ‘troubled kid.’”
He sighed and looked at his feet, then back at me.
“I’d like to say yes, but I want to be honest with you…”
It took him a long time to answer.
“No. No, it doesn't. I wish it did, trust me, I really do, but it doesn't.”
I stared at my hands so he wouldn't see the tears in my eyes.
“How long have you been here?”
He hesitated.
I turned red.
“I’m sorry, that's personal, I shouldn't have asked,” I said quickly.
“No, it’s fine. I've been here since I was seven.”
I tried hard not to gasp or look too surprised.
He had been here for nine years?
“I’m sorry,” was all I could think to say.
“It’s not your fault Cedar. Besides, I have Kai and Alea, and now you.”
I tried hard not to blush.
His beautiful fire-like eyes glinted in the sun, and I realized I was staring.
“Now, wipe that frown off of your pretty face, Alea might have some clothes for you.”
He offered me his hand as I blushed for the seventh time and stood up.