His ocean blue orbs met mine when I looked back at him sitting on the front bench. He gave me a small smile and moved his gaze to the boy sitting beside him. I let out a sigh and looked ahead concentrating on the lecture going on.

I met Aiden first when I came here to Northwood for the first time in the winter of the 1960s. Dad always wanted to start his own business so when the opportunity came he couldn't say no and that's how we ended up being here. It was hard to get settled in the small town leaving the comforts of the city. I was so used to seeing the cars and horse rides that walking miles came out as a little tough for me. I never went to school before coming here so I didn't have any friends.

After my mom left me, I started fearing my life. I used to see here in the corridors of my old house and in my bedroom doing my sheets or smiling at me. Dad consulted me to some doctors but it was of no use. It's only after coming to Northwood, I was able to get over that trauma as per dad says. I still had difficulty adjusting to slow life here but it was calming.

Aiden came out as a rescue for me and became my companion. His ocean blue eyes held a lot of secrets and I loved it when his dark black hair moved when we ran into the woods. We had our hideout deep inside the forest where no one would be able to reach us. When the things would fall apart for me I would run to him. He would hear me and console me. We would play on the banks of the river which connected this beautiful town with the mountains behind. Those mountains felt like they held some deep secrets with them. I never had the courage to go closer to them. Something about them didn't feel right. Aiden used to tell me the haunted stories which surpassed the town now and then and it will scare me to the death but at last of each he would laugh out at me making me feel at ease. He was so comforting and warm. The years passed and we got closer. Closer than we ever were.

I was moved out of my thoughts when Emily poked me from beside. I let out a sigh seeing our teacher. I moved my gaze outside at the falling rain while playing with my bow tie as Mrs. Goel kept on talking with her never-ending talks of philosophy. My mind was too occupied with the events happening for the past few days in our little town and neighborhood. Aiden has now added to those worries.

I let out another sigh when the bell rang telling the end of the lecture. I grabbed my books and adjusted my skirt as I got up from my seat. I put my long loose ginger-colored hairs behind the ears.

"Oh god, I am so hungry. Let's grab a bite?" Emily asked taking her backpack.

Emily and I met when I joined school and was lost in the corridors. Aiden left me for his game and I was left alone to find my first class. I was panicking as I didn't want to get late on the very first day but I managed when she showed me the way. Luckily she had the same class which made me feel even better and since then we have been inseparable. I always complained of not having any siblings but she filled that vacate for me.

She liked my ginger-colored hair and light green eyes. She said she haven't seen that combination yet in this town. There truly were no ginger heads in this small town making me stand out from everyone. I don't know if it a good thing but people just looked at my hair and asked if I belong from the Anderson family. I share my hair color with my birth mom and eye color with my dad.

But Emily is beautiful and makes me envy her a few times. The way her blonde curls move when she walks or the way her light-grey eyes shine with excitement when she says something exciting. The way she makes head turns in the corridor every time we walk. But not just her appearance but even her soul is beautiful.

"You go ahead. I have got some stuff to take care of." I said and moved my gaze towards Aiden who threw his arms around one of his newfound friends and made a way out of the classroom.

"Aiden?" I moved my gaze back to meet Emily's grey eyes which held worry in them. I let out a sigh and got out of the classroom.

"I need to talk with him." I said nodding my head as we made our way towards the locker room.

"Forget him, Faith. He has got his new friends." She said with slight irritation. I let out a sigh again and put the books inside the locker.

Forget him? He has been my first friend, my first love, and my first everything. I was 6 back then when I first came here. His father was the close acquaintance of the mayor and was happy when dad put the contract in front of him. They helped us set out our home and factory. Ever since then, there has been no Faith without Aiden. He would be with me everywhere, helping me get settled. Emily and Edmund along with his girlfriend Roselia joined us later to complete the group.

"Hey, girls, ready for lunch?" Edmund asked approaching us in the hallway. He is not in philosophy and has preferred history much to his interest.

Edmund is a brown curly haired nerd I met because of Aiden. He is Aiden's best friend. We got introduced like that and have shared a love-hate relationship with each other. We would get jealous and insecure about each other because of Aiden. He always wore a round specs covering most part of his face. I used to tease him a lot over the same adding fuel to the ever-burning fire. But he is sweet and the cleverest boy I have met in this town at least.

"I am not in the mood, you guys go ahead." I said looking around the hallway in a hope to find Aiden but I guess he is already out.

"Faith, there is no point." Edmund said making me understand. The expressions on his face were pained one. I can understand considering how Aiden has been acting with him lately. The one thing I don't like about Edmund is that he gives up on people pretty soon.

"I still want to try." I said determinedly. They both let out a sigh and exchanged one look before looking back at me.

"Alright, just be careful. Rose must be waiting for us in the canteen. We should get going." He said further and put a hand over my shoulder.

"Okay." I said giving them a small smile.

"Bye." Emily said giving me a concerned look and they both walked off towards the canteen.

I walked towards the door outside and stopped looking at the rain. It was pouring for some days now. I love rains but something about this black sky makes me sad these days. It made me feel empty from inside. Something is going on and we have no idea about it. Dad has asked me not to go alone especially in the dark with rumours floating about some psycho setting free, fresh in the town. I don't know if I should believe them or not.

There has been a murder reported a few weeks back of one high profile house which is said to follow the same pattern with the killings that happened in the past. A few years ago when I wasn't even born or maybe just born but who cares. I haven't gotten into depth as no one told me or let me read the newspaper. Emily's dad is a Sheriff and whatever I have heard is from her. They say the same psycho is back in the town considering the case was closed as unsolved. But is it possible? I mean wouldn't he be kind of old now? I don't know. I can't tell but as dad says taking precautions is always better.

I saw Aiden in the parking lot with his friends making his way towards the car hurriedly. I pulled around my hoodie and ran towards him not bothering about the rain. I know once he is gone now I won't be able to see him until tomorrow and I don't want to wait for that much. I am already having sleepless nights thinking about everything and I need my answers.

"Aiden." I shouted as he stopped in his tracks and looked back. His friends exchanged a look with smirks as they looked at him. I stopped right in front of them not letting my gaze move around anywhere but him.

"What's the matter?" He asked walking towards me, soaked in the rain. His eyes were hard with no emotions inside them.

"We need to talk." I said looking at him with concern. He let out a sigh and tilted his head back to look at the guys behind. They understood what he said through his face as they moved away towards their cars. Aiden held my hand tight and started pulling me away from the parking. His grip was so tight that it hurt. I tried to jerk him away but he was tough. Definitely!

His favorite place on the entire earth is health club and play ground. He has built a body so well that he can knock out the guys in no time. He wasn't exactly the popular amongst the girls as he held some mysterious vibes that freaked out many. He had the record of beating people over any small issue that he was also getting suspension last week but he still is a bright student and lately, I have heard the whispers about his drug addiction ever since he found his new company which made me worry even more. But he had his fans. The girls who liked secretive and dark boys. He has always had a persona not so pleasant but that never made me feel insecure.

His look was shabby. His school uniform was untidy with the shirt left loose instead of tucking inside the black pants. His tie was also left loose and his dark black locks were messy. His eyes looked tired and there was a fresh deep cut on his cheek just under his eyes which made me worried. His muscles moved under the white shirt he wore as he stopped at the backside of the building. He took out the jacket which was drenched into the rain and stuffed inside the backpack. He adjusted his backpack and rested on his one shoulder as he looked back at me with his blue eyes. This was his usual stop away from the humans where he and his friends lately waste their time doing some shit which is not allowed for the boys of their age.

"What is it?" He asked as his orbs went darker. Nowadays even talking to him alone make me freak out but I still have to.

"What is going on with you?" I asked keeping a safe distance from him. If the drug rumours are true then he can do anything under that influence.

"Nothing." He said and moved his gaze away.

"Are the rumours true?" I asked wasting no more time. I saw him laugh as he looked back at me.

"Which one?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

"There are many." He said letting out a chuckle. I was looking at him carefully but there as no point in anything as he has shut himself from everyone. He is hiding something deep inside him. I let out a sigh.

"I have killed someone, I do drugs, I am into street fighting, I sleep around with girls, I am a crazy psychopath. Which one?" He said again letting out a laugh further which scared me a bit. I moved back a little although I know he won't hurt me.

"All of them." I said. I didn't realize this yet but I was breathing heavily with the nervousness gearing inside me.

"Leave it." He said shaking his head side to side as he started walking away. I made a quick move and held his wrist tight. He didn't look back at me.

"Aiden." I said in a low voice.

"Listen, don't get involved. Just stay out of my business, okay?" He said through greeted teeth.

"What kind of business?" I asked as he looked back at me.

"You don't need to know about it." He said and jerked my hand away. I stumbled a little as that was kind of unexpected.

"Don't get into this, Faith. I am not joking when I say this." He said and walked off keeping me there all alone.

I saw his speedy car making a turn out of the gates when I was making my way inside the school building soaked in the rain.

Aiden is like a mystery I have not been able to solve up until now just like the big dragon on his back which starts from his neck and goes down till his waist. Sometimes I think I get him but other times he feels distant. We haven't accepted our relationship ever until now. It's not even a relationship, to be honest. We just used to roam around together, stayed beside each other, consoled each other in hard times, held hands, shared warm hugs, sometimes kissed, and spent nights together but that's all. Emotionally if you ask then I don't know if that would pass as a proper relation as I basically still don't understand him. He doesn't let me come closer to him or read him. He is the jigsaw puzzle, I haven't been able to put together while I let him see through me every time. So it's just a one-way thing until now.

No one knows about us outside our close circle and our close circle, which consists of just three more people, assumes us to be together which I don't know is true. I am confused about us. More about him.

Emily waved at me once she spotted me in the corridor. I gave her a sad smile and made my way towards the washroom. I pushed the door and looked at myself in the mirror. I was a mess and I couldn't attend the lectures being drenched or looking like this. I turned on the tap and turned it off again. I don't know what I was doing.

"What did he say?" Emily asked making me jerk a little. I thought she would follow me but I didn't notice her until she kept her hand over my shoulder.

"Nothing. Just leave me alone Emily. I will be good." I said shaking my head a little. She gave me a concerned look.

"But..." She was saying when I cut her off.

"Please." I said looking at her through the mirror. She let out a sigh.

"You are going home?" She asked further to which I nodded my head.

"I guess." I said letting out a sigh.

"Alright. It's weekend so I will be coming over tonight whether you like it or not." She said as I gave her a small smile.

"Okay." I said nodding a little when I heard the bell ringing.

"Bye." Emily said giving me a brief hug as she rushed outside.

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

I was greeted by Mr. Garcia, the man who looks at all the accounts for dad when I reached home after a long walk on this hill. He is a middle-aged man with a long mustache. He is bald and wears round hats most of the time. I gave him a small smile. He looked in a hurry as he made his way towards his car. The worry was clearly visible on his face which made me worried for some reason. I rushed inside the house.

The house was deep inside the forest onto a hill. So I needed to walk up for 15-20 minutes at least to reach the house from the main road. There was steep and the road to my house had trees from both sides considering its forest around the area. It kinda freaked me out as there were fewer to no humans on this road. My Dad's wife who is apparently my stepmom is a writer and she wanted to be away from the chaos. Dad was more than happy to complete her wish. But it is a headache for me. I don't like staying here. It freaks me out at night. Lately, I feel like I have been watched. Like some eyes are following my every move. I shivered at that thought.

Dad and Mom were having some deep conversation but stopped right away when they spotted me making way inside. Mom gave me a small smile which I returned and stood in front of them.

"Everything okay?" I asked and they exchanged a look which I found suspicious. Dad didn't bother to say anything and lit his smoking pipe. He always wore brown or black suits and a matching scarf around his neck. His favorite round pocket watch was resting inside his blazer pocket and the chain hung outside on loose.

"Yes. Of course. What might happen?" She said trying to put up an act. The smile she offered to me was fake.

She got up from her seat and moved towards me, "Look at you, Faith. You are drenched. Get changed. I will make some hot coffee for you which you like."

"Okay." I said not stretching the topic as looking at my father's face I can tell he was on verge of losing it and I don't want the wrath. So I made my way towards my room when mom went to the kitchen.

*******

It was dark when I came out of the washroom getting changed into my nightwear. I kept my school uniform which was soaked in the rain inside the basket for the washing lady to come and get it. Mom was already present in my room. She gave me a smile as her brown eyes twinkled. She was beautiful. No wonder my dad fell for her right away but my birth mother was even more beautiful without any debate. Mom, that's how I have always called her as my dad specifically asked me to, poured the coffee in the cup. I sat beside her and took the cup in hand. She specifically ordered this cup set from London when my dad went there for his business. Apart from writing and styling, her other interest is to collect crockery.

I looked outside the window. There was still light rain. The workers were busy turning on the lights around and inside the mansion. The electricity is still not smooth in this town so apart from the electric lamps, the workers have been ordered to lit the gasoline lamps. The rush was visible as the workers ran around here and there.

The mansion was away from the city and inside the woods but still there were just a few people surrounding the house to guard it as the town is small and people know each other.

"How was your day?" She asked me sipping her tea. She is in her early 40s and has the aura of her own. She is always up to date with the style of our 80s woman. The styling in England changes rapidly every decade. I remember I saw her having a different hairstyle in my childhood but now she looks different with a different set of hair and dresses. People in town looked at her with admiration whenever she is out on the road to buy something.

We don't actually share a typical mother and daughter relationship. We are close but I still won't share my deepest secrets with her. I miss my mom but I am glad to have my stepmom in my life. At least I have someone who would be with me else Dad is always away for his business.

"Amazingly terrible." I said sipping on my coffee as mom got up to turn on the lights of my room. The moon was already in the sky. The dark clouds covered him preventing his light to fall on the earth. I kept looking outside the window at the rush down. I moved my gaze and looked inside the trees but I couldn't as I am scared to spot something I shouldn't. Aiden always used to laugh at me for this but now even that laughter is gone. I let out a sigh as the room was lit and mom got seated beside me.

"Why?" She asked with a complaining face.

"Aiden ignored me." I said. She knows about us so she is the only apart from Emily who I can talk freely.

"Your day starts with him and ends with him." She said with a chuckle. Her black curls that were out of her high bun moved along with the wind which hit us through the window.

"He has changed. Like you know..." I was saying when she cut me off.

"I haven't seen him lately." She said and I let out a sigh. I looked outside again taking a deep breath. The mountains were looking dark like before holding their darkest secrets even after 12 years.

"How is your book going?" I asked dropping the topic and looked back at her again. There is no point in talking about Aiden. No one would understand me and I won't understand him.

"That was random. But the progress is good." She said with a smile. I smiled back at her.

"I wanted to be away from the chaos but I guess I am in the middle of one." She said when we heard the noise down.

"What is happening? I saw Mr. Garcia tensed." I asked curiously. I want to know what is happening but all I hear is rumours.

"He is worried. He thinks that the psycho killer is actually back and he killed George." She said letting out a chuckle and shaking her head. Something about that posture didn't feel right. Like she is hiding something. She doesn't want me to know.

"So the rumours are untrue?" I asked again and she shook her head looking back at me.

"I don't know. I want them to be untrue." She said. I don't know why but she is making me nervous as hell.

"I will send a car to pick you up from school as Aiden is no more around you." She said. Aiden! He used to pick me up and drop me home back after school was over as this road was so good to walk alone but seems like he is too much into his new friends that he has forgotten the old ones now.

"That's fine. I will be fine." I said giving her an assuring smile.

"No. I am not taking any chances. The road to this hill is no good. You never know who hides in these trees." She said freaking me out with that sentence. I always wondered the same but had no courage to take it out.

"I feel like someone follows me." She said in a low voice and I could feel fear creeping inside of me.

"Me too." I said and she looked at me with some expressions which weren't pleasing but held something deep.

"Hey guys, I am here!" I missed a beat as I looked to the side when Emily barged into the room. I could feel the loud thudding of my heart inside me. I breathed heavily as she gave me a confused look.

"You scared the shit out of me." I said still not able to comprehend anything.

"Why?" She asked taking a seat on my bed.

"Nothing. It's good to have you." Mom said giving her a small smile and got up from the seat.

"I will prepare for the dinner." She said making her way out.

"What's happening? I was so scared of coming up here. I heard that killer is somewhere in this forest." She said freaking me out further.

"Shut up. You keep talking nonsense." I said giving her unpleasant expressions.

"I just said what I heard." She said with a shrug as I let out a sigh.

"I saw Aiden losing his shit at someone when I was coming here. Damn, he looked wasted. That new dude is no good for him." She said with half attention as she was engrossed stuffing the food at the front.

"Hmm..." I said looking inside the long big trees again. Aiden and his anger have become every day now so there is no point in talking about it. Especially to Emily who has her insecurities when it came to Aiden. Those are acceptable considering his secretive nature but I know him too well. Better than anyone around.

"Anyway, I have some new movies with me. Which one do you want to watch first?" She asked gaining my attention.

"Anything apart from horror or having a serial killer in it." I said with a plain voice making her chuckle.

"Got ya!" She said and started looking into her bag searching for the CDs. Dad bought a CD player last year and since then Emily who is fond of movies makes sure to come to my house so she could watch her favorites before that she said she is scared of living in this house.

I let out a sigh and kept looking outside the window as the darkness filled the surrounding.

***********

I could hear the voice of clock ticking but sleep was nowhere to be found. It struck around 3:30 in the morning. Emily slept some time back saying she is tired and we can complete the movies later. I agreed as I was in no mood. Unable to sleep I got up and walked towards the window, looking outside.

The noise of crickets and ruffling of the leaves by the wind was filling the haunted silence that surpassed. The rain was stopped some time back. The moon was full and out of the clouds now. He was showering his silver light on the entire forest and me. It was so calm around. Sometimes silence holds the deepest secrets. That's what Aiden said while telling me his ghostly stories. Those were creepy and still make me fear.

I took a deep breath looking around and my heart almost skipped a beat. My stomach twisted. I am damn sure I saw something in the woods. Some shadows moved inside when they felt my gaze. I couldn't figure out what it was. An animal? No, I don't think so. It was a human-like body wearing something black I suppose. Was it a man or a woman? I couldn't tell. It was just for a fraction of seconds. I felt some deep fear surpassing me. I closed the window right away without bothering to looking around for it and went straight into bed taking the comforts around my head.

Was it him? Emily said he is hiding into the forest. Was it really him? My heart was thudding loudly. My breaths were uneven and I could feel the sweat forming on my entire body but I didn't move. I stayed there sleeping in the exact same position. Too scared to even make a move.

**********

The morning was bright and beautiful with birds chirping but I kept on lying in the bed. I couldn't sleep. When I thought I am getting into a deep slumber, the same shadow followed me. It was smiling at me. The creep smile. I can't unsee what I saw yesterday in the wood. There is no doubt now that something is out there and we are close to it.

George used to work for us. He was secretary of dad who would follow him everywhere. He used to live right across the street in a small home along the roadside. He was close too. I felt shivers throughout my body. I need to talk with someone. I want to talk to Aiden! But I don't know where to find if. I thought of calling his home but I don't think he will be there. So where?

Emily was all awake by now and was stretching her hands up in the air. I gave her a plain look being in my own thought.

"Couldn't sleep?" Emily asked rubbing her eyes. I kept looking at her for a good two minutes thinking as to what to do next. Sure it was risky going deep down but I can't just let any psycho kill my family.

What does he want from us? Why us? And more importantly who is he or her maybe? I don't know. I'm scared but I just can't sit and do nothing. I want to talk with Dad and Mom but I don't know if they would believe me because of my history with hallucinating things.

"We need to call Edmund and find Aiden." I said out of nowhere.

"Why all of sudden?" Emily gave me a confused look. I rushed towards my wardrobe and pulled out some comfortable clothes.

"I need to talk with him. Something is up and I will tell everyone together." I said.

"Grab the telephone from the side table and make the call. I will be back after taking a quick shower." I said further and rushed inside the washroom leaving Emily in splits.

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

We waited at the park Edmund mentioned. It has already been late but there is no clue for both of them. I kept looking impatiently towards the giant gate but there was no one. Emily was taking swings as she said she missed the feels of having fun in the park.

Years back when we were naive little girls, we used to come here to play when the school was over. We could literally stay here until our moms would come to get us. The woods freaked me out but I would happily go along with mom waving bye to Emily. Why happily? To meet Aiden. His family usually would be at our place to have dinner.

We would spend our time together while elders used to talk about business. I never got any time to spend with Aiden in school  as he would be busy with his friends and sport mainly so I used to make most of it when we were out of school. Those were the days!

Edmund waved at me when he was in my vision. I frowned looking at him making his way towards us, alone.

"Looks like Aiden won't show up today." Emily said standing closer to me. I let out a sigh looking at Edmund.

"Just give up on him, Faith." Emily said and I gritted my teeth. I have told her the same thing countless times but she just doesn't listen.

"I won't. Unless I get all answers." I said plainly. Edmund stood right in front of us and adjusted his round specs which were bigger than his nose.

"Sorry, I couldn't find Aiden anywhere. I called his home, went to his new hangout spot, and looked out at that cafe around the corner but there is no trace of him." He said giving me an apologetic smile. Yet again we were unable to find him.

He just vanishes somewhere in this town once out of the school. I need to find his hideouts soon else I will lose him completely.

"What did his family said? When you called?" I asked calmly. Edmund shrugged.

"They got no idea but I told them to convey the message that you are looking for him." He said and I let out a sigh again because that's all I can do.

"What is it?" Emily asked with curiosity holding in her voice.

"I guess I saw someone in the woods at night." I said and looked at their expressions carefully. I knew they won't believe me just like my parents.

They both exchanged a look and I knew right at the moment I should have kept my mouth shut until I find Aiden. But I thought of giving it a try maybe.

"What? Did it start again?" Emily asked with concern.

"What?" I asked lazily as my mind started drifting thinking about Aiden and his whereabouts. He is making me sick with worry.

"I mean I told you about the psycho hiding somewhere into the forest." Emily said gaining my attention.

"So you think I'm hallucinating?" I asked letting out a chuckle. She let out a sigh and exchanged a look with Edmund.

"I guess. I mean..." She was saying when I didn't let her finish.

"Leave it. You guys won't believe." I said and made my way past Edmund.

"That's why I needed Aiden." I said shaking my head but kept walking.

"Wait, Faith." Emily said catching up with me.

"Where are you going?" She asked but I didn't stop.

"Come and see me at home when you believe me." I shouted at those two.

"Faith!" I heard Edmund but I was already out of the park.

I was furious and sad. First, with my friends who I thought would understand me didn't bother to even listen to me. They directly jumped to the conclusion based on past experiences. I am hallucinating? Seriously? But what if it's actually true? What if what I saw in the woods is actually just a fragment of my imagination? Emily did mention about killer hiding inside the wood. Then what if I actually imagined him there when in reality no one wasn't around.

I walked absent-mindedly through the street covered with trees. There wasn't a single soul around. The dark clouds hid the sun behind them and the woods made sure no light reaches the ground. It was dark even when there was still some time for the evening. No doubt it was going to rain soon. I pulled my jacket closer to me when the cold wind passed rubbing me. I could hear the sounds of crickets as I looked beside me and inside the woods. I couldn't see much inside as it was covered with large woods and leaves. I let out a sigh remembering mom's words.

Who knows who is hidden inside the woods.

I felt shivered across my body just when I heard a a twig break behind me. I stopped in my spot as my hands started trembling with fear. Another creak followed but it was loud than before as if someone was moving closer to me. My heart started beating rapidly. I felt sweat forming on my forehead. I heard some whispers like someone was talking for a brief moment but then the silence followed. I was breathing heavily but with great strength, I slowly looked behind but no one was there. Not a single soul.

I was alone on that hilly road with green trees surrounding me. I was on the verge of crying but I couldn't waste my time. I tried to walk but my feet were heavy. I didn't hear any creak again nor the whispering sound. I increased my speed and made my feet to run no matter how heavy they felt. I rushed inside the house and then in my room. I closed the door shut and sat on the ground as if all the strength inside me has vanished. I had no energy to get up and walk. The tears started escaping my eyes. I was shaking with fear. This can't be my hallucination! This just can't. It felt too real to pass as just a mere imagination of my mind.

__________________________________

🥀a u t h o r ' s  n o t e🥀

Here we go again after a decade has been passed since prologue. Gosh! This week was just too much. We might start publishing this at night starting from next chapter. But let's see.

Will you read at night or in day?

Anyway what do you feel about this attempt? Do you like it? Please feel free to post your thoughts in comments.

Do VOTE if you like it.

We will be back with another chapter on next Friday and I truly hope it won't feel like a decade.🤣

Till then, bye.

Loads of love ❤️