"These look great," I beam at Ava.

After we took some pictures, we settled onto the sidewalk in front of a park. I found it weird though, last time I was here I don't remember seeing a park. I'm sure I would have noticed, but I guess not. I may have been distracted by my music or missed this street all together.

The pictures we took were mostly blurry, out of focus, or of something other than the two of us. We got some shots of the nature around us, and some weird caterpillar thing.

It was awkward though, the caterpillar was climbing up a bench, but there was a family sitting down having lunch. I instantly wanted to snap a picture of it, for it appeared to have spikes on its back, possibly for defense. I was going to just leave it alone, for social situations aren't ideal, but Ava had more confidence than me. She politely went up to the family and asked if we could take some shots of the bug. They probably felt they had to, but I'm glad they did. The shot turned out great, and we airdropped it to the mothers phone.

"You took them." She chuckles and stands up. I follow in her path and we both wipe the dirt from off of our clothes. "There's an ant on your arm, by the way.

Although I wasn't too alarmed, I did become more aware. I look to my left arm, and the to my right. The bug was crawling towards my hand, so I quickly flicked it off. 

"Where are we going now?" I quiz her.

She looks around and a look of dread comes over her face.

"I don't even know where we are anymore." She sighs as she pulls out her phone.

"Are you serious? You said you knew this place inside and out.."

"No, Juno. I was joking. We're only a blocks away from our destination."

"Where are we even going?" I raise the question that's been wringing in my mind for the past hour since we left school.

"Nowhere special. Just a place I made when I was little.  A treehouse." She smiles, which is soon replaced with a smug look.

"Oh?"

"Don't worry, It'll be fun!" she holds out her pinkie finger for me, "pinkie promise."

I stare at her hand, wondering if she's being serious. This girl..

"pinkie promise." I smile, and she leads me into the woods.

**

"Okay so there might be other people here." she smiles as she walks ahead of me.

I take a deep breath in, loving the earthy smell the wood gave off. Loving even more that I wasn't at home, laying in my bed on my phone.

"Friends?"

"Family. They're from my old group-home. There's barely ever no one there. My friend Kai likes to build things, so him and his group of friends come out and expand the treehouse."

"Aren't you worried someone might stumble across it and break something?"

"This is private property. Mrs and Mr Jamison, my old foster parents, let everyone come back here as long as we don't cause any trouble. The house we passed walking into the woods, that was mine."

I was surprised she was telling me this. Most people wouldn't open up to strangers like that. Maybe she could help me with Jason and Hayley.

We come across two dirty white blankets, and Ava opens them up to reveal tons of people, a bonfire, and a ginormous treehouse.

"Now everyone is here besides Ronnie!" A girl yells as she see's Ava.

There were at least ten people here. It was like a mini community. There were kids around thirteen here, but most looked our age or older, and they all looked happy. The place was filled with great vibes, and I could hear music coming from inside the treehouse. I automatically realized the song was the N.Y.L.A by blackbear. This made me excited, blackbear was really the only person I listened to.

A smile came to my face as I looked around.

A cowbell interrupted my thoughts. I turn to look at Ava, and she only provided me a thumbs up.

Before I knew it, everyone was gathered around the bonfire, sitting down on either stools, blankets, or logs.

"Guys. This is Juno. I met her earlier at school!"

"Did you skip school again?" a guy with curly black hair and ice blue eyes quizzed.

"Oh shush, Kai." she waves him off.

"Okay. The kids like introducing themselves, so for now. This is Kai, Rachael, my brother Amore, Reece, Shawn-Tomlyn, and I'm sure you know Noah. Aren't you guys dating?"

And once again, it feels as if my heart stops. My eyes wander to him. Although no one else could tell, I could. He was furious.

"Hey baby!" He smiles and wraps his arm around me. "I was actually just about to head home. You should join me."

"She just got here. She hasn't even seen the treehouse yet." Ava pouts.

"It's okay.." I smile slightly. "I have tons of work to finish either way. I had a great time with you though, Ava."

Unfortunately, it would be the last time I'm going to talk to her. I had such an amazing time with her, and it sucks to know I couldn't anymore.

"It's okay if you want to stay." Noah looked at me, just to let me know I only had one choice. "I can give you my notes later on."

"No!" I somewhat yell, before adjusting my tone. "I'll go with you.."

**
"Where are we going.." I find myself asking the same question as earlier.

It was now dark, and I've been following Noah for some while, not a word exchanged.

Before we left, Noah decided to give me a piggy back ride. This scared me, it gave him a chance to hurt me. Not to mention that we were in a secluded area.

"Look around. Do you see anyone?"

His voice wasn't menacing. It was sweet and quiet.

Obeying his orders, I look around. Theres no one... fuck.

Behind a tree, where Noah couldn't see, was a somewhat familiar face. It took a second for the name to click.

Kai..