The wolf was coming faster and faster as I ran into the woods. I was instantly bombarded by the earthy smell and sounds of owls hooting in the trees. Another bark emitted from the creature's mouth and I felt my chest tighten in fear. My feet crunched on the dry leaves, the dirt sticking to my already-scuffed white sneakers. It was so close, I could hear it breathing. I put on a burst of speed then, hoping to put some distance between it and me.

Unfortunately, when I did, I failed to notice the tree root sticking up from the ground. My shoe got tangled on it instantly and I bit it. Pieces of dirt and dried weeds entered my mouth, making me gag before I spun around. The wolf leaped at me then, baring its fangs. And just when I began to close my eyes and wait for the inevitable painful bite that would come, another wolf shot out of the woods. It lunged for the other one and they wrestled on the ground in front of me.

Bits of fur and spit went flying everywhere as they growled and barked at one another. I backed up, scooting over to a tree nearby, away from the fray. My rescuer wolf bit into the other one then and it howled in pain. Scurrying away, it ran off into the dark expanse of the woods. I let out a deep sigh and faced the wolf that had saved me. My honey-brown eyes bored into the wolf's amber orbs and suddenly...somehow...I knew it was the one that spared me that night.

It almost seemed to nod at me and I held my breath as it took off into the woods as well. Leaning up against the tree, I exhaled and briefly squeezed my eyes shut, my heart still pounding furiously in my chest. What an experience! That makes twice I was nearly eaten by wolves. Fishing in my pocket, I found my phone and quickly rang Miss Carlisle to let her know I was on my way home. Afterward, I got up and made my way back, careful to stay far away from the woods.

The next day, Miss Carlisle informed us we'd all start attending the high school here in Stoneybridge. Apparently, she'd sent in the applications when we'd first arrived and they'd just been accepted now. That was good, I guess. At least I'd get to meet new people and not have to stick around the orphanage so much. I had an excuse now. I could just say I'd be hanging out with friends.

Then Miss Carlisle wouldn't worry so much. The first school bell rang just as I entered the building, albeit a little late. Trudging through the hallway, I stopped when I came to the room where I had my first class: Science. The teacher was a tall strawberry-blonde woman and she smiled at me as I entered. All of the students turned to stare at me, making me instantly more uncomfortable than I already was. I hated school.

"Class, this is Jemma Reyes-Hargreaves. She'll be joining us for the new school year. She's come all the way from London so I want everyone to make her feel right at home." she chirped to the student body before pointing out where my seat was.

They rolled their eyes and chorused some 'yes''s as I found my seat that was located towards the back. I slumped into it and slung my backpack on the floor beside me.

"Fancy meeting you here," a deep-velvet voice spoke from beside me, making me slightly jump in my seat.

I twisted to the side and my eyes met familiar cocoa-brown ones. The boy I'd met outside the video game shop cocked his head to the side and smirked at me.