The Hunt

Chapter One

I looked back at Amanda, "so he's going to take you away?" She sniffled a little and I felt completely devestated.

"Hey, hey, you don't have to cry," I told her and pulled her in for another hug, "I'll call every night remember? And come visit on the weekends," I pulled back from her and motioned my head towards the kitchen, "come on, you can help me get my bags."

I turned to Felix and told him, "I'll be right back."

"No hurry," he replied with a warm smile.

Mandy looked unbearably sad as she walked through the hallway with me. I stopped next to my uncle's office and and knocked on the door. He gave me a quick, "come in," and I found him at his desk with a stack of papers as usual.

"Hey," I said, sticking my head in his office, "the driver's here."

He looked up over his glasses towards me, then back at his papers quickly, before looking back at me, "I'll be right there."

I gave him a small smile, "ok."

I closed the door and started to the kitchen again, Amanda's hand in mine. I grabbed my bags that had been resting on the island stools, and we made our way back to the front room.

I dropped the luggage on the ground and knelt down to Mandy's height, hugging her for what seemed like the 100th time that day. I could feel her crying under me and held her even tighter, forcing back my own tears. I only let go when I heard my Uncle Rich making his way down the hall.

I looked into Mandy's eyes and smoothed her fiery curls, "I love you," I told her once more, and got up to hug her father.

"Bye Uncle Richard," I said after the embrace.

He held onto my shoulder and reached for his daughter's hand, "We'll miss ya, kid." I looked between the two, still in awe of how much Mandy resembled her father. If her hair was shorter she could probably pass for a miniature Rich.

"I'll miss you too."

I pulled my backpack over my shoulder and Felix grabbed my other suitcases and hauled them to the trunk of the car. I kissed Amanda on the cheek and waved goodbye, stepping out of the house.

On the way to the car I heard Uncle Rich call, "good luck in Silver Springs!" and gave him a big thumbs up with a grin.

The car ride to my grandmother's house was quiet. Felix sat in the front and had the divider down, so I spent my time staring out the window. I watched as the Illinois farmlands started to dwindle and were replaced by tall dark trees surrounding the road.

I felt myself start to drift off into sleep as the long car made it's way to my new home.

•••••

I was awoken to a sudden jerk and was thrown face first into the aisle.

I sat up clutching my elbow that had been at a strange angle during my 'graceful' wakening.

I could hear thunder crack outside of the car and rain pounding on the roof.

"Felix?" I called out to the limo driver and walked to the divider, "Felix are you alright?" I asked fumbling with the black sheet of plastic.

I felt the divider slide up and came face to face with Felix.

"What happened?" I asked him, and stuck my head further into the front seat.

I saw him unbuckle and unlock the doors hastily, "I think I hit a dog!" His voice was panicked and didn't waste any time scrambling out of the car door.