Land of the Undiscovered

Part One - Class

The school bells ring as I slide my stack of books under my desk. I resume sitting in my proper posture, waiting for our English teacher, Mrs. Butterscotch, to begin class.

"What a beautiful Monday morning, students. I hope you all enjoyed the warm weather this weekend. But you all missed school very much and came back to hear about your next assignment!"

The class chuckled while receiving the papers Mrs. Butterscotch passed out to the rows of desks.

"Your next assignment will be an essay over something you find interesting in nature. Earth Day is fast approaching, so why not welcome the day with a handwritten essay? You may work with a partner of your choosing. Now get to work, my little birds!"

Writing has been a love of mine for a very long time, learning all to know from my mother. With her teaching me how to write from an early age, I was always ahead in my English classes. That was until I hit high school. Everyone around me changed, including my best friend, Auvrey. During our freshman year, she started to wear darker clothing and makeup.

I turn to signal Auvrey over to be my partner. I was too late, as she was already walking towards me, her light purple hair bouncing with every step.

"Hey, Elizabeth. I'm lost for ideas, but I'm sure you have an idea in that creative mind of yours." Tucking her hair behind her ear, I notice a black cross upon her swollen cheek.

"When did you get that? How come you never told me? I thought I was your best friend, Auv!"

"Yes, you are still my best friend, only friend if that. I got it tattooed by another one of dad's close friends yesterday. Is it not the coolest?"

"Personally, I would never want-"

"Now girls, don't get too carried away in conversation!" Mrs. Butterscotch interrupted with a waving finger. "The board says that the essay will be due this Friday and this will be the only day to work in-class. Now, get back to work, you two!"

"Yes, Mrs. Butterscotch," Auvrey and I sighed while watching her walk away to scold another group.

"Okay, I have an idea," I whispered. "All of the legends to the river in the woods, are they true?"

"Izzy, don't be thinking about going there. You know it's dangerous."

"Is it actually? All of those are stories, made up to keep children from going into the woods alone. There's no evidence of it being dangerous. Please, Auv, We have to prove that it is a peaceful river without monsters. I can meet you at your house after school."

"Fine, if you insist. But promise me that if there is danger, we will turn around."

"Yes, I promise!"