Outcasts

by Craig MacLachlan

  Morgan had made her way along the ceiling before. Skylar held the candle up, but the light was too dim to see.

  Outside, she examined the makeshift bathroom. Tapping the boards, nothing appeared loose. Grasping the padlock, she pulled—it was still locked.

  She needed the flashlight. As she passed the open door, a light inside flickered, where Haley sat facing the back wall. Before she could speak, Haley pointed the flashlight at the ceiling, onto the same spot Morgan had jumped down from before.

  “What?”

  “There.” Haley pointed.

  Skylar peered upward. “I still don’t see anything.”

  “Climb.”

  “Are you crazy? And I thought I told you to stay.”

  Haley handed over the flashlight and rubbed her hands together. Without a word, she grabbed the opposing logs and began to climb.

  “What are you doing?” Skylar said in disbelief, watching as Haley scaled the wall.

  The flashlight in her mouth, Skylar kept the light on Haley, arms outstretched, ready to catch Haley if she fell.

  Piece by piece, Haley removed sections of the wall until there was an opening. The hole looked barely wide enough to fit through.

  “Can you get out?”

  “I think so,” Haley said, stacking the boards next to the opening.

  “Careful . . .”Skylar bolted outside and watched as Haley twisted and squirmed through the opening with ease, jumping to the ground.

  “Morgan’s secret door.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Skylar examined the opening, looking for traces of deer blood. If Morgan had taken the animal through, it wouldn’t have been easy. Nothing made sense. Then again, if Skylar weren’t so domesticated, it might.

  “I bet she hauled it on her back,” Haley ventured.

  “Is she that strong?” Skylar remembered how easily Morgan had pinned her to the cabin floor.

  “Well, she isn’t here, so we should get going.” Just where Morgan was, Skylar wasn’t sure.

  “I’ll be back,” Haley said.

  “Where are you going?”

  Haley grabbed Skylar’s hand. “Give me twenty minutes like I gave you. Please? Trust me, I haven’t forgotten everything yet.”

  Skylar knew what she meant.

  “Howl if you find anything, and if you’re not back in twenty minutes, I’m coming for you.” Skylar squeezed her hand, and Haley met her grip.

  “Thanks, Skye. And, could you clean yourself up? It’s taken all of my willpower to keep from eating you alive.”

  Skylar waited until Haley vanished into the woods before she resumed searching the clearing. She was unclear how much of their old ways Haley could still put to use but allowing her the chance to do her part would likely lift her spirit, no matter the outcome.

  Skylar’s sporadic outbursts were hampering her own efforts to assimilate. It sickened her that she wasn’t strong enough to resist them. Whoever was taunting her knew all the right triggers. Whether it was all a game or something more sinister, it was ruining everything she’d worked for.

  She remembered when she’d leapt onto Trevor, unable to resist the heightened sense of lust and sexual desire. Maybe her friends had been right about her being in some type of heat. When she wasn’t in that state, her feelings were softened—more of interest, attraction.

  Normal.

  She reached the center of the tree line directly behind the cabin when her eye caught on a tree, a small area of its bark removed. A blackened triangle had been branded into the meat of the tree, the bark piled on the ground.

  Inside the triangle were three smaller triangles at each corner, and a circle with a black dot had been branded into the center. She traced the symbol with her finger.

  She gathered the bark at her feet, fitting them back into place like a puzzle.

  With the symbol covered, Skylar continued along the tree line, and before long, found another tree with the same symbol burned into it. She replaced the bark as she had with the first tree, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. Further down, she found a third tree similar to the others.

  Although she was sure she’d never seen it before now, the symbol didn’t seem foreign somehow.

  Nervous laughter filled the air as she scoffed at her own naivety as if everything that had happened was connected to some huge mystery surrounding her.

  Glancing at her watch, Haley still had five minutes to return. Transfixed, Skylar watched the second hand tick along, landing on twelve. The hour hand landed on three, the minute hand on nine.

  And all three were controlled by the small round dot in the center.

  A flash of understanding clicked. The trees were the points of the triangle and the cabin was the centralized point.

  Naivete morphed into uneasiness.

  Haley emerged from the forest, shaking her head.

  “Any sign of Morgan?” Skylar asked.

  Haley didn’t stop to answer, taking once again to the trail, disappearing into the trees.

  Removing the bark from the nearest symbol-tree, Skylar snapped a picture with her phone. Covering it back up, she ran after Haley and found her at the creek, perched on a boulder, crying.

  Looping her arms around, Skylar hugged her friend.

  “Morgan’s gone, forever.”

  “She’s just lost. We’ll find her. Let’s get out of here.”

  “She’s not lost. She’s home—where we belong.”

  Refusing to press it further, Skylar allowed Haley a moment to calm down.

  They took to the forest again, and as they walked along the winding trail, the forest became still. Birds stopped chirping, critters ceased their chatter. And yet, there was another sound in the distance—a scratching, metallic noise that caused them both to cringe.

  “What is that?” Haley covered her ears.

  “Come on.” Skylar grabbed Haley’s hand and they both raced for the truck. The closer they got, the louder the noise. It was worse than a fork across a plate. Nearing the end of the trail, the sound suddenly cut out.

  As the truck came into view, Skylar stopped, her jaw hanging. She felt Haley brush against her, gasping, and knew she saw it too. The truck doors hung open. Stuffing from the seats littered the ground. Scrapes and claw marks littered the truck’s steel frame.

  Together, Skylar and Haley inched toward the truck. A message had been scratched into the hood, almost hidden beneath claw marks so deep it made the words hard to read.

  U R IN DANGER RUN!

  Chapter Twelve

  Pressing down on the gas pedal, Skylar barreled down the dirt road, billows of dust behind her. Haley held tightly to the seatbelt as Skylar fought to keep the truck from sliding on the gravel. Chunks of seat cushions were scattered everywhere.

  The mountain road ended and gave way to pavement, and though she was still speeding, Skylar slowed the truck a bit.

  “Who did that, Skye?”

  “I don’t know.”

  What she did know was that whoever had left the warning was human. The claw marks sparked images of the person dressed as a bear in Trevor’s Room and it scared her senseless.

  Having switched from the truck to her car, they swept Tamarack Falls again in search of Morgan. Not finding any trace of her, they settled back at Skylar’s house. For the rest of evening, she looked walked the house looking out of every window while Haley curled up in a ball on the couch with the television on. Skylar checked on Trevor’s bedroom window from her bedroom several times, but never saw him or any signs of life in the house.

  And then, Sunday morning arrived.

  After another famous Haley waffle breakfast that had Skylar wishing she had a dog, Haley’s mother called, asking her to go home for the Logging Days festivities. Haley complained bitterly to Skylar as she drove her home.

  Camera in hand, Skyler arrived early to the fairgrounds after dropping Haley off. Surrounded by mountains, a white mist rose from the Tamarack River. Taking in the peacefuln
ess of the morning, she snapped some photographs she knew Carly would appreciate.

  Making her way through the aisles of booths, Skylar passed a wood carving display. No one appeared to be around, so she stopped to admire the display. On a stump sat a small chainsaw next to several chunks of un-carved wood. There were carvings of fish, bears, moose, and other animals. Taking several photos, she resumed her stroll among the chatter of the growing crowd.

  Later, there would be a tree climbing contest, a wood-chopping competition—her father’s favorite—along with ax-throwing and log balancing.

  Snapping more photos, a hand on her shoulder caused her to jump.

  “Hey, it’s only Dad.” He stood behind her with a warm smile. “Sorry about that. Ready for the big day?”

  “I hope so.” She snapped a photo of her dad, suddenly full of questions. “Where did you both go off to?”

  “Relax kiddo, everything’s fine. Your mom is home and she’ll be here soon. She refused to come without washing first. She’s also feeling a bit under the weather.”

  “Is she okay?”

  He paused. “I’ve been trying to convince your mother that we need to ease up on you, let you be a teenager.”

  “Like never being left alone overnight?” Skylar poked him in the stomach.

  “I fooled your mom into a camping trip in mountains. She hiked forever trying to find a cell signal.” He laughed, cupping her cheek in his hand. “We love you, kiddo, and she’s coming around. We won’t always be here to watch over you.”

  “Thanks, that means a lot.” She gave him a hug.

  “Isn’t that . . . look over there.”

  “Where? What?”

  “At the deep-fried candy booth. It’s our new neighbor. Go and introduce yourself.”

  “We’ve met,” she replied, not ready to see him again. After their altercation, she wasn’t sure he wanted to see her, either.

  “I’ve got stuff to do, Dad.”

  “It’ll only take a moment. Invite him and his folks to dinner tonight.”

  Before Skylar could protest, her dad disappeared into the crowd.

  Gathering her courage, she approached Trevor.

  “Heart-attack hotel, right?”

  Why had she said something so lame?

  “Artery-clogging café,” Trevor said with a nervous smile.

  “We should try some later.”

  “It’s a date. I mean, for sure we should. Maybe meet for a snack around noon?”

  Musing over his choice of wording, Skylar spied her dad from the crowd, watching. He waved and she turned away, embarrassed.

  Turning back to Trevor, she noticed his arm wrapped in gauze. “You never showed for the fight.”

  “It wouldn’t have solved anything.”

  “I think you’re brave,” she said, honestly, as her hand grazed his.

  Trevor’s gaze landed on the camera hanging from her neck. “Want to take a walk before you have to work?”

  She nervously ran her fingers over the camera strap as she nodded.

  Following a trail to the top of a small rise, they sat on a metal bench overlooking the river. She wasn’t sure why Trevor wanted to be alone with her after their last encounter. The silence between them made her uneasy.

  “Why do they call it Tamarack Falls Days, like there’s more than one?” Trevor asked.

  Skylar noted Trevor’s nervousness and it made her feel better. “I know, right? It only lasts one day.”

  “Maybe it used to be longer. Whatever, I guess.”

  “About the other night,” she began, but her mind blanked.

  “It’s in the past. I do admit, it was . . . different, but not totally in a bad way.”

  “It won’t happen again. Sorry for invading your privacy. I had no right . . . wait, what do you mean, not in a bad way?”

  Trevor scooted closer and their bodies touched.

  Unable to decipher his motive, Skylar reached out her hand and almost placed it on his knee before pulling away, pretending to stifle a yawn.

  He shook his head, muttering.

  “I really like you.” The words quietly spilled from her lips, and she instantly wished she could rewind time. She fidgeted in the silence.

  “I used to be the king of the school.” He paused, unable to look anywhere but his own clasped hands. “You’re sure you can like someone who would’ve treated you and your friend the way Brad and Samantha treat you?”

  She placed her hand on his and their eyes met. “It’s in the past. And how do I know you’re not just saying that to scare me away?” Her arm inched toward Trevor.

  Having only practiced on pillows before now, Skylar took a chance and leaned in. Her lips brushed his. She wanted more. She leaned in closer, and this time their lips fully touched.

  Trevor’s scent filled her.

  She fought to hold her emotions back, but Trevor suddenly pulled away, swiping his hand from hers.

  His scent evaporated.

  “Did I do something wrong?” she asked.

  “No, nothing. You’re fine. It’s . . . it’s me. I can’t do this. Not now, not like this.”

  “Not now?” Skylar stood.

  “Not now, not ever. Please, just go. The festival is starting, and you have a job to do.” He stared at her. “Go and be responsible.”

  Trevor walked down the trail and out of sight. Stunned, she wanted to follow, but her legs were like bricks. Her first kiss ended up a cruel blooper. It was one thing to feel the sting of rejection at school, but Trevor’s rejection was devastating.

  Confused as hell, Skylar hoped taking photographs at the festival would take her mind off of everything. There were more urgent matters to worry about than a failed kiss.

  From the hilltop, Skylar spotted a boy and girl. She focused the camera lens on Brad and Samantha as they browsed a jewelry booth.

  Skylar began taking pictures.

  Diverting the seller’s attention, Brad left Samantha free to stuff several items into her pocket.

  Skylar smiled. Soon, Samantha would be bowing to her.

  Joining the boisterous crowd, Skylar spotted her father as he moved past the first round of ax-chopping, lose miserably at ax-throwing, then vanish into the crowd. She snapped photos of every teenager she saw. Some were making out, while others were eating, playing games or just chilling out. Those who caught her wanted to see their pictures, earning her some high-fives, words of thanks and sentiments of hoping to see her around school.

  Skylar was finally beginning to fit in.

  The roar of a chainsaw grew louder as she neared the wood carvings. A man wearing black protective leather reminded Skylar of a welder. He wore dark shaded glasses, and a red bandana covered his mouth and nose. Long dark hair swayed around his chest. Slicing through a chunk of wood with the chainsaw, he began to carve an intricate design.

  Snapping some pictures, Skylar moved on to meet Trevor for lunch . . . if he would still show up.

  Mom was still a no-show despite Skylar’s unanswered texts. Skylar hoped she wouldn’t run into her father—she didn’t want to answer questions about Trevor. Not to mention, she’d forgotten to invite him for dinner.

  “You’ve taken to this job well.”

  Skylar turned to see Carly at her side, wearing a reporter’s outfit.

  “I love it. Thanks for giving me a shot.”

  “I knew I saw something in you,” Carly said grazing over the menu of the deep-fried candy booth. She pointed to an item on the menu. “Give in to temptation. If you don’t, you’ll regret it for an entire year.”

  “That good, huh?”

  “Trust me. And, you have the whole year to burn it off.” She smiled. “Any good pics so far?”

  “Definitely!”

  “Great, looking forward to your presentation. I’ll come back for something later. Toodles, girl!”

  As Carly walked into the crowd, a voice spoke from behind.

  “Two peanut-butter cups.”

  “Sure thi
ng,” the cook responded.

  Trevor stepped beside her, his arms crossed.

  Unable to suppress a grin, she focused on the cook as he dipped the candy into a thick, sugary batter. The sizzle from the fryer tickled her eardrums.

  “It’s complicated. I’m complicated,” Trevor said.

  “Don’t girls usually say that?” At least that’s what she’d gotten from the magazines and television shows she watched.

  “I suppose, but it’s true. It’s not a good time for me to pursue—”

  “Come over for dinner tonight,” Skylar interrupted. “My dad insists. If you don’t, he’ll come over and drag you out of your house,” she lied, prepared for some lame excuse for why he couldn’t come.

  “What time?”

  She tried to hide her excitement. “Oh, uh, eight, or so?”

  “It’s a . . . I’ll be there.”

  When the cook handed over their treats, Trevor paid for them both.

  “Don’t burn your mouths kids.”

  They found a table, and Skylar carefully bit into the hot desert. A sweet mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter oozed into her mouth and she was in total bliss. She wanted to try every item on the menu.

  “Good right?”

  She nodded, then let her eyes drop. “Your arm . . . what happened?”

  “Oh, that. It’s nothing, just scratch.”

  It looked to Skyler to be more than a simple scratch.

  “Hey, I need to go. I’ll see you tonight. I’m sorry for earlier,” he said, standing, “but I meant what I said.” Dodging through the crowd, he disappeared before she could say a word.

  Brad, Samantha, and their posse were headed her way, and she realized why Trevor had left in such a rush. Thanks for the warning.

  Her phone buzzed. Expecting a text from her mom, she was almost disappointed to see it was from Haley.

  Stuck at home. Parents are worried about my behavior, don’t want me around the outdoor stuff. Ugh. TTYL.

  Skylar sent a quick reply.

  Sorry. Will call you late tonight. Trevor’s coming over for dinner! Hugs~S

  As soon as she hit send, she was filled with regret. Haley already felt bad enough—she didn’t need to hear Skyler’s news about Trevor.