June's Destiny

June's POV

Moving into a new town can be quite frustrating. Packing the bags, leaving the friends, starting afresh. I never expected everything coming down to this.

Looking around my room one more time, I knew I was going to miss it. The memories of the time I spent here came crawling in.

"June! Are you ready yet?" My mom asked, from downstairs.

Of course, I wasn't ready. How could I possibly be ready to start over? To begin a new phase of my life? I am totally not a fan of new phases.

"June! Don't make me come up there!"

Ugh! Can't I ever catch a break?

Reluctantly, I fold my remaining clothes into my suitcase, the zipping noise a sudden reminder of my reality.

"June Ava Everhart! That's it! I'm coming up there!"

Typical. Of course, what did I expect? Don't get me wrong. I love my mom but sometimes, she can be quite- frustrating.

"What are you still doing, fumbling around, huh?" My mom asked me, obviously.

"Why aren't you ready yet?"

Believe me when I say this, I was so not ready for one of her lectures.

"Answer me, Ava!"

One thing you should know about my mom is that when she addresses me with my middle name, then she's more than pissed.

"Lelia and I have been waiting for hours for you and you still aren't ready".

"I don't want to move mom". I said, and I really wished I hadn't. I could've just kept my big mouth shut.

"Let's not get started with this again, June. How many times have I explained it to you, huh!? You know why we're moving, and we have to. You don't have a choice, June. Get moving!"

Somewhere deep down, I wished she said the complete opposite. I wished she said, "you know what, June, you're right. Moving is pointless. We're okay here". You know? I really wished she had said something like that.

But the reality of the situation became even more consuming when I saw myself going down the staircase, and rolling my suitcase with my right hand.

************

The car ride was silent. At least, amongst us. Mom listened to her favorite radio station, and Lelia was fast asleep.

Unsure of what to do, I put on my headphones, and listened to some music. I was so engrossed in the music that I didn't even realize when we left the busy streets.

When I looked around, I saw a completely different place. The road was lonely, only a few cars passed by. I glanced over to mom, but she wasn't moved- not one bit. Was she used to this?

I looked through the car window, and my eyes caught a signboard that read; "Welcome to Silverbrooke". We're here already?

My eyes continued to scan the environment. No busy streets, few pedestrians- it was just too quiet for a city.

Mom turned off her radio, and I took off my headphones. None of us uttered a word to each other. She drove into the woods. What could we possibly be doing here?

Fear gripped me when mom continued to drive deeper and deeper into the woods. Where were we going?

"June, we're here". My mom said, startling me, and parking beside a cabin.

What was this place? The cabin sat alone in the middle of the woods. There were no neighbors- nothing. Everywhere was just silent, and covered with high grass. It was a little eerie.

Mom came out from the car, and opened the trunk, bringing out our stuff. She woke Lelia up, and she yawned a little. I guess she still felt tired.

Feeling somewhat bothered about the whole place, I opted to talk to my mom.

"Wait, are we going to live here now?" I asked, even though I knew the answer to that.

"What does it look like? Of course we're going to stay here".

What!? I couldn't possibly stay here. It'll be a nightmare.

"But mom, we're in the middle of the woods". I said, trying to make her see the cons of living in a place like this.

"We're safe here, June. Help me with this stuff and quit whining". My mom said, giving me a heavy suitcase.

Gosh! It was really heavy.

"What's in here, mom? Tons of bricks?"

"Quit complaining, June. We still have work to do. We're gonna clean the whole place".

Cleaning? Gosh! I really hate my life.

"But mom! They're cobwebs!" I whined, trying to make her change her mind. I loathed cobwebs and spiders.

"We're cleaning this place together, June. You have no say in it".

"Fine. I said, giving up, and carrying the remaining suitcases, placing them in front of the cabin.

"Come on, let's go in". My mom said, and I followed her in.

We cleaned the place for hours, but it felt like days. Mom continued to scold me about how lazy I was, and gave me even more chores.

After what felt like eternity, we were finally done with it. The only good thing about all of this was that I got to have my own room. I cherished my space. Lelia and Mom shared a room together. There were only two rooms.

It was getting dark already, and the moon started to show up in the night sky. Mom was busy in the kitchen, making dinner, and I was just there, doing nothing.

There was no signal here, and that was quite frustrating. I missed my friends back home, and it was already difficult not talking to any of them.

I walked over to the kitchen, and mom was already done with dinner.

"Go set the table". She said, and I obeyed. I was really famished.

While we sat at the table together eating dinner, everyone was silent, but mom stared at me. I wondered what was going on in her mind, so I decided to ask her about it.

"Mom, you've been staring at me for a while now. Am I in some kind of trouble?" I asked. I was actually scared that I was in some kind of trouble. Mom's punishments can be really hectic.

"No. You're not in any trouble. I'm just worried about you. I know you didn't want to move here. But, we didn't have a choice. I couldn't continue to pay the bills. I know you'll adjust soon and make some friends here, June". My mom said, and I smiled a little.

Honestly, I don't really know why I smiled. Mom never apologizes directly, but when she apologizes, she does it in this type of way.

"Thanks mom". I said, and there was silence again. We ate quietly, and soon retired to our beds for the night.

June's POV

A new day in the town I dread so much. There's just something strange about it. I can't believe I slept through the night. I don't really know why I dread the place so much. It's probably because it's too quiet -a little too quiet for my liking.

Stretching on the bed, I picked up my phone, and tried to get some signal. There still wasn't any. I sighed, disappointed. It only made me hate this town even more.

"June! Come take your breakfast! Lelia is eating already!"

I really wasn't looking forward to this day.

"June! Your food is getting cold!"

"Coming, mom!" I said, standing up from my bed, reluctantly. I headed to the bathroom, and brushed my teeth, while staring at my reflection on the mirror at the same time.

"June! Come here now!"

Ugh! Not again. I'm not ready for her this morning. I already told her I was coming. What more did she want?

I quickly rinsed my mouth, dapping my lips with a neat napkin.

Then, I went to meet my mom. I don't think I would be able to take any more of her yelling.

"I'm here, mom". I said, sitting on the dining table.

"You're lucky. I was on the verge of dragging you out of that room".

Well, that's not new.

"I'm here now, mom".

"Eat your breakfast. Lelia is done already".

I nod, and eat silently, glancing at my phone every now then, still hoping to find some signal.

"I'm going job hunting. Take care of the house, June. And, take care of Lelia too".

"Okay, mom". I said, while taking a glass of water.

My mom left hurriedly, leaving Lelia and I all alone. When I was done eating, I did the dishes- but just because I wasn't ready for mom's lectures later in the day.

Lelia was playing with some toys, and since I still had nothing better to do, I decided to go back into my room, and crash my head into my pillow.

As I was about heading back into my room, there was a soft knock on the door. At first, I thought I didn't hear it, but then, I heard it again. Was it mom? Did she forget something? I thought there weren't any neighbors around.

Cautiously, I approached the door. It wasn't like your typical modern door, where you could just peep through a little hole and check who it was. It was a wooden door, covered with wood through and through.

The person knocked again, and I was instantly gripped with fear. Why? I didn't know.

Who could it be? Many thoughts ran through my mind. What if it was a thief? My eyes scanned the room for any weapons. I needed to be prepared for anything. But, there weren't any weapons.

With the littlest bravery in me, I managed to mutter... "Who's there?"

"I'm Kira". A feminine-like voice responded.

Immediately, I was swarmed with relief. It wasn't a kidnapper, thief, or any of the sort. At least, I hoped so.

I opened the door gently, and the supposed Kira lady smiled at me. She was tall- way taller than me. She had long and straight jet-black hair, with pale brown eyes. She was really pretty.

"Hi". She greeted me, while waving and smiling at me at the same time".

"Hi. What are you doing here?" I asked, eager to know why she came here all of a sudden.

"I'm Kira. I just moved into this neighborhood a few weeks ago. I was taking a stroll, and I saw your cabin. I decided to check it out. Sorry for intruding". She said, and attempted to leave.

"No, wait". I said, which made her stop almost immediately.

I regretted the way I spoke to her. I mean, she was just being friendly.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you like that".

"That's okay. I get it. Silverbrooke is lonely. It's not everyday you see someone knock on your door".

Now, I was curious. What did she mean by that? But of course, I couldn't ask her that. I didn't want to scare my potential new friend off. So, instead...

"Thanks". I said, and she smiled. Her smile was quite contagious. I smiled too.

"Do you want to go out for a stroll?" She asked, smiling again.

I wanted to say yes so bad, but I remembered I had to babysit Lelia.

"I'm sorry, I can't. Maybe some other time".

"Why?" She asked, as a little frown formed on her face. She was obviously disappointed I turned her down. Can't blame her though. I was disappointed too.

"I have to babysit my little sister". I said, feeling really disappointed. A stroll with Kira would've been nice. I'd have made a friend.

"I'm sorry. Maybe some other time, Kira". I said, trying so hard to reassure her.

"That's okay. If you like, I can stop by here everyday. That is if you don't mind".

"I don't mind. It's totally fine".

"Great. I also made some new friends here. Maybe we could meet up sometime and hangout. What do you say?"

"Sure. That sounds great". I said, grinning.

"That settles it then. I didn't get your name".

"I'm June". I said, tucking a strand of my hair to the side of my ear for the umpteenth time. The wind was something else today.

"It was nice meeting you, June. See you later". Kira said, and continued her stroll.

"See you later". I said, waving at her as she left.

When she was out of sight, I squealed excitedly. I was really happy. Happy that I finally made a new friend- at least, I think I did.

I closed the door gently, and went back to tend to Lelia. Luckily, she was asleep. That was a good thing because I wasn't about to babysit anymore.

I carried her into my room gently, afraid to wake her up. And soon, I drifted off to sleep too.

June's POV

My bare feet made no sounds on the bare floor. I saw myself going deeper and deeper into the woods. Something was there, calling out to me.

I kept moving. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweaty. I knew there was danger ahead of me, but I was drawn to it in some way.

I kept moving deeper and deeper into the woods, and with each step, I knew I was getting closer to the source.

My feet suddenly stopped in the middle of the woods, and my body obeyed too. I looked around, I was all alone in this dark and creepy place.

Where the hell was I? What am I doing here? How did I get here? These questions raced through my mind, but they were all left unanswered.

As I stood there out in the cold woods, and under the moonlight confused, I perceived a scent that just seemed so familiar to me.

Suddenly, a rustling sound startled me. It came from the bush, and my eyes darted towards the direction.

And then, I saw it. Golden eyes, black fur, with sharp claws. It turned to face me, and called out my name.

"June".

Of course, I ran. How could a monster call out my name? I ran and ran, and I could still hear it calling out to me.

"June".

"June!

"June!!"

"Wake up June!"

My heart raced, my bed was damp with sweat. I looked over to who had called me and apparently, it was my mom.

What sort of dream was that? It seemed so real.

"I had to use the spare key because you were sleeping, June. What kind of deep sleep was that?" My mom asked. Her facial expression gave it away. She was pissed.

"I... I'm sorry mom". I said, still breathing heavily. It was as if I was running in real life. The dream just felt so real.

"Lelia is awake and hungry. You're a good babysitter, June". My mom said sarcastically, and left my room, almost slamming the door behind her.

"I'm sorry mom". I said, but she had already left.

It was dark already. I slept for a long while. I stood up from my bed, and changed the sweaty bed sheets into something more neat. Then, I headed into the bathroom for a quick cold shower.

"Come for dinner, June!"

"Coming mom!" I said, leaving my room, and going into the kitchen.

"What did you do today?" My mom asked, while serving the dinner on our plates.

That was a very good question to ask though. I mean, what did I do today besides meeting Kira? I didn't even really babysit Lelia. So, what did I do today?

"You haven't answered me, June".

"I'm sorry, mom. I babysitted Lelia, and washed the dishes".

"Well, that's good. It's better than just lazying around all day, doing nothing".

I was so not ready for this conversation right now. And so, I changed the topic.

"How was job hunting, mom? Found anything yet?" I asked, and my mom's demeanor changed. She began fumbling with her food.

"I'm sorry mom. I shouldn't have asked". I said, regretting I asked.

"I made a new friend today too, mom". I said, and that seemed to brighten her face up a little.

"You did? I thought you said you only washed the dishes and babysitted Lelia".

"I did mom. But I also met Kira. She lives around here too".

"Wow, that's good. I'm glad you're gradually adjusting".

"Yeah. I am, mom. Thank you". I said, and my mom flashed me a smile.

We ate our dinner happily, which was different from the way we ate it last night. We talked and laughed together. Even Lelia laughed too. I couldn't help but feel like I was bonding with my mom.

After dinner, mom made me do the dishes for the night. And, surprisingly, I didn't complain.

When I was done with the dishes, I looked around, and saw mom and Lelia snuggled up together. They were watching a movie and eventually fell asleep.

I covered them with a blanket, turned off the Tv and light, and headed to my bedroom for the night.

*********

Why was I here again? I was back here in these woods, alone in the cold, and barefooted.

This time, the wind blew freely, and I had to fold my arms to shield myself from the cold.

I looked up to the moonlit sky, and it seemed to calm me. l took a step, another step, and another. Each step was faltered with trepidation.

I kept walking. I didn't know where I was going, but I perceived the scent again. That scent - that familiar scent.

And then, my eyes saw it again. It's black fur, golden eyes, and sharp claws. This time, I wasn't afraid. I stood there and watched it.

It watched me too. Then, there was silence - total silence. The only noises heard were the owls howling, and the rustles of the grass from the wind.

Why am I having the same dream again? Or, is it real this time? I tried to pinch myself, but I couldn't move.

It moved close to me, and stared. I tried to run, but my feet didn't want to cooperate with me. It was like it had its own sense of reasoning.

And then, it called my name again, and that's when my feet finally decided to obey me. I ran, and ran, not sure about where I was going.

"June!"

"June!!"

My feet continued to cooperate with me.

I felt its sharp breath from a distance, and it still called my name.

"June!"

I kept running, until my feet couldn't bear it anymore. I fell to the ground.

No! Not now! My eyes scanned around the woods, searching for it, but it was nowhere in sight.

I got up and smoothed down the black dress I put on. I never had a dress like that before, and I didn't know how I got it.

With my eyes still scanning around, I heard a loud roar from behind me.

Alas! I woke up, panting. My bed was covered in sweat again. What was happening to me?