“Hi everyone!” I said enthusiastically as I went and joined my group of friends, who had already gathered in front of school. They turned and welcomed me with big smiles.

The group consisted of my closest friends Georgie, Sakura, Jenna, Eamon, Raul and Dylan. All of us had grown up together and were like an extended family. Weekends were never dull when you had friends like these, there were always adventures to be had whether it was just hanging out at the mall or spending time at the local lake, it always felt like there was something to do… and of course the group had supported me through Dad’s disappearance, they had lent me their shoulders to cry on but also kept me busy so I hadn’t fallen into a dark hole of misery and sadness.

“Hi Ariah! Did you see the latest posts by Jamie Markie on Instagram?” Georgie exclaimed excitedly as I made my way to stand next to her.

“The best news to hit this town in a while!” Sakura laughed.

“No, I haven't checked my phone this morning. Has he posted? He hasn’t posted anything in months!” I quickly got my phone out and logged in to Instagram, scrolling to Jamie Markie’s account.

A picture appeared on his feed stating that he was going to be doing a special concert to raise money for those affected by the wildfires that had been plaguing the region recently. I gasped and squealed. Our favourite singer was going to be performing this weekend at a local concert at a park down by the lake!

“Are you all going?” I asked looking around the group to see who would respond.

“Yes!” Was the unanimous reply.

“We’ve just been online getting tickets and we got one for you too!” Georgie waved her phone at me, pointing to what looked like a confirmation email with tickets to the concert.

“Thank you so much!” I said gleefully. “I’ll just have to ask my Mom but I’m sure she’ll be really happy for me to go.” Although my friends had kept me busy during the days, my social life after dark had been pretty quiet since Dad had gone missing. I'd chosen to stay at home in the evenings to keep Mom company instead of going out. But now she was in a good place, I wouldn’t feel guilty about leaving her and I’m sure she’d want me to enjoy the concert with my friends.

“I'll pick you up, I think it starts about 8 so I’ll be at yours about 7 to give us enough time to get a car park and a good spot to watch the concert from.” Dylan offered.

“Thank you! That’d be great. I’ll make sure I’m ready on time!” I gave Dylan a massive hug.

“Yeah, no messing around, I want to be able to enjoy the concert without having to rush to get there. I’m also picking up Eamon and Raul…maybe I should pick you all up the day before knowing how you are with being on time.” Dylan said, giving me a smile. My reputation for tardiness was well known, I always meant well and tried my hardest to be on time but seemed to get distracted easily resulting in delays in me actually getting places.

“That might not be a bad idea.” I smiled back.

“I’m picking up the rest of the group so we can meet there.” Jenna explained. “Or grab some dinner beforehand at Eddie Burgers?

“No, no, no. Let’s just meet there. If I’ve got to get these guys to dinner AND a concert I’m going to miss the concert for sure.” Dylan fake scowled.

We all laughed.

“Maybe we could pack some picnic hampers and take some blankets? Then we could sit down by the lake, watch the concert and eat at the same time?” Raul suggested.

Everyone agreed with the idea and nodded enthusiastically. I looked at the group of people before me and felt a huge surge of love for each of them. Every person there was as different and quirky as the next and that’s why we all got along so well. I’ve never felt more comfortable in myself as I did with them. From diverse backgrounds we all came together as one caring contingent of friends. Georgie was my closest friend out of everyone, she lived a few doors down from me so we usually caught the same school bus, apart from days when I was running late. We spent lots of time at each other's houses and were basically part of each other’s families.

“Let me get a photo!” I exclaimed.

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“Why?” Eamon asked.

“I don’t know, this just feels like a photo opportunity.” I shrugged as I swiped the camera app on my phone and held it up ready to take a shot.

Everyone jostled each other to get into a pose. I stepped back onto the footpath to take the photo, but collided with someone, causing both of us to drop our phones on the pavement.

“So sorry!” I quickly bent down to pick up the phones and stood up to see a tall dark haired stranger in front of me.

“No problem.” He responded and smiled.

Holding his phone out to him, I noticed that his eyes were an electric blue, nothing like I’d ever seen before. As he reached for his device, our fingers touched and I felt a surge of energy run up through my hand. Shocked, I quickly pulled my hand back, almost dropping my phone again. He looked at me quizzically.

“Thank you.” He said, colour filled his cheeks and he stepped backwards, away from me.

“You’re thanking me for almost knocking you over?” I laughed nervously.

“No, for this.” He motioned to his phone. “My life depends on it.” His smile faded and his eyes darted around, searching the car park for something.

“Are you new here?” Dylan called out.

“You could say that.” The stranger responded, turning to look at Dylan and the group.

“Maybe you could take the photo for us?” Eamon asked. “Then Ariah could be in it too.”

He looked at me. “Ariah?” He looked shocked.

“Yep, that’s me.” I smiled up at him, wishing that I didn’t feel so awkward.

“Yes, it’s definitely her. Can you please take the picture so we can all go about our days?” Raul laughed.

The stranger looked at the group, then back at me. He hesitated, obviously he wanted a way out but thought better of it. I held up my phone to encourage him to take it.

“Yeah…yes, sure.” Grabbing my phone, he stepped backwards to fit everyone into the shot and I went and stood next to Dylan who slung his arm causally over my shoulders.

“Ready?”

We all smiled large smiles and the stranger took the photo.

“Thank you.” I said as I walked back over to him. Handing me back my phone he looked directly into my eyes.

“Ariah? Ariah O’Connoll?”

It was my turn to be surprised. “Yes? How do you know my last name?”

He went to answer but just as he opened his mouth to reply the bell rang sending hordes of students rushing past us.

Leaning in, he whispered quickly in my ear. “Ariah, you’re in danger. You need to come with me.” He grabbed my arm and pulling me along with him as he tried to walk away. I stumbled after him.

“You need to let go of my arm. I’m not going anywhere with you.” I said defiantly as I pulled backwards against him, his grip firm.

Seeing what was happening, Dylan and Georgie came rushing over. The others had already started to head inside at the bell.

“Hey man, what do you think you’re doing? Let her go.” They yelled as they got closer.

“You don’t understand, she needs to…” The stranger whispered intensely looking around again as he did so.

“She needs to get to class and she’s coming with me.” Georgie said as she grabbed my waist in an attempt to help pull me away from him.

“What’s going on here?” Principal Carter walked up to us with a concerned look on her face.

The stranger let go of my arm, and quickly looked around again. Georgie let go of my waist and stood beside me with her fists clenched.

“Nothing, nothing’s wrong.” He said quickly as he moved backwards away from us.

“Ariah, is that true?” Looking at me, Principal Carter nodded her head in the direction of the stranger.

I looked at him then back to her.

“He grabbed me by my arm and tried to make me go with him.” I told her, folding my arms over my chest in a staunch pose, I didn’t want him to see that he’d frightened me.

“Who are you and what are you doing on school grounds?” Principal Carter rolled up the sleeves on her suit and turned to the stranger.

“I can explain, but you won’t believe me.” He sighed.

“Maybe the police will. Shall we give them a call?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone and began to dial.

Not giving a response, he turned around and ran into the car park. Dylan went to give chase but I put my arm out to stop him. He relaxed and put his arm around me protectively instead. I leant into his chest and he squeezed my shoulder in support.

“Ariah, let’s get you to my office.” The Principal whispered to me as she held her phone up to her ear waiting for someone to answer. She motioned for me to follow her as she started to walk towards the main entrance.

“I’m okay, thanks Principal Carter. I’d rather just get to class.” I whispered back.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded.

“Okay then, I’ll come and see you later to get a statement from you.” With that she then turned her attention to the person on the other end of the phone and waved us off.

I turned back to look to see which way the stranger had gone, but he had already disappeared.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dylan asked as we walked up the concrete steps towards the front doors of school, his arm still around my shoulders.

“A bit shaken to be honest, but I’ll be okay.” I said, in slight disbelief about what had just happened.

“Make sure you talk to us if you need to.” Georgie said with concern on her face.

I nodded again.

A warm breeze blew past, making the hairs on my neck stand on end. It sent a shiver down my spine even though it was warm in temperature. I turned and looked back out across the car park. The light was pinker than it had been earlier that morning, it was almost like the sky was turning the colour of candy floss.

“Can you guys see that?” I asked, pointing at the sky. “Are you seeing what I'm seeing?”

“It's probably just something to do with the dust from the wildfires.” Dylan suggested as he pushed the door and held it open for Georgie and I.

Whatever it was, it was making me feel uneasy. As I walked through the doorway into the main entrance of school, I shivered again.