Amelia froze. Her heart skipped a beat.
As she turned around.
She saw that familiar voice belonged to none other than Sophie
Her childhood and school friend .
"Sophie? You scared me!" Amelia said clutching the strap of her bag.
Sophie stood beside her chuckling. While holding a small bag.
"I could say the same to you! ....Your dad called me this morning. He said he had to leave for work and asked me to stay here for a few days so you wouldn't be alone."
Amelia blinked trying to calm her heart " I think he forgot to mention that he already asked you to come here"
"How did you come inside"
" Your father gave me the spare key,dont worry I locked the door strangers won't be able to break in ."She said laughing.
Then
Sophie crossed her arms and said smiling mischievously.
" I feel like you were up to something why are you being so sneaky in your own house "
Amelia blinked innocently" You are thinking too much "
"Come on don't lie... where were you going with this bag"
As she looked around her eyes went to the broken lock .
"Why is it broken....did you break it"
"Why do you always ask so many questions!.... You are too curious sometimes "
"And you are always too quiet... Are you going somewhere. let me come with you otherwise, I will be bored here alone"
Amelia hesitated, tightening her grip on the bag. "It's nothing serious, Sophie. Just… I wanted to see something near the forest"
Sophie tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her face. "Near the forest? That sounds interesting enough for me to go with you."
Before Amelia could argue, Sophie was already putting her bag on the small table in the garden.
"I am coming with you whether you like it or not.either we both are going or none of us is going. ....i can't let you go alone what if you fell in some hole or got attacked by some wild animals"
She said stubbornly while trying to scare her.
Amelia sighed" You really have wild imagination"
She thought if I continue to argue with her the whole day will be gone and I won't be able to stop her ... also i won't be able to go to the oak tree .
The two stepped outside, and continued to go deep into the forest . the air was fresh with smell of fresh grass and water.
As they walked, Sophie kept talking about their classmates' vacation plans and funny memories from school, but Amelia's thoughts were somewhere else .The locket against her chest grew warmer with every step.
When they finally reached the old oak tree, Sophie stopped and looked around.
"Wow, I don't remember it being this huge before. It feels… different."
Amelia also stared at the oak tree it looked beautiful and old .
Amelia suddenly felt warmth in her wrist.she looked down and saw that the mark on her hand was glowing with blue light .
Sophie noticed something "Amelia, what's that on your hand?"
Amelia quickly hid it behind her back. "It's nothing."
Sophie frowned. "You're definitely hiding something."