Chapter One...

We live in a small, country town called Stonewall.  It’s mostly just empty land, all lush and abundant with thick green grass and shady trees. The roads are dirt and you can’t find a grocery store for a couple of miles.  Our neighborhood consists of a little over 50 nosy neighbors. There are literally only three houses on each long dirt road.

     My house is an old farm house with off white siding and a massive amount of history.  I’ve been told that this house is around 100 years old.  Sometimes I find myself wondering if it’ll collapse at night while I’m sleeping. I frequently reassure myself that this house is perfectly sound. My dad hires a contractor once a year to inspect the foundation, which is rock solid.

The only part of our house that’s eerie is the attic.  I know it sounds stupid, but all those scary movies tend to make me suspicious.  Due to terrible drafts coming from the attic’s entry hatch, my parents have the door completely sealed.  I don’t think anything could get through all that dry wall and plaster.

     My favorite part about living out here in the country is the spacious masses of land that act as multiple nature parks.  They’re so beautiful, especially in mid summer when the dandelions cover the miles of fluffy hills. My mom says I’m a regular mother nature. I study everything about the birds and insects.  I especially love to study flora and fauna.  There’s just something about nature that just feel’s right. I cannot imagine my life without a source of nature within walking distance.

During the spring and summer seasons, I’m usually outside 24/7 drawing in my nature notebook or taking pictures of the beauty that surrounds me.  Most of the girls at school don’t understand why I’d rather study frolicking squirrels, than go to the mall and scout for cute boys. They don’t understand me, or the way nature helps me escape from my problems.

There’s only one person who understands me, other than my parents. His name is Jonathan Jacobs; I’ve known him since I was in diapers. He’s the only friend I have who completely understands me.  Sometimes it feels like we’re the same person.

Jonathan usually comes over pretty regularly over the summer. We compare nature notebooks and enjoy each other’s company.  The only downfall is when he moves back to live with his dad a week before school starts.  His parents split up around 7 years ago, which led to multiple homes, but only one school. He’s moved to his dad’s and back for the last 6 years, which can get a little tough during the school months.  I feel so lost when John’s not around, which scares me a little.

   I don’t know why other girls treat me like an outsider. Just because I’d rather dissect a sunflower, than sit around talking about boys and painting my nails, doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to have a boyfriend, or look pretty. Personally, I think I’m a pretty homely looking person. I have long blond hair, which is uncontrollably curly. My complexion is adequate, except for the many freckles I have all over my face. When it comes to my body, I’m completely self-conscious. My body is absolutely straight. Not a curve or bump in sight, except for my chest which stands out like a blueberry in a strawberry patch. My mom tells me that it’s womanly to have a chest, which I know is true.

     Being 17 really has its challenges. The world has its eye on what a perfect 17 year old girl has to look like. The fashion, makeup, and personality must be just right, or you’re labeled an outcast. It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are, because everyone has a label. I think that’s why I love nature so much. You can be whoever you want to be yet nothing will judge, hurt or destroy you.