Chapter 21: Lost in the Woods
~ Gwen ~
The morning of the field trip arrived with a sky the color of a bruised plum. I met Elodie at the entrance of the auditorium, both of us clutching our state-issued supply kits like they were life rafts.
"Aside from being paired with Marcus Anderson, I’m actually excited for this," Elodie said, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes before it flickered out completely.
"What's that face for?" I asked, nudging her shoulder.
"I’m just not happy we aren't partners, Gwen. That’s all." She kicked at a loose stone on the pavement. "It feels wrong heading into those woods without you at my back."
"Oh, come on, Elodie. Cheer up," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "It’s not like you’re going to be partners with Marcus forever. It’s
