Dragon Mate

I used to think that if I ever moved out, homesickness wouldn't hit me, since there wasn't much here I'd ache for. Sure, my family was around, but I was never especially close to my aunts or cousins. I've always sucked at making friends, or even holding on to them. So yeah, I doubt anyone would miss me that badly. My parents would mostly miss having one more buddy to fuss over, seeing as their older kids had moved out for good. It's been five months, and while taking care of myself, paying bills, and working, I hardly had any space to think about home or my parents, but whenever I get back to my rented apartment after a late shift, I miss the comfort home used to give me and the kind of free time where I can do anything by doing absolutely nothing. I text my mom goodnight. I'm excited for tomorrow. When the alarm goes off, I smack snooze right away and roll over, enjoying the idea that I can squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep before I remember why I'm awake this early and bolt out of bed, grinning. I flip on the light and do a tiny happy dance. Today was going to be my first trip to an abandoned place! At work I met Jace, and later I found out he was a small-time YouTuber who liked exploring abandoned spots, sometimes he'd scare himself by going to haunted places at night, and other times he'd go just because he wanted to see what a place held, the story behind it, and what strange things might turn up, and he always went with a group. When I caught him rewatching one of his old videos, I admitted that I'd always had this fantasy about visiting an abandoned place but never had anyone to go with, or the nerve to try it alone. So he invited me along on his next expedition. I pulled on stretchy athletic leggings with my hiking boots, plus an oversized hoodie to keep my ass out of prying eyes. Leggings like these always made me feel awkward about myself. I get myself ready, brush my teeth, and make sure everything is in my backpack: two water bottles and a lot of snacks. I also packed a walking stick a neighbor let me borrow. My phone started ringing, and I rushed to the window to spot a big jeep outside. It had to be one of Jace's friends behind the wheel. I snatched up my things, locked the door, and hurried downstairs into the freezing air. Jace sat in the passenger seat and jumped out to pop the trunk so I could toss my backpack in there and settle in, since the drive was going to be long. "Get in, peachy!" he called as he opened the back door for me. I groaned at the nickname and climbed into the car. Once I was in my seat, Brody pulled away, and I said hi to Sloane and Eli, who were part of Jace's group, and we'd already met before the trip. "Why peachy?" Sloane asked, confused.