Guardians of Evergreen (Forever Ever #1)

The Train Station - Calvin Jiroux *

Calvin's heart pounded like a thunderstorm within his chest as he splashed through the rain-drenched trail, his shoes squishing with each step. He had to keep moving, had to put distance between himself and Sean's crew, who had now become a nightmare haunting his every move. 

The rain fell relentlessly, soaking him to the bone and blurring his vision. He glanced over his shoulder, the shadows playing tricks on his eyes, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were still there, lurking, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"Why did they have to find my notes about Sean?" Calvin thought, frustration and betrayal coursing through him. Those writings were his sanctuary, a place where he could be vulnerable and true to himself without the fear of judgment. And yet, they had been discovered, like a hidden treasure suddenly unearthed and laid bare for the world to see.

His mind flashed back to that fateful night at the party, the memory vivid despite the pouring rain and darkness surrounding him. Sean, the center of attention, had singled him out and admired his new haircut, a symbol of his identity finally breaking free from its cocoon. In that moment, Calvin felt like he belonged, like he wasn't just an outsider watching from the sidelines.

But the taste of regret mingled with the raindrops on his tongue as he recalled the aftermath. The attention had come with a price—a price he was still paying. The praise had turned into something twisted and sinister, and now he was running for his life, the safety of the familiar streets now alien and dangerous.

The blaring horn of a passing car brought him back to the present, the harsh reality of his situation smacking him like a gust of icy wind. He was alone, vulnerable, and hunted. But he knew deep down that he couldn't hide forever, that he couldn't let fear dictate his life.

With resolve burning within him, Calvin turned away from the road and dashed into the woods, seeking refuge among the trees. The forest embraced him with its secrets and shadows.

"You're dead, do you hear me!" Sean's voice cut through the night like an icy blade, sending a shiver down Calvin's spine. He stumbled through the darkness, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. How could writing about his feelings be so wrong? Why did Sean and his gang have such power over him?

The storm raged on, lightning illuminating the path ahead for a brief moment before plunging everything back into darkness. Calvin's heart thudded in his chest, matching the intensity of the thunder that rolled like a battle cry.

Step by step, he trudged forward, his emotions weighing him down like a heavy burden. The rain soaked him to the bone, the cold seeping into his very soul. Yet, he knew he had to keep moving, had to escape the clutches of those who sought to crush his spirit.

Images of the day that had set this night in motion flashed before him. A teacher had discovered his secret drawings, his artistic refuge where he poured out the pain of the relentless bullying he endured. Calvin had never intended for anyone to see them, but now they had been exposed like his raw, bleeding heart.

"There he is. Get 'em!"

The shout pierced through the storm, and Calvin spun around to see Sean and his gang closing in, their faces twisted with rage. The boy felt a pang of betrayal deep within him. He had once considered Sean a friend, a confidant. But tonight, he saw a side of Sean that he could no longer ignore—a side that thrived on cruelty and wielded power like a weapon.

With adrenaline pumping through his veins, Calvin ran for his life, weaving through the darkened streets, trying to lose his pursuers. The city seemed like a maze, every alley and street corner offering both escape and danger.

And then, like a hidden oasis, Calvin spotted it—a forgotten train station tucked away from the prying eyes of the world. The place held an air of mystery, its desolate beauty calling out to him. In desperate need of refuge, he slipped between the boxcars, the graffiti-covered walls surrounding him like a protective shield.

The train station was a world of its own, frozen in time, a canvas of urban art and memories of days long gone. Calvin's heart pounded in his ears as he caught his breath, his mind racing to find a way out of this nightmare.

As he leaned against one of the graffiti-covered cars, he felt a strange connection to the artwork—a sorrowful depiction of a little girl with tears streaming down her face. In that moment, Calvin felt a bond with the artist, as if they too had suffered the pain of being misunderstood and mistreated.

"He went this way," Sean's voice echoed in the distance, drawing nearer with every passing second.

Calvin knew he couldn't hide forever, but he also knew he couldn't let fear control him any longer. As he glanced at the tearful girl on the wall, he felt a surge of determination. No longer would he let others define his worth. No longer would he cower in the face of bullies.