Raven Potter

It was the early 2000s. I wasn’t even born yet. The streets of a French-Canadian Town were quiet beneath a sky of dark blues and grays. There was no star in sight. It wouldn’t be quiet for much longer as a house was quickly bursting into flames but the people inside were quicker. You had to be if you didn’t want to burn to death. The first person to make it out of that burning building pulled out their phone and started dialling 911, “ Uh, yeah, police? My house is burning. Yeah. Get here as soon as you can.”

This is the beginning of a cautionary tale where people probably died. You are free to stop reading anytime you get scared or overwhelmed. I’m not gonna judge you. Heck! I won’t even know! It’s not like I can see you doing it. Okay. Let me explain a few things now. My name is Raven Potter. I know what you’re probably thinking: “Potter”?! Does that you’re related to the Harry Potter?! And if you’re thinking “That’s not what I was thinking at all!” Ha! Joke’s on you! I just put that thought into your head!

Anyway. On a more serious note, I may be related to Harry Potter and I may not. You will just to keep reading and find out, won’t you? But first things first, that burning house. Yep. That one right there. It was perfect for raising two sons. With a decent sized backyard, it was a two bathroom three bedroom house with an open concept living room and kitchen. All that was burning now though. There goes a lot of sweat, blood and tears wasted.

The couple had lawn chairs outside already, deciding to treat this as a little outdoor camping experience while waiting for the fire department to show and it wasn’t too long before they did. A Father, Mother and their two sons. Little did the Father know that the mother was slowly showing signs of being pregnant. Yep! There’s little me as a fetus battling the other fetuses to get to experience life. I very much regret that decision now. How was I supposed to know what I was getting myself into?! I was only a fetus!

Anyway! Long story short, My dad called my grandpa and my grandpa let him stay over with the wife and kids. How very generous of the old man! A few months after that, I was born. I was not what they were expecting or hoping for.

“ Oh gosh! Where is his.. little thing?” Questioned my dad after my mom gave birth to a baby girl. 

“ No, No. it’s not a boy. It’s a beautiful healthy girl!” The doctor assured my father yet my father only became more furious upon hearing him confirm his suspicions. My two brothers looked me over. I was actually a big baby with a healthy amount of fat on my little bones! It’s just that.. Well.. you’ll see. I blinked and looked around, having no idea where I was and who anyone was.

What?! What are these things. What am I saying?! What is saying?! I could only imagine that those were the thoughts I was having at the time. Not even a minute old and already getting overwhelmed as little baby me got wrapped in a blanket and told to shut the heck up via a shush from a nurse. I could only giggle and cry. What else was an infant to do? Ten years went by in what felt like a blink of an eye. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe. I was raised Catholic with both French and English-speaking relatives. It was a very confusing time for me. I hardly spoke to anyone, not even to my brothers. I was as quiet as a mouse but I could also be as loud as a banshee. It was hard to control and nobody could hear what I was saying either way. Nobody understood. I just wanted to run away and never come back. But where would I even go? How would I get there? These questions were very important.

It wasn’t until the day of the school field trip where everything changed. It was nearing the start of Summer Break where I lived in Canada, Ontario and the end of another school year in Grade School. Most children in my class were upset about parting ways with their friends and not seeing them for another two whole months. I knew I would see most of them again next year. Maybe not in the same classroom but I would see them out in the hallway. I was only in Grade 5 after all. I wasn’t entirely attached to the other kids and barely could keep their names straight. I let out a sigh and waited for everyone to finish up their cries. It was painful to watch. 

I close my eyes only for a moment and suddenly- WHAM! the door opened just as the school bell rang to alert everyone it was time to head back home. I was already carrying all my stuff in my bag and thus immediately headed out the door when I saw the chance to. Only after waiting for a few other kids to exist out first. I headed through the hallway and out the big windows where a the sun nearly blinded me. I put a hand up to block it and continue on as I scanned for the school bus I was assigned to. Upon spotting the paper sign on one of its windows: 329, I quickly ran over and waited in line. I took a breath, gripping a hold on my bag as the line slowly moved and soon I was inside the bus. Walking down its narrow path between seats, looking around for somewhere to sit.. somewhere empty but not too far from the door- ah-ha! Found it! I walked into one row and sat down, placing my bag down beside me and looking out the window. Finally. A moment to myself. I stared up at the trees, the buildings and scenery. I watched as clouds moved over head and slowly the scenery began to move too as the bus started up. My Grade School wasn’t big or expensive. It was small and worn down. It didn’t even have lockers. It only had those hooks inside those wooden shelves throughout the hallway. Perhaps all Grade Schools were just like that though. I haven’t seen any movie set in a Grade School before. Only ones set in High School and I wasn’t in High School yet. 

I watched the houses, trees and animals as the bus passed by them. Not fast but not slowly either. These kids needed to get home but we also needed to get home on time and still in one piece. The bus ride didn’t feel that long at all. It felt as though it was over within a blink of an eye. You must be wondering to yourself: Raven, you mentioned a school field trip but clearly school is already over. You would be right about that! This school field trip wasn’t going to take place during the school year. Well. Not the school year for Grade Schools anyway. Within a week or so, students in the Grade 5-6 Class would be able to go to a summer camp for a whole week. 

The summer camp was located up in some woods. It was the first time I would be going somewhere far from home and without my family. My father signed the permission form the previous month. I was real excited to go but also kinda scared. It was real far away, wasn’t it? It seemed real far away. I have never went so far before. I can’t even recall the name of it anymore. I was certain that it wasn’t Lakeshore and it had to have been located somewhere in Canada. I have only vague memories of it. I know, right? What an unreliable narrator I am!

It was dark out when my dad dropped me off at the school for the field trip. I had a bag filled with things I needed for a whole week of staying up in a cabin in the woods. I carried with both straps over my shoulders as I held myself and nervously took in the bus that was standing there. I look over shoulder and my dad was already gone. I shook my head and walked over to join up with my fellow classmates. First, they started with a roll call to make sure everyone who was given permission to be there was there. That included me myself.

“ Raven Potter. Ha! Potter..” the man remarked as he tabbed me on the head as if he were just counting sheep. What?? Seriously?! I didn’t have time to think about it as the man just continued counting students by saying their name and tabbing them on the head. We had twenty-five students in total. Two students per seat. There were twelve rows with the back having an extra seat in the middle. 

“ Now! Each of you will be given a Buddy to keep you company today!” The teacher announced, “ If you don’t chose a buddy, We will chose one for you!”

I waited and watched as everyone was quick to find a Buddy. It all went by so fast and nobody wanted to be my Buddy. I was left in the dark as I sighed and went to the luggage compartment located in the bottom of the bus. I attempted to lift up my bag on wheels but then one of the teachers put it into the compartment for me and told me to get into the bus. I  hesitate to do so.

Gripping onto the straps of my backpack as I stood up at the front of the bus. Ryan was checking the in-built video system and audio that was part of the interior of the bus. It was able to have all twenty-four of us inside. Most were seated and talking. I stepped forward and faced the three EAs. Education Advicers or Supporters. They are here to help! If you have ADHD, Autism or any other disability that is seen or unseen. “ Uh.. Where do I sit?” I barely spoke above a whisper to ask them. They were like The Three Witches or The Three Musketeers and sometimes even The Three Blind Mice. They always were there to help me when I needed it!

” Oh. Uh. Raven Potter.” One started.

” Raven Potter!!” The second added on, “ Yes. We have it written.. Here?”

” No! There!” Finished the third. 

“ Oh right. There!” The second corrected herself as she peered over a piece of paper on clipboard, “ Yes. Row 8. Left side!“

Sweet! Number 8 was my lucky number! I gave a nod and went along down the bus isle to find my seat and claim the window. I sat down with bag on lap, holding it close to chest as I looked out the window. It was dark, quiet and eerily mysterious. I could feel a cold wind and smell the start of rain as I watched the trees dance in the wind. I giggled to myself. I didn’t have anything to worry about. That was until somebody sat down next to me. Right. Buddy system. Who was unfortunate enough to be chosen as my Buddy today? I looked over and saw … Ryan Watson. He would be taller than me if he wasn’t hunched over all the time. He had long limbs and an even longer face. I mean to say that he looked depressed. He looked sad. Ryan didn’t seem like he wanted to be sat next to me.

I was the quiet girl. I didn’t speak much and whenever I did, I spoke a mile a second or just stumbled over my words as if falling down a freight of stairs. I spoke weird. I couldn’t quite hear it for myself but many people have told me that I do. I let out a yawn and leaned against the window, waiting for the bus to start moving. I peered out the window and slowly watched as the school building slowly went out of view until there was nothing but trees for miles. I watched as deers ran across a field and as birds flew over the top of the trees. I swore that I even saw what looked like Rapunzel from Tangled out in the forest but then I blinked and she was gone. Wow.. I do watch way too many Disney Movies. I let out another yawn as the bus filled up with the sounds of laughter and a movie playing. It was all just white noise to me as I slowly closed my eyes and drifted into sleep. 

There was nothingness for what felt like a short period of time as I had a blindfold on or went completely blind. I couldn’t hear anything. Couldn’t feel anything. It was just the sounds of screaming and laughing until.. I was shaken awake. “ Hey. The bus stopped. It’s time to step out.” came Ryan’s voice. I nodded and stretched out as Ryan left. I got up and headed into the isle, subconsciously taking my backpack with me as I waited in a line. I felt like a zombie or a robot on auto pilot until eventually stepping outside and being hit by the rays of sun. I was quick to block it with my hand, “ arrgh! Sun!” I mumbled under breath and stepped out onto the road. 

I looked around and there was no cars in sight. I saw the three EAs and headed on over to them. They had refreshments and a bunch of different snacks. I looked everything over, grabbed an orange juice box and a bag of chips. “ Thank you!” I smiled to the three and walked away. I found somewhere to sit with my backpack while I took the straw off the box and stabbed the tiny end to break through the plastic. Once the plastic was off, I stabbed the straw into the top of the box and started to drink some. I watched as others walked and talked. It was only the first day as Ryan sat down in the lawn chair beside me. “ Sooo.. How longer do we have, Doctor Watson?” I smirked a little as I peered up at Ryan.

” I.. I’m not a doctor, you know that.” Ryan replied as he cracked upon a coca-cola can. He needed to keep check of his blood sugar and always wore one of those fit-bit watches. It looked like Pac-Man. He could play Pac-Man on it. To be a rich kid, am I right? I didn’t have that much luck. My dad acts like he’s made of money but he isn’t. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know. He cut down the tree that was out in our front yard. It was too much of a hassle to clean up after. “ I mean, I want to become a doctor one day. I think I could help people. Anyway! You slept the entire night. It’s still only the first day. It will be four more days until we reach camp.”

I drunk my orange juice, ate a few chips as I listened to Ryan while also watching the other kids. There was Veronica and Jason. Lily and James. Luna and the moon. Dylan and the sun. Professor Mc-Gone-And-Going. Mr Too Cool For Shoes. Wait.. Weren’t there twenty-four of us..? As if reading my mind, Ryan spoke up: “ Oh! Some kids chose to not step outside today. Others are exploring the woods. Don’t worry, they each have a buddy!” .. That didn’t assure me at all but I gave up an assuring smile in turn as it seemed that Ryan needed it.

“ Soo.. a Doctor. I thought you were going to be a Teacher like your dad.” I decided to switch topics. It would be rude to talk about others behind their back. It was better to just talk about something else entirely. 

“ Ye-yeah! I did say that, didn’t I?” Ryan looked freaked out and worried but I couldn’t figure out why. Was it being out on the road? Was it the temperature? Was his blood sugar low? Is Ryan secretly a vampire? Is Ryan gay? What am I missing here??? I couldn’t think too much about it as Ryan cleared his throat and looked in Dylan’s direction. Ahhh.. So, Ryan is indeed gay. Dylan was avoiding the sun but also wanting to stand in it at the same time. What a strange guy. Dylan had hair as dark as night but skin that sparkled in the sun. It was either because of sweat or because of body glitter. Dylan was too far away. I couldn’t really tell. He just seemed very confused and unsure of what was happening. I guess Dylan was just going through a Twilight phrase. That show wasn’t for me personally. 

“ Yep. You did.” I remarked to remind Ryan that he was in the middle of a conversation. 

Ryan took in a breath while checking his pulse and blood sugar levels. He needed to seriously calm down and being out on the road in the middle of a forest wasn’t helping. ” Doctor. Teacher. It doesn’t really matter to me. I just want to help people.” He decided to share with me as if being compiled to by some kind of magic spell. Ryan must really like Twilight.

I nodded in reply as that sounded fair enough, “ Right. You want to go over and talk to Dylan, don’t you?” I gave up a smile and wink to the boy. Ryan blinked in response and stared at me with confusion. It took him a second and then came an ooohh! of realization.

“ Yeaahhhh.. No. I will pass on the Vampire, thanks.” Ryan jokingly remarked. 

I gave a shoulder shrug in response and said, “ Eh. Alright.” And looked up at the trees, scooting back to avoid looking directly into the sun. “ Soo.. Do you think we get different buddies each day?” I decided to ask Ryan.

” I don’t just think so, Raven. I know so!” Ryan smiled as he loved to keep track of schedules and be in the know. He was a real teacher’s pet. Ryan taught me a lot like how to avoid trouble and how to run from bullies. He even taught me a fun game where we pretend to be characters from books, shows or video games we like. Ryan often played said game with his friend, Caleb Coffin and I just tagged along for the fun of it. Caleb didn’t go on this trip with us. Caleb had gotten sick. Poor Caleb. “ We keep track of who stays and who goes. You might even get the chance to sit with Dylan Cross-Bones!” 

“ .. Wait. Dylan’s last name is Cross-Bones?” I raised a brow, never having heard Dylan’s last name before. I was pretty sure it was something different like the name of a bird or something. 

“ No. That’s just what I call him because he is so edgy and emo!” Ryan explained. It took me a second to understand the joke but then I laughed. It was really clever but also kinda mean. Dylan overheard us talking about him and came over. 

“ My name.. is Dylan Ta-Ma-Hawk!” Dylan declared while a mysterious wind blew around him. He dressed in all black and looked to have black eyeliner on. He was a year above us and that made him either eleven or twelve years old. 

“ Wait.. Dylan.. Ta.. Ta.. Hawk..?” I stumbled and found myself lost in saying the words properly. I heard him say it but I just couldn’t figure out how to say it myself. It was like a cat bit my tongue- … I accidentally bit my tongue again, didn’t I? I put a hand to my lower lip and felt something dipping down and looked down to see.. it was my own blood. Upon seeing it, I became lightheaded and dizzy. I fell over and hit my head on something.. everything slowly went black from there. 

I sat up and found myself back in the eight row and sitting at the window on the left side of the bus. My heart was ready to come out of my chest. What?! Was.. that all just some weird dream..? I looked out the window and it was dark. I felt.. fine again. I had a small table and on it was a bowl filled with salt and vinegar chips, a can of pepsi, a plate of chicken nuggets and french fries from McDonald’s alongside a cup of vanilla pudding with a spoon and twinkies. There was also a bottle of water.

“ It’s the second day now.” Was the first thing I heard as I started to work on eating what was before me, slowly and carefully as I looked in the direction of the voice. It was Dylan Ta-Ma-Hawk. There was less students than before. Yesterday, there was twenty-five of us but now.. There were only fourteen kids on the bus. I was able to see Ryan who was hunched over his laptop. I have no idea what happened to all those people. The three EAs were still on the class and were seated last row in the middle. They were knitting something. I squinted but couldn’t quite make it out. “ You slept through the entire day yesterday after you passed out. You are Iron deficient like me.” Dylan went on to explain. I just.. I just couldn’t figure out why so many kids were missing. “ the television system and the sounds of the radio. Every kid had a phone. Those things attract monsters.” It was like.. “ I could read your mind?” Dylan! Quit that!! Anyway.. It was terrifying to say the least. I fortunately do not own a phone. My parents were very strict about that but I still have a DS inside my backpack and a few games. I would be fine. I took in a breath and focused on eating. 

“ We have two more days until we make it to Camp.” I whispered to myself after taking a bite of a Twinkie, chewing and then swallowing it down. I love Twinkies! I love Vanilla Pudding! I looked over at Dylan with a smile as I was filled with sugar, grease and salt. I felt unstoppable! I felt powerful! I could take on a goddamn god! “I wonder.. What will be waiting for us there?” 

It was only the second day and the bus stopped to let the kids out. I was filled with energy with water bottle in hand and Dylan by my side. I followed him off the road and onto a grassy dirt ground. Thankfully I wore boots and was perfectly fine in the mud. It was only a little bit of a struggle but I managed. We didn’t really do much besides walk around and admire the scenery. Dylan pointed out different landmarks in the distance. He was able to tell the different names of the trees, plants and even the creatures. Dylan seemed to just like talking. Eventually I took a seat on a log and watched as Dylan seemed to still sparkle in the sun. I was perfectly fine in the shade, thank you very much. Dylan walked over to me and sat down beside. “ Raven..” he started up all serious, “ You don’t stand in the sun. You avoid it actually. I know what you are..”

” Say it.” I added on jokingly with I mock-acted a serious tone as I knew where this was going but then Dylan let out a long breath that smelt of garlic and said, “ Iron deficient.” It took all my willpower to keep from completely laughing. We sat there in silence for a moment as Dylan scooted away from me. We didn’t walk too far away from the main road and were still within view of the teachers. I could still see the bus there as I look over Dylan’s shoulder. The fifty minutes of walking outside would soon be up and two of us would start heading back to the bus.

“ I have two older sisters.” Dylan felt the need to share with me and I couldn’t help but blurt out, “ Oh my gosh! I have two older brothers!” I smiled up at Dylan. Dylan winced at me. Did.. I say something wrong? Was I too loud again? I couldn’t think too loud on it as Dylan let out a laugh and shook his head, ” Wow.. our lives are so similar!” He mimicked the way I talked.

I blinked and stared, unsure how to react to that. Huh?! Do.. do I actually sound like that?! It sounded so high pitched. So girly. So extroverted but.. I’m an introvert. How could someone be more introverted than me? I cleared my throat and nodded in response wih a smile, “ Ye-Yeah.. so similar. People must call you a brat too, huh?” I quietly asked. 

“ Only all the time.” Dylan rolled his eyes and slowly started to smile himself. I could now see that his teeth were yellow. I didn’t mean to but I ended up pointing it out as if feeling compelled to. Huh.. Very Weird. Dylan just shook his head and said, “ your teeth are just as yellow, my dear! Your breath smells of vanilla, cheese, salt and vinegar. Very strong scent!” 

I was quick to cover mouth and run ahead. I felt myself begin to cry but I didn’t need Dylan to see that. I was able to make it to the bus and walk up inside. I found the eighth row and took my spot by the window on the left side. I took in breaths, drunk water and searched my backpack for my toothbrush and toothpaste. I had them still! I left my backpack on the seat and headed over to the three EAs to ask if there was a bathroom. The three of them examined me. I was on the verge of tears and was sweating to the point you might think I was having a heatstroke. I was however in the middle of hyperventilating though. One of the EAs got up and lead me to a bathroom to wash up and brush my teeth. I was allowed to borrow spare clothes for now until we reached the camp. The clothes I had in my bags were meant to be used at camp. Feeling refreshed and better than before, I went back and sat in my seat. 

I look around and again.. Less people. Where once there was fourteen, now only three remained. Myself, Dylan and Ryan. Two more days and two more nights to go. Dylan and Ryan stood in the aisle as if having a stare off. I remained seated and watched as the two boys were ready to fight until the bus started up. The vibrations knocking both boys off balance, forcing them both to make a choice: Sit down or get knocked down.

Dylan chose to sit down in the last row on the right, closest to the window.

Ryan close the opposite side and in the first row. 

I took my DS out and started playing Harvest Moon as a way to stay busy and not be bored out of my mind. It wasn’t long until it was nightfall again. Second day was soon over. The third day was coming but I found myself unable to focus too much on my game as Dylan and Ryan got into a screaming match.

“ Ohh! You and her both have older siblings?! Whoopie do! I’ve known Raven longer than you!” Ryan yelled at Dylan from where he sat up front. I could see the bus driver let out a long and turn on the radio. It was my favourite! I smiled at the song but couldn’t enjoy it completely as Dylan yelled right back at Ryan, “ Longer doesn’t automatically mean better! You still can’t look outside yourself, you damn dork!” 

I tried really hard to listen to music but all I could hear was screaming between the two boys. They were insulting each other and name-calling each other. They also kept correcting each other. It was like they were a married couple and I was caught in the middle of it. It reminded me of my parents. “ we’re in the same boat~ the very same boat~” I quietly sung to myself as I closed my eyes and listened to the music playing, curling up and laying down on the seat, “ well, actually it’s a bus~ we’re in the same bus~ the very same bus..” I started to sniffle and cry. It was almost like I was completely invisible. I cried until I found myself falling to sleep. 

This time I had a dream. There was shadows and darkness. Smoke and mirrors. I walked around through the void. My hair constantly being caught in something and being pulled at. It hurt! I could feel hands reaching up and grabbing me. The hands of the dead. Phantom hands. I looked down and saw an endless sea of dead people, clinging onto me and trying to pull me down with them. I open my mouth to scream but nothing comes out as tears ran down my cheeks. I look up and reach for the light and see it slowly fade away. The hands of the undead drag me along and carry me. I look around and see endless darkness. There was no light. No flames usually associated with hell. It was river of suffering. It was filled with regrets, forgotten dreams and hopes. I looked down and saw a broken pocket watch. I found myself able to kick and start to doggy prattle my way through the river of lost souls. I was terrible and could drown at any second. I took a breath and dived down. I used both my arms and legs to push myself forward, holding my breath and swam ahead. I saw different trinkets and things.

A Grandfather’s clock ticking away. Another pocket watch. A mannequin that was being torn apart by the waves of despair. Pages of a forgotten lullaby floated through the waters leaving music notes in their wake. They circled around my head to play their tune one last time and kept me going as I swam up for air, clinging onto a broken cupboard. I looked ahead, squinting to see any kind of light but all I could was black. Shadows. I looked up and there I saw shiny rocks. Opals, Obsidian, Rubies and black marble. It was like I was swimming in ink. I felt my hair stink to my body as I shivered in the cold. This wasn’t real! This wasn’t real.. I had to remind myself as I took a whole breath, held it and dived back down into the waters of pain and suffering. I swam in the same direction I was always going towards and as I squinted I could the see the end of the river. I just had to get over a bathtub, a few drawers, another Grandfather’s clock and a park bench. I could still see a lamp post, broken umbrellas. It was all burning in the waters. I felt numb and untouchable as I continued to swim until.. my hand reached up and felt rocks. I pulled myself up and over what seemed like obsidian crystal and black rocks. I rolled over onto my back, started to breathe yet found myself realizing it didn’t seem to matter if I breathed or if I didn’t. I found myself dying off just by laying there on the rocky shore. I sat up, stretched and peered over to see a long line of the undead marching towards their doom. 

I stood up and started to walk over but then I stopped. I saw a boy with a black t-shirt, skull ring and a big coat with a puffy collar. He looked like he belonged here yet wasn’t dead either. He was the only one to notice me- .. and then I woke up back in that bus seat, wiping away tears and sitting up. Dylan and Ryan had made up by the time I came to. I have no idea what happened. Who was that boy? When was that? I didn’t know. I just knew we were finally at camp. I shook my head, feeling all sweaty and awkward as I strapped my backpack on my back and headed out of the bus. When I got out of the bus, my other bag was waiting for and I just took the handle of it and started to pull it along on its wheels.

It was a very large camp with an open field. A mass hall. An entire building just for the theatre and arts. There was a tennis court, foot ball court. There was a lot going on in this camp. There was even rock climbing. I was more interested in finding where I was going to be sleeping for the night. I followed a camp councillor towards the lounge area, found a seat in an empty couch and listened to the camp director’s speech. Finally.. I was safe.