Making dinner was fun.

My job was to roll out the dough into little balls and place it on metal sheets for cooking, and no, it wasn't much but it still contributed to everyone's meal. It reminded me of Christmas, but unlike this time my mother wasn't a breath away with her own cookie cut outs that we would spend hours baking for Santa. Gracie was like a mother to me, treated me so kindly my whole life of knowing her.

Once the buns popped out of the oven I finished putting a brush of butter on each role, almost like some sort of sophisticated chef. I placed the rolls in the basket.

"I'm fine, Sketch. Go wash up, I'll ring the bell shortly." Gracie said, shooing me away with her hands.

My grin was wide to see as I wiped my greasy hands on my apron that Gracie two seconds later scolded me for. I untied it at the back and placed it down on the chair before I rushed up stairs to wash my hands and face.

As I rounded the corner at the top of the stairs the sound of the alarm went off. Not the dinner alarm, the panic alarm and it has the whole place on lockdown. Screaming shot out in the distance as the trees swayed over the awful ping and pang of the bell. My eardrums seemed shot by the awful, shrill sound. I hopped to the window in a lucid daze forgetting that grease lingered on my fingers and clothes as I pressed myself against the glass.

The ground rumbled almost as if the earth gave way and was pulling the trees down into a deep black hole. The trees opened up like the Red Sea, but no ship emerged, only that of its angry ancestor that wanted even more vengeance. A creature that I had never seen before, but resembled that of

Suddenly a tall creature, symbolizing and ogre, crashed through the trees like they were simple twigs in his way.

I saw Sam with a large bear bow, his aim on the creatures face and without another breath Same released his rugged smacking the thing straight in the eye. He stumbled a bit but stayed up, swinging that weapon at the trees and air like it had suddenly gone mad. I would be mad too if I was getting shot at. The others started attacking his legs, making him get distracted by the others instead of Sam.

I admired Sam for being courageous but also blamed him for not allowing me to do that same. The scene before me unfolded into chaos but something inside me told me there was more to this. He aimed the metal weapon and shot at the giants other eye, making the monster drop the weapon in pain. The thing roared once more covering its eyes with its large grimy hands.

Sam kept layering the monster with bolts and the thing roared, stumbling back only to trip on his own large fungus infested feet. Sam jumped on the beast and pulled his dagger out along with all the others. This was the part it would get bloody and I know I couldn't handle stuff like that. I ignored the terrifying roars of pain and continued upstairs blocking most of it as best as I could.

Sam was really good at what he did, protecting the borders and killing monsters. If given the chance, I think I could do just as well. If I got over this fear.

I looked out the musky glass and took note that Sam and the others were still gathered around the bloody scene savaging supplies from the beast.

I heard the dinner bells ring and rushed back down the stairs with one thought in my mind: food. I was hungry and was definitely looking forward to the bread tonight, since of course I made it with the help of Gracie. I loved Gracie's cooking, it was nice even in times like these.

I walked into the dining area ignoring all the boys and girls crowding around. The girls on my left were talking to that new girl Andie welcoming her into their girly family. I looked around for a bit, only so I could maybe find someone to talk to.

I saw Conner but once he met my eyes he blushed hard, and turned away. Why did he blush? I walked over to him, and tapped his shoulder making him to slightly jump before he turned to me.

"Hi C-Conner." I said softly. He looked down at me with a small smile, the blush still tinted on his cheeks.

I realized my hand was still on his shirt, and awkwardly took it off. I blushed even harder turning away so he couldn't see my red face.

I wanted to ask him if he wanted to sit next to me but I just couldn't find the words for it. I wish I had the courage to ask him out or something, but he probably doesn't see me that way. He probably sees me as a kid that dreams to be on the front lines when I couldn't handle it. I just had to get the courage to ask him to sit next to me. That would be a good start.

"I-I was wondering i-if you wanted..."

"Hey Conner, come sit by us!" Someone yelled across the room and I was sad to say that he turned to them before I could finish.

"I'm sorry, I'll talk to you later." But as he turned he almost looked relieved.

I folded my arms over my stomach, feeling even more bummed. I just wanted someone to love me, like Riley loved Gracie.

I saw Sam getting two plates again, most likely one of those were for me. Once he saw me, he smiled and walked over with a huge smile and I was glad to see he actually cleaned himself up.

"Your birthday is tomorrow." Sam reminded me but I wouldn't forget.

I would be turning eighteen and even if thrilled I wondered if I was any closer to growing up. I could maybe convince Sam that I was a man and could handle the borders, and possibly be the warrior I always wanted to be. Maybe Conner and Sam wouldn't see me as a kid anymore and start trusting me once I finally turned eighteen.

"Can I go outside tomorrow?" I asked still not sure if the rule was still in place.

"Only if the borders are clear." He smiled chewing on a piece of stale bread.

I smiled to myself even wider, thinking of how I would explore the meadow or possibly the lily pads to the south. How I would sit in the flowers, and maybe just enjoy the beautiful weather.

After dinner I rushed up to bed as fast I possibly could! I jumped into the creaky bed and pulled the warm covers around me. Mom once told me, the faster you fall asleep the quicker tomorrow will come, so I dozed off hoping for a new life to start finally.

Knowing this, I closed my eyes and let my thoughts wander around the idea of finally being an adult and where people would start treating me differently. I smiled one last time as I thought this and I knew for sure I couldn't be anymore ready for it to come.