The next few days were spent with Cole after school doing some digging on these people who I believed to be my parents and what exactly happened to them. Cole actually took it better than I thought he would. But then again, I'm sure he's only trying to help.

Today was the first Sunday of February. And I decided I would take another walk through the woods because I hadn't seen the guy recently. I went to my locker to get one of the thicker hoodies Cole got for me, and I found a strange package there. It was a fairly small box, probably no less than seven inches but probably more, and it had dark blue wrapping paper on it. I found this very strange because I had never told Cole about my private locker in the staff area, and I doubt they would have just let him back here even if he found out somehow.

I cautiously opened the box and the first thing I saw was a knife with a little bit of decorative carving on the blade and an amber colored handle that seemed to glow a little. But that could just be me. I immediately grabbed the ruler from my school supplies to measure the blade length. Legally, I'm allowed to carry a knife if the blade is under six inches. The blade length was five.

The box also had a seath inside that had my initials stitched into it. There was also a note. It said the following:

“Hey Phoenix, I realize that you probably don't know who I am, but we'll set that aside for a later time. After witnessing your encounter in the woods the other day I figured you'd feel a bit safer with this. Take care of it, it's a one of one, custom made just for you. I hope we can work together someday, but until then, stay safe for me. I can only do so much to protect you myself.

P.S. Nice strategy back there, going for the nuts and nose can be a pretty painful combo. Also you don't have to worry about him, he's been arrested on several charges.”

I didn't know who gave this to me, but I was equally as creeped out as I was excited about this mysterious gift. It was also nice to know what happened to that creep.

I attached the seath to my pants and put the knife inside. I only walked out after confirming that it was tucked under my hoodie. I don't want anyone freaking out because I'm armed. I plan on showing this to Cole a bit later. Because it's actually pretty cool and I want his opinion on it.

But who was watching me? I'm almost certain that it was only that big oaf that I layed out on the forest floor was the only other person within a five mile radius. They've at least been watching me for a few days. Don't get me wrong, they seem nice enough, but if they try anything, I do have a knife to defend myself now.