I followed the group quietly, listening to the others around me talk. Their conversations weren't really important to me - my mind was still stuck back in the bookstore, musing over the story I had been engrossed in. That tended to happen a lot: the fantasy world was so much more interesting than reality.
As we approached the construction site, though, I felt my attention drawn back to the crowd. If I was being honest with myself (which I rarely was), the place scared me. It seemed like the perfect lair for a serial killer, waiting for unsuspecting kids to pass by. Of course, I didn't show my fear. I was already the only girl, and one of the youngest in the little hodgepodge group that we had formed. The last thing I wanted to do was appear to be the weakest as well. Especially with Shaun around, who I was sure would take advantage of the situation. So, instead of shrinking back from the half-formed buildings and rusted piping, I quickened my pace.