Sementia: Sementia, #1

By Angela Schmeling

Sementia. An island of intense beauty and  unspeakable mystery. As Ariana Rickards and her classmates tour this island, they think of it as an adventure of a lifetime. However, questions loom over their heads as they explore the island. Why is it uninhabited? What are the voices they hear carrying with the wind? Why is part of the island forbidden? As they search for answers, Ariana falls victim to the island's mystery and vanishes into the depths of the jungle. Now she wonders is she'll every escape Sementia...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Schmeling
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088069431

Book preview

Sementia

Angela Schmeling

Copyright © 2011, 2013, 2019 Angela Schmeling.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Chapter 1

PANTING. FOOTSTEPS POUNDED BEHIND HIM. He clutched the football tighter. No older than fourteen, the boy pushed back his blond hair and ran throughout the jungle floor. His two friends chased after him. Through the trees, they dodged low branches and vines sticking out of the ground ready to tangle them in their web. 

Can’t you run faster? He taunted as he wagged the football at them.

Laughing, he quickly spun down another path and abruptly stopped short. A woman stood there staring at him curiously, her blonde hair cascading down to her feet. Before he could say a word, his friends caught up with him and tackled him to the ground.

In the midst of a mess of arms and legs, he desperately peaked through to catch another glimpse of the woman. But no one was there in the path. He must have imagined it.

Getting up quickly, the boy looked at his friends and grabbed the football that had fallen to the ground in triumph.

Is that the best you can do? He flexed his muscles in victory before he turned and ran further down the path. His steps got slower as a deep seated fear started suddenly in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. A wind started whipping up around him. Something was very wrong. The wind seemingly changed the color of the air around him and felt engulfed in a yellow haze. Terrified, he tried turning around, but couldn’t. He couldn’t move at all. Then the ground crumpled underneath his feet and he felt himself fall.

Falling into a deep abyss. Blackness shrouded around him as he screamed.

With a cry, he landed with a jolt hard on the ground.

His head whipped around in panic, he stopped and realized he hadn’t gone anywhere. He was still on the island. Breathing a sigh of relief, the boy stood up, brushed off his pants and picked up his football. As he started walking back down the path, the hair on his neck began to rise.

Where was everyone? Where did his friends go? He walked down to the dock and the beach completely aware of the emptiness and loneliness swarming around him with each step. He sighed. There was no one there. The boat was gone.

Why would they leave without me?

A twig broke. Startled, he turned around and saw the tall, blonde woman again watching him. Slowly, she turned and started walking away, her long her flowing behind her. He ran to follow her. Her bare feet moving silently upon the jungle floor as she moved swiftly down the path. The boy struggled to keep up with her, hoping she could give him some answers to what was happening. Where everyone else had gone. He watched her go around another bend in the path and then she was gone.

Where did she go?

A crack of thunder shook the island causing the boy to shiver. He clutched the football tighter and looked anxiously around.  Just ahead of him he could barely make out small cave carved out of the plush hillside. He gulped and walked in just as the rain began to fall. It was cold and damp, but dry. Setting the ball down, he sat down on a cold stone full of dirt. The rain poured outside the cave entrance. The boy pulled up his knees and wrapped his arms around himself trying desperately not to cry as he huddled in the dark. He had never felt so scared and so very alone.

Lightning lit up the cave and he started, a fresh wave of fear washing over him. The woman was in the cave with him.

Her soft smile did nothing to ease his trepidation. 

Don’t be scared. She said reassuringly. I’m your friend.

*

Two Years Later

Okay, class, calm down! Ms. Stinsry spoke loudly above her eighth grade science class in Palo City, California. I have something very important to tell you.

The class slowly quieted down and looked at her expectantly. Fourteen-year old Ariana Rickards gently leaned over her desk and shook her triplet sister, Anna, who convincingly. looked like she had her head stuck in her book, but in reality, she was sleeping.

Wake up! You’re going to get us in trouble! She hissed. Ariana tugged on Anna’s straight brown hair.

Anna didn’t budge. Ariana gently pushed the heavy hardcover book down from its upright position. It fell with a loud thud off Anna’s desk. Anna’s head jerked up. Ms. Stinsry looked at her sternly. Sorry, Ms. Stinsry.

Please pick up your book, Anna. Anna quickly obliged. Now as I was saying. Our class has a very important adventure coming up. The class perked up, interested in what this big adventure would be. Our class has the wonderful opportunity to experience studying the plants we are talking about in their actual habitat!

Ignoring the low groans echoing throughout the classroom, she picked up some forms from her desk. We’re going to go on a trip to an island near South America called Galapangoes. We will be going there for a week and studying the plants and natural wildlife. These forms explain everything to your parents. Make sure they get them and fill out the consent form so you can go. If they do not fill out the consent form, you will stay here and attend your normal classes.

Ariana glanced over at her sister. Her boy crazy sister was alternating flirtatious looks with Travis Kunn and not hearing a word that their teacher was saying. Ariana, rolled her eyes, though not surprised by Anna’s actions, turned her gaze back to the front of the room. She was hoping to write an article about the trip for the school newspaper. She took the form eagerly and quickly skimmed through it just as the bell rang.

Ariana shook her head at her sister as she and Anna walked to their lockers together. How do you expect to get good grades if you sleep and exchange googley eyes with Travis for the whole period? She tugged her curly brown hair behind her ear as she worked on the combination.

Anna just smiled and shrugged. Travis is really cute.

Did you even hear anything about the trip?

When does Anna hear anything that goes on in class, Ari? They turned to see their brother, Adam, smiling at them.

Good point.

Anna looked at her brother and then her sister, her mouth open. Now wait a minute you two, just because I’m the youngest, only by a few minutes might I add, doesn’t mean that I’m stupid or a total airhead.

They laughed at her. Let’s get going. Adam said. We’re going to miss the bus if we don’t hurry.

Wait, Anna cried. Aren’t you going to tell me about this trip? They ignored her pleas all the way to the bus.

You’re impossible, Anna. Ariana exclaimed as she tossed her backpack on to the kitchen counter and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. You’d think that you would pay at least a little attention. Especially when Ms. Stinsry’s talking about a class trip!

Come on! Would ya just give already? Anna’s curiosity was growing with every word.

Adam and Ariana looked at each other. They were enjoying torturing their sister.

Okay, we get to go on this trip to an island off the coast of South America and study plant life and stuff. Ariana finally caved.

Anna stares at them, her shoulders sagged in disappointment. That’s it? She scoffed.

Going to an island isn’t cool enough for you? Adam ruffled his sister’s hair before reaching over her to grab an apple for himself. He took a big bite and continued. I figured you’d love the thought of beach and sun.

Anna shrugged. I just thought it was going to be something better and here we’re just going to go and do school stuff.

Who knows, Ann, maybe you’ll get to go to the beach and meet a really cute surfer boy. Adam teased his sister.

I better; otherwise this trip is going to be utterly pointless. She glanced at him. And you, dear brother, are going to make sure that this trip isn’t utterly pointless for me, right?

He laughed. I’ll do my best, sis.

They looked up as their mother, Nancy Rickards, bustled into the room. She set her purse and car keys down and gave them each a kiss. She tapped her son lovingly on the nose. I know you aren’t ruining your dinner with that, right?

Adam, his mouth still full of apple, protested. Ari has one too!

Nancy just smiled and opened a cupboard, pulling a box of noodles from its depths. How was school?

The triplets all started talking at once about the trip as their mother continued to pull out items for their dinner meal. Ariana dug into her backpack and handed her mother the form.

Nancy watched the animated looks on their faces as she took the paper and briefly skimmed the contents. Well, this all sounds wonderful, but I’ll talk to your father about it. Now, do you kids have any homework?

The three looked down at their shoes. You better get to it or help me with dinner.

They grinned at each other. What do you need help with, Mom? Anna asked.

*

Okay, everyone, pass your tests forward please. Ms. Stinsry called out a few days later.

Alison Halles, a petite redhead, leaned over to Anna and commented. I wonder when we’re going to talk more about this trip.

Didn’t you read the form that you were supposed to give to your parents?

Not really. I figured we’d just talk about it in class.

Jackie Severs turned around in her desk ahead of Anna’s. I want to know how much it costs.

How are we even going to get there? Travis Kunn piped up.

Anna rolled her eyes. You’re going to walk there, Travis.

Quiet, everyone! Ms. Stinsry shouted above the growing murmur of talking. I want to talk to you about the science trip.

Everyone quieted, anxious to hear more.

This trip, Ms. Stinsry continued, is to an uninhabited island near the island of Galapangoes. She pulled the map down from the blackboard and pointed to South America. This is where we’ll be. Right off of South America. Yes, Jackie?

Jackie put down her raised hand. How much is this going to cost?

I have worked closely with the science institute in Galapangoes for many years and have been offered a scholarship grant to take my class there. The cost should be minimal. We will be doing several fundraisers until we leave to keep cost down. The school board has approved that certain expenses will also be taken out of our class budget to cover this marvelous opportunity! We will be going to the uninhabited island and study plants and wildlife. Her eyes filled with excitement. It should be a fantastic time of learning and exploration on this mysterious island.

What’s so mysterious? It’s just an island. Someone asked.

No one lives there so the island still remains wild. There is a wide assortment of plants and animals that don’t normally cohabitant in the same area.

How big is it?

It’s fairly large. About the size of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

Anna raised her hand. When do we go?

We leave the tenth of May and arrive back on the seventeenth. I need the permission form from your parents next week. If they have any questions, they can call me. My number is on the forms I gave you yesterday. They can also contact me at the school. You’re going to need money for food and whatever souvenirs you would like. She paused. You need to remember that this is for school, so this isn’t a vacation. We’re going to have fun, but we’re also going to learn. Ms. Stinsry smiled at the downcast looks she received with this statement. The bell rang before she could say anymore. We’ll see you Monday and make sure your parents sign those permission slips! She called out to the kids hurrying out the door.

Do you think Mom and Dad will let us go? Anna asked Ariana as she watched her fiddle with the lock.

Ariana shrugged. It would be cool, but I don’t know.

I think they’ll let us go, since it’s for school.

Again, Ariana shrugged as she struggled to get the lock off. Dad will have no problems with it, but we’ll see how Mom reacts. Didn’t you see her face when we talked about it yesterday? She didn’t seem too excited.

You don’t seem too excited either.

I’m waiting for what Mom and Dad are going to say before I get any excitement.

Hey, Anna! Alison Halles called out, her red hair bouncing in her ponytail as she walked up to them. What are you doing tonight?

Anna looked at her sister, who shook her head. Nothing, why?

It’s Friday and I’m having a party!

That sounds awesome.

Alison’s eyes sparkled. Yeah, and you both are invited.

Ariana’s head popped out from behind the locker door, surprise covering her face. You mean I’m invited? Her eyebrows rose curiously as she slammed the locker door shut.

Amber, Melanie and probably Jackie Severs are also coming. She continued, ignoring Ariana.

That sounds great!

Ariana continued to stare at her, her mouth agape. You’re serious? Jackie and I really are invited? Whoa! Miracles do happen.

Alison rolled her eyes. Ask your parents and come over around six. They weaved in and out of the crowding students flocking for the doors and the weekend. I’ll see you tonight. She called out over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door.

Chapter 2

ARIANA SHOUTED ABOVE THE MUSIC that night with a mouthful of pizza. Jackie looked at her quizzically. What in the world did you say? Dishes ate?

Laughing, Ariana tried to swallow. She grabbed a glass of pop and quickly washed down the mass of cheese and dough stuck in her throat. I said ‘This is great!’

Oh! Jackie laughed. I know! They danced around the room to the way-too-loud music in the living room. Alison’s parents had gone out to dinner and her brother, Max, was staying at a friend’s house to keep from being with six screaming girls.

Okay! Melanie Tengar, pulled her blonde hair back, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted above the noise. No one listened. She danced her way to the radio and turned it down.

Moans filled the room.

You guys want to play Truth or Dare? She asked with a twinkle in her eye, her take charge attitude coming full force. The girls giggled and sat down on the floor. Melanie turned to Alison. Where’s a ketchup bottle?

Alison rolled her eyes. In the fridge, where else?

No, like a warm bottle.

Understanding, Alison left the room and came back a minute later with a bottle in her hand. She handed it to Melanie.

Melanie took it and instructed everyone to sit in a circle. This is going to be Spin the Bottle Truth or Dare. She smiled broadly and spun the bottle. It spun around and around till it pointed to Anna. Truth or Dare, Anna?

Anna, always one with a wild streak, replied. Dare. Her eyes sparkled in anticipation.

Thinking for a moment, Melanie turned smugly to her friend. I dare you to go outside and run around the house.

Okay. Anna shrugged.

Wait. I haven’t told you the best part. You have to do it butt-naked. All the girls gasped into giggles.

Ariana watched her twin smile broadly with only slight hesitation in her brown eyes. She straightened herself up with confidence and walked to the front door.

As she started to pull off her blouse, her sister came up to her. You’re not really going to do this are you? In reply, Anna just smiled and handed her the blouse and started to undo her bra.

The other girls started to laugh. I can’t believe she’s actually doing this. Alison handed Anna a robe.

Just till you get out there.

Anna smiled in thanks.

Why am I surprised? Ariana stares at her sister and shook her head. I can’t believe you.

You just need to live more, big sister. Ariana rolled her eyes at her.

Anna slowly opened the front door and walked tentatively outside. I can’t believe I’m doing this. She thought. Taking the robe slowly off, the cool night air hit her bare skin. Okay, just once around the house. She smiled confidently and ran off the porch.

Anna didn’t look back or she would have noticed a mischievous Melanie reaching out the front door and grabbing her robe.

Taking long strides, Anna made it around the house quickly. With a red face and breathing hard, she ran up the porch and bent to grab the robe. Anna groaned when she realized it wasn’t there. She tried to open the door and groaned again. It was locked.

Okay, you guys! This isn’t funny!

Headlights shown in the distance and Anna ducked down in the porch as the car slowed down and pulled into the Halles’ driveway.

Oh no.

Mr. and Mrs. Halles were back from dinner. Anna quickly jumped off the side of the porch into some bushes. Angry branches scratched at her, causing her to yelp softly in pain.  Rolling out of the bush and crouching low, she walked to the back of the house and found a towel on the laundry line.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief as she grabbed the towel and went back to the front porch. She saw all the girls in the window laughing profusely at her predicament. Melanie opened the door and handed her robe back.

I couldn’t help it! She laughed. Anna glared at her as she grabbed the robe and her clothes and went to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she returned with a scowl on her face. I’d love to see any of you try that. Especially with Alison’s parents in the driveway! The girls fell into another gale of laughter. Okay, do I get to spin now?

They went back into their circle and Anna spun it, landing right at Alison. When she stated truth, Anna rolled her eyes. No one is brave enough for a dare? Pillows were thrown in her direction.

No one is as daring as you, Ann. Her sister commented.

And no one is as serious as you. Anna shot back. Okay, Ali. Who do you like in our class?

Alison looked around the room uncomfortably. Do I have to answer?

If I had to run around naked, you have to answer a simple question.

Red started to creep in her friend’s face. You promise not to tell?

Of course! Amber Wos exclaimed. We’re your friends. Now tell us already!

Taking a deep breath. Adam Rickards. Alison glanced over at his sisters and covered her flaming red face with her hands. Ariana and Anna looked at each other in amazement.

Hey! Melanie said breaking the silence. "Who wouldn’t like Adam? I mean he is really cute!"

And popular. Amber added.

And athletic.