Chapter Three

23rd December, 1998

Lana Rawlings, dark haired just like her father was tall and very pretty. At sixteen years of age, she was in her first year in senior high school.

Though most people referred to her as the "first daughter", she didn't know the significance until she got older. Her relationship with her friends became strained all in the name of protecting her. If only they knew how much she hated it.

Sometimes, she wished she could be allowed to go out, have fun with her friends, party just like teenagers do but she knew her father was not going to allow it. It was like a dream come true when her father informed her that she would be attending the Christmas party she's been invited to, at least it would give her an opportunity to make some friends.

     "Dad is just too protective, I'm not a baby anymore" she muttered

Her thoughts were disturbed by a light knock on her door.

  "Come in".

 "Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?" First lady Samantha said.

  "Yes mum, I did"Lana said, giving her mother a beautiful smile.

 "Darling, I was worried a bit because you woke up quite late. Its past ten already".

"Is it, wow time flies" Lana said.

  "Yes dear, so go brush your teeth and come have breakfast" her mum said.

  "OK mum, lord knows I'm starved".

  "I'll be downstairs" first lady Samantha said before making her way out of the room.

                         ****************************

 "Where's dad? I haven't seen him this morning" Lana asked, munching on her breakfast.

  "He's still upstairs, he has the rest of the week off".

   "Oh ok, he's been working so hard".

 "Yes.He's had a really stressful week, barely sleeping and all".

 "Yeah, it ain't easy to be a president".

  "That reminds me. Lana, honey we'll get your party clothes tomorrow and I wasn't sure which colour you'd prefer; Blue or purple?."

 "Purple mom, always purple" Lana said, smiling with cheeks stuffed with food.

 "I thought as much, hurry up with your food so we'll go get your shoes today"her mum said while tapping her phone.

   "Mum don't bother about shoes, I've got over a hundred pairs I haven't even used".

  "That's a little bit of an exaggeration don't you think" her mum said.

   "Well its kind of accurate" Lana said.

  "Ok, I guess you'll make do with the ones you have right?".

  "Yes they are perfect" lana said, while clearing her plates.

  "Alright, now you've finished, what would you like to do today".

  "I'll just go upstairs, maybe read a little".

 "Oh no young lady, you're going out with me today".

  "Really, thanks mum" she said, grinning from ear to ear."so where are we going".

  "You choose"her mum said,smiling.

   "I'll like to go to the cinema".

   "Oh Lana, you know we can easily watch whatever movie we want here".

  "Mum, I want to watch it with people other than you and dad, I'm never allowed to go out. Its not fair" she pouted.

  "Alright honey, go get dressed. The cinema it is".

   "Really, thanks mum. You're the best" she said, while rushing upstairs to go get ready.

  "You're welcome honey. I'll be waiting" her mum said.

With a joyful heart she got ready, unaware of the disaster approaching.