CHAPTER THREE

I couldn't stop the feeling of butter flies in my stomach. I took a long shower, using my favorite scented fruity body wash and shampoo. I wrapped myself in a towel and walked out of the bathroom to get ready. I giggled excited at my reflection and forced myself to get ready.

I brushed my long chocolate brown hair a trait I got from my mom. I decide to add some plaits and smile contentedly when it comes out perfectly.

I should ask mom for some mascara but my bright blue orbs are already standing out.

I put on my dress and shoes with a wide grin, applied some gloss and hurried downstairs.

"Here comes my princess!!", Dad said, watching me descend the stairs.

"You look good rose", Royce added with a playful snort..

"Thanks Royce." I replied with a smile.

Dad was dressed in one of his tailored tux and Mom wore a dress that glittered so brightly it was totally mesmerizing.

Royce also looked dashing in a black Blazer and a pair of jeans. We looked like the perfect family, Infact we were.

The Jackson's.

We've always prided in our family name. Yes, we are rich and can afford an extravagant lifestyle but one thing dad and mom ensured was we never get to much privileges that we became brats.

The drive to the restaurant was a long one. One that was filled with so much laughter and music. Royce kept chattering excitedly about what he wants for his forth coming birthday. He kept listing off expensive stuffs for grown-ups sometimes I feel he's really not a kid anymore.

Dad kept stealing glances at mom occasionally and she'd turn a deep shade of red. I wanted the exact same love story as my parents, someone who was just like my dad in every sense. Even though they don't show it, I know they've been through a lot and they are still together. Sometimes it feels as if they just got married yesterday.

"Can you guys stop already, you're scarring me for life you know" Royce complained, using his hands to close his eyes.

Dad's deep laughter rang loudly in the car and mom ruffled his hair gently, earning an eye roll from Royce.

"At the right time kid, you'll find yourself a pretty girl and you'll treat her right just like I treat your mom yeah" he smiled.

Royce blew out his cheeks and rolled his eyes till it almost disappeared into the back of his head.

"I'm not going to fall in love dad, women are annoying and irritating"

I smiled at his childish bickering and prayed in my heart that everything was going to remain just like this; peaceful, beautiful and calm.

Like they say, good things don't last long and I was about to find out just how true that is.

The restaurant was all top notch. Very expensive and lavish. We were given a table in the VIP section and food of different varieties, from mouth watering steaks to deserts were served, but I kept looking over my shoulders, I couldn't help the feeling of dread that was settling in the pit of my stomach and spreading like a poison all over my body.

I wanted to go home. I felt strange, something was definitely amiss and I could sense it or maybe it was chills from the horror movie I stayed up late watching.

"Sweetheart are you ok?? Is there something wrong with the food??" My mom asked, taking in my flustered state.

My dad's eyebrows drew together in a tight knit as my mom passed him a worried look

"What's wrong princess??" he asked, with worry etching his handsome face.

Before I could voice out my thoughts I saw them. Those very horrible masks. It looked like something from a horror movie and the gun shots started almost immediately.

"Get under the table rose!! Royce!! Under the table now!!" Dad shouted.

Just then, a bullet flew past,hitting mom in the chest. I screamed as I watched her beautiful silver dress turn crimson red with a terrible look of horror in her eyes as she fell to the ground taking in ragged breaths. Dad let out a loud shriek as he watched the love of his life turn cold and life less on the floor.

I stood transfixed watching the scene unfold before my eyes.

Dad held her limp hands and tried to assure her that everything would be fine but her face wasn't moving and she wasn't blinking either.The gun shots got closer and he turned away from mom.

"Royce, get your sister out of here!!"

"Look for the back exit and run!!" He shouted.

"No dad!! I'm not leaving you. I want you to come with us.", Royce replied.

"No you have to go now!! Royce look at me!!" He screamed at Royce and grabbed his face in his hand.

Royce dragged his gaze from Mom's lifeless body to Dad's face.

"Remember what we talked about. Keep her safe! Now run.", he instructed and immediately, understanding passed between the both of them.

"But you need to come with us dad. Please!!" He begged, with tears rolling down his eyes.

"I'll be right behind you, I just need to find help for your mom" he gestured towards mom's unmoving body.

Shouts and screams echoed loudly and blood splattered on the walls and floor. It was like a massacre.

Royce dragged my hand and started to pull me away towards the exit

Only...we weren't fast enough and those masked men were just about getting started.