Chapter 1: Don't Be Rude, Sarah

Hello, my name is Sarah and I am a senior at Cascade High School in NYC. I am 18 years old. Today is supposed to be a special day for me, but to be honest, everything feels quite mundane.

"And the champion is... SARAH RAVEN!!!" the host's voice booms through the microphone.

My parents sit beside me in the stands, clapping with pride as my name is announced. Mom can't hold back her tears of joy, while Dad nudges me to go up to the stage. My classmates cheer and clap, a few girls looking envious. But despite all the excitement, I feel nothing.

I make my way up to the stage and recite the thank you speech that Mom had prepared for me earlier in the day. I'm rewarded with $10,000 and a scholarship to study at Harvard University, courtesy of DC Company, one of the top companies in the field. My parents stand up and applaud while the sponsor places a garland around my neck, shakes my hand, and takes a picture.

After school, I hang out with my best friend Mia in the schoolyard, but I still feel empty.

My parents wait for me outside the school gate in their Ferrari. Dad has silver hair, a tall, sturdy build, and a stern demeanor. Mom wears a white dress with red floral patterns and waves at me from afar.

"Sarah! Over here!" 

Mia looks at my parents' behavior and laughs, making my face flush.

"Sorry, I can't go home with you," I say.

"It's cool, just get in the car. Your parents are waiting," Mia replies, grinning mischievously.

With that, I hop in the car and wave goodbye to Mia. She tilts her head and waves goodbye to me from outside, then walks away.

I promise Mia we'll go home together, but…

"You guys don't have to pick me up," I say.

Dad ignores me and asks, "Want to grab something special to eat? I can take us to a high-end restaurant." He drives to the left with a stern expression.

"I just want to go home," I say, looking down.

"Oh, honey. Are you okay?" Mom looks at me with concern. "Let me check to make sure you're alright." She reaches out to touch and examine me.

"I'm fine, Mom. I'm just tired from school. Please, let me go home."

"No, Sarah. You're coming with us. I already made a reservation at the restaurant," Dad says firmly.

I didn't answer, looking out of the car window with an uneasy feeling. I only join the Student Investment competition for the prize money to pursue my dream of becoming a singer.

I want to create a music video as a foundation for my future artistic career. Looking around at the magnificent city, my heart races as we drive through the artist district.

We finally arrive at The Hungry Wolf restaurant on Autumn Street in the heart of the city. We head up to the seventh floor and enter a private VIP room with a breathtaking view of the entire city.

I bring up a serious topic to Dad over starters.

"Dad, can we talk about something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"I want my bonus money back."

Dad stops mid-bite and looks at me seriously. "What do you need it for? Investing?"

"I think I have the right to use the money I worked hard for without having to report to anyone else what I'll use it for."

Mom chimes in, sounding panicked. "Sarah, that's rude."

Dad shakes his head. "Sorry, no can do. You're still a kid. And I'm your father, not some random person."

I don't say anything else but continue eating in silence. I'm already 18. Is there any child in this world have 18 living time?

Finally, I make it back to my room. Tonight is excruciatingly dull and I feel completely helpless. My plans for a new music video have disintegrated into nothingness. I gaze into the mirror, wiping away the tears trickling down my burning cheeks.

I lie down in bed, pick up my phone, and open Inst*gr*m. Mia just uploaded a new story of her partying at Rose Black nightclub.

"Mia, he took all of my money," I text my best friend.

"Stop being so down, dude. Come hang out with us," Mia replies.

My tears keep flowing as I type my message.

"You're texting so fast while you're dancing?"

"I'm actually outside your house. Come out!"

"I thought you were at the club?"

"You're asking too many questions. Just hurry up."

I open my closet and pick out a tight black dress to show off my curves. I slip on some fishnet stockings and brush my black, slightly curly hair to make it smooth. Luckily, I have healthy skin, so I don't need to use any foundation. I apply concealer under my eyes and a bit of blush to brighten up my face. I especially highlight my eyes with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Finally, I choose red lipstick for tonight.

I quickly grab my gray purse and throw on a black leather jacket. I tiptoe down the stairs, hoping not to wake my parents up. I grab my house key and sneak out successfully.

Mia, a tomboyish girl with short red hair, dark black eyeliner, and a cool outfit, is waiting for me with a silver motorcycle. When she sees me, she laughs and throws a helmet at me, which I catch before climbing onto the bike. Mia is a skilled driver, and we take off towards the Rose Black nightclub.

As we enter the club, the music is blasting, and my heart feels like it's about to leap out of my chest. Mia leads me over to a group of her friends who have the same fashion style as her and are very welcoming. 

However, I am feeling down today, so I don't feel like dancing too much. Mia, on the other hand, is full of energy and is grooving to the music with a guy who has a similar fashion style to hers.

Suddenly, the music stops, and the host speaks into the mic: "Ladies and gentlemen, today our bar has a special activity to celebrate our 25th anniversary. You'll have the chance to perform your favorite song and be accompanied by the famous band, The Animals."