4 - THE DAY IT ALL BEGAN

★ One year ago ★

The cold evening breeze made her hair flutter as Jade sat on the beach, watching the ocean with Shawn. She placed her head on his shoulders, allowing the peaceful roaring of the ocean and the beating of his heart to soothe her fears.

Her parents had divorced when she was nine and her father had remarried immediately. Now, seven years later, her mom wanted to get remarried too. She knew how her father's remarriage had made her feel - like she didn't belong to the family. So, she always looked forward to her week with her mother because, at least, she didn't have to share her mother's love with anyone.

But, now that her family had broken completely, she felt there was no place for her anymore. That was why she ran away from home. But, Shawn had come to her and he had convinced her to go back home, explaining to her how he would always be there for her even if no one else was. 

She smiled as she thought of how fortunate she was to be best friends with Shawn. They had known each other since they were babies as both their mothers were good friends. They had practically grown up together and they knew each other inside out and even though they had their bad days, it was days like this that made their friendship feel special.

So, as she waited for her mother to come to take her home, she prayed in her heart that nothing should ever separate them.

Jade. She heard her name and lifted her head off Shawn's shoulder. She turned her head around to see her mother. Marie stood smiling with her arms stretched out for a hug and her golden hair fluttering in the wind. She looked like an older version of Jade with only the hair color being the difference between them.

Jade gave Shawn a light smile as she stood up and ran to Marie, her mother. She wrapped her in a warm hug, patting her back with one hand and caressing her hair with the other. After planting uncountable kisses on Jade's face, Marie released her and as they walked to the car, she turned back and mouthed a thank you to Shawn.

They reached the car and Marie opened the passenger door for Jade before going to the other side. As soon as she settled into the car, she turned it on and it began moving. Feeling uneasy about the quietness in the car, Jade turned on the radio. Her favorite song was being played so she increased the volume and adjusted her chair so she could lay on it.

With the coolness of the air conditioner just right and the song calming her nerves, Jade's eyes began to blink heavily. She had almost drifted completely to sleep when she jolted up due to a loud bang. 

Looking up to see the broken windscreen and then Marie's startled face, Jade knew there was trouble. They were no longer on the highway but on an unknown and dark street. Jade tried to remain calm but when she noticed the man standing by the window, holding a gun to her mother's head, she panicked. 

“Run!” She heard her mother say and almost immediately, she pulled the door handle. The door opened and she dashed out of the car. But, she wasn't fast enough. A hand held her by the waist and pulled her closer.

She struggled to fight off the person as he covered her nose with a handkerchief. But, she was too weak and as she inhaled, she could feel her mind going blank. Before she finally fell unconscious, she saw silhouettes of two men.