Chapter 2

Fast-forward to the present day:

It's been five years of living in a nightmare, devoid of love and attention from those who claim to be my family. I figured out that my so-called aunt and uncle were only there for the money. Missing out on a few years of school wasn't a problem because I still did work online.

Now, at seventeen and a half, I find myself parentless with no love. Tracy and David abandoned me in my childhood home on my sixteenth birthday. What a gift that was. I'm not angry, but rather somewhat relieved to be free from them and their weird behavior whenever I come around. They treated me like I was some kind of plague they didn't want to catch.

Tracy and David occasionally return for the money my parents left me. My parents made it so I could get a stipend every month to take care of everyday lifestyle habits.

Here's the twist: remember when I mentioned I'd never been sick a day in my life? Well, things change. After turning sixteen, I began feeling ill and exhausted frequently, so I visited the doctor and he said it was just a persistent cold and gave me some medicine. Too apprehensive to inform Tracy and David, I continued consulting various doctors.

During their monthly visit to collect money, Tracy noticed my illness and inquired about its duration. I admit it started around my sixteenth birthday. She insisted on taking me to her doctor, where I was shockingly informed I had six months to a year to live.

I was stunned by the diagnosis, considering I'd never been seriously ill before. The only doctor I'd known was my father, who administered my allergy shots. A wave of sadness washed over me, but I resolved to persevere, accepting this as my life's journey. Upon returning home, I accidentally eavesdropped on Tracy's heated discussion about The Alpha Max and its consequences if I died before turning eighteen.

David reassured Tracy that I wasn't sick and wouldn't die. When he questioned the cause of my illness, Uncle David speculated that I might be fabricating the doctor's words since she hadn't accompanied me inside. He hinted at a possible pregnancy because they didn't know what I was up to because they left me. Overhearing this, I nearly burst into laughter at the absurdity of having a boyfriend.

Tracy stood her ground saying that I was a good girl and that I wouldn't let something like that happen. David laughed and said yeah right she's special you can feel the aura coming off her. It pulls at anyone's will if they are not careful. Standing there shocked looking at my hands. Trying to see or feel this aura he spoke of. 

After hearing that conversation I ran to my room lying down pretending to be asleep because I heard David ask where I was and Tracy said her room. When they finally made it to me they sat down and informed me that I was going back to school for my last year of high school. 

Shocked, confused, excited, and nervous all kicked in at once to know I was finally going back to school. 

School is about to start, and I'm facing my senior year, which I've dreaded so much. Remember Erika? She went out of her way to make my school life miserable for reasons unknown, from elementary through some middle school was hell. I was invisible, just kept my head down, did my work, and avoided talking to anyone. I was utterly confused about what I had done to her. I was hoping she wasn't in school so I could at least go through the last year with no problems. But to my luck which was none I found out that Erika was going to attend the same school. Oh goodie me.

What should be enjoyable times are instead filled with loneliness and suffering. I was constantly trying to figure out how to get through the day without being shoved into lockers, having my books knocked out of my hands, my clothes stolen during gym class, or food thrown at me during lunch.

As the weekend neared, I looked forward to a break from the constant bullying. Friday night arrived quickly, and I was thrilled at the thought of going to the beach to let the water wash away my stress. I've always found solace in the outdoors, particularly under the night sky. There's a certain calmness and relaxation that comes over me when I'm outside at night.

I usually take the bus and walk to the beach, but this time I opted for a long walk. When I arrived, the air was warm, and a gentle breeze caressed my face. The stars twinkled perfectly as I gazed upward. By the way, it was midnight. I questioned my decision, feeling an odd sensation tonight. If I could turn back time, I wouldn't have gone so late. But what's done is done and I'm here now.

Despite knowing better, I stayed anyway. I walked to the water's edge and dipped my feet in it. The water was surprisingly warm. I felt compelled to dive in, which meant I had to undress since I had forgotten to bring a change of clothes. I chose to swim naked, confident that no one else would be around at that hour. As I swam out, looking up at the sky, the stars seemed closer, and brighter, and then I realized they were falling. I thought...make a wish. Silly right but whatever so I looked up and made my wish.

Just as I opened my eyes I caught something moving by my clothes that was left by the waterline. I was screaming at I thinking I could scare it away. I noticed its head look up but it didn't move.

I swam back to the sand to try to make it move. When I got closer I noticed that it was a dog. I thought it was just looking for food. Not thinking anything about it by the time I reached my clothes it was gone. I went to pick up my shirt when I noticed my pants were gone.

Looking around for them I finally saw them in the bushes. When I went to reach them something bit my arm, let out the loudest scream, and read the damn thing. I grabbed my pants and ran the other way not even looking back to see if it was following me.

When I finally got home from the long walk. I entered the house took a bath cleaned the wound and went to sleep.