When the Stars Went Dark

“And they all live happily ever after.”This was the last statement in almost every book my mother would read to me before bed. And the one she was reading to me right now was no different from the others.I’m Roselyn Maye Morgan, or simply Rosie to most of my family. I just turned eight years old today.I stood in front of my mirror, admiring how pretty I looked today. With my pale skin, brown eyes, and pinkish lips, the green off-shoulder cocktail dress paired with mint green sandals perfectly complemented my youthful features. My family was far from perfect, but what I loved most about my parents was that they always did their best to make me feel like a princess and that we were a perfect family. Together, we would live happily ever after, just like in the fairytales I read.Just like Cinderella, I had a party and danced with my father, my prince, for the evening while my favourite strawberry ice cream and a giant sans rival cake were served. Everything seemed perfect as everyone

It had been a week since school started, and everything was going smoothly—especially with Danny and Athan by my side. But some misunderstandings were just too hard to shake off, like how the girls hated me almost instantly for being close to them. And the fact that I excelled in my studies didn’t help either.Sometimes, they would say mean things to me, but I knew they wouldn’t hurt me because they couldn’t. If they did, the boys would hunt them down, and I definitely couldn’t stop them. Still, I did my best to understand them. I mean, no harm, no foul, right? Only losers get mad at meaningless words.Oh, and I finally learned the name of their other friend—the one who everyone said was the hottest guy here. His name is Nathaniel Stevens, but people call him Nathan. I also found out that while they’re friends, they’re not as close as Danny and Athan. They said Nathan was a great guy, just cocky and arrogant. And he wasn’t part of our table because he needed to be at the popular table

It was Sunday, and I hadn't gotten enough sleep because of yesterday. I couldn't help but think about it. I mean, it might have been a peck, but he kissed me—even if it was on the cheek. No one kissed me there; even the boys only kissed my forehead.‘Ah, I think I'm going insane because of him,’ I thought while messing with my hair."Hey, Rosie, you awake? Better get ready. Dad said he has something to speak to us about." Athan knocked on my door."I am; just give me a minute," I stated, grabbing a pair of pants and a white shirt."Sure, Rosie. For you, getting ready equals an hour, never a minute," he said to me before I heard his fading steps. Well, he was right; it takes a lot of time for me to get ready.After I got dressed, I immediately came downstairs to see what my uncle's announcement was.However, when I got down, I saw something I didn't expect. There, at the table, my uncle looked very troubled and was crying, while Athan appeared almost angry and hopeless.Unable to stop

Since the accident last Saturday, Nathan and I have barely spoken to each other, avoiding one another like the plague. Even though we knew we must talk and be civil, part of me was glad that we didn’t.I'm afraid he'll ask about the fainting episode during the lunch meeting."Hey, Uncle Peter, you called for me?" I asked as I entered his office. Earlier, after school, Athan had told me that my uncle wanted to speak with me, but he couldn’t accompany me because he and Danny had plans for a boys’ night out. And that usually meant girls were involved."Oh yes, sweetheart, I just wanted to apologise for the marriage arrangement and for the news I’m about to share." His tone was apologetic, and I could sense something serious in his words.Confused, I just looked at him, waiting for him to continue.Taking a deep breath, my uncle said, “Sweetheart, you’ll be living with the Stevens family. Since you two are engaged, this change would help you both grow closer.”The news hit me like a ton o

After what happened last night, I had no idea how to go downstairs and face Nathan. How could I have just burst out at him like that? Yes, I’m stubborn most of the time and rarely think before I act, but when I set my mind to something, I do it. I promised to be nice to him, yet I ended up shouting at him instead.‘Great. This is just great!’ I could only hope my outburst hadn’t fuelled his feelings for me—particularly his anger.Not wanting him to barge into my room, fuming mad because he had to wake me up again, I got up, grabbed my clothes from the closet, and headed to the bathroom.Dressed in faded jeans with a few rips and a blue SpongeBob shirt, I made my way downstairs to join the Stevens for breakfast.“Good morning!” I greeted everyone with a bright smile, taking my seat at the table. The aroma of bacon and eggs filled the air, instantly lifting my mood. Good food always brightened my mornings.