RJA

Chapter 2

That night I had a dream. I dreamed about my parents. I was in our apartment, the front door was wide open. I'm not sure if it was because I had just burst through it or if someone had left. I grabbed an umbrella, it was yellow, wait no... It was pink... With yellow stripes. I can't remember the dream faded too fast.

I snuck into the kitchen, exchanged my umbrella for a knife. I ninja rolled my way to every room on the bottom level. Everyone except the study. I thumped in front of the door, dizzy from rolling. And what I saw next scared me the most. It was my parents lying together on the floor. My dad's white shirt was covered in red dried blood. My mother's arm was draped gracefully across his chest. Both their eyes were shut.

For a moment I thought that if I said something they would wake up and invite me to nap with them. But, I hadn't seen the knife that lay across from them. The whole world started to spin again, like I was rolling some more. I knew I was standing though because I could feel myself fall to my knees. A red haze began to fill the corners of my vision like they do in those military games when you've been injured.

I knew I hadn't been physically hurt, but I felt like me heart had been stabbed.

No tears came. Nor would I let them. All I could focus on was the people who did this. I knew they must still be here. As I turned around a bag was thrown at me, and my whole world turned to darkness. The sound of gunshot rang in my ears. I jolted up screaming, but the shots didn't stop firing! I covered my ears but the sound only got louder... and more grainy.

Confused I opened my eyes. It's my watch going off.
Beep
Beep
Beep
I turn it off, disgusted by the sound. Eight o'clock, time to start the day.

I walk down the sidewalk in my favorite black jacket. It's made of some fake leather, but gives that same shine when in light. There are a few silver buttons on the front. It's fitted in the middle that makes me look two-times skinnier than what I actually am.

I wear a simple red tank top under with a cheep locket I bought at a "Clair's" when I was twelve. It doesn't have any personal meaning to me but I love watching the expression on people's faces when they think they got me all figured out.

Ha. Nice try idiot.

I waltz into a Starbucks, order one of their ice teas with a strawberry Danish, and pick a seat in the back corner by the bathrooms like I always do. I sit and watch the people come and go. A couple comes in kissing each other, they half walk half stumble over to the counter. The girl with blond hair giggles when her boyfriend clears his throat and orders for them.

The boy winks at the older woman at the counter making her blush. They get their drinks and sit in the booth in front of me. I scowl down at my breakfast.

I don't despise love. I despise feeling vulnerable, and if you ask me that's exactly what love is. Being vulnerable and trusting someone not to hurt you. But I don't trust anyone so good riddance to Valentine's Day, and online dating sites can suck it.

When I'm done giving my Danish the look of death I sense a figure in front of me. It's a boy. Well not a boy, boy. Like a sixteen year old boy, like me. He has a good build, his chest puffed out like he's holding his breath, his sandy blond hair flops in front of his blue eyes. His nose is slightly crooked like it had been broken before.

For a moment we stare at each other, not saying anything. Finally I speak up. "Can I help you?" I try to sound slightly excited. This isn't my first time some random boy approached me. Usually the conversation ends with some lame pick up line and me slapping him in the face.

"Yes actually," he has an Australian accent, it's not very noticeable but I can tell it's there. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm rather new here and don't know my way around very well," he has a map folded in his hands. "well I was-I was wondering if you wouldn't mind pointing out which direction the Downtown Mall is?" I stared at him a little longer before smiling-fake so fake- and nodding.