The Choices We Make

Chapter 1- Started with a Bang

I feel it.

The ache in my chest after realizing that I ruined the last gift I'll ever get from Grandma Dolly.

The excruciating pain that erupts in my lower abdomen, crippling me to the point that I can hardly stand.

The rage and annoyance searing throughout my body, knowing that it's Monday morning and I will have no choice but to endure this debilitating pain at school.

I feel it all. Especially the red liquid lazily making its way down my thigh.

I look down, eyeing my soiled shorts. Blood stains splattered across the navy-blue cotton fabric, as though it were a tie-dye masterpiece.

"You weren't due for another week," I grit out, throwing the shorts into the corner of the shower as the lukewarm water hits my skin. Irregular periods suck.

The old wooden stairs creak with every sluggish step I take as I make my way to the kitchen.

"Good morning, sweetie," mom greets. She's in her usual mint green scrubs. Not the most appealing outfit you could think of, but she makes it work. Dark locks neatly pulled into a tight bun. Face bare of all but the light gloss shining on her full lips. She's the epitome of classic beauty, and she knows it.

If only she had passed on some of her confidence and perfection to me. Instead, I'm stuck with dad's lack of hand-eye coordination.

Thanks a lot dad.

"Morning," I mumble. It's too early in the morning for pleasantries.

Dad raises his brows. "Aren't you going to be late for school?"

"Yup."

"So shouldn't you get going then?"

"Breakfast. I need breakfast," I say, wiggling a piece of slightly burned toast in my father's face before taking a bite of it.

He smiles behind his cup of black coffee. "Starting this school year off with a bang I see."

"Mhm."

No way was I going to school on an empty stomach. I'd rather be late and pay the consequences while full, than to be early and have to deal with insufferable cramps and a growling stomach.

"Kailan, I'm giving you two seconds to get yourself down these stairs or I'm leaving without you!" Mom shouts from the bottom of the staircase.

Seconds later, his loud footsteps come barreling down the stairs. Clothes wrinkled, soaking wet hair caked to the sides of his face. He returns mom's look of disapproval with an innocent smile.

I can't help but snicker at his antics. Such an idiot.

"See you at school, Sissy," Kailan says, a smirk on his face as he, mom and my drowsy little sister Jasmay head towards the front door.

Yeah right. If he really wanted to see me, he wouldn't have begged mom to take him to school just so we wouldn't arrive together in the same car.

"I can't be seen around you on my first day of high school. My reputation would be ruined before I even step foot through the doors," were his exact words.

He's lucky school is on the way to mom's work, else his butt would be stuck in the backseat of Isla's car.

Oh no. Isla.

I scarf down two more pieces of toast and a couple of grapes before I kiss dad goodbye and head out the door.

--------------------------------------------------------