Crime by design

Chapter One

I'm Amaya June, my life just flipped upside down, and despite my efforts to move forward with my life, I unfortunately hit a bump in the road since the entire town has their eyes on my family, watching us to see if we'll crack under pressure, after the deadly accident. But we brush it off and move forward. All we have left is each other, and trying to move on is the only thing keeping us sane.

With the night closing in, I took a seat at my bay window, gazing at a beautiful moonlit view. I was thinking about what to write in the beautiful journal my caring father had given me. I took a breath and exhaled deeply before writing another entry.

September 10

Dear Diary,
I hoped today would be different but unfortunately it wasn't. So here

I am, late at night, expressing my deep mourning. I try to put on a brave face and act like this summer didn't happen. That's what my father would have wanted. I try but I'm filled with grief and guilt. This year will be different. It has to be or I don't know how I'm going to make it.

After writing my last word, I slowly closed my journal and tucked it away in my nightstand. I exhaled slowly and then stood up. As I walked down to the kitchen for a glass of water before bed, I saw my beautiful widowed mother.

"How are you doing?" my mother asked.
"Like you have to ask?" I said.
"Maybe, go out with some friends, see Megan. You haven't seen

each other in months," she said, while pouring a cup of tea for herself. "I haven't seen or talked to Megan since the accident, and for good reason," I pointed out. I thought about how the last time I had seen my friends, everyone pitied me and treated me like a delicate

item that could break. I hated it.
"Why not? You're young and beautiful. You should be living life."

My mother looked at me with sad eyes.
"I can't, okay? Everybody doesn't know how to act around us

anymore. Everybody has moved on and forgotten the fact I've lost my father," I admitted.

"I know," she agreed.

"I understand that, but that shouldn't stop you from being a young adult and having some fun with your peers."

"And where would I go to do that?" I asked, sipping on ice- cold water.

"There is the Mill Hills Before-College Special BBQ, tonight. In fact, I think it's about to start." My mother glanced at her watch.

"You should go. You've always loved that party," she said, as she saw a small look of consideration cross my face. I knew I couldn't disappoint my mother since she'd already been through too much already.

"Fine, I'll go," I sighed, tucking a piece of my long, soft hair behind my ear. I grabbed my black leather jacket and headed out the door.

When I arrived at the lodge cabin in the woods, the strong, sweet smell of barbecue chicken hit my nose. Despite my mission to quietly blend in with my peers, my friend Megan ruined that idea and walked straight up to me.

"Hey, Meg. What's up?" I said, stuffing my hands in my pockets.

"Oh my God, Amaya. It's been like forever!" Megan threw her arms around me in a hug.

"Sure has." I ended the hug with a nod.
"I'm sorry I didn't come by or..." Megan trailed off.
"It's okay, Megan," I said, cutting her off.
"I understand. You didn't know how to act around me, since

everything that has happened. But screw that! I want my best friend back."

"That's my Amaya June, I love and remember," Megan said, and I smiled back at her.