Shattered( New book, SAMPLE)

CHAPTER ONE

Welcome to Bloomington University. We're your typical competitive University where students are very determined and hungry for success. It was exhausting getting into this school, and it's even more exhausting keeping up with the work. The University is quite big, with one of the most substantial football teams in the country. People on campus are okay. They don't tease or bully me, but I'm only speaking for myself and what I see. I only know what's going on with what people show or say.

I know everyone has a story to tell; some just hide it better than others. Most people say how they feel. Others just keep it to themselves. I am one of those people who keeps everything bottled up. I wish I could talk about my demons inside, but I find it hard to breathe when I think of them. I hate explaining how I feel and how it hurts. People tend to want to know what's wrong, but they never seem to stay afterward. Many will hurt, tease, or abuse your trust. So, on many days, I find myself only trusting myself. What people don't know they can't destroy, right?

"Okay, class. Don't forget to study for your test next week. You are dismissed," my college professor says to the class. I grab my belongings and put them in my bag as my classmates rush to get by. I get out of my seat and begin walking down the halls, where students crowd the passageways. It's Friday, and students and teachers are anxiously jumping up and down, talking about what they're going to do this weekend. Everyone seems excited.

What will the weekend bring?

With that thought, I feel a gentle tap on my back and turn to see who it is. It's Aaliyah. She is a tall Muslim girl with ocean blue eyes. Only a few Muslims attend this University, and I was happy that Aaliyah was one of them. I have known her for as long as I can remember. Aaliyah and I have many memories together, including our childhood. We also attended the same high school and were neighbors when we were younger.

Aaliyah is very well-known and outgoing. She's Head of the debate club here at the University. She is very determined, always giving her all. Her goal is to become a successful lawyer. She has her life all planned out. I, on the other hand, am just trying to live for today. It's not that I don't know what I want to do in life. It's just that I take it one step at a time.

"Want to go out this weekend?" Aaliyah asks.
"Sure, why not?"
"Great! Let's go to the mall," she says with excitement in her voice. "Sounds good."

"I'll text you with the details later!" Aaliyah says as she waves goodbye and vanishes into the crowd of students. It's a beautiful fall day. The leaves have just begun to fall from the trees, and the wind is blowing through them. It's my favorite season of the year. I enjoy everything about it.

I spot my car, which is a black Audi. My father gave it to me on Eid last year, for my parents don't have much time for me anymore. My parents had gotten a divorce almost six years ago, splitting our family apart. I was heartbroken when my parents separated, but I knew it was for the best. We shouldn't stay in relationships that make us question our every worth. My parents were toxic to each other. Every few months, it was something new—each time, I didn't know what to expect. Until one day, they called it quits.

My twin brother, sister, and I instantly grew further apart. My older sister got married to the love of her life and is now expecting a baby. My older brother, Ahmad, is an engineer that works at NASA in California. And my other brother, Zayd, works as a mechanic. I ended up living with my mother and her husband. I don't really see my siblings anymore, but we try our best to stay close.

I drive home, making sure I don't pass the speed limit. I live in a small town. I was born and raised here. Although I love this town, I want to get far away from it. It's not the town; it's the people and the negative energy they give. I want to go somewhere far away, where no one knows me or my problems. I see an unfamiliar black vehicle as I park in my mother's driveway. I grab my bag and walk into the house quietly. I instantly perceive strong black Arabic coffee. I knew we had a guest.