Chapter 1: The Curse

The Hospital

 I woke up in a hospital. What time was it? How long was I out? My head still hurt from my fall. I felt the bandages wrapped tightly around my wound. I started to remember the intruder. The chase. No. I didn't want those thoughts in my mind right now. Trying to focus on something else, my eyes scanned the room until they located the blurry outlines of my family. My father, my mother, and my little sister, Jen.

"Davey, thank goodness!" my mother cried. "You're awake!"

The fog started to clear from my head. It felt so good to hear Mom's voice again. I looked at her and studied her features in an attempt to stop my terrifying flashbacks. Focusing hard, I took in her long blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, kind smile, and bulging stomach. My soon-to-be baby brother. That helped, I thought. Now I could only think of the excitement of having a new sibling.

"Hi, Mom. Hi, brother." I managed to say.

"Davey October." my father started.

I lifted my head up slightly so I could see my father's face. He didn't look as excited to see me awake.

"Yes, Dad?" I asked.

"You made an absolute mess of our house. I expect you to clean it up."

"But, there was an intruder, and-"

"Don't even start, Davey. She was arrested two days ago. We can't get her to clean up."

"Of course, Dad." I muttered.

My father smiled, but I detected the resentful look in his eyes almost immediately.

"That's my boy." he said.