Her Bittersweet Chaos

1.

Lee Riverstone

I woke up to the feeling of a gun pressed against my temple. The cold metal sent a shocking wave through my brain. As I turned my head, I was horrified to see that it was my mother holding the gun. Her expression seemed more pleased than angry as she looked at me and then at the soldiers standing in front of me. It was clear that this was not a joke—it was madness. My heart raced; this was not supposed to happen. Not here!

Every sound made me flinch; my senses were on full alert. Memories flashed before my eyes as I silently prayed for a miracle. Encircled by the ruthless and the cunning, I felt like vulnerable prey, frozen in the crosshairs of their sinister intentions.

⇿

As I stand on the threshold of this momentous occasion, graduating from QT University, Kingston's premier institution, the absence of my parents casts a shadow over my excitement. I glance over at Luna, my steadfast best friend, who's reluctantly engaged in a conversation with someone she dislikes, stealing precious time from our special day. Our academic paths diverged, with Luna pursuing law and me pursuing journalism.

Yet, my heart belongs to Albert, my love, who's bravely serving in the army. I anxiously await his return, praying for his safe comeback. As I scan the crowd, my parents' familiar faces are nowhere to be found. Luna remains trapped in her unwanted conversation, while I'm left to wonder if my family will miss this milestone altogether.

"Can you wrap it up?" I asked, my voice tinged with irritation as I locked eyes with the group. Luna stomps off, beckoning me to follow. "Are you coming?" she asks, frowning. I roll my eyes, grabbing her hand to lead her to my car. "Lee, come on," she protests. "I don't want to go to your parents" house. They'll chew me out with their nonstop cursing.' She shakes off my hand, her tone firm.

"She's cooking your favorite." A sly smile spread across her face.

We jumped into the car and sped off, with the radio filling the silence. I was eager to join Kage's company, and the thought sent a thrill through me. Yet I was looking forward to being reunited with Albert. We arrived home quickly, but the peace was short-lived. My parents' arguing started soon enough.

I often wondered how they created someone like me amidst their constant bickering. "It's time for Lee to get married," my father declared. My mother shot back, her eyes blazing, "That's not your decision to make, and the men you've chosen for her are all incompetent."

"Why not?" he replied. I pushed the door open, catching them by surprise as Luna followed behind me. "Are you guys fighting again?" as if I didn't hear them moments ago. I had to play dumb.

My mother turned to Luna with a warm smile. "Oh dear, were you here the whole time? Please forgive my husband's rudeness." Luna returned the smile with ease, but my attention was already focused on my father. His casual mention of that detestable name made my head snap towards him.

"I invited Leon over," he said nonchalantly, setting the remaining plates on the table. I bit back my anger, knowing it wouldn't solve anything. "Why would you invite him when you know I can't stand him?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even. My father's expression remained stoic.

"You two got along in high school, so what's the difference now?" His question was infuriating, especially after everything Leon had done to me. How dare he pretend like nothing was wrong?

I clenched my fist, my gaze darting to Mom, who sat serenely sipping her wine, oblivious to the tension. "The difference is that we're over, Dad! That was high school!" I exclaimed, frustration boiling over. If only they knew what Leon had done to me, they'd never let him set foot in our house again. My father's expression turned red with anger.

"Enough of this nonsense, Lee! Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" He barked, his voice dripping with venom. "And don't you ever raise your voice at me again, or I won't go easy on you." I stood my ground, unfazed by his outburst.

Edited;)