Black Masked: Cruel Backstory

Chapter 1

9 years before...

I'm walking down the street with my friend Camilla while we laugh and enjoy ourselves to the fullest.

I gave her a quick glance before grabbing her boba and left. She then began chasing after me, screaming "MY BOBA! ARIES!!! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

We stopped running because I was giggling too loudly while running with her boba on my hand.

I chuckled and made fun of her, "HAHAHA, you were so funny Camilla."

She almost gasped in response, "Yeah whatever, give me back my boba."

I grinned and handed it back to her, saying, "Okay, here you go, madam."

She gave me a similar smile in return and took the boba away from me.

While Camilla is sipping her boba, we once more began to go forward.

We are always together when going to school and returning home because Camilla and I live close to one another.

Back then, our parents were also friends, so Camilla and I shared a lot of happy childhood memories that have lasted until today.

Camilla sipped her boba and said, "Ahh by the way Aries, next week is our graduation, right?"

I answered promptly, "Yeah."

She questioned me, as if I hadn't told her, "Where are you going to college?"

"You are aware that I aspire to attend University of Texas at Austin, but I doubt my parents will approve."

She rubbed her head and said, "Oh, why not?"

I responded as though I didn't care, "Duh, low grades. HAHA."

She patted my back and said, "Oh my god Aries, it's time for you to concentrate on your studies. It's for your own good in the future."

I chuckled a little, but I'm also worried about myself, "I don't have time for that, it's almost graduation haha."

Despite my best efforts, I am unable to achieve a high score for a variety of reasons. Despite spending a lot of time reviewing our subject, I usually fail our tests.

Camilla called me out, "But hey, Aries."

I then faced my gaze on her eyes.

"I don't want to make friends at my own school, so let's stay friends even if we go different colleges okay?"

I paused and gave those words some mental time. I then started laughing. When Camilla saw me laughing, her expression was perplexed.

I sighed and said, "Oh my, my dear Camilla. Of course we'll still be friends. It's a pinky promise we made when we were in preschool, right?"

She smiled after her eyes enlarged.

"It's a pinky promise, I assure you."

Together, she and I did our promise by raising our pinky fingers.

As night falls, we can see the gorgeous golden sky above. I truly hope that these days will last.

I don't wanna lose my precious friend whom I grew up with either.

But something about my feelings are different. Because when I look at her, she's gorgeous...

So damn, gorgeous...

After that, we parted our ways and went back to our individual homes.

After our housekeeper assisted me in carrying my bag inside, I said "thank you" and proceeded inside to take off my shoes.

I went straight from the hallway to our dining room where my parents at.

I observed them, and for some reason they look very gloomy. They give me the shivers, and I'm terrified.

I dragged the chair over and sat down.

They're gazing at me with disgust once more.

After a little period of silence, mom finally spoke: "Aries, you're going to take entrance exams on Canada. You're going to live with grandma for a while."

I gasped, turning my head to look at them.

My father screamed at me, "You're failing in every subject. What have you been doing all these years? WHY CAN'T YOU BE LIKE YOUR COUSINS?!"

I'm trembling in fear as my dad got up and approached me.

He then slapped me across the face with a raised palm.

Why am I still affected by being compared to my cousins when I've always been that way?..

My mother glared at me and said, "Aries.. This family have high standards, good grades and successful jobs. Don't bring shame on us. If you can't do it, then might as well we'll abandon you."

I took another look at them, but none of them were on my side.

Yes, from the very beginning, it has been this way. I had lived in this world like this since I was six.

I appear to be the only one in my family who lacks talent. But I truly was giving it my all. I tried my best, but it didn't seem to work.

I approached my mother as I started to cry, gripping her hand as I pleaded, "Mom... Please don't, I'll do good next time. I-I can do it, I promise."

"Don't touch me, you disgraceful," she said in disgust, throwing her hand away from me.

At that point, I gave up.

My dad gave the order, "Maids, bring her bags."

I asked him with a heartfelt expression, "D-dad?.. Not you too..."

"You don't belong in this family; you're not our daughter."

That phrase... Hurts. It seems like a bullet just struck me. Why did it have to go in this way?

I begged them to forgive me and accept me once more, "N-no.. Please don't, mom, dad! I-i swear I'll do better, I'll listen, and I'll do anything you want!"

My mother responded, "We've had enough of your remarks, Aries. The only thing I want you to do is leave.

Everything paused in me. It seems as though my parents have never wanted me and may have been waiting for this moment to leave me.

The guards approached me and lifted me up to go outside after Dad clapped his hands twice.

I was crying so hard that I felt like I was having trouble breathing, up until I reached the gate. My suitcases were scattered all over the place. And not one word of farewell came from them.

I guess... I really am abandoned.

To be continued...
• • •
Meet the characters in this chapter:
Aries Ivers
Camilla - childhood friend
Luna Ivers - Aries' Mom
Liam Ivers - Aries' Dad