Reason

Chapter 1:

I always felt that after high school, I would become someone great. Maybe it was because of the way I was brought up; how I was constantly reminded of the awful things that happened in my family home, or the fact that I just felt the drive to be better. I wanted to prove I wasn't like my parents in any way. And I made sure that didn't happen.

I left my home after high school and attended a college 100 miles away. Everything was new and I liked it. I had freedom; a chance to do what I wanted without hearing a comment about it. It felt exhilarating being free like being on a tire swing, ready to detach yourself so you can fall into the water. This was the first time I felt I was in complete control of my life and my choices. I knew that I had to work my butt off to be that great person I strived to be.

College life was good until I realized I was confronted with the same dangers that I dealt with at home. Everything I tried to get away from was still there and I found myself asking, "Would it ever be any different?" So I packed my bags and moved another 100 miles. This brought me to Ranglewood.

Ranglewood intrigued me the moment I saw it. It was different and I finally realized this was the place I would find my greatness. Everyone there was kind and knew when to keep their distance. They were great supporters and never asked any personal questions. I felt at home here and knew that I would find my greatness here.

Or would I? A firewoman. Is that even a word? Well, anyways that was the job I found myself in. No greatness. Not at all what I expected. But guess what? I was happy. Something that I hadn't experienced in awhile. My greatness exceeded to saving people from getting hurt and that was the real joy I found myself in. Letting someone know that their loved one is okay is the best feeling. It assures me that I'm doing my job and achieving greatness.

Greatness wasn't the only thing I craved. I craved the ability to choose. Ranglewood gave me a chance to choose; even if the choice I was choosing wasn't always the right choice. And all of that I would find out soon enough.

I choose to marry Tony Drake. We dated for about 3 years until he finally popped the question. I was ecstatic. I would finally have a family of my own that actually cared about me.

Tony knew how much it meant to me so he tried his best to be the best husband he could be. He did very well. After my first daughter was born, I knew I had made the right decision. He brought out the good in me and sometimes the bad. But always had my back in times that were hard.

It was about the time that my son was born, that the newest neighbors moved in. And if they hadn't moved in, none of this would've ever happened. The whole course of my life would be different. So, why can a choice even if it doesn't concern you, define who you are?