Entangled Desire

One: Shane Miller

***Present Day***

Today is my first day in my new school. It's my senior year. Honestly, I don't see the reason to transfer schools when it's my last year of high school. Depending on his work, dad has me to move to one school after the other. I've spent a year at three different high schools already and this is my fourth high school. Dad's a doctor. He's goes wherever he is needed. I don't understand why he can't keep working in one place. He was always the kind of person up for an adventure, always wanting to travel around the world. Hopefully, he won't transfer me to a new school halfway through this year.

"Honey! Come on downstairs! Breakfast is ready!" Mom calls from downstairs. Mom is a researcher. She often travels abroad and overseas. She's usually gone for a long period of time, but luckily she is always home for about a week on my first week of school and my last week of school. I miss her a lot when she's away, but she always sends postcards, so at least I know that she's safe and having a good time. I sometimes wish that I could come with her. Wouldn't that be something to just travel the world, sail the seven seas. I'm only able to do that in my dreams. Now if only I could make that reality.

"Coming!" I reply as I fix my black hair. I part a line through my hair and sweep it off to the right while I pin the left side behind my ear with a couple of purple bobby pins. I adjust my purple watch on my wrist and place my purple headphones around my neck. I'm going for an all red outfit today. Well, despite my black, skinny jeans, I have on a loose, red crop top and red converse. Even my socks are red.

As I finish getting ready, I glance over at my small makeup bag. I haven't worn makeup in ages. I usually refrain from wearing makeup because I tend to get itchy after a while. I'm just wondering if I should wear makeup today. I glance down at my watch. No, I don't have enough time to apply makeup. I decide not to wear makeup as I grab my duffel bag and sling the long strap over my shoulder.

As I go to leave my room, a picture catches my eye. I stop and look at it. A sad expression washes over my face as I look at it. It's a picture of my little sister, Areum. Around three years ago, she tried to commit suicide and she succeeded. She overdosed on dad's sleeping pills. I found her lying in her bed. At first, I thought that she was just sleeping, but when I realized that she wasn't moving or breathing I looked around and found the little bottle of dad's prescription sleeping pills. I barely talked or did anything a whole two months after her death, I was that traumatized. She seemed so happy too the day before. I had no idea what the reason was and I know that I never will know. I just wish that I could have known, so that I could be there for her and tell her that everything would be ok. A single tear slides down my cheek at the memory of that day. I sniffle as I try to hold in the other tears threatening to fall and I wipe away at my face. I take a few deep breaths to compose myself before going downstairs.

"Morning," I greet my parents with a forced smile. Dad is already done eating and getting his stuff ready to head to work. "On the move already dad?" Dad chuckles as he stops packing his stuff and approaches me.

"How's my little pumpkin?" He asks as he reaches up and pinches my nose. I groan as I swat his hands away from my face.

"Dad, come on I'm not a little kid anymore," I complain as I scowl at him. He chuckles in response as he comes up behind me and hugs me tightly. "Gah! Dad! Stop!" He chuckles again and pecks me on the cheek before letting go.

"Alright, good luck on your first day in school," he speaks as he picks up his bag and slings it over his shoulder before heading to the front, "See you two later. Love you!" Mom and I wave to him as he leaves. Once he's gone, I go into the kitchen and sit at the table. Mom places a plate of french toast sticks and maple syrup in front of me.