Memories In Red

Chapter 1: Beginning

Years had passed since the accident occurred. The memory still haunts me of every moment Shaw—my father—and I shared. I feel both disgusted and saddened.

Why did he need to exert so much effort just to make me happy? A boyfriend is only temporary, but a caring father is for a lifetime. How could he not realize that? How could he manage it all?

But now that he has left me, I can no longer blame myself. It's all in the past, and Dad wanted me to be happy.

I couldn't be more grateful as a daughter when his last will was to give me both of his eyes. I never imagined things would turn out this way; Dad truly loved me with all his heart.

Since the incident, my Grandmother has taken me into her care. I warmly accepted her request because I also wanted to avoid Mom, who always interfered in every aspect of my life.

Mom wanted me to suffer, she wanted to see me dead, and she despised me just because I didn't conform to her wishes. But it doesn't matter; as long as I live with my grandmother, she can't use me as her pawn.

I'm now 17 years old and finally attending senior high, taking the HUMMSS strand. My passion lies in criminology, so I plan to pursue it in college. Investigating crimes and exploring the field fascinates me, making it an exciting journey ahead.

It is still a long way journey, but eventually, we will get a hang of it.

As the teacher greeted us, their words left a strong impression. “Good day, students! Welcome to Senior High, Senior high is not to be underestimated; it's the pathway to our future interests and serves as preparation for college. Because here, this is where the realities of life begin to unfold.”

It was everyone's first day, more likely introduction day. My hatest of all.

"So, before I get to know all of you, let me introduce myself. I am Mrs. Marchessa Yu. I will be your adviser and also your Earth and Life Science Teacher for this first semester. I am looking forward to creating memories with all of you. Once again, welcome!" The room filled with applause as the teacher smiled happily.

“Who wants to go first?” She asked.

“Oh, yes, you, darling,” she said, referring to me as I raised my hand.

"I just wanted to clarify what you said earlier, Teach. You mentioned that Senior High is where reality starts. Well, firstly, Senior High is indeed preparation for college, but reality begins when you wake up and see the world," I spoke, meeting the intense gazes around me without feeling bothered.

"What you really meant to say, Teach, is that this year will reveal many truths and uncover lies that we've lived with since childhood," I finished with a smile to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Great point, darling. Are you perhaps Ms. Harriett?” She suddenly asked.

“Yes maʼam,”

“How unfortunate, they said if only you did your really best and didnʼt have absences, you would be last year's Valedictorian, right?” The Oohs echoed in the room.

“That's what they said, Teach,”

“Then I'm looking forward to a change. A round of applause, please, for Ms. Harriett,” and they clapped their hands for me. “What's your first name, Ms. Harriett?” the teacher asked, extending the question.

“Adreanna,”

___

When break time arrived, no one dared to come close to me or talk to me. I only heard whispers and gossip that pertained to me, all about the 'Valedictorian' issue.