The Hybrid's Heart

A Near-Death Experience I Will Always Cherish

"Damn, okay, Lore," my dark-haired brother, Tyler, laughed as I sunk the nine ball into the corner pocket and the twelve in the adjacent pocket in one shot only. I ditched the elegant gown from earlier - it was the Founder's Parade - and threw on some baggy jeans and an asymmetrical off-shoulder Beatles t-shirt. Something my mom wouldn't like and therefore my dad would hate. It wasn't proper enough for the mayor's daughter. Just like my bright red curls were always 'too big' or 'too messy'. Just like my freckles were always 'too obnoxious'. Just like my body was 'too flat' or 'too big'. They could never make up their minds about my body. I couldn't blame them. The only curve it offered was my hip divots.

But no one would know that these were the thoughts running through my mind. Not with the smirk I threw my brother, Tyler, as I went to line up my shot. I went for the fourteen, eyeing the side pocket and lining up my shot, squinting with only my right eye open. I was pretty good with angles and math, and that's all this game was. Angles. That's why I knew what I was doing. I was a sixteen-year-old Junior at Mystic Falls High, being bumped up and skipping third grade entirely.

Just as I sunk the next shot, a smug smirk on my face, Tyler's vision moved past my shoulder, and I swore I saw a flash of worry cross his eyes. Why's Ty worried?

I looked over my shoulder as I looked over my shoulder, instantly standing up straighter and tensing at the man that I saw. My father. How fun. I looked to my brother, trying - no, begging - for help. I needed to get out. 

But when my father finally spoke, it wasn't directed toward me. No, it was directed toward my older brother.

"What are you doing here Tyler? I told-" he shot a pointed look at me before continuing. He threatened, more like it. "-your sister to make sure you two and your friends got home."

"It must've slipped my mind," I shrugged, placing my thumbs against the top of the pool stick and leaning my chin on it. I just reached its height, only being 5' 4". I knew I'd probably pay for that later, but all of our friends were there, and there was no way I would leave for yet another selfish reason of my father. Though, he was barely a father. Fathers bring joy, and should always be there. No, this man leeched the happiness from my life whenever possible.

"When I tell you to do something," he spat, grabbing my shirt and pulling me close, "Do. It."

So much for him not doing anything in public. But like always, I froze up. I didn't know what to do, I couldn't do anything, not with my fear practically paralyzing me. I let everything happen to me. I couldn't even be upset about it because I did nothing to help myself.

"Get off her," Tyler growled, pushing my dad away from me. 

"Mayor!" my best friend intervened. I didn't even notice her leave her booth. But that was why we loved Caroline. Sure, she could be very judgemental. But she was always there, whenever, wherever. She and her neverending optimism, beautiful blonde hair, and sparkling smiles. And her knowledge of what truly went on behind the beautiful doors of the Lockwood Manor.

"Is everything okay?" she finished, walking up to my side and grabbing my hand. She gave it a little squeeze but her beautiful blue-green eyes stared down the Mayor. Tyler worked his way so he was in front of me, not completely, but enough to step in if needed.

"Please, Tyler," my father said gently. He could be gentle? "I need you to go home. Now. Take your friends with ya'."

"W-Why? What's going on?" our childhood friend - Caroline's boyfriend - said. I didn't even realize he was next to Caroline. His blue eyes portrayed confusion, and his blonde brows - which matched his hair - furrowed.