It All Started With The Kidnapping

Chapter 11- Facing the Past, Embracing the Future

Luna's pov

I'm finally on the plane, heading back to where it all went down three years ago. I know I probably shouldn't be going back, but I need to thank some people for helping me when I needed it most. Over these three years, I've changed a lot. The bruises are gone, and I have a healthier body now—you can't see my rib cage anymore. I'm not a shy girl anymore.

I no longer hesitate to speak my mind, and I've grown more muscles than before. In Italy, I met amazing people who helped me discover my true self, and I am so grateful to them. As the plane landed in New York, a flood of memories—both good and bad—came rushing back. After getting off the plane, I went to baggage claim to retrieve my bag. When I stepped outside, a car was waiting for me.

It feels strange being back after so long. I decided to return, but I brought a couple of friends with me. I'm not scared anymore; I'll fight if I have to. My plan is to go to the house, drop off my stuff, and then head out to get food because I know the guys didn't stock up. They are such boys. After coming back from the store, I'll need to prepare to face Stony Brook High School tomorrow. I also need to apologize to Sara for leaving without notice.

When I arrived at the house I now call mine, I opened the door and was still surprised I could afford a place like this. The entryway is grand and luxurious, dominated by a magnificent double staircase that curves gracefully upward to the second floor, creating a dramatic focal point. The flooring is pristine white marble with a contrasting black runner that leads the eye to the center of the room, where a stylish round table with a decorative centerpiece is situated.

High ceilings add to the sense of grandeur, and a large, elegant chandelier hangs centrally, casting a warm, inviting glow throughout the space. The walls are adorned with tasteful art pieces, adding a touch of cultural refinement to the room. The overall design is both classic and modern, with clean lines and a monochromatic color scheme that enhances the feeling of spaciousness and elegance. This entryway sets an impressive tone for the rest of the house, indicating a home of wealth and impeccable taste.

I went up the staircase to the master bedroom, dropped off my bag, and then headed back downstairs. I checked the pantry and fridge in the kitchen, confirming there was no food in the house. Grabbing one of the many car keys, I went into the garage, got into my dark purple 2019 Challenger, and left for the store.

When I arrived at the store, I went up and down the aisles, grabbing anything and everything that was food. By the time I was almost done, I had a cart full of groceries because we desperately needed it. As I walked down one of the aisles to grab a couple of bags of chips, I turned to put them in the basket without looking and bumped into what I thought was a wall. Wait, there shouldn't be a wall here. I looked up and saw a really good-looking guy.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he said.

I was taken aback; I swear I've met him before, but I can't place him. "No, it's my fault. I was in a hurry and wasn't looking where I was going," I apologized.

He looked at me, tilting his head as if he was thinking. "Have we met before?"

See, I'm not the only one! I swear I know him. Where have I seen him? This is going to eat me up. "I don't think so," I said, playing it off.

He shrugged, nodded, and said, "Oh, okay. You just look like someone I once knew." Huh, that's weird.

I nodded, unsure of what else to say. "It's okay. Sorry for bumping into you."

He smiled and said, "It's fine, have a good day." We went our separate ways. I wonder who that could have been. Oh well, who knows.

After loading up on nearly all the food the store had—knowing the boys would eat like the pigs they are—I drove back home. Just as I parked, I got a text saying the boys wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. Seriously? I got all this food for nothing? Oh well, more for me. I made myself a pizza and started watching Netflix. By the time I finished the show, it was dark outside, so I went up to my room and got ready for bed.

The next morning

Beep. Beep. Beep. I slammed my hand on the clock and saw it was three in the morning. I groaned. It's too damn early to be up. Dragging myself out of bed, I went to my closet, grabbed some clothes, and put them in the bathroom. Then I dressed in leggings and a tank top. Heading to the basement, which was our home gym, I started my workout.

After about an hour of working out, I was sweating, so I went back upstairs, grabbed a cup of cold water from the kitchen, and then headed to the bathroom for a well-deserved shower. Once I was done, I put on a simple black crop top, blue ripped skinny jeans, and a black and white cardigan that draped loosely over my shoulders. I finished the look with black ankle-high boots and styled my hair in a half-up, half-down messy bun.

I grabbed my bag, went downstairs, and picked up an apple to eat later, tossing it into my bag. In the garage, I debated whether to take my motorcycle or car. I decided on my bike for the last year of school—why not? I got on, started it up, and rode off, speeding through the streets and feeling the wind whistle by. StoneyBrook High and everyone in it could throw whatever they wanted my way—i was ready. i was done hiding, done letting my past dictate my future. Today, i would face the world on my terms.

I stopped at a red light and heard two other motorcycles pull up on my left. One of them revved their engine, so I did too. It was clear they wanted to race. I nodded, grinning under my helmet where they couldn't see me. When the light turned green, we took off. The rider on the black motorcycle, similar to mine, took the lead initially, but I soon caught up and passed them. I smiled, knowing I had beaten both of them. However, the fun ended as I drove into the school parking lot, and the other racers followed me in. I guess they go here too.

When they entered the parking lot, everyone stopped and stared. I finally found a parking spot, and the other two motorcycles parked beside me. They turned off their engines and removed their helmets. I couldn't help but look at one of the guys—it was the same guy I bumped into at the store. God damn, he looked hot. His messy black hair fell into his face, making me want to run my fingers through it.

They watched me, waiting to see who had beaten them in the race. I took off my helmet, ran my hand through my platinum blonde hair, and swung my leg over to stand up. As I walked into the school, I noticed all the guys checking me out while the girls glared at me as if I were about to steal their boyfriends.

I stopped and turned towards the boys who were checking me out, yelling loud enough for everyone to hear, "I know I'm hot. Take a picture, it'll last longer." I winked at them and walked into the school as if nothing had happened.

I looked around and noticed that nothing had changed since the last time I was here, which wasn't a huge surprise. As I walked to the office, I saw the same old lady who had been there three years ago. She always helped me back then when the other kids picked on me. When I walked in, she gasped and came over to hug me. How she knew it was me, I have no idea.

"Oh my god, Luna, I can't believe you're back! I missed you so much, and look at you. You look so grown up," she exclaimed, pulling back and smiling at me. She always said I reminded her of her grandchildren. I thanked her as she handed me my schedule and locker code. Time to get the ball rolling—I have unfinished business to take care of. Smiling, I walked down the hall.