I Am The Dragon Princess

Chapter 1

Dear Diary,
Friday, June 25, 2024, 9:20 AM
Just another day on Heart Island, a small island where everyone knows everyone. It's called Heart Island because it's shaped like a heart-funny, right? Oh, sorry, I'm being rude. I haven't told you who I am. My name is Ash Woods. I'll be 18 in a month-how exciting, right?
Love,
Ash
"Ash, there is a big one coming!" That's April. She has been my best friend since the 3rd grade. We've been by each other's sides since then; you almost never see us apart. "Hey, Lilly, come join us!" Another thing-April is lesbian. She has had a crush on my little sister since the 7th grade, and I'm fine with that because my sister, Lilly, also has a crush on her, but is dating someone.
"Nah, I'm hanging with Drew soon." Drew is gay, but he is dating Lilly to make it seem like he is straight because, around here, his parents are pretty popular because of their business. His mom and dad would be mad that he's gay; they think it makes them look like bad parents, which I think is stupid.

Dear Diary,
Friday, June 25, 2024, 9:55 AM
Today is the last day of school before summer break. I'm always excited for summer break, but we have to head to school soon. After that, me, April, Lilly, and Drew are going to explore a cave I found two years ago!
Love,
Ash
"Guys, we should head to school now," I yell out after I finish surfing. "Yeah, you're right," Lilly says, getting dressed. "Hey, Ape, you coming?" I shout over the waves. She's still out there. "Yeah, hold on," she yells back. She must've fallen.
"April, are you OK?" Lilly yells, concerned. April walks out of the water. "Yeah, I'm fine," she says, rubbing her head. Lilly runs over to her. "Are you sure you're OK?" I share a look with Drew, smirking. "Yeah, just a tiny headache," April smiles softly. "OK, well, let's head to school," Lilly says. Heat rushes to April's cheeks, and Lilly looks away. "OK, OK, let's go." We head to school. It's a boring school. No one ever does their work, but we still have to go. Mainly, people are just on their phones. The only class I actually pay attention to is history. Funny thing: my great-great-granddad was the founder of the island. Well, we aren't related by blood since I'm adopted. Yes, you heard that right, I'm adopted. My parents passed away when I was a baby. I don't remember much-only my mom's smile when I was born. I think. I'm not sure who it was, but all I know is that they loved me. Anyways, I love my adoptive moms. Yup, I have two moms, and I love them both. I also have a sister-not related by blood, of course. But I love them with all my heart.

Dear Diary,
Friday, June 25, 2024, 3:54 PM
We are heading to the cave in one hour! I'm so excited for it, but I am bringing a gun just in case. Don't worry, I know how to use it. Me and April were in the army for 2 years. Most kids were sent to the army for a month, but I decided to stay for 2 years.
I started to pack. We are going to camp out there for 5 days, so I'm bringing my bow, some guns, and knives-just in case. There have been lots of bears lately, and the bow is for hunting. Also, a lot of food. Me and Lilly started to plan on what to bring.
Love,
Ash
We started to head out to the cave. It was a 5-hour hike. It was long but fun. We all talked about planning what we are going to do this summer. "Hey, Lilly, how are you doing back there?" I ask, chuckling a little. "Yeah, I'm good. Just tired." I laugh. "Here." I toss her a water bottle. "Thanks." We decided to take a break. We are about halfway there. "Hey, guys, you wanna play Truth or Dare?" I ask, smirking. "I'm down." "Sure." "Alright, OK... um, April, when was the last time you kissed someone?" I ask, knowing the answer. "Ummm..." She grabs her beer and takes a sip. "Wow, OK," Lilly responds. We all laugh at that. "Lilly, have you ever stolen from Ash?" April asks. I glare at Lilly. "Yes," Lilly replies. They all burst out laughing at my shocked face turning red. "What did you steal?" "Drew, what do you do before bed?" Lilly asks, ignoring my question. "Go on my phone," he says, still chuckling. "Ash, how do you feel right now?" they all start to laugh. Heat rushes to my face, and I grab my beer, taking a giant sip of it. Finally, I answer, "Confused..." It's been two hours of Truth or Dare, and we all got some secrets exposed and some silly moments to remember. We all decided to camp out there for the night since it was getting too dark to see anything. So we got our sleeping bags set up and put out the fire. "Night." "Night." "Goodnight." We all wait for Drew to respond, but he is already fast asleep. We all laugh quietly, hoping not to wake him...

Dear Diary,
Saturday, June 26, 2024, 7:03 AM
Today we finished our hike. I felt a little hungover after last night, but we still went on! Honestly, it was so pretty out there. I could not believe that view. I think I have some photos, but I'm not sure. Once we got to the cave, we knew it was going to be an amazing 5 days. I can't wait!
The entrance was amazing. It was covered in vines and flowers. It was beautiful! We decided to set up camp before we head into the cave. I set up my tent, and so did the others. But as I looked up from my tent at the cave, a flashback happened. Corny name, yes, but I don't know what to call it. This has happened to me a lot since I got back from the army. Anyways, we're going to have fun!!
Love,
Ash

*Dear Diary,
Sunday, March 2, 2022, 6:50 AM
We have to join the army for a month. Can you believe it? And I'm glad. I don't want to be around my moms right now.
OK, so it was a normal day coming home from school, and I was having a good day. Then I opened the door to my house and saw my moms sitting at the table. I could tell something was wrong, so I asked, "What's wrong?" They both looked up from the table and said, "Come sit down." So I went and sat down, still confused.
"Please tell me what's wrong." They finally looked me in the eyes and said, "Please don't get upset, but baby, you're adopted. Neither of us are your birth mothers." Tears started to form in my eyes. "Then where is she? And my dad?" They looked at me with glossy eyes, covered in tears."They're dead, baby," my mom said. "What?" A tear fell down my cheek. I looked at both of them and ran out the door crying. I kept running until I couldn't anymore. I camped out in a cave for the night. The next day, I went to school, my eyes red from tears, and headed to the school office. "I would like to join the army and keep me there for as long as I can stay." They didn't bother to ask why.
A month later, I still haven't talked to my moms, but today is the day that I head to the military. So I start packing."I'm joining the army for 2 years. See you then!" I yell as I'm leaving.

It has been two years since then, and today is the day. April and I are going home. April decided to join the army with me since she knew what was going on."Alright, you all packed up?" she asked. "Yeah..." "Hey, you OK?" she sounded worried. "Yeah, it's just... I haven't talked to them in 2 years." Tears started to form. "Hey, it's OK. I'm here." She wraps her pale arms around me. "Thanks. Let's go home."
"Hey, Mom. Hey, Mamma." Tears started to form in my eyes as they ran to me, hugging me."Hey, baby." She started to cry, and we just stood there crying in each other's arms*