Once in a Red Moon

Chapter 1

As I awoke this morning everything felt the same, lifeless and dull. No matter how many times I hit the snooze button I was still the same person. At the same place. Just 9 minutes later.

I decide to get up and get dressed. I look in the mirror and see the same girl I see everyday. Her skin is pale and lifeless, with only blotches of color to make her look alive. Her eyes are dark blue and full of sadness. Her hair is long, brown and a wavy tangled mess. No matter how many times I hope to wake up as a new person, it just doesn't work. So I just decide to continue my morning routine.

"My name is Adeline Hail. I am a wonderful person and I am beautiful inside and out. I am 17 and I go to Clintwood High School. People care about me and I care about them. Today is gonna be a great day."

After my morning routine and getting dressed into my usual attire I walk into the kitchen to be greeted by my sweet ball of fur.

"Truffles don't worry, I didn't forget about you."

I go to pet him but he's already beat me to it when he starts rubbing his head against my hand. I've had truffles since I was a little girl and even though he's just a cat, he means the world to me. He's my white fur ball with a grey patch going over his eye. Making him unique, just like me.

I managed to untangle my hand from his loving cat embrace to get his favorite wet cat food. I may not get the finer things in life but I'll always make sure to spoil him.

Once I've gotten him satisfied I grab my backpack and head out the door. I have a little time on my hands so I decide to check on my garden before I leave. I set my backpack on my porch and walk around to the side of the house to see my white lilies blooming and looking better than ever.

"Mom would have been so happy to know you little guys are doing well."

With that thought I feel a pain in my chest and a lump in my throat. But I ignore it and pick up my blue and white watering can and begin to hum the same song my mom used to sing when I was little and she let me help her with our garden.

After I water the lilies I walk back to the front of the house and retrieve my backpack. I'm sure it's time to leave for school so I reluctantly got into my beat up black car. It's nothing fancy but I still remember the day my parents gave it to me.

*Flashback*

"Oh hunny, please close your eyes! I know we're a little early on this but we just couldn't hold it off any longer! And with your father and I leaving to go check on your grandma I figured it would be the perfect time to give this to you! But I promise we'll be back Sunday for your birthday!" My mother was practically jumping out of her skin and even with my eyes closed I could practically feel the excitement radiating off her.

"Alright. Alright. But only because I love you."

"I love you too, hunny. Now open your eyes."

I slowly opened them to be greeted by my Dad standing next to a beat up black Nissan. His black hair almost as dark as the color of my new car.

I was speechless. My mom was grinning and waiting for my response but all I could do was smile.

"Thank you, Mom. Dad. You guys are the best!"

I hugged her as hard as I could and quickly ran off the porch and enveloped my Dad into a bear hug.

"Now please take care of it. I know it's not the best looking car but your mother and I did spend a long time looking for it and we only want what's best for you." My dad was looking down at me with a bright smile and something in his eyes. Happiness and what else? Sadness?

"Dad are you okay?" I asked worriedly. He's never sad.

"I'm fine hunny. It's just the first time your mother and I have left you alone for more than a night. But I promise we'll be back as soon as we can."

I understood why he was worried. I felt it too. But I didn't want to cloud the happiness in the air.

"It'll be okay Dad, I promise."
I hugged him and before I could say anything else my mother coughed and we both turned to look at her.

"I'm sorry, Ad but we have to leave. Please make sure you don't burn the house down. And no boys."

I scoffed. "Mom you know boys don't ever pay attention to me. Now go! Before I forced you guys into the car myself!"

They took my hint and slowly got into the car.

"I love you and I'll miss you!" They both yelled in sync.

To have a love like them would be magical. They were the perfect couple.

A few days later I couldn't wait for them to be home. I did nothing but eat, sleep and watch Netflix. Even though I knew everything would be fine, I had this weird feeling in my gut that it wasn't.

I sat and dwindled it for awhile. Maybe I should call them? No, no. I'm sure it's fine.

I got up from the couch and started making something to eat. Potato soup was my parents favorite and they should be home soon.

I started boiling the water when there was a hard knock on the door. It wouldn't be my parents because they would have just walked right in. Maybe they forgot their key? Not likely but that's the only thing I can think of.

I excitedly walked towards the door only to be greeted by an officer.

"Hello ma'am. Is Adeline Hail home?" The office asked with red blotchy eyes.

"Yes, that's me." I knew this is what the bad feeling in my stomach has been but I ignored it and tried to focus on the officer.

"I'm so sorry, Adeline. But your parents, Elizabeth and Harry, were trapped in a fire. They didn't make it. As far as we know, they were visiting someone when an outlet caught on fire and spread too rapidly to put out. Nobody made it. I'm so sorry." The officer looked like he was in physical pain just telling me this news.

"My grandmother." I barely got out. I was on the verge of tears. The only thing that brought me back to reality was the officer trying to comfort me.
*End of Flashback*

Tears threatened to fall and I quickly wiped them away. It's been almost a year and it still haunts me. But I can't let myself become an empty shell again.

I put my key into the ignition and started driving into school.

Today will be different.
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Hi guys, this is my first ever book. Even though there may be grammatical errors they won't be fixed unless I have a chance or until the end of the book. I'll try to update weekly. Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

xoxo,

bb😘