Crimson's Daughter

Chapter I: Birthday Surprise

Birthday's are a time to celebrate your arrival into the world.

"Claire Augustina Monroe, get down here or you won't be able to eat your birthday breakfast before school!" my mother yelled from downstairs.

"Okay, I'm coming!" I yelled as I slipped out of my bed.

I trudged into the bathroom where I met up with my sister. Her long hair fell in waves and her hazel eyes popped against her peach colored skin. My sister, Eden, was already dressed for school and I had yet to get ready.

"You know we're gonna be late if you don't hurry up right?" Eden looked at me sideways while putting her earrings in.

"I'm aware," I said while brushing my teeth and spitting in the sink.

"Well be down in fifteen...oh and happy birthday sis." she smiled and I heard her boots click away on the floor.

I noticed blood in the sink and took a look at my gums that were slightly irritated. Perhaps I had brushed my teeth too hard.

Entering my room where clothes were scattered everywhere I threw on the first outfit I could find that at least looked halfway decent. The clock read 7:45 and I knew I would be cutting it close to the school. Without wasting a second more I ran downstairs to meet my mother and Eden at the table.

"Happy birthday baby girl! How does it feel to be eighteen?" my mom came around the table to place a kiss on my forehead.

"Thanks mom, I'm not sure. The same?" I shrugged, placing a stack of blueberry pancakes on my plate.

The smell was so strong and I could feel my mouth watering at the sight of it. I didn't waste a moment getting a mouthful.

"Don't forget to call your father today. He's expecting it." my mother gave me a pointed look as she got up from the table.

My father was away at work in Egypt right now and he wasn't able to take leave. He was an archeologist and so many times he was out of the country. My mother was a nurse so her hectic schedule kept her busy. A lot of times Eden and I were home alone, but we didn't mind it.

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay alone on your birthday sweetie?"

"She'll be fine mom. Claire and I plan on going out with some of her friends tonight." Eden came to hug my mom.

My mom gave Eden a look.

My mom knew Eden wasn't a saint and often times got into trouble. The time that mom and dad found out Eden had a tattoo six months ago, mom nearly fainted. So I knew the look Eden was being given from my mom wasn't without a reason.

"Eden, you two better not-"

"Relax mom. Now if you don't let Claire and I go we are gonna be late for class. Love you!"

Eden and I kissed mom on the cheek before leaving out the front door.

"So exactly what do you have planned for my birthday? You haven't given me any useful hints ya know." I said casually as we were walking to school.

Fulton High was just a ten-minute walk from the house so we didn't see a point in driving there. The weather was nice in Fulton with just partly cloudy skies and a nice breeze in the middle of September it was wonderful.

Eden gave me a sly look.

"Trust me, you'll love it...but Claire can I ask you something?"

"What?"

Eden seemed to adjust her backpack and look at her surroundings. It seemed whatever she wanted to ask me must have been either important or made her feel uncomfortable. She kept delaying the question and I was beginning to get anxious.