The Rejected

Chapter 1: Why?...

I had but one thought in my mind, I am another year older. I sat on the edge of my window sill, staring outside. A blue sky that seemed to be endless, what a beautiful day to have for my birthday. I pushed open the window a little, letting in the cool breeze brush against my skin.
"I love this..." I whispered to my self then let out a small sigh. I know my parents were waiting for me in the kitchen, if only moments like this could stay frozen just for a little bit. I pulled the window shut as I got off from with sill.
I knew I needed to get ready for the day as I had promised my parents I would spend time with them before heading to my friend's house later on. I walked on to my closet and picked out something simple, honestly we didn't have much and I wasn't going to complain. I am grateful for everything I have been given. The few items of clothing I have were enough, I treasured everything I was given. I quickly grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of pants.

"Ren! Hurry on over here, your dad and I are waiting!" I could hear my mother yelling from the kitchen. I know, I know I was just dragging on.

I changed quickly out of my pajamas into my clothes, got myself clean and fresh in the bathroom and then headed toward the kitchen. I could see my dad sitting at the table reading whatever he found interesting on his phone.

"Happy 20th Birthday Ren! Only one more year and you'll legally be allowed to drink" My mother expressed her happiness with a little wink.

"Legally?" I replied sarcastically, They both knew I have already drank before. I'm not a big drinker but occasionally I'd had a sip here and there with them. I sat down with my dad at the table, while my mom slipped my breakfast plate in front of me.

"One more year closer to 45 when you can get married" my dad jokingly said, "Legally."

I let out a laugh because I knew he hated how I was getting older, being his only daughter, well just being his only child. Soon I would be finishing college, and looking for my own to live and call 'Home.' The thought of it scared me, Leaving my parents to be independent all by myself... yikes.

"Your dad and I have a present for you Ren. We really hope you like it and wear it everywhere you go." My mom handed me a small box, I was already happy. My dad had put down his phone and was waiting for me to open while my mom stood there with a huge smile across her face. I opened the small box and there was a small silver bracelet with a yellow sun flower pendent.

"Thank you so much!" I was thrilled, I was so happy my eyes watered a little, "How could you even get this, Its so beautiful, I feel like it cost so much!" to be true, I didn't want them spending all their money on me.

"There is no need to worry about it, just put it on" my dad brushed off my worry, my mom helped me put it on and I was in awe.

"I'll never go anywhere without it." I got up and hugged them both tightly, "I love you both so very much." I don't know how I could do anything without them, they were the best parents I could ever ask for. I sat back down and finished the rest of my breakfast as my parents chatted to each other.

"When are you going to Jacobs house? I thought you said he was expecting you today?" My mom turned the conversation to me. "I can go over anytime, I wasn't sure if you guys wanted to spend the morning together." I answered her, I thought they would try to keep me in all day.

"It's okay hun. We know you want to go hang out with him and the rest of your friends today." They both agreed and smiled at me. "Okay I will head out now if that is okay with you?" I got up and gave them both kisses on their cheeks. "I wont be home super late, no need to wait for me." I told them as I walked out the door, I quickly looked back at them both and saw a quick expression of sadness. Maybe they were sad that I didn't spend more time with them, I will be home sooner then to spend some more time with them.
I started making my way over to Jacobs house, he didn't live far but was not the closest to me. It was a nice walk I took, I got to walk through my neighborhood while also going through a open field park. I made my way closer the the field, usually it was empty but today I noticed someone farther ahead. There were no playgrounds, or restrooms here but I still didn't find it out of the ordinary. I was getting closer to the person when I noticed it was a man, I was unsure of what he was doing so I kept my distance, you know 'stranger danger.' I noticed my shoe had untied at some point of my journey, I quickly bent down to tie it, humming a song that was stuck in my head. I could hear the leaves of the trees rustling as the wind had picked up again.
I was already starting to stand again, I looked at where the man once stood and saw no one. I took another glance before I noticed he was standing right behind me. I was always told to be careful while I walk or am alone, so how could I make this simple mistake. I felt his hand on my shoulder before I could react, why am I scared?

"Ma'am are you alright?" The man asked, bringing me back to my senses, "I thought you fell or had passed out, but I just overreacted. You were just tying your shoe."
I overreacted too, I thought I was about to be kidnapped or something horrible. I exhaled the breath I was holding,

"Y-yes! I'm sorry, you startled me! I didn't realize you had walked over here" I replied honestly "Thank you for the concern though." He only answered back with a smile, turned around and started walking off. Wow, I am worried for nothing I thought to myself as I continued my way to my friends house. I wondered who that man was, I have never seen him around before. The town I live in is pretty small compared to others, I surely would've recognized him. I shrugged it off, could be a new neighbor. Why was he out here though? I stopped walking forward, my curiosity got the better of me and I walked to where he was standing at before. I didn't notice anything special at first, just a small opening, some bent grass as to where he walked and stood.

"Huh... there isn't anything here..." I spoke to myself, maybe he was just enjoying the nice day like I was. I guess I was too relaxed to notice, the person walking up behind me, I didn't notice until it was to late and everything went dark.
Why... Why me?...