A Second Chance

Beginning

"He was walking down the road when we came there, and we asked if he can help us. He said yes. So we came with him. I thought he's doctor or something like that. May be we should have called the police or an emergency service instead of running for help."

"Yeah but they will take much time. We're distended from the town"

"At least she's still breathing"

Still breathing... blood ran through the veins, heart beat bang in the ears, eye lashes heavy as lead, one shoulder was aching like it is burning by hell fair, but, she felt the pain, she felt everything, she even heard the conversation going on.

She was alive.

She opened her eyelids slowly with effort. Her honey coloured eyes exposed to late morning sun light. She was wearing a grey felt t-shirt, soft against her skin, someone had removed her boots. She was lying on an unfamiliar bed. She turned her head slowly and found two photos on the nightstand. One was Maroon and her parents the other was five of them. It's Maroon's bedroom.

Tina tried to sit on the bed, but the the pain on her shoulder made her fell again, and her throat gave a noise of pain. Suddenly she was the centre of attention."Tina!" Four voices cried joyfully enough for her to smile baring the pain. It feels like family.

"Am I still alive?" she sat on the bed with the help of Maroon, the others got closer, Maroon sat next her and put an arm around her shoulder, Jordon sat on her bed and took one hand, while Nathan took the other. Raphael laid a hand on her feet. "Yes, you are Tina," said Maroon with a comforting voice.

"How ? I remember I was shot. I bled, I knew I was dying" then she notice the mark on Maroon's wrist. "What is that? I don't remember that. You didn't have that last night, did you?" Maroon shook her head. "Tina it's a long story. First, you need to recover. Then we promise we'd tell you everything that-"she broke off as her mother entered the room with a glass of milk. "Good morning Tina. How do you feel now?" she asked placing the glass on nightstand. Tina wondered how much Maroon and her mother looked alike. Maroon was an younger version of her mother. "A bit dizzy Mrs. Saunders, other than that, I'm fine. Thanks" Tina said smiling. "We were shocked when all five of you came in, Jordon caring you, you looked so pale. What happened, Tina?"

"Mom I told you, she passed out. She hadn't been eating whole day. She was exhausted with sports practices and science club work. No wonder." Maroon said. "Okay then, Tina, drink the whole glass dear. You need energy" Mrs. Saunders went out.

"Did I really pass out? Or have I been dreaming?"

"Tina, refreshing first." Nathan handed the glass to her. "Did you guys eat?" all four nodded. Tina emptied the glass, which gave her a feeling of energy. The pain on her shoulder almost gone now.

"I think I should go home." "Great idea" Jordon said smiling. Maroon handed Tina a set of her clothes. "Last time you left these here."

Tina went to the bathroom and had a wash, when she stood in front of the mirror she saw the mark on her shoulder. She quickly put on the cloths and rushed to the room where her mates were ready to go.
"Did you people notice that I have a scar, some sort of a tattoo on my shoulder? I didn't have it before." She saw Raphael's wrist has the same sort of mark. "Guys, what's going on?"

"Tina, we'll explain on the way home." Jordon said standing, and went to the door. Others followed.

                                                                                   ***

"I was dead. Then you made a deal with the devil and made me alive again?" Tina was paler than ever. She appeared as if her face carved out of marble. "Perfect summery." Jordon said pushing his glasses up. They could talk freely as Tina's parents weren't at home. "What were you thinking? I'd better be dead than you engaged with the Lucifer. I 'm so sorry, it's my entire fault."

"No Tina, it's okay. What's done can't be undone. Now let's face it anyway," Jordon said. Others nodded in agreement. "Are you sure there's no way back?" "I don't think so," said Jordon.

"Maroon, you said you're my healer, right?" "Yep," Maroon said petting Tina's dog, Roxy. "Show me your mark," Tina stretched her hand towards Maroon. It was black. "It was blue when you put an arm around me," Tina let Maroon's hand go. "That explains my pain sudden relief I felt." "My hand was bit numb too. I didn't care." Maroon whispered looking at her mark.

"Then, it's all true. We're to serve the devil," Nathan said. The tension on his face reflected on all five.