Stolen Beginnings

Chapter One

My parents had always been the superstitious type, and believed all the rumors that were going around. All the hushed whispers spreading like wild fire throughout school, work, and the city. My best friend, Anna, even believed them. I always shrugged her questions off, whenever she asked if I believed they were coming. Did I know who They were? I didn't have the slightest clue.

"¿Por qué vienen aquí?" My father always asked. These creatures, as I like to refer to them, have been "sighted" around our city, San Diego. Today was the day they were supposed to be coming. Mi Papá had gathered my little brother, Mateo, and I around the kitchen table, to talk. We didn't go to school today, because everyone knew it was going to happen.

"Catalina, Mateo, today They are coming. We must be prepared. Your Mamá would want us to stay together. No matter what happens today, remember I always love you. Te amo, te amo." My father was crying, sobbing even, as he held my brother and I in a tight hug. I know he is thinking about my mother. She had passed away a couple of months ago, right after my high school graduation.

"Papá, we will be alright. I will always stay by your side." I whispered into his ear, my voice quivering slightly as a tear trickled down my cheek. My father looked at me with identical oak brown eyes, stroking my hair tenderly. I knew I reminded him of my mother. We both had the same petite frame, and the messy pitch black curls. Mateo on the other hand looked like my father, with the same brown eyes but cropped light brown hair. He places a light kiss on each of our foreheads' with tenderness.

Father shows us the mochilas, packed full with food, clothes, and other necessities. I am hoping we won't need them. We all quietly sit down on the couch, in front of our only television. Father turns it on, to the news station, and we all let out a gasp. My eyes grow wide as saucers, and I clutch Mat to me. Papá squeezes his eyes tightly. The news anchor had displayed a video of the astronave, the largest spaceship I have ever seen. The person who shot the video was trembling, and the astronave was approaching us fast. It was black as night, and seemed to be flying the speed of light. It was larger than anything I have ever seen, and I knew Earth was in large trouble. The news anchor was screaming at us to take cover, and try to survive this monstrosity.

"Catalina, Mateo, go down to the basement with the backpacks. Go now!" My father shouted, shoving the mochilas into our arms. I wanted to protest, but I knew it would be like talking to a brick wall. With one last kiss, and our final goodbyes, I grabbed Mat and scurried downstairs. Mat was sobbing in my arms, clutching on to my legs, with his short nine year old arms. I huddled next to him in the corner of the basement, surrounded by blankets. Mi hermano fell asleep rather quickly, but I lay there awake. It seems like it has been hours. I don't know if Father is still alive, but I haven't heard anything strange.

Suddenly, there was a weird noise coming from upstairs. I heard the pop of the gun, then the strangled cry of my father. After, all I heard was silence. Tears were rolling down my face fast now, and I knew there was no stopping. In my heart, I know mi Papá is dead. My heart shattered, leaving only a massive hole where my corazón should be.

"Cat?" Mateo whispered, softly. Remnants of his tears still remained behind, and I silently wiped them away. I could grieve later, I had to take care of Mat, like I promised.

"Shh, it's ok. Everything will be alright." I tried to comfort him, but deep down, I knew that he had heard the gunshots. I had no idea what the Creatures looked like, so trying to take them down was pointless. Mateo looked at me softly, with an unasked question lurking in his eyes. I nodded softly, and that was the only conformation he needed. Still, he said nothing, but I knew his heart was broken too.

After what feels like years, I slowly start to gather up our things, making a silent checklist in my head. I had not heard anything, and we have to get out of this house. It is not safe here, we have to find others, who survived.

"Mateo, Mateo. It's time to go. We have to leave, it is not safe." I gently shook him from his slumber.

"Do we have to go Cat?" He asked me with those bright brown eyes of his. I nodded, placing a feather light kiss on his head.

"Stick by my side at all times. Alright?" I asked. He nodded, and took my hand. I slid the mochila onto my shoulders, and the other one on Mat's. Placing my finger on my lips, I make a silent motion of be quiet. We tiptoe up the stairs, straining our ears to hear anything. Wrapping my fingers around the door handle, I slowly turned it. Peeking my head out, I look around only to find no one here. Breathing a sigh of relief, I open the door all of the way, only to bite back a scream. My father lay there, his gun clutched tightly in his hand, with a pool of blood surrounding him.

"Mat, close your eyes." I tell him. He obliges, squeezing my hand for support. Stepping carefully, I close my father's lifeless eyes. I say a small prayer for him. Mat is silent the whole time, yet I know he heard me mutter the prayer. Grabbing the gun from his hand, I check to see that it's loaded, my father didn't even have time to draw his weapon. That thought sends another wave of pain through my body, making me waver slightly. I lead Mat through our living room, and out the door. What I saw I did not even dream of in my wildest dreams.