The Secrets Between Us

Prologue + Chapter 1

Prologue:

As I look back on my childhood, the bed times stories told to me by my mom always come to mind. The shoe fits cinderella, the frog turns into a handsome prince, sleeping beauty is awakened from her curse with a kiss. Once upon a time and then they lived happily ever after. Fairytales, the stuff of a young girls dreams. The problem is that fairytales never come true. It's the other stories, the ones that begin with dark and stormy nights and end in tragedy. It's the nightmares that always seem to become a reality.

The person who invented the phrase 'happily ever after' should totally have their ass kicked.

Chapter 1:

Welcome Back Bulldogs! I read as I walk with bags in my hands towards my new dorm.

I can't believe I'm finally here. I had attend a community college for the last two years while my best friend Paisley left after graduation. "You have to take the same course for the first two years anyway. It's much cheaper this way," my dad had argued. So I was forced to live at home and after two longs years of working my ass off at the local community college I had finally made it. I applied to five schools, all in California, and the instant I was accepted into Hudson University I gladly accepted. Not only was my best friend at Hudson, but they also had one of the best photography programs in the state, along with a multi-award winning student magazine. The choice had been easy since photo communications was my major.

Luckily Paisley and I were both juniors so we were able to choose an apartment style dorm this semester. P's parents insisted on paying for it, arguing that college necessities were expensive enough. After attempting to argue with them, I finally surrendered glad that I wouldn't have to ask my father for any help with the payments.

For the last six my dad and I's relationship had been close to non existent unless he had some type of input on how I should run my life. I know most of it is because of the blame he's carried since mom's death. I firmly believe that he thinks if I live my life they way he thinks it should, it would make up for the fact that he wasn't there for me when I needed him the most. You see, when I was twelve years old my mom was murdered in our home, while I was forced to hide under my bed. Dad was off on a business trip that he had taken my brother on, leaving me behind with mom so she wouldn't be alone. It was a tragic event that left our family is pieces, unable to be whole again without her.

Eventually they found the man who did it, and our family had to find a way to cope without my mothers singing in the kitchen, her constant laughter, and the light she had brought into our home. It effected us all in a big way, but my father shut down completely leaving me in the hands of my older brother. And I thank God for him every day, because without him I wouldn't be where I am today.

"Honey" I yell at the tops of my lungs before kicking the dorm room door shut, "I'mmm home!"

A loud shriek meets my ears as Paisley runs from her room throwing her body at me.

The breath gets knocked out of me and we both fall to the ground in a fit of giggles.

"Ahh! I can't believe you're finally here! I've missed you so damn much Em!" My best friend and now roommate says as she squeezes me to death before popping up on her feet pulling me up along with her.

"I'm so happy to be back." This has been the longest time we've been apart since we were seven years old and Paisley had to visit her grandma in Colorado for a month. All I remember about that summer is it dragged on and on without her.

"Next time you travel around Europe you're going to have to take me with you because these last four months have been hell without you." She pulls me into another big life crushing hug.

After saving every penny I could from working at my local hometowns diner last year I was finally able to buy myself a one way ticket to visit my older brother in Europe. Landon's busy and grueling dance schedule has him traveling around the world and luckily I was able to spend time with him during his tour in Rome and Paris. Other then spending time with him when he was off I spent most of the summer sightseeing many of the beautiful European cities while taking photos for my portfolio due in the spring.

"I promise. Now give me a grand tour, this place looks amazing!"

Paisley grabs my hands leading me through the spacious living room and attaching kitchen down a short hallway to my bedroom and adjoining bathroom.

"This is your room," she says as she points to the bed and open window,"I went to the mall yesterday and picked up a few things including your new bed set and matching curtains. And because I love and missed your beautiful face so much I gave you the biggest room. You're welcome." She smiles as she leans against the door frame letting me taking in my new room.

"You're honestly the best. I don't know what I would do without you P."

"Oh! I'm so glad you think that because I almost forgot! We are going to a back to school party tonight," she exclaims while bouncing around and clapping her hands like a six year old.

"Ugh seriously? I have an 8 a.m. class tomorrow. Are you actually going to drag me along to a party the night before the first day of school?"

"Yup," she deadpans, "so chop-chop! I want you showered and looking fabulous in two hours."

I watch as she sashays out of my room with a triumphant grin on her face causing me to fall back on my bed with a big groan.