Th13rteen

Chapter 1

Th13rteen

Chapter 1

*

*

Aurelia...

Falling.

That's what it felt like. Like I was falling. We were falling through a tunnel, sprinkled with magic.

"Do not let go of my hand!" I heard a man shout. It sounded like he was far away, even though he was right beside me.

"Where's Mommy and Daddy?!" I shrieked to him, feeling scared. I don't know if he didn't hear me, or if he just didn't want to respond. "Where are they?" I started to cry, still feeling groggy from waking up.

"We are almost there!"

His words barely reached my ears when suddenly I felt like I was being pulled away. A force so strong, yanked my hand away. It was in that moment I finally had waken up enough to recognize the man. It was the nice soldier who always brought me ice cream, and stayed outside my chambers fighting off the monsters.

"Hally!" I don't think that's really his name, but he never corrected me when I said it wrong.

"Aurelia! No!" He panicked, falling further away. I could barely see him anymore. "NOOO!" The world started to blur around me, getting blindingly brighter.

"Aurelia!"

*

I shot up with a gasp.

After years of having the same exact dream, you'd think I'd be used to it by now. With the familiarity of the dream, came the burning onset of tears. I always woke up feeling so...haunted. It felt so real, even though I know it couldn't be. The feeling of falling, the strange scenery around us, the man, Hally, or whatever his name was. I could never get the image of his panicked green eyes out of my head. Something about him seemed so familiar, so real, but I know I've never met him before. At least, I don't think I have?

I let out a groan of frustration. I've been trying to guess who the man is for years, with no success. But should I really be surprised? If I still haven't figured it out at the age of twenty, I don't think I'm ever going to.

With a sad sigh, I sank backwards into my bed, covering my face with the blankets. What I have is a real life case of the ′Anastasia Syndrome'. At least, that's what my best friend calls it. Just like the fictional princess, I was found wandering the side of the road, face soaked with tears, and no recollection of anything. I wish I was being dramatic, but I'm not. My adopted Mom and Dad said they were driving home from a relatives when they found me looking lost. I had nothing with me, and the only thing I remembered was my name. Not even my whole name either, just my first and middle, no last. Aurelia Amber. That's all I got. Oh, and of course my birthday. September thirteen. I always thought that was such a peculiar thing to remember, since I forgot more important things.

I have no idea who or where my real parents are, no idea where I'm from, or who I am. Seven whole years of my life just vanished. The only thing I got, other than my name and birthday, is that stupid dream. I highly doubt it's even relevant anyways. It's too fantasy-like to be a memory.

Over the years, I've learned to dull the ache and the longing, and to silence the questions. On days like today though, I couldn't help but be consumed by the hurt, all because of that stupid dream. What if my parents didn't want me? Who even really am I?

No. Stop it, Aurelia. Of course they wanted you.

Whatever, thank God it's Saturday so I don't have to deal with anyone.