Dawn of the Lions

Chapter 1

Aiden's POV
People say that the most dangerous animal in the world is the mosqito. The third most dangerous animal in the world is the Lion. In my life, Lions are nearly the death of me, but these lions aren't ordinary animals. They are my guardians, my aunt and uncle.

Today (October 16, 2000), is exactly 6 months since my parents died. Ever since then, my baby sister and I have been living with my pregnant Aunt Stella and my Uncle Marc. Aunt Stella was ocasionally nice, but Uncle Marc was a monster. My parents told me that when it was time for them to go, I needed to take care of my sister no matter what happened. Sometimes I feel like this isn't the safest place for Emma to grow up. Mom and dad always told me that as long as I keep my faith in God and protect my sister, my life will turn out right. As least that was what the letter said, the one that my parents wrote when I was born and put in a box for me to read when they died.

If you're wondering why I say my aunt and uncle are lions, it's because they.......... beat me, sometimes nearly to death. Just a few months ago, my uncle Marc put me in a coma. I'm really afraid that one of these days, I might not wake up to see another day. If that happens, what will happen to Emma? What will they do to her when she grows up? I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to her. She is the only joy in my life. The day she was born (Feburary 6, 2000) was the best day of my life, because my family was happy. Including me. I finally got to be a big brother, and I think the best thing to take care of Emma is by getting her out of this house.

My aunt and uncle don't even seem to care about her. I take care of Emma. Her crib is in my room, I work 4 times a week after school in order to buy her formula and clothes, I take her for walks and spend time with her, I take her to the doctor when she is sick, I do everything for her. All of her stuff is in my huge room. She is like my daughter. I just wish I could be a better big brother and get her out this lion's den.

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It's about 2am and Emma just woke up for a diaper change. I changed her and clipped her pink onesie. I sat there with her in my arms, just looking down at her. I started to think about what's going to happen when she grows up. Will I be daddy or Aiden? I figured she would make that decision for herself when she is old enough to understand. I laid her back into her soft crib, and returned to my bed to sleep for another few hours. My alarm went off about 4 ½ hours later. Of course Emma crying, I walked over and turned up the alarm. I grabbed Emma out the crib on my way to the dresser. I went to my mini fridge and grabbed a bottle of formula. I put her in her swing and propped her bottle up with a blanket. I got dressed for school as she slowly drifted back off to sleep. I quickly packed Emma's diaper bag with formula, extra clothes, some toys, some snacks, and extra diapers. I grabbed my backpack, the diaper bag, my car keys, and Emma. When we got out to the car, I put the bags in the passenger seat, and then Emma in her car seat. I dropped Emma off at Claire Allen's house (Emma's babysitter), and headed to school.

I walked into my crowded high school and went straight to my locker. I got my books for the day, and went to homeroom. I drug through the day until I finally made it to last period. The end-of-the-day bell rang, and I started to walk out the door. I was just about out the door, when Mr. Oscar called me up to his desk.

"Yes, Mr. Oscar?" I whispered.

"I noticed that you are doing better in my class Aiden. Please keep up the good work." He said with a smile, as I walked out the door.

I went to my locker and put away the books I didn't need. I got to my car just as the school buses were pulling out of the parking lot, which I guess meant elimination of traffic. I put my stuff in the passenger seat and got in the car. When I got to Claire's house, I saw Claire and Emma playing in the yard. Claire is only 18 so it's easy for her to keep up with Emma and her needs.