Chapter 1

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I click with my computer mouse on the google search bar and type in "Library in Eastcliff city". I click on the first link leading to the library search page. I search Crimson history and put in a security clearance code. A red leather journal pops up. "Got ya" I say aloud jumping to my feet grabbing my jacket and bag slipping on my flats and running down the stairs. "Hey mom I'm going to go to the library if that's okay?"
"Yeah sure, since when do you go to libraries?" My mom asks me with suspicion in her voice.
"Um since now, since I gained an interest in the serum and ever since I turned fifteen realizing I only had one year left before I am turned into everyone else. The serum got me thinking what's going to be put in my body for the rest of my life?" I said trying to convince her I was in love with the idea of the company.
"Well legally you've been granted access to everything since you turned ten." She said as I put on my jacket.
"Exactly so I should be able to find the specific book I'm looking for." I said putting my bag over my shoulder.
"Oh and don't forget about the dinner guests we are having over tonight. It's the Lee family our business partners. Their son will be taking over so you two need to get along since you will be working side by side.
"Okay mom I won't be to long." I say closing the house door behind me. I have four months exactly before my injection day. So far all I know about the serum is that Samuel Crimson and Crissy Lee worked together to create what we call the serum. It is made up of something that alters your mind and gives you any attribute you desire for the month following the day consumed. It slowly weakens as it runs through your system which is why you get the characteristic you want for only a single month. Samuel Crimson wrote journals on his creation that were passed down for centuries.
I am the last one to inherit the books and yet I haven't learned anything useful enough to understand why it is required. I am hoping all my questions will be answered in the final journal. The eighth journal that for some reason is not in possession of my family but the possessions of the government section in the library. Only officials have access to this section. Luckily my mom is one of those officials.
I look up at the library as I arrive there and walk inside. I walk up to the front desk. "Excuse me miss, could you direct me to the top secret section?" She looks up at me and she scans my face with her glasses to check my clearance.
"Okay right this way Miss. Through that door way" she says pointing in the direction of a couple security guards with the high tech glasses. I walk over to them. "Welcome Miss Crimson" One of them says.
I walk in. "Geez so formal. It kinda makes me gag." I whisper to myself. "Right the book" I whisper to myself again heading in the direction of serum section. I glance at the books when one in particular catches my eye. A red journal. "There we go." I whisper to myself again. I open the book and flip through a couple of pages.
     I go to a checkout machine and type in the name of the book. "Book not in system?" I read off the screen. "Then how was it on the website?" I whisper once more. I look around to see if anyone's looking and slip the book in my bag.
"Hey there. I couldn't help but notice you taking something there." A masculine voice says. I turn my head to see a blonde guy standing near me. How could I have not noticed him looking ugh.
"I don't know what your talking about" I say.
"Heh. It would be a shame if someone reported you for attempting stealing something as stupid as a book." He smirks.
"It's not a stupid book" I say defensively, " I mean it's in the top secret section for heaven sakes."
"So you admit your stealing a book?" He asks still smirking.
"So what if I am." I say
"So what? If it's an important book then it would get you in a lot of trouble. Especially since you don't look old enough to have access to the top secret section in the first place."
"Hey don't be so cocky. If you knew who I was you wouldn't think so." I say.
"Is that a threat?" He asks. "Because my name is enough to get you in trouble."
"Yeah right. I've got to go. I've got somewhere to be." I tell him.
"So do I. But what's going to stop me from telling the security out there about what you just did?" He asks as I walk away. I stop and look back at him.
"What do you want?" I ask him annoyed.
"I want to know why your taking that book and which book it is" He says.
"Okay, it's the eighth journal of Samuel Crimson and I want it because I'm doing a research paper on the contents of the journals." I said.
"But-" He begins talking.
"Nope, you said those two questions. No more answers to the likes of you. I really have to go. See you around stranger." I say in the sweetest voice I can force while walking back to the exit. He must have seen through my lie. School is out and that is forbidden from being a topic in schools. But only the highest people know this so I hope he doesn't realize it.
I get back home and run upstairs and put down my stuff. I change into a light pink dress and touch up my hair for the business dinner. I go down stairs and see my mom setting the table.
"Ah that dress is very cute. You already dress the part for being apart of the company." She says while hurrying to make the house look good. The door bell rings and mom rushes to the door. She swings open the door and welcomes in a couple.
" Petra, it's good to see you." The woman coming in the house says. Petra is my Mom's name.
     I walk over to greet the guests. "Hello I'm O-" I say but the woman cuts me off.
"And you must be Octavia. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." The woman begins. "I'm Taylor but you may call me Mrs. Lee and this is my husband Ace but just call him Mr.Lee. And our son-"
"You" He says and smirks. My eyes widen. It was the guy from the library.
"I see you've already met my son." Mrs.Lee says.
"Not formally." I say.
"Kamren? Where are your manners? Introduce yourself to your future business partner." She requests.
"She was steeling when we met so formalities were unimportant." He says under his breathe. No one heard him but me as he leaned in closer to shake my hand. "I'm Kamren Lee and you are?"
"Octavia Crimson" I say as we shake hands. I force a smile. We stare blankly at each other for a split second.
"Anyway come this way." My mom says. Let's let the kids talk and get to know each other anymore. You guys can go talk in Octavia's room." My mom finishes saying.
"This way" I say angrily.
"No father?" He asks while we go up the stairs.
I stop at the top and slightly turn my head. "You can meet him at the cemetery if you'd like anytime. He'll always be there and I'm sure he'd love to meet you." I say. He loses his smile quickly. I continue while he remains at the stairs. "This way!" I say at my door. He goes over to me and I open the door as we booth step in.
I take a seat at my desk and he looks around a bit. "You may take off your shoes if you'd like." I tell him.
"I'm sorry." He says.
" For what?" I ask.
"For asking about your dad." He says sadly.
"How were you supposed to know he was dead?" I asked.
"It should have been apparent if he isn't here. Plus I could have done a little more research on your family." He says. "May I sit on your bed?" He asks.
"Go for it." I say. "I should be the one apologizing. I snapped at you when you couldn't have know." I say.
He smirks. "So, you have a boyfriend?" He asks.
"No. I do not." I say.
"Want to go out sometime?" He asks
"With you?" I laugh.
"Hey Octavia! Your mom let me up and told me about the-" My best friend says coming in my room. "Oh it's a guy."
"And who might you be?" Kamren asks.
"I'm Aaron. Octavia's friend." My best friend responds. "What's so funny?" He asks while I try to stop laughing.
"I'm Kamren. I'm kind of hurt Octavia." Kamren says.
"I'm sorry but there is no way I would go out with you of all people. Plus I barely know your name. We just meet today. And we're going to be business partners. Let's keep it professional shall we," I say still trying to control my laughter.
     "Well I'm in your bedroom aren't I?" Kamren asks.
"So he asked you out?" Aaron asks glaring at Kamren.
"Jealous?" Kamren Asks.
"What's there to be jealous about?" Aaron responds.
"Aaron, you want to stay for dinner?" I ask him.
"Yeah sure" he responds.
"Okay I'm going to tell my mom. I will be right back" I tell them and go down stairs.

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