The Girl Who Changes

Chapter 1

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP

I fling my hand around to reach the alarm clock. The constant beeping was not helping my headache. Not wanting to be awake at 7 in the morning. I should've gone to bed earlier. Fumbling around in the dark and try and reach my lamp. Finally clicking that on I shove my head under my blanket. Peaking my eyes out I tried to get used to the light. When I did, I flung my feet onto the carpet. Groggily looking around my room I groan. My eyes landing on my uniform. Natalie must've washed it last night. I just don't want to go to school. Pulling a sick would be a bad idea as well. She would know why. Why did I agree to go to the party with Amber? She knows I'm a light weight, even if I didn't drink that much. Still groaning I pull it all off the hangers and take them into the bathroom with me. Taking my time in the shower I carefully wash my hair. Finishing getting dressed I look into the bathroom mirror. Picking up my hairbrush I began to brush my long light brown hair. The school I went to made us put our hair up. That didn't stop me putting it up in style. After I brushed my hair I braided myself a crown and pulled the rest back into a bun. Exiting the bathroom in a lemon scented cloud of steam I made my way downstairs. Knowing that I would be alone I was singing. Walking into the kitchen I took a quick glance at the clock. 7:30. I have to leave at 7:45.

Making myself a bowl of cereal in the morning was something I always did. I never had enough time to cook myself breakfast. Neither did Natalie or John. They were always out of the house before I woke up. They worked the graveyard shift. Both, at different jobs as well. I got used to it. The first few times I woke up and no one was here I called Natalie in a panic. I was 12 at the time. It was also my first adoptive family to keep me this long. I've been in many houses before. None like this and I love it. I don't know my biological parents, the only thing I know about them was that they gave me up for adoption right after birth. I've not really wanted anything to do with them since I found that out.

Finished eating I hear the bus outside. Grabbing the bag that I had packed last night I went outside and hopped onto the bus. It might not be that hot outside in the morning, but I knew better. It would get worse as the day went on. Joys of living in outback Australia. Lots of desert and not much forest. But when there is, there is a lot. I quickly scan the bus looking for my best friend. Ever since I came here 5 years ago we have been close. I was the first person she told about her illness.

Knowing she had an appointment last night, while I was out partying. That thought made me feel guilty.

I could not see Ali. I'm guessing she had a bad one and she needed to stay at home. I started walking over to our usual seat, my mood was gloomy. Starting off the Monday with a boring 40-minute bus ride with no one to talk to? And a massive headache getting worse each minute? Not good.

Arriving at my seat I saw Ali pop her head up.

"Oh come on Ali, you know I hate it when you do that!" I exclaim.

"It's funny. You gotta admit that." She responds with her trademark grin. Everything about her was striking. She was the typical Australian girl. Long blonde hair, tall, lean and was tan. She had amazing sea blue eyes. She was able to play any sport. At least, before she was diagnosed. She has defunctional kidneys. An illness that was passed down through her family. Her mother did not have it, so they were all hopeful that she would not either. But when we turned 15 it all went down. She was the champion netballer in our school. Playing GA every game. Until she collapsed on court. The ambulance was called, and she went to hospital.

I didn't know what had happened for a couple of days. When she came back to school all she would say was she didn't drink enough water. I called bullshit. But I didn't push for more.