Be(lie)ve Me.

Prologue

I looked at myself in the mirror. This wasn't me. Instead of my light brown hair that reached my waist, it had been cut shoulder length and dyed blonde. Instead of my light brown eyes, I had green contacts on. I had full make up on too even though I've barely ever put make up on before.

Rose, the house keeper (and the only person living with me) had laid out a pair of skinny blue jeans with a white tank top and a light pink cardigan. I rolled my eyes as I put them on with a pair of heels.

I stole a final glance in the mirror at the stranger.

My name's Vanessa Dalton. Well it used to be. Now, my name's Valerie something. Oh right. Valerie Dean. I don't know how my life changed this much. Well I do. But it wasn't my fault. That night… If only I could erase it. I shouldn't have let her. Because now, it's obviously my fault.

"Vanessa!" Rose's voice rang downstairs.

"Coming!" I called back.

I grabbed my bag and stuffed my iPhone, headphones, and some other things in there. I then carefully rushed downstairs as Rose greeted me.

"Valerie," she reminded me. I closed my eyes and fought back the tears. I won't cry, I reminded myself.

I felt her embrace me in a warm hug. "You can do it baby. I know you're innocent but this is our only choice. It's for your life."

I opened my eyes as she pulled back. Rose was around 40 years old, but she treated me like a mother more than my own. My own mother? I don't even know her.  Rose had agreed to come to the UK with me and live with me. I thanked her everyday.

"I love you Rose," I whispered, ignoring the knot in my throat.

"I love you too baby girl. I'm proud of you."

I smiled. I could survive this. Plus, it;s only a while anyways, right?

If only I knew how wrong I was.