Sweet Sixteen

Chapter One

Alisha's House (Above)

Tonight was supposed to be perfect. Nothing bad was supposed to happen. 

10 Hours Earlier

8 p.m.

I stood outside in the cool evening air. Small children wandered aimlessly around the streets in costumes. Tonight was going to be perfect. My parents had skipped town, and were likely never coming back, for personal reasons I will not get into at this particular moment in time. A chilling breeze passed over me. I could feel the goosebumps rise up on my arms, even though they were covered by a pastel purple sweater, but my jeans, on the other hand, were riddled with fashionable holes and rips. 

I, as usual, was stuck in my own head.  So much so I didn't even notice the love of my life had approached me.  "Happy birthday, beautiful," his British accent was one of my favorite things about him. His black tousled hair, place blue eyes, and slightly muscular build was just icing on top of a very, very sweet cake. He bent down slightly to kiss my cheek, his lips were soft and warm. I quickly turned my face towards him, wrapping my arms around his neck, and pulled him into a deep kiss. 

"Woah there, kids. Let's keep it PG for the actual children," a familiar feminine voice rang in my ears, "But, like, I'm being serious. Parents are starting to stare at you guys," I could here the smile she was trying so desperately to hide.

I pulled away giggling, "Okay, okay, Ella. We're done, for now," I winked at her quickly.

Her wide, brown eyes made me want to burst into laughter, "Oh God, you and Hardin are gonna kill me if you keep the makeup sessions up."

"Well maybe if you weren't such a buzzkill, you wouldn't have to see it," Hardin murmured softly.

She punched him in the arm softly, "Shut the hell up." 

"How about you both shut the hell up and get your asses inside?" I suggested whilst laughing.

"Whatever you say birthday girl," Hardin said before kissing my cheek and walking into the house.

Ella pushed her caramel colored hair out of her face and gave a me a small hug, "Have fun in the cold," she giggled again and walked inside. 

I pulled out my phone, casually playing Candy Crush. Two more voices rang through the night, "Hey, Alisha!" they called out in unison.

"Julia! Russel! Hi!" I called back.

Julia was the first to reach me. She wrapped her tiny arms around me in a tight hug, "Happy birthdayyy!!"

I hugged her small frame back, at 5'1 I still towered over her tiny 4'10 self, "Thank you, hun," I looked up at Russel, " Why don't we head inside?"

"Sounds like a plan," Russel's deep voice responded.

9 p.m.

We entered my home through the double doors to see Ella and Hardin relaxing on either sides of the living room. "Alright you two, get your shit. No more lazing about, it's time to party," I shouted with glee. Ella was halfway up the grand staircase by the time Hardin and Julia had gathered their things from off the floor. 

"Come on you guys," she called down at the rest of us, "Which room are we going to?"

"Attic, hun," I said softly. In response, I received a delighted squeal of excitement as Ella bounded up the stairs, disappearing into the upper floors of my home. The rest of us followed her, talking quietly among ourselves. After what like an hour, we finally reached my attic. A giant flat screen was placed on one wall while bookshelves covered the other three. The room featured 4 large, black leather couches with a white faux fur rug in the middle of the floor. 

Everyone set their things down off to the side somewhere, and we all took our places on either the rug or one of the couches. Julia, Russel, and Ella all lay spread out on the rug while Hardin and I cuddled up next to each other on one of the couches. We talked endlessly about the latest drama that was going around school and whatever else came up.

Suddenly, the lights flickered.

"What the hell?" Ella's panic was already clear in her voice.

"Relax, it's probably nothing," I said softly, trying to sooth her with my voice. 

"Yeah, right, nothing," she sounded unsure.

Then the room went completely dark, and a scream echoed throughout the room.