Finding Myself

Anna “Come on Anna. It’s for your birthday.” My mom says pleading with me. “I don’t want to do one of the games for my birthday.” I said fidgeting with my dark brown hair. “I would rather just stay in and watch movies tonight. I’m not feeling like getting out.” “Your friends and I have worked hard to put together a special one for you. I promise it won’t be like all the rest.” Mom replies. “It will change your life.” I looked at my mom skeptically. “What do you mean by that?” “You will just have to go along with the game to find out.” My mom replied with a smirk. “Fine, but it’s under protest and I want ice cream afterward.” I reply in defeat. Yesterday was my 19th birthday and today my friends and mother insisted on celebrating by playing one of our normal games. These games have a ringleader. The ringleader gives a set of clues and hints. We are split into two teams and whichever team gets all their clues and back to the ringleader first wins. Tonight, TJ is the ringleader. My mom, her boy of the night, and Jim were on one team while DJ, Sam and I are on another. We are currently all in the living room of my two-bedroom house, that is serving as the base tonight. “Here are your packets” TJ said handing one envelope to my mother then one to me. “Tonight, there will be a time limit of four hours. Good luck.” **3 hours later** “This last clue must be a trick or not written right.” I said rereading the clues again from the backseat. “The clue states to say yes to everything a behave. What is that even supposed to mean?” “I just got a message that the other team won.” Sam said putting her phone away. “Did TJ say to go to the meeting spot?” DJ asked “Meeting spot? The ringleader isn’t supposed to leave the starting point.” I said sitting up straighter. Something about this whole thing seems off. “Yes, TJ said to meet at the spot” Sam said ignoring me. “The big boss is supposed to show up, too.” “Can you just take me home now? I’m done with all of this.” I said tiredly, starting to feel like I was in a car with strangers. “No can-do Anna. Your mom gave us specific instructions.” DJ said pulling the car to park in front of what looks like an abandoned warehouse. Sam turns to look at me stating “Just stay quiet and do everything your told.” “What is going on? Everyone has been weird about this whole day and the game. It’s like me turning 19 flipped a switch.” I said with frustration. “Just get out of the car.” DJ said getting out of the car. “And if I don’t?” I challenged Sam rolled her eyes and replied “Then I’ll drag you from the car. I don’t have to act nice to you anymore.” “Be careful Sam. You know what the plans are for Anna.” DJ said to Sam then turned to Anna. “Your mother is waiting inside. She has some things she needs to tell you.” I sighed and got out of the car slowly. I really had a bad feeling about this. Sam looked at me with a glared and said “Don’t even think about running. We are miles from anything, and it would not be in your best interest.” As we walked toward the entrance of the building, I started to wonder what had made Sam change her attitude. I’m starting to think that no one is who I thought they were. I am even starting to wonder if I’ll ever get back home. Right before we enter, I notice there is only dim light coming through the few windows, otherwise the place is a deep darkness. “About time you guys made it.” TJ says walking up to us. “Shut it, TJ. Did it get done?” Sam said annoyed. “Yes, it did. DJ hang back with Anna. Sally will come get her when He gets here.” TJ said, motioning for Sam to follow him. “No” I stated stepping forward “I’m tired and want to go home. You either tell me what’s going on or I’m out of here.” TJ steps up to me and puts his hands on my shoulders “You will be told by your mom soon. She is just finishing something up. It won’t take long.” I cross my arms as I watch TJ and Sam walk away. “Anna, it will be ok. It is better this way trust me.” DJ said “How? I have no idea what is going on and who is the big boss and he that Sam and TJ referred to?” I asked Suddenly I heard a scream “what was that?” I said starting to walk toward the scream “Help me! Let me go!” was yelled by a female voice. I started to run toward the voice. Whatever was going on here, I got a bad feeling about. “Anna no!” I heard DJ yell as he ran behind me. Suddenly I stopped completely shocked by the scene in front of me. My mother was standing over a young girl about my age who was tied up. TJ and Sam just stood by watching. I was snapped out of my shock by DJ grabbing my hand. “Anna, come on” he said pulling lightly “You will do as I say, or you will never see daddy president again” my mom yelled at the girl and slapped her. Then it hit me. I’ve seen that girl before. She is the president’s daughter. The news said she was visiting our town this week. I just couldn’t remember why. “Mom, stop” I yelled running in front of the girl. “Anna! Get out of the way. I will explain this and your part later.” My mom said trying to push me out of the way. “No! Apparently, nothing is what it seems! I never thought my own mother would commit treason!” I yelled as I slipped my hand into my pocket gripping my phone. “Listen here young lady! You will respect me!” my mom yelled angerly. I pushed a button on my phone three times to play police sirens. “No mom! This isn’t right! I want no part of whatever you are doing!” “Stop overreacting Anna!” TJ said taking a step toward me “This is how the strong takeover” Finally, the sirens on my phone got loud enough for them to hear. As I watched panic set in on their faces, I bent down to the girl to untie her. “We will have to make a run for it” I whispered helping her to her feet. She nodded back understanding. “How the hell did they find us!” TJ yelled looking around scared. “We will be fine. We will have to abort or move. From the sound they are five min away and will still have to search the warehouses.” My mom said taking out her phone. I had finally untied her hands while everyone was distracted. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket making the sound louder made them panic and argue more. I grabbed her hand and whispered “Follow me” she squeezed tightly, and we took off. All I heard was my name, curse words and footsteps. As we ran, I dialed 911. “What is your emergency” the operator answered “President’s daughter, help, abandon warehouse.” I breathed between breaths as we ran toward the door. “Your location is being tracked. Are you able to stay in one spot?” the operator asked “Being chased, can’t stop.” I quickly state Next thing I knew we had exited the warehouse and were surrounded by cops and no longer being chased. “Thank you, I’m Diana, the president’s daughter.” She states hugging me. I hugged her back. “I’m Anna. I had to do the right thing.”