Where we belong

Adopted orphan girl

All I remember was blood, so much blood seeping in puddles around my parents and all I could do was hold them and cry until help arrived.

They had to pry me off their disfigured shredded bodies before social services collected me and I was placed in foster care.

I was moved around alot.

One family would take me in, but I'd be out in a few months once their pockets were full and they had no more use for me. They all just wanted the money.

I had a few awful homes in that time though.

I was chained in a basement and beaten and starved for 5 months before social services realized I wasn't attending school, and when the foster parents excuse that I was sick didn't add up because I hadn't been to any doctors, they found an empty shell of myself covered in my own feaces on a dirty blanket on the floor shackled by my ankles barely able to move around.

I was 13 when I finally found my amazing family.

A place where I belonged, where I learnt to over come the trauma I had faced with the love of my mom and dad.

Thanks to my mom and dad, I now have a wonderful loving family.

But the last few months, felt like I was slipping back to when I lost my parents.

I lost my best friend. I ended up in hospital and I knew she was gone. It took me a few weeks before I started going back to school again and I still have nightmares. To say I'm behind in school work, would be an understatement but I'm working hard to catch up.

I have my final exams coming up soon.

I have been working extra hard to get good grades, be accepted into a good collage, be the best I can by following in Amanda's footsteps and being a little bit more brave.

I started taking Self defence and martial art classes, and I'm on the track team.

What makes it so hard, was loosing my best friend Amanda. Being reminded every day that she's gone, not seeing her face every morning when we'd always walk to school. Not seeing her in class, or catching up in the cafeteria. No more running tracks together on the team.

The guilt weighs up on me daily, but shes the reason why I need to pass so bad this year.

I may not have killed her, but I was there when she died. I saw the life in her eyes diminish the second she was gone, and I felt the guilt because she tried to save me.

So I vowed I would live my life for her, for the both of us.

The nightmares still haunt me. They have eased off a little. Im on medication to try help me sleep and keep them at bay. But they still come to haunt me.

Amanda and I had been deemed "p*****s" at school a few months ago.

You could say we were easy targets, me the adopted orphan girl and Amanda, the lesbian Dyke.

Amanda was into girls, so f*****g what. she was still my best friend.

She wasn't any less my best friend. I loved her just the way she was. If everyone had just left us alone she'd still be here.

I could ignore all the insults, the comments, the sneers and the looks no problem. But amanda, she tried so hard but I could tell it really got to her deep down.

Amanda succumbed to the stupid comments everyone threw at us and wanted to prove a point.

She was sick of being called a p***y because she wouldn't bite back to their comments. they started digging deeper and throwing more insults.

She wasn't big on arguing or making a scene.

But she wanted it to stop. She wanted to prove she wasn't what they said.

One of the stupid jocks dared her to prove she wasn't such a p***y by staying a night in the forest.

It became the talk of the school.

Nobody, and I mean nobody in their right mind would go into the forest.

Weird things happen in there. During the day its safe to walk the edges.

But you never go into the forest and certainly not alone.

Rumors have it that the forest is haunted, or its cursed.

Nobody really knows to be honest.

All we know is that anyone who goes deep into the forest, never returns.

And if you go deep enough, you usually don't come out alive.

I thought I talked her out of it.

But I knew she was trying to pacify me.

I knew she felt she had to prove herself, because all everyone saw was a weak girl with no bones to her.

She wanted to be seen for more then what was said. She wanted to be seen for the amazing personality she had.

and she had the most incredible personality. She was selfless, but super badass. When we weren't at school, we were out running tracks and laughing at each other's stupid jokes. She could hold her own, but she cared to much about her grades to risk going nato on stupid idiots with nothing better to do then belittle someone they don't even know.

unfortunately, like everyone else who went into the forest. She didn't come back out.

I followed her that night. Staying in the trees.

and for whatever reason, the universe decided to punish me and let me live.

maybe it was for my own stupidity, for following her in to the woods and sleeping in a tree to make sure she was safe.

or maybe its because of what happened when they attacked, how I was a coward while she risked her life for mine.

*flash back*

The moon was at its highest point in the sky and tonight it was a full moon.

The stars were on display, dancing and twinkling along to the gentle warm breeze flowing through the trees.

It was truly a magnificent sight.

I'm currently sitting up high in a tree not far from Amanda, just keeping an eye on her as she lays against the tree trunk with her backpack beside her. She seems to have eased up since the moon has risen, and so far nothing bad has happened.

We were both on edge. Terrified of the forrest we were in. But we didn't show it. And Amanda still didn't know I was up here watching over her.

I hear a branch crack in the distance.

I turn my head, to be drowned out by the sounds of howling.

Fuck! what was that?!

We need to go!

I look down at amanda, whose still unaware of my presence.

Shes grabbed her bag and shes started to walk away from the noise.

Why isn't she running? She needs to run?

I jump into the tree beside me quickly but quietly and I'm about to call out to amanda when the noises become louder.

I could tell amanda wasn't fazed too much but she was on edge, aware.

Then we heard paws racing against the forest floor, there must've been 3 of them. I don't know how, I just assumed.

all heading in Amandas direction.

Amanda caught onto the approaching noise and started running for her life.

Being in a tree had its disadvantages, such as being able to help protect your friend and run.

I jumped out of the tree as amanda started running, and I chased the noise of Amanda's Feet ploughing the ground and the shadows belonging to the noise until we had all reached an area with a hidden cave in the side of a cliff. It was covered by brush and some beautiful flowers. Around the cliff was a magical looking river flowing fast.

I heard the snap of a branch and looked toward the noise. I Knew it was now or never.

I ran out screaming at the top of my lungs to amanda, not realizing they had actually snuck up behind her and were closer then I realised.

Amanda's eyes went wide when she realised I was there.

"No rose! you need to run! I don't have a chance but you do, please, please go! RUN ROSE!"

Tears were streaming down Amanda's face, pure fear and regret at the realization she wasnt going to make it out of here alive.

"NO! I Am NOT leaving without you!"

I looked at her, then back at the mangy wolfs and started yelling "You mangy mutts! if you want someone come get me!!!!!!!"

They turned there heads. One of them even looked like they were trying to figure out who I was. That couldn't be possible. they were dogs.

I managed to distract them, but not before one of wolfs had jumped on amanda and pinned her on the ground with her neck in their mouth.

"Go! Now! Please!" was all amanda could manage to get out.

I stood there, afraid, but I wasn't going to leave. I wasnt going to back down.

That's when it finally sunk in,

we were surrounded by manky, fierce looking wolves.

I had seen them this whole time, but I had digested what we were truly facing until now.

I new we were both completely f****d in this moment.

There wasn't just 3 though, we were surrounded by a group of them.

I grabbed a branch near me off a tree and broke it off in a second.

I guess adrenaline really does make you do crazy stuff.

"Get your Mouth off her or Goddess forbidd I will kill you!" I screamed in a voice I had never heard before.

It was mine, but it wasnt?

But the wolf whose jaw was around her neck, sank its teeth in further before shaking Amanda like a rag doll making sure the hunt was completed.

Spraying her blood everywhere, he licked his lips and gave a vicious smirk in my direction.

I completely lost control.

I screamed. I screamed so hard I started to shake. Everything around me felt like it was vibrating.

All I saw was a light shining bright blue everywhere before I passed out.

*FLASH BACK ENDS*

I think about her every day.

She was a gorgeous 5'7, slender body with curves in the right places.

She had naturally long straight black hair with a gorgeous oval face, defined cheeks and tanned skin with ocean blue eyes. Often sporting Black and pink bike shorts and a neon tank top.

She was on the track team with me.

She wasn't the fastest runner, but she was the steadiest. She could run for hours without breaking a sweat.

I would always miss my best friend to no end, and our after school hangouts at the movies or the local cafe, or the track.

I missed having her copy my homework, or talking about a girl she liked but never had the guts to ask out.

She had such a bright future ahead, one she'll never be able to have.

I'm 18 in a few days. I have exams coming up and then I have graduation.

I just have to hold on long enough to get through this hell hole I call school.

I would love nothing more then to make every last one of those assholes who are responsible for her going into the woods to pay, but I need to keep my head on straight so I can get out of here.

I get up out of bed, and decide to take a shower before im dragged down for breakfast.

Moms been worried about me. I know mom and dad try to hide it, but it shows.

I hate that I worry them so much.

They have been the perfect parents to me for almost 5 years, and I couldnt be more grateful for the love and support they have given me. I don't think I could get through all of this without them. I couldn't imagine my life without them.

My mom has gorgeous medium length curly red hair and olive green eyes. Shes tall at 5"9 and has a gorgeous heart shaped face. Where as Dads 6"7, Square face with a gentle stubble and has styled short brown hair and sky blue eyes - they truly could pass as my real parents if they weren't so damn tall. They're a true power couple.

I am 5"5, with Long curtly blonde hair, its closer to white then blonde to be honest.

I have naturally emerald green eyes, but they change to match how I feel. If im sad or upset, my eyes go a very very light ice blue. When Im happy or content or excited I have my natural emerald greens. If im angry or in a bad mood they go dark brown, sometimes black. They hardly go black but when they do, I definitely need my space.

"Rose, breakfast is ready!" I heard dad boom up the stairs.

"Got it! Ill be down in a sec! Just getting dressed" I shout back.

I quickly dry myself off and go to my walk in closet to pick my outfit for the day. Black high waisted jeans, a motionless in white tank top and a black hoodie to set the look. I chuck on some running shoes and walk out into my pink frilly room fully clothed.

My first birthday here I was allowed to redecorate my whole room.

I thought it would be great to go pink for everything. I totally over did it.

Pink fluffy carpet everywhere. Pink wall paper. White and pink skirting boards and window sills.

Pink was my favourite colour and it helped me alot when I was in therapy to over come alot of trauma.

My favourite colour has been forest green for awhile now.

I wish I hadn't gone all put pink thinking about it now though, If Id known how ugly it actually was I probably would have gone a little bit less dramatic.

I have to note down the changes I want to make and ask mom if I can redecorate after my birthday.

I hear the clock in my room tick And I realise the time - 7:48am.

shit.

I quickly run down the stairs.

Mom and dad are in the kitchen drinking coffee, with another cup ready made for me on the counter just the way I like.

Black.

"How was your sleep rose?" mom asked.

"It was fine. no nightmares. you dont have to worry about me so much. Im fine you know" I replied.

"I can't help but worry. I know your fine but if you ever need me for any reason don't be afraid to come to me. Even if its just the nightmares. I want to make sure your okay. I'll always worry because I love you" mom spoke softly.

"Kiddo, gotta know by now that any time you say your fine, we know your not going to tell us if your fine or not. You don't have to talk if you don't want to, but when your ready we are here" dad jumped in.

"I love you guys! Oh! before I forget, I was hoping... If its not too much trouble, could I get my room redone? I'm drowning in pink and I could really do without it now" I replied with a light hearted chuckle.

Mom let's out a relieved laugh, "Honey. I have been waiting a long time for you to finally be over the pink! let's talk about what you'd like after school yeah?"

"thankyou! your the best!!!" I give her the biggest hug.

Dad gives me a side hug and a kiss on my head before putting his coffee cup in the dishwasher having to head out to work.

"Right ladies, Im off. I'll see you later on. Keep working hard you girls. Love you"

As dads walking out the door me and mom shout out "Love you!".

Dad works at an expensive car dealership.

He sells the newest updated cars, and they have a VIP lounge with VIP vehicles such as rolls royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, to name a few. He gets a massive commission when he sells one of those to a client.

Dad bought me a white Lexus GX for my 16th birthday after I passed my driving exams and obtained my full drivers license. Though I don't use it much. I love it to bits! But I'm a nature girl. I use it to drive out of town to go on nature reserve walks, or to go into the woods out of town where its safe so I can enjoy being barefoot listening to nature. I prefer to walk to school to be honest.

Im fine on my own two feet for now.

I'll need it once I leave for university.

I heard dads car leave, so its my que to wash the dishes in the sink and load them in the washer.

Mum walked out to go put her scrubs on. she has a big shift today. Being a surgeon isn't easy. She went on all week about how she has this massive client, who requested mom to be her surgeon.

Mom agreed but only if she wasn't the lead surgeon, because plastic surgery wasn't her specialty. To keep the client happy, she said she would be on her surgical team, and that was enough to pacify the client.

It's bringing in big bonuses for the hospital which will help with the under staffed nurses and the much needed extra medical equipment.

I finish turning the dish washer on and turn to look at the clock on the wall above the fridge.

8.09am

shoot.

I'll have to run. It will be faster then sitting in traffic.

With my newfound motivation, I grab my bag and speed out of the front door onto the foot path.

Its only a few blocks away. Im keeping a steady pace as I jog along to 'Scissor hands' by motionless in white blasting on my speaker. I left my headphones in my room. They're one of my favourite bands. Im into metal, but I love all genres of music.

In all honesty, I want to take up singing as a hobby. I love singing. Its a passion of mine and I can't seem to let it go.

I'm turning down the third street, but my insides feel like their sinking.

It feels wrong. Like something isn't right.

"We are being followed"

I stopped dead in my tracks.

"Who said that?" I asked aloud.

Im looking around taking in my surroundings but I can't find the source of the voice.

A few parked cars are on the street, some nice looking homes and im standing right beside the local children's park. I didn't see anyone follow me, the only people out here are a few students walking to school upahead.

okay whatever. weird.

I start to pick up my pace.

"I am Sky. Im inside you. Your other half. We ARE being followed. Please listen to me, you need to be surrounded by other people. I sense danger. Get closer to other students now. Hurry'

I pick up my pace and join a group of students walking to school up ahead.

They're looking at me like I'm weird, probably because of my blaring music and start moving away a little but still close enough to be near me.

Listening to that voice, it felt familiar. What is it?

And it was in my head!?

I think im going crazy.

Am I going crazy?

Schizophrenia! I'm having a nervous breakdown. That has to be it.

We turn down another street when I hear a growl, followed by mens voices. I think nothing of it and move faster.

BANG BANG BANG

I turned my head to see a gun had been fired.

a f*****g gun! what the hell?! s**t ! Run rose run!

why am I not running!

"Well well well, who do we have here? I believe we have yet to be properly acquainted." The leader of the group snickers at me.

A man dresses all in black looking a little haggard, about 6"4 with long dirty looking black hair tied in low pony tail, with murky brown eyes and a slight beard all over his face held a gun. 3 others dressed the same start grouping around me. They all resembled some kind of manky thugs.

Before I had even realised, the group of students ran off and I was surrounded.

I was alone.

shit.

what was I going to do now? I could make a break for it, but its hit and miss if I would make it - but my other option was to stay and use my self defence.

I don't know if I could take them all down, I know I could certainly try, but they had a f*****g gun!

It didn't seem like an option to me.

"When I say run, you run for your life do you understand!?"

Loud and clear, I retorted.

The men were closing in on us fast, on all sides of me. I saw a small space between two men big enough for me to crouch and run through, I just had to elbow one of them on the way through.

"RUN!"

So I did.

I darted toward my only escape, and in the process elbowing one of my aponents.

"You stupid b***h! I will get you rose! You WILL BE MINE!"

I ran, with the men tailing close behind me.

"They're going to catch you before you reach the school if you keep running like this. You're going to have to take a short cut and cut through yards and jump fences. it's our only chance to get away from them, you can't let them get us"

I see the school two streets away, but at the rate I'm going I know sky's right. Im going to have to jump fences and try and loose them.

I hear growling behind me and I twist around and run into the closest yard and jump the fence.

I can tell they're not far behind but its put a little more distance between us.

"Keep going we can't stop"

I jump another fence and fall into a bush. I quickly get up but I'm cut up pretty bad. I keep going once I hear the men in the yard behind me. scared shitless I boost myself over the next fence and the next, covering myself in more cuts and scrapes.

By the time I've reached the school I think I've lost them.

I get to the doors of the school, and realise schools about to start.

I look behind me and see the men across the road staring at me with a wicked grin on their faces.

They aren't coming any closer, but I'm not risking it. Adrenaline is pumping and I'm terrified. I keep running and running until I realised I have run through the school all scratched up and bloody, completely terrified and everyone's staring at me. I didn't realise I was still running until I ran into someones back and fell straight on my ass.

I look up to see a guy, 6"2 with light brown wavy locks that had natural highlights, a strong chiseled jaw and navy blue eyes looking at me in worry.

He's holding his hand out to me, concern covering his features.

"are you okay?" concern lacing his voice.

I'm dumbfounded. Some crazy guys just chased me with a gun and, s**t they knew my name! of course they knew I go to school. The look of shear terror must have crossed my face as he helped me up.

I stand up on my feet thanks to his help, but notice everyone's still staring and suddenly I don't feel so good. I start looking around and tearing up.

"I-I-I've gotta go" I turn around and im about to run when he turns to everyone "Everyone leave. Go to class. Theres nothing to see here."

and he quickly turns around to follow me.

"hey! wait up! whats your name?"

He smiled at me. Not a sinister smile. not a seductive or selective smile. a gentle friendly smile. It felt like a long lost friend, like a brother almost.

"I'm rose, Rose Mason"

"Hi rose, Im langston. Langston Davis " He stood there for a second, his hand at his side was shaking a little as if he was debating weather to hold his hand out to me or not. I guess he chose the latter as his hand went back to his side as he realised I was moving.

I turned toward the nurses office, with Langston catching up, walking in step beside me.

"What happened rose? Why are you hurt?" he looks at me pleading me to tell him.

"I think we can trust him. I think you should tell him rose".

My eyes snapped open, forgetting I had a voice in my head.

"what the f**k was that"

Langston looks at me questioningly.

"I said that aloud didn't I? f**k! I think I'm having a serious mental breakdown right now. what the f**k is going on. oh god. first they chase me and now there's a voice in my head oh my God this is so messed up.

I must sound like a nut case by now huh?

The adopted orphan girl runs into school covered in blood and now she's spouting a heap of serious nut case mental institution crap. oh god. what a great first impression."

I see a bench in the hall and sit down, my face in my hands and tears sobbing out uncontrollably.

"What do you mean rose? Who was chasing you?" Langston looks at me seriously like he's on alert.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know. I was jogging to school when 4 scruffy looking men showed up with a gun. They seemed set on me. They tried to surround me, but I made a run for it. I guess I was really shaken up that I didn't stop running and ran into you. sorry about that." I gave him a weak smile.

He looked at me deadpan serious, his pupils dilated a little.

"Can you described what they looked like by any chance?"

why would he want to know that?

"I think you should"

why?

"I feel safe around him. I think you should tell him. He might be able to help".

what!? A kid I just ran into can help? Did you not SEE those big scary men?! I don't think he can help! I don't want anyone else getting hurt!

"Fine. don't tell him. Then you'll have those big 3 scary men to deal with alone after school." she huffed.

"The one who talked was 6'4 I think, He had black hair tied up in a low pony tail and brown eyes. He looked rough and had a bit of a beard. Him and the other guys were all dressed in black and all looked rough and manky but strong and scary. I might be crazy, but he emited a putrid evil".

I saw Langstons jaw tighten and his posture change.

"listen to me rose, those guys are dangerous. if they're after you, they won't stop. We need to leave. I know somewhere safe but you have to trust me okay?" He looked at me holding onto hope id trust him even a little.

Someone started laughing hysterically. Like a maniacal laugh. It got louder. until I realised it was me. and the laughing turned to crying.

"Why me? What could they possibly want? I'm just a normal girl. My parents have normal jobs and we live in a normal house. Isnt it enough I lost my best friend and lived instead? for crying out loud. Why can't something good happen for a change!" I cried.

Langston leaned over to me and held me into his chest. "I don't know what they want, or why they're after you. But I promise we'll figure it out. Until your safe, your parents aren't safe Okay? I promise we'll figure this out. I have to go and make a phone call and make some... arrangements.. so we can get you to the safe place. im just going to be over there okay?" He pointed across the hall, where he'd be out of ear shot. "And then well get ready to go. alright? I need to make sure when we leave its safe. you stay here and get the nurse to check you over alright? ill be right back "

He wipes my cheeks and gives me a hug before removing himself gently and pulling out his phone walking away.

I look across the other side of the hall to the nurses office.

Deep breath in. Okay. Ill go see the nurse then ill be right out.