Chapter One
She could see her target right in front of her eyes. It was the only thing she could focus on right now because that's who she was. She was never one to back off and she never will. She closed her eyes for a brief second and then, she started to run towards the goal post.
Kyle was shouting at her to pass him the football but he was clearly overestimating himself because even a blind person could see that he was surrounded by four players from the opponent team and right now, he wouldn't be able to even touch the ball. She ignored him completely and continued to run with the ball. She just needed a moment to make the goal and right that moment, as if someone was answering her prayers, the blonde haired girl who was desperately trying to snatch the ball from her and of whom she didn't even know the name, slipped and fell, taking Liam, the center forward for the opponent team, with her. Now was the time.
She kicked the ball from the left side of the goal keeper who lost his focus due to the falling players and that was it. The ball entered the goal with an impressive speed. She earned the winning goal for her team. As soon as she stopped running, all the team members gathered around and rejoiced the win. It was their third consecutive win of the tournament and there was no reason not to celebrate.
The team decided to celebrate with a dinner party right after the match but they knew that she won't come. She was a football player and all that but she wasn't one to attend any gatherings or parties. Instead, she was one to spend some time alone, reading a book or maybe watching a movie with a cup of hot chocolate.
Just as she said goodbyes to the team, she glanced at her watch. Her eyes widened instantly. "He is definitely going to kill me." She mumbled while running towards the bus stop with her bag. It was 8:21 pm right now and she was supposed to be home at 7 pm. She checked her phone and saw 21 miscalls. 'He must be panicking right now', she thought worriedly. She quickly got on the 8:25 pm bus towards her home and as soon as she sat down, she called him.
The call was answered even before her next breath and she was bombarded with questions. "Are you okay? Where are you right now? Tell me you are safe or I'll kill you myself." She sighed before replying, "Take a breath, Uncle. I am fine and I am on my way home in the bus right now. I'll be home in 20 minutes, OK?"
She could clearly hear a sigh of relief from the other side, she smiled. For most people in their twenties, it would be very annoying if someone pesters you like that but it was not the case for Anna. She understood his uncle's feelings and how he only wanted her safe and happy. She was 21 right now and despite being in college and a right to live alone, she was living with her uncle Matthew.
The bus stopped, getting her out of her thoughts. She alighted the bus and walked towards the alley taking her to their home. She crossed the alley and took a left towards the house. It was a two storey decent house, with a beautiful small front yard. Beautiful flowers and plants surrounded the yard. As soon as she reached the house, she could see her uncle's silhouette in the front porch. He was pacing back and forth.
She took an exasperated sigh and waved her hand from afar. Her uncle saw her and waved back hurriedly. He came down the porch and hugged her immediately. "Don't you dare do that again to me, OK?" He said while hugging her. "I won't but don't you think that you are a bit overreacting and all. I am an adult and you of all people should know that I can take care of myself very well. You were the one who made me like that."
He released her, "Yes I know that but you can't stop me from worrying over you. OK, now enough of that. Tell me about the match. "He asked as they walked towards the front door and entered the house.
She put her bag on the sofa and removed her jacket, "Well, it was great and we won, of course you know that. " She smiled with triumph.
Her uncle laughed and said, "Well, who would know you better than me, right? Now, go change and I'll set the table for dinner. I am sure you haven't eaten anything after the match."
She gave him a quick hug and ran upstairs towards her room. She was beyond starving right now. All that running used up most of her energy and she couldn't wait to eat. She quickly got a shower and changed into a green hoodie and a pair of grey comfy trousers. In 15 minutes, she was downstairs and sitting around the table for dinner.
"Well that was quick. You must be starving." He commented while placing the dish of fried rice on the table and sitting himself on a chair too.
She quickly filled her bowl with the rice and started eating, "Oh you can't even imagine how hungry I was. Its kind of weird actually. I am getting hungry more and more these days. Its like my digestive system is on fire."
Matthew stopped eating instantly and stared at her. "How many times do you get hungry in a day? Is it manageable? No signs of fainting right?" He questioned.
Anna put down her spoon and replied, "I get hungry after about an hour and a half after eating. At first, some snacks were enough to get me through that but nowadays I need a full meal and no, no fainting. At least not now. But why are you asking like that? Is there a problem?"
Her uncle quickly masked his expression before saying, "No, nothing's wrong. Just be careful OK? If you feel like its getting worse, tell me immediately."
She shrugged while getting up with her plate. "Ok, I will. I am going to sleep right now. I have to get up early tomorrow."
Matthew got up too with his plate. "Ok fine and leave the dishes. I'll do them. You just go up and get some rest."
"Ok, good night uncle." She cleared the table before going upstairs. As soon as she entered her room, she threw herself on her bed. She was tired and her mind was sleepy already. She gave a quick kiss to her necklace. It was shaped like a silver snow flake with a red stone in the center. It was given to her by her father as her eleventh birthday gift. She never once separated it from her. It was a memory from her father, a very dear one at that. She smiled sadly thinking about her father and closed her eyes.
Downstairs, Matthew quickly did the dishes and wiped his hands before grabbing his phone from his pocket. He hurriedly dialed a number and entered his room. His call was picked up after a few seconds.
He confirmed that the door was locked before speaking hurriedly into the phone, "Erwin, I think it started. She is feeling the early signs. I am not sure about this but I would like you to check for yourself." He paused to hear the reply from the person he called Erwin and spoke again, "I can't keep her here any longer. You know she won't be safe. I need your help." He sat on the bed and started to tap his foot impatiently. His expressions became a bit relaxed after hearing the reply, "Alright, I will get there as soon as possible. I'll be waiting for you and for the time being, just keep it between you and me."
After saying his goodbyes, he disconnected the call and laid down on his bed and praying that everything will be alright.