The Soul Bounder

chapter one: headspace It was a naturally crisp, cold morning; a typical Monday morning in the wintry climate of Utah. The streets were unnaturally quiet, roads slick with thin plates of ice. The recent time change had thrown numerous off, one full hour returned to all to gain at least sixty more minutes of sleep before their day begins. Alas, Daylight Savings was a strong pain in the neck for the Parkers, who lived in a quaint suburb neighborhood, within the busy region of the city. At the very crack of dawn, the father figure of the Parker's household was preparing his departure from their warming home, on his way to work. He was a caring and loving father to his only child: Serenity. He and his wife were bestowed the greatest blessing, their only daughter, born in the year of '96. She was a seventeen year old girl, who's birthday was approaching on the 31st of January.  As of today, it was the first of December. But for the chilled state of Utah, December has been present since mid-October. "Tess, I'm about to leave for work!" Mr. Parker called out to his wife. Tess, or Tessa, was the first name of his beloved soul mate. The twentieth day of December, this year, would mark their twenty-third year of marriage. "Alright, Christopher. Did you get the lunch I packed for you?" Due to Mr. Parker's generous income, Mrs. Parker was given the privilege of owning the title as a stay-at-home-mom, or the traditional homemaker. It was useful for the both of them; a rather fortunate way to spend more qualitative time with each other and their daughter. "Ah, yes." Mr. Parker answered his wife, snatching up his briefcase and the brown paper bag that contained his lunch for the day. Mrs. Parker approached her husband, smoothly giving him a quick kiss upon his age-weathered cheek. "See you soon, Tess."  He smiled to her, returning a smooch to her forehead. Of course, the two did love each other; The three simple words of affection didn't always occur to their minds, at times. Yet, they knew in their hearts that they didn't need to express it to each other, to realize that they loved each other. "Good-bye, Chris." It was almost time for Mrs. Parker to awaken Serenity, she usually took too long to get herself ready for school. Therefore, the extra hour was a splendid addition for her mornings that school fell on. "Serenity, time to get up." No answer. Mrs. Parker continued with poking her index finger within the side of her daughter's stomach, hoping to earn some kind of response. Either positive, slowly getting off of her lazy butt; or simply not budging at all, the negative. "Errrrrmommm." was all that could be deciphered, along with a shortly- timed chuckle being sounded by Tessa. "Sorry, sweetie. But you know what time it is." She answered, matter- of- factly. For Serenity, school was nothing but a constant annoyance; a daily chore. A chore, that consisted of: two honors classes, and two advanced placement classes. The remaining of her schedule was dedicated to the fine arts: Photography and orchestra. Alas, she did occasionally enjoy ownership to the bragging rights of being enlisted into the higher curriculum classes. Yet, the aches and pains of the traditional high school was not the least bit enjoyable. Especially, the minor detail of arriving at the strike of eight O' clock. With an exaggerated sigh of light breaths, Serenity sat up, the yearn to lie down and sleep longer forever remained etched into her scatterbrained thoughts. "I know, I know. It's a serious pain in the butt, but you don't have until next year for graduation and-" "—I'll be done." Serenity finished her mother's continuous phrase of words. Those few words meant the entire world to her; the freedom to leave the wanna-be arctic wasteland of Utah, to explore the curious world with the trusty mechanisms of her Canon EOS 400D. "Yes, dear. And it isn't much too far, the day you graduate." Mrs. Parker explained with a curt smile to her anxious teenage daughter. "But until that day arrives, you'd better be getting up and ready for school." Teasing she-devil, Serenity thought. She had no hard-feelings towards her mother. Anything but that. Serenity had friends, at least enough to form a normal everyday group or "clique". But the majority of the time, Serenity preferred the serene evenings at home. Such as watching a movie or two with the both of her parents. She didn't recognize it as acting as a loner or behaving pathetically. Sometimes, it seemed much more enjoyable to spend her Friday nights in her kitchen baking double-chocolate chunk fudge brownies with her mother; that was just the type of cozy environment Serenity was raised around. Not paying any attention whatsoever to her mother's wondering shadow, Serenity rose to her two "left" feet to proceed trail to her bathroom. Switching on the nearby bathroom light, the blinding light fixture brutally stung her eyes. "Damn contacts." Serenity cursed. After her daily feminine businesses were tended to, she took a quick glance into the large spick-and-span bathroom mirror before her. Frizzy haired and sleep deprived, Serenity's birth-given red hair naturally splayed against her thin shoulders. The previous night, she had spent a total of two excruciatingly, strenuous hours finishing off the final touches on her final draft on her research paper. In which is due this very Monday. That's mostly what she did; work her bum off and for what? A few extra credit points to earn some hopeless scholarship that she didn't even care for. With another second,  she regrettably took a look into her vast reflection. With another exaggerated sigh, Serenity knew how the outcome of today's Monday morning would be. Well, this will be interesting, hmm?, She thought. Serenity plotted out numerous ways to endure her day of school, not that the roughness of her appearances assisted her any. In fact, her messy hair and frightful purple eye circles only exacerbated to her morning. Fully dressed and with her backpack steadied onto her right shoulder, Serenity bounced down the same endless staircase that she practically grew attached to as a younger child. She sloppily slung her bag onto the plush couch that sat in her quiet living room, as her mother was nowhere in sight.  "Mom?" Serenity called out for her mother, walking into the kitchen. The kitchen was one of the main areas of her mother's interest. She was constantly, whipping up some sort of pastry or appetizer of some sort. But this scenario was especially peculiar, due to her mother's absence in the room she had adored so much. "Mom? Where are you?" She asked, a sing- song tone playing along. A few steps were made into the outer hall from the kitchen, a long and empty corridor awaiting Serenity's slow motions. And without a second step, a hand grasped Serenity's shoulder in one fluid motion. "Ahhhhh!"  Her heartbeat quickened, never had she been so frightened by such a thing. Worry struck her youthful features, those hidden lines had conjured a mess of wrinkles onto her freckle-spattered face. That is, until she had realized what had actually grabbed her in such a reckless way. "Serenity, are you alright dear?"  It was just her, Serenity. Stop worrying so much, She thought to herself, clamping her lips together with her teeth. The teenager felt as if she had a sixth sense accompany her, or even a premonition. Whatever she felt in her mind's eye, she hurriedly shoved the feeling away. "Mom? Where the hell were you?" Serenity demanded, not bothering to remember that swearing was not exactly preferred in the Parker's household. Mrs. Parker stared back at her, reminiscing how much she cherished her daughter and how lucky she was to call Serenity one of her own. But one of these days, Tessa would have no other choice but to let her beautiful redheaded little girl go. To finally live her own life, and to create her own set of morals. To learn what is right and what is wrong. "Serenity, please stop being so worrisome. I was just getting something out of the dryer." Mrs. Parker explained. Serenity eased her shoulders up a bit, yet not too soon before another flaw in her mother's actions struck her. "What did you get out of the dryer?" She questioned with slight suspension, eyeing her mother's empty hands. "Oh, it wasn't quite finished drying, dear." Her mother hastily answered, hoping to fool her attentive daughter. And it worked, just as she wished for it to. "Oh, okay. Well, I'm about to leave for school. I just wanted to tell you that I'll be coming home a little later than expected today." Mrs. Parker crinkled her eyes a bit before asking the question that began to bubble within her wise mind. "Really? How come?" Serenity gave a short grin before explaining the reasoning for her extended stay at school that day. "There's an art show coming up, and I want to actually participate this year. Therefore, I have to stay after school, with the others that will be entering the show, for the details on this year's theme." She explained with delight. Tessa's eyes lightened up, her cheeks softening. "Really? I expect you will be entering into the photography division, hmm?"  Serenity then rolled her green eyes, as if what other expectation did her mother have for her. Mrs. Parker, out of all people that Serenity knew, was aware of her love for the art of taking photos. Her and Mr. Parker planned on awarding Serenity her very own photography studio, as an early graduation gift. Yet, something brewed within Tessa, a mere thought that those plans may or may not be in their slightest favor. "Of course, mom! Oh gosh, I'm so freaking excited! I can't wait." Serenity exclaimed, performing a strange form of jig in front of her mother. Tessa laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm, one of the many various qualities that she simply couldn't doubt her for.   She does take after her father, Mrs. Parker thought. "Well, I certainly cannot wait to hear about your plans for the show. Keep me updated, sweetie." She told her, giving her a pat on her hand. Serenity smiled, much too enthralled to stick around the house for another moment.  The sooner the jungle-like day of school had ended, she could get straight to business with her camera.  "Will do, mom. Catcha' later!" She shouted, whilst rushing to the living room to retrieve her bag, and out of the door to catch the school bus. With about ten minutes to kill, Serenity landed on her feet, fresh off of the stale, starkly "cheese-wagon" that she despised so terribly. Mr. and Mrs. Parker had no problems at all with supplying their daughter with a vehicle. However, the problem was simply within Serenity herself. She didn't trust herself enough with handling such a large piece of machinery, such as a two ton automobile. Yet, she knew that sooner or later, she would have to learn how to properly operate a car, and no longer ride the smelly public school transportation. "Serenity!" Immediately caught off guard, Serenity looked to her right and noticed her friend had finally caught up to her;  After huffing and puffing, gasping for air. "Sera, do you have your inhaler with you?"  Sera was Serenity's best friend of twelve years, meeting at a daycare their parents decided to dump them both off at, over the course of one of their boring summers. Thankfully, the exchanging of phone numbers commenced and the start of a beautiful friendship took off. Ever since then, the two have become inseparable. The two were much too alike to be best friends, but borderline non-biological sisters. This earned a strange stare from Sera, unsure of how to respond to the question. "Yes, of course. Why?" She wondered. "Because you're gasping for air. Seriously, though. Have you used it at all this morning?" Serenity pondered her further. Sera couldn't help but scoff at her best friend, she acted too much of a motherly- figure, compared to an angst-filled teenager of seventeen. She was the "mom friend", that most friend groups have. "Yeah, I have. And don't give me the whole speech about being worried about me and everything. I'll be fine, alright 'rena?" Serenity already hated the fact that her parents had named her after such a word: the state of being calm, cool, and collected. Even if she wouldn't allow herself to admit it, the name perfectly fits her personality better than her favorite pair of skinny jeans; a phrase her mother commonly used against her. But it was another thing to shorten the name, to something as silly as "'rena" or " Serena". Ignoring the fact that her bespectacled best friend even used the uncommon nickname, Serenity couldn't help but place a frown upon her face. "How could you even say something like that? You've had like, what? Three asthma attacks in the past month? I don't know if you realize this, but that's not very good." She hastily reminded her friend. Sera scoffed once again, adding a sassy eye roll to the pot of attitude that quickly brewed. "Whatever, Serena. I'm fine, just stop worrying that pretty little head of yours." She joked, ruffling Serenity's somewhat-tamed locks. Serenity thought about her hair's safety, especially since the weather clearly wouldn't allow her at least one good hair day. So she did the unthinkable... "Ew, Serena! Did you just lick me? Gross!" Sera shrilled with disgust. Serenity caught the attention of a few dreary-minded teenage souls that walked amongst them, a few of them were peers that attended the same classes as her. But one particular person had caught her eye, not that this person did so with other girls of her school. "Hey, Serenity."  Oh gosh, is Michael talking to me?, Serenity wondered with haywire nerves. Michael was another one of Serenity's many peers, but one of the many popular. He was everything she could ever search for in a guy: broad shoulders, flawless hair, model-worthy jawline, and  book-smarts. The intellectual detail was at the very top of her "must have" requirements list. She was picky whenever it came to guys, avoiding the ones who seemed clueless about everything. "Uh, uh—" Serenity stuttered, unsure of how to speak at that given moment. Michael could only smile, the very little thing that managed to melt the teen love-drunk hearts of about ninety percent of her school's female population. He ran his hand through his stylishly messy blonde hair, then continued to stare back at the girl with red hair and the dozens of unique freckles.  "Well, I gotta get to class, so I'll catch ya' later, yeah?"  Serenity's breathing grew rapid, knowing that this was actuality, not some sick dream-like plan of destroying what little dignity she owned to her name. Suddenly, a harsh nudge in the ribs was gained from Ashley. A sign that read "Say something or look stupid."  "Um, yeah. Okay, s-sure."  Smooth. Really smooth, Serenity. "Okay, cool." Michael smirked at her, before leaving the presence of her and Sera. Sera mouthed the word "Wow", in response of how brave Serenity was for actually responding to someone she was infatuated with. "Well, that worked out smoothly, yeah?" Sera said, poking her best friend's side. "Shut it." Serenity blushed, cheeks burning brighter than her own hair. The bell finally had rang, a known fact that it was then time for the students to head to their first period classes. Serenity's first period was the unfortunate Algebra IV Honors, with the annoying-voiced teacher named Ms. Snidely. Of course, her voice was just as equally frustrating as her strange last name. However, she was a decent teacher, in the opinion of Serenity. As for the opinions of her peers, she could not be so sure. First period was long gone over, as was second period, at this very moment Serenity approached her third period class: Creative Photo IV. Many eyes greeted her presence,  mostly genuine  and a couple others rudely snide. Serenity wondered why in the world they would do such a thing, yet she decided to quickly brush it off.  "Hey, Serenity."  Serenity paused, before seating herself in her usual seat by the large window fixture. And to her surprise, a face she knew too well greeted her politely, her soft green irises meeting his crystallized blue ones. "Michael." She slowly breathed his name from her lips. Butterflies flew into her stomach, creating a ruckus of nerves. Michael approached her, his cool blue eyes never once leaving her face. Hot flashes itched at Serenity's skin, it was almost as if his attentive eyes burned her skin on sight. Yet, there was no actual fire to be found. "I'm so glad to recognize at least one familiar face, do you have this class?" Michael asked her, his smile remaining on his lips. Clearing her throat, Serenity explained that she did happen to attend the class. "Did you get a schedule change or something?" She wondered, hoping not to sound too nosy. "Yeah, I had to switch my two classes. I used to have this class later in the day, but I guess now I have it for third." Michael told her with a reassuring grin. Serenity quickly looked away, feeling the scary pink blush creep into her chest and face. Although, Michael remained in front of her, not moving— but intently watching. Without another word spoken, Serenity made haste to her seat, carefully setting her backpack onto the tiled flooring below her feet. Somehow, some way, her curious eyes trailed behind Michael; he took a distant seat on the opposite side of the studio.  Why is he so far away, She thought. This strangely began to nip at Serenity's mind, slightly bothering her.  No matter, she quickly had to remember that she took the class for her advance her photography, not to shamelessly gawk at beautifully unapproachable men. Even if he did own those godly-golden looks of his. Later in the forty-five minute class, all grew quiet in the large classroom of thirty kids. Caused by the unplanned knock on the classroom door, all past conversations and obnoxious noises and sounds went mute. "Come in!" The photography teacher spoke, also known as Mr. Piazza. And that is exactly what the unknown visitor did.  "Hello, is there a Miss Parker in this class?" A woman who looked of forty or so, politely asked. Mr. Piazza nodded, then glanced knowingly at Serenity, being perhaps the only "Miss" with the common last name of Parker out of all of his classes. "Serenity." He acknowledged her, his thick Italian accent slurring her name. The petite middle- aged woman nodded, then requested Serenity's presence, in the front office.  "The... the front office?" Serenity questioned, puzzled. "Yes, Miss Parker. And do not think that you are in any sort of trouble, because you aren't." She made perfectly aware, before allowing anything to proceed any farther.  Serenity still had her guard held up high, not completely sure if she should trust the woman's suspecting words.  Maybe she only said that to save me the embarrassment? "Alright." She finally gave in.  Before moving another muscle, she considered the amount of time she had left in her class. About twenty minutes remaining, according to the clock that hung east of the room.  "Will I need to bring my things?"  "Yes, dear." The woman answered, nodding. Serenity sighed while snatching up her work, neatly placing it into her classroom assigned portfolio and putting it into the classroom cubby shelves. A few people spoke their goodbyes, as did another person whose goodbye was unexpected. "Bye, Serenity." Michael far-welled. She looked up, as she strutted across the room with her long legs to the door. Michael's pretty pastel-colored eyes burned within Serenity's, catching her off guard she had once held up so high. But something odd had most definitely shocked her, a glint of an off purple-ish had shone within those crazy wonderful eyes of his.  Just your imagination, Serenity, just your imagination. Bye." She finally responded. And with that said, she was out of the door, into the vacant halls of her largely proportioned high school. The office lady quietly guided Serenity through the school, as if she was a freshly transferred student. However, that was not the case. She had been attending the school since freshman year, just as Sera had. But never once had she had the pleasure of stepping into the front office. Sitting in the waiting room of the front office didn't seem to pleasant, considering that was where the majority of the troublemakers of her school sat at, before their sentencing of suspension; whether it was in school or outside of school. The woman gently turned a door handle, leading to the waiting room. Serenity obeyed the silent commands, following her into the room. Yet, she was not told to sit quietly in one of the stiff waiting area chairs. Instead, she stood in front of the principal's office, the top-dog of the entire school and faculty. "Just sit and wait in here, Principal Thompson will be with you shortly. "The woman informed her, holding open the heavy door wide for her to enter. Serenity nodded, continuing into the empty room, settling into one of the chairs that were placed in front of the principal's  desk. On the desk, was a metallic name plate that read Principal Gabe Thompson. Before she could make herself a bit more comfortable, a metal handle slung up and down. Serenity didn't want to appear too anxious, so she didn't bother to turn her back and glance at the principal. Yet, she was curious to how she looked, since she had never met him before.  "Hello, Miss Parker, I am sorry to keep you waiting. I apologize."  Wait, what? "But I do expect for you to ask any questions as to why you might be here, and those will be answered shortly."  A tall man who looked to be in his mid thirties took a seat in the principal's seat, pondering thoughts within Serenity's head. He had dark brown hair, almost to the extent of being as black as coal, he was at least the height of six foot, maybe taller. He was a reasonably attractive man, yet Serenity continued to wonder— just who exactly was he? "Where is the principal?" She blurted without thought. The man then contained a poker face, attempting to hide that he was strangely amused at her lack of knowledge to the staff of the school. Folding his large hands onto the top of his desk, he gave her a curt smile, gleaming his unnaturally white teeth. "I'm afraid I haven't been too revealing to the student body, I suppose. However Miss Parker, I am the principal", He smiled again, awaiting Serenity's reaction. And that's when everything suddenly clicked into place for her. "Oh my gos- I am so sorry! I just didn't expect for you to look so, so—" Serenity bit her lip to cease her talkative mouth, before she blabbered something unintentionally inappropriate. The principle then raised one of those thick, dark haired eyebrows of his, waiting for her response, no matter how weird it may have sounded. "Young. You look so y-young." Serenity finally finished.  Principal Thompson then laughed, at her last minute comment. Serenity faked a smile, her two brows knitting together fairly close to try. Finally, Mr. Thompson overcame his bold laughter, and became the once stone-faced man he seemed to be. "What did you expect for a principal? An old man?" He asked Serenity, shaking off a grin. Actually, I was expecting an old woman, but whatever. "Um, yeah." "Well, I'm sorry, but I am not. But any who, we need to remain on topic, yes?" Mr. Thompson suggested arrogantly. Geez, how egotistical is this guy? "Yeah, okay." Mr. Thompson then took off the façade of an easy-going man, but one of an uptight being who thinks that they are better than the others that surround him. "I called you up here today to discuss the plans of the upcoming art show."  This tremendously uplifted Serenity's spirits, sitting up straighter with more attentive ears.  "Each school district is allowed to choose at least one representative, for each category, to stand as the face of that particular category of choosing. And—"  Serenity already seemed to know where this speech led to. This was an opportunity to achieve one of her many goals, to represent her school in the photography category in the district. So she pretty much just tuned out the remainder of what he said, yet she made sure to nod and to " mhmm" on occasion when necessary. However, something puzzled her. She felt like this entire scenario was dreamlike; almost like it was all fake. But Serenity managed to snap herself out of it. "—so I take it that you understand what is being asked of you, yes?" Mr. Thompson said. "Um. I believe so." Was all Serenity managed to voice, attempting to sheath her excitement. Satisfied, the principal displayed a respectable quirk, then allowed Serenity to return to her class. The sunset was approaching the dim-lit skies, as the school day was officially over. Overjoyed with the ending Monday, bubbly teenagers conversed about upcoming events and projects, and other things that just didn't seem too appropriate for the campus. Serenity didn't go home, just yet. As she explained to her mother that morning, Serenity was required to stay after school, in order to learn the necessities for the art show. Luckily, she didn't need to stay after school for as long as she imagined. "—yes, Steven, you need to be there earlier than the others to set up your pieces." Mr. Piazza explained sternly. Duh, you nut. "The final works for the show will be due sometime soon, somewhere towards the end of January."  "So, possibly on my birthday?" Serenity absentmindedly thought out loud. Mr. Piazza turned his head to glance over at Serenity, sending a weary expression over to her; as if he hadn't even remembered  her presence remaining within the crowded studio. "Why yes, Serenity. Actually, it will be on your birthday." He repeated for her, with glassy- eyes. Serenity managed to pull off an unnerving poker face, yet she wondered... Why is the deadline on my birthday?  "Well, that is all of the time we have for today. Good luck on all of your projects, and remember: all final works are due on the thirty-first of January. No exceptions", Mr. Piazza explained to the participants. Low and high ranges of whispering and whining conducted, mostly about the upcoming art show. Yet, everyone finally decided to accept it, mainly because of the dangerous glares Mr. Piazza sent their way. Her father was still at work, the long, hectic hours working as a injury lawyer were one of the many downsides of his career. Due to the fact it was well over an hour since school had ended, and her inability to drive, Serenity was forced into contacting her mother. She pulled out her cell phone, instantly dialing her mother's mobile number. The device stayed attached to her right ear, the annoying humming of the dial tone never ending. After five rings later, there was no answer. Instead, she heard the robotic, automated voice that repeated the same message, indicating that her mother wasn't able to answer her phone in time. Serenity cursed beneath her breath, out of bad habits, then redialed her mother's phone number. Moments later, the same repetitive voice explained the message again. Instead of disconnecting the call, Serenity left a brief message. "Hey mom, it's Serenity. I'm still at school, and the meeting is over. Do you mind picking me up? Please call me back, bye." She ended the phone call, placing her phone's ringer on the highest volume, then returned it to her back pocket. The frost of Utah's mid-December weather was quite chilling, the cold frothy mess fell quietly onto Serenity exposed head. Serenity shivered, her long red hair was becoming soaked with the pale slosh that coated the vague streets around her. "C'mon, mom. Where are you?" She wondered out loud, frantically glancing for her. Nightfall approached the city quickly, as the chances of Serenity walking home increased. Having no other choice, she began to move her feet along the slick, slate-colored pavement. Her feet ached, longing to just give up and to sit somewhere, just to rest. But that just wasn't an option; too many creeps and lust-hungry pedophiles lived within the streets, lurking around every near corner. About thirty minutes later, Serenity managed to locate her quaint home, beginning to sprint. She lifted her lanyard of keys, finding one of two house keys, one was specifically there in case the original was somehow lost. But to her surprise, there was no need to unlock the door, as it was already unlocked. This felt strange to Serenity, however she shook the matter from her thoughts. She calmly walked past the threshold, experiencing the warm of the well insulated house. "Mom!" Serenity continued walking through the house, until she came across the kitchen. The kitchen was the usual place of her mother's desire, where she usually remained once Serenity came walking through the front door. Yet, she was not there either. "Mom!" She shouted, again. No response. No sound heard. She began to walk around the large, format of the marble-slated kitchen island, until her eyes caught a certain figure. A foot. " What the—" Serenity stopped herself, allowing herself to near closer to the leather-shoed foot, one that resembled the dressy pair her father often wore. " Oh god, oh—", Serenity forced herself to be silent, muffling her own speech. Blood.  Blood was everywhere. And it surrounded the very two people Serenity loved the most— her parents. The pungent smell of blood lingered within the thick air of the kitchen; forcing the horrid stench into Serenity's nostrils. She almost had the desire to wretch over and vomit  into the nearest trash-can, as she did not know what to make of this. The only thing she knew to do was to sit there. To sit there and cry, as if shedding her tears would make anything better, to take this all back. To take steal away their pain. Until she heard the coughing and gagging of someone. And that someone, was specifically her mother. " M-Mom?" Serenity asked, bewildered. Please tell me this is all a cruel, morbid joke. Please. " S-Serenit-ty." Mrs. Parker whispered. "Mom? Mom, please, tell me this isn't real. Tell me it's—" "I wish I could tell you, but it is how it seems. " Her mother quaked with a low voice, her sight slowly drifting away along with her life's essence. Dejection of the current situation grew stronger, almost allowing Serenity to feel the aura of gloom. She sat there, kneeling down around her mother and father, the thick pool of blood painting the kitchen floor. "Serenity, before I—before I-I go, you must know something. S-Something important-t, something that you need to know." Shocked and on the verge of more tears, Serenity almost begged for her mother to explain what she meant. Although, the explanation would soon elucidate wonders upon Mr and Mrs. Parker's daughter's future; a future that was soon approaching without caution. "Serenity, I am not your biological mother. And nor, is my husband, Christopher Parker." What? " You... You don't mean that. Do you?" The puzzled seventeen year old questioned. Mrs. Parker could not help but slowly nod her head, although it sent razor sharp pains throughout her weakened  body. Serenity backed away, but not too far from the dying woman she had knew too well. " No! Y-You're lying! It can't... It can't be, no. I refuse to accept this", She mumbled to herself, deep in thought. "But it is, Serenity. Please, please take care of yourself." Mrs. Parker requested her adopted daughter.     Serenity shook her head, quivering with disdain. She knew what she was playing at, but she needed her. She did not want to witness her mother's death, especially not this way. "No. No, you can't; please, don't!" "Serenity, remember, w-we loved you. Don't ever  forget that, or else we would have died for n-nothing. P-Please, don't f-forget us." Died? For nothing? But why? Why here, why now? The scared and frantic teenager grabbed her dying mother's hand, even if it was soaked with the dark ooze of blood. Salty bullets darted from her green eyes, eyes that were unlike Mr. or Mrs. Parker.  "Mom, d-don't!" She implored desperately. Mrs. Parker smiled curtly at her adopted daughter, remembering how she ever allowed herself to become stuck into this situation. But she didn't care, nor did she regret a single moment of it. The only part she could have ever regretted was not making the situation clear to Serenity.  I'm so sorry, Serenity. You deserved more than this.  "I-I love you, Serenity. Your father did, t-too. But, I must t-tell you one last thing-g." Serenity managed to wipe at her stinging lids, focusing her blurred vision unto her mother. " Yes?" She swallowed hard, clutching onto her hand much tighter than before. "Not everything in this world is as it seems. What you thought was normal, isn't actually. Trust, t-trust-" Her skin grew icy, her body temperature decreasing every second she laid there, with Serenity holding onto her. Her breathing became rather unstable, shortened into brief breaths. "Mom? What? Trust who?"  "Tr-rust—" "Who?" Serenity cried out. "N-no one."  And with those final words, the very last breath was taken from Mrs. Parker's lungs, her eyes wide open with fear. Fear that consumed Serenity, not knowing what kind of monster did this to the two people that mattered the most to her. Yet, curiosity eerily crawled up her spine, what did her mother mean? Trust no one? What does that mean? For a long time, she cried. Serenity sobbed into her blood-encrusted hands, with her knees propped up against her aching chest, feeling as though her internal organs would soon spill out of her body. Serenity finally gained the courage to retrieve the house phone, dialing three simple, yet meaningful numbers that were necessary in such emergencies. But, not an emergency she thought she'd ever imagine of being placed in.  "Nine one-one, what is your emergency?"  "M-My parents, they- they're-" Serenity could not bear to allow her tongue to speak of the recent occurrence that has bestowed the very burden upon her, but she had to. For her parents' sake. "Sweetie, you have to tell me what has happened. So please, remain calm and try again, so we can help you." The dispatcher politely explained to Serenity, who remained silent. Serenity took a deepened breath, one that was much needed. She was no longer in the kitchen, but she didn't leave the house. Who knew, what inexplicable horrors awaited for her, outside the home her parents were murdered in. "My p-parents- they're d-dead." There. I said it, what now? Will the policemen and paramedics come hurling around my street's corners, fixing everything? "Do you know who did it?" The female dispatcher questioned with a still tone. "No, no I don't. There's so much blood, so m-much. Please help them, please." Serenity bawled into the receiver, too unstable to remember that they can't be helped. They're dead. "Blood? Where? And do you know if there are any wounds to their bodies?"  Wounds? Serenity hadn't noticed any, while cowering over her mother, but she couldn't return to that room. Not now, not ever. Yet, she was curious. Curious as to what had caused their gruesome deaths, the blistering, spiteful sting and pinches of torture that the scene gave to her, she could not think of anything other than what her eyes had witnessed. Something, she could never forget, a sight that will ever go unseen. "—dear, are you still on the phone?" Serenity snapped back into reality, remembering that she dialed the emergency hotline. "Y-Yes?" Her voice shook, hands quivering. "Do you notice any wounds?" The woman asked calmly, once more. Serenity slunk to the floor, with her knees caved against her slender chest. Coward. "I-I can't. I c-can't go back in there!" She cried, hot tears flashing upon her pale features. "I understand, dear. I will send the police and an ambulance your way. They rest will remain in their hands." "Wait! Don't you n-need my address?" Serenity questioned. "No need, we have already infiltrated your location." Usually something like this would scare her off, but Serenity was relieved. "Until the police arrive, hide yourself into a closet, or under a bed just in case the intruder is still within the premises." The woman explained, sternly. Intruder? No, more like murder. "Okay, thank you." "Take care, sweetie" The dispatcher told her. Until the click of the phone line sounded, she was alone. At least, that's what she thought. Serenity dropped the phone, as the remaining pieces of her heart fell to the deepest pit of her stomach. Hide, Serenity. Don't let them find you, a voice told her. She was frightened— the voice sounded so real, so angelic. But, the only thing the voice proved correct was that she needed to hide. Hide, Serenity. Hide. Serenity scooped her body from the floor, scrambling around to find a place safe enough to go into hiding. A closet, nor bed would never do justice, against a cold blooded killer. Or, killers. She didn't have clear thoughts, her mind piling thought after thought on top of her, each one settling a disquieting strain upon her insides. I can't stay here. Not a moment longer.  Or maybe just until the authorities arrive, then— I don't know. Five minutes past, the ever-ringing noise of sirens echoed within Serenity's ear drums, the pounding of her heart was the only thing beating faster. The copper scent permeated the stale air, the red tinge painting every inch of the kitchen floor. It appeared almost like one of those television shows, but only a picture could tell so much.  Everything— the smell, the grim faces, the blood—  it was all too much for her to even bear. Serenity stood under a small arch, the one that separated her living room and kitchen, watching the medics carefully haul her dead parents' bodies onto a stretcher.  Not to mention sheathed and contained, inside a the contents of a thick, black body bag. The sight made her nauseous, how this may be the final memory she will ever have of her parents, in their home, together.  "Ms. Parker, there is no need for you to practically torture yourself— you should really wait outsi-" " No!" Serenity shouted at one of the policemen. The man was appalled, startled, at her sudden uproar. It pained him, to see such a young girl watching the both of her parents, slowly being gurney-ed off to the city morgue. He placed his hand on her shoulder, slowly patting it, in a way of comfort. Serenity oddly reminded him of his little girls, so bright and fierce, especially knowledgeable. One of the reasons why he joined the force, to protect the ones he could only hold dear. Serenity couldn't help but begin to cry, she had held it in long enough to the point her eyes would water simply at the sight of anything. Nearly every soul had abandoned her home, leaving behind a brightly colored shade of yellow tape, marking the subjected area as a crime scene.  My house? A crime scene?  Soon, her home would be searched, clues being gathered to find the appointed killer. The monster that dared to even do such a horrid thing... Naturally, Serenity left. She stayed with her Sera, her best friend. All of her close relatives didn't quite live near her, about five hundred miles or so, at the nearest. Over the years, her family has moved quite a lot. Not that it was ever much of a trouble, but it still made her wonder, what was the initial purpose? Her father was a busy man, like most successful lawyers were. She did remember how he used to work at a law firm in New York, then moving onto Utah. He then saved up enough money, only to open up his own law firm, soon employing a few other lawyers that he later made strengthened friendships with.  Then she wondered, what were his last thoughts? Serenity's father meant the world to her— as her mother shared part of that world with him. He taught her many things, such as taking a few minutes of her day to look upon the remarkable beauty in the world. The old man even helped me find my path to photography, she thought. He even showed her how even the simplest of things, could turn into something lovely, bold even. But also how some things in life, aren't as they seem. Never doubt what you feel, Serenity, ever. Because once you do, you begin to doubt everything around you, he would tell her as a younger child. Well, it's a little too late for that now, Serenity thought sadly.  "Serena, hey?"  Serenity stopped what she was doing—washing dishes from that night's dinner— and gave her best friend her attention, at least a small quarter of it. "Hmm?" "You know, you really don't need to do that. You are the guest, remember?" Sera reminded her nervously. Once Sera found out about her parents' death, Serenity's routine of acting as a bland wallflower deteriorated into something scarring. Everyone in her school found out— even people she didn't know, knew about it. But of course, she did expect for a few sappy condolence-wept greeting cards, not that she needed any of it. No one left her alone for the past two weeks, constantly reminding her that until she is finally the age of eighteen, she is practically an orphan. Yet, she could very well manage herself.  But she just couldn't manage the memory of her mother dying right in front of her very two eyes. "Look Sera, I'm fine. Okay? Just because my parents died, it doesn't excuse me from being a free-loader." Serenity explained as cold as ice. Sera gave her best friend that signature expression of remorse, the one that has grown comfortably on everyone's faces, ever since Serenity's parents were murdered. Sera sighed, then turned on her heels to exit her kitchen; but before she did, she remained a few feet away, therefore Serenity was in earshot. "You know— you know, you don't have to face this alone, Serena. Together, we can pull you through thi-" And in that moment, the fiery redhead lost her temper, forcing the wretched memories into her head. "Stop. Now." Serenity interrupted harshly. Sera remained facing the opposite direction, but she continued to be all ears. "Sera, I don't think you understand the circumstances that are at stake, now. I just lost my parents; not a beloved pet dog." She explained coldly. Sera stood still, her back remaining turned, as Serenity clenched her jaw in agitation. "I am trying." Was all she managed to add, now shaking. Serenity's body began to violently shake with angst, how to smear of her parents' blood appeared every direction she seemed to turn to. "I am trying, so f*****g hard, just to get this together and to act normal again. But, honestly? I can't. I tried to shake this away, as if they never even left, but it's only getting harder." She continued. "Serenity, you need to understand something: you're not supposed to just act normal. You're supposed to be normal. Not fake a smile just for the sake of anyone, including me, and I'm your best friend." Sera calmly told her. I'm supposed to be normal? Before any of this did happen, I couldn't even figure out what normal was. "Serena, I just want you to be happy, 'kay?" Serenity popped back into reality, allowing her numerous thoughts to collectively disappear. Escape for one. "How." It wasn't even a question, just a statement that she thought out loud. "How?" Sera puzzled. "Yes, how. How am I supposed to be happy, Sera?" Serenity asked her best friend, hardly revealing any sort of emotion or concern. For the first time, Sera did not have an answer. Which was quite obscene to her, only because she always had an answer. Partly the reason why Serenity came to her for advice, or whenever she had a problem she couldn't solve herself. "Well? Do I just waste away the elongated savings my parents built up for me, due to his successful lawyering? Or, do I partake in experimental activity with drugs and alcohol?" Serenity mindlessly blurted. Why did I even say any of that.. Serenity thought, instantly regretting the verbal bile that had just escaped her lips. Sera's expression read as horrified, surprised that she would even dare to think of any of those things, mostly the last option, compared to the rest.  "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said any of that." Serenity apologized, ashamed. Only because, she imagined that somewhere in the back of her mind, her mother would hold a similar expression, reminding her, "Serenity, we raised you better than that." "I understand that you're hurt, but saying things like that will get you nowhere." Sera calmly spoke to her. Only six feet deep underneath a patch of dead grass, completing the family tree. " I know, I know." "Just— I don't know. You like photography, so... Maybe go out and explore someplace, on random, and capture the scenery to your heart's content." Sera suggested boldly, smiling. The idea did have a comforting sound to it, maybe a bit of unplanned exploration was exactly what she needed. To finally break free of the prevalent movie-and-takeout routine she became so habituated to, once she began living with Sera. She desperately ached to be able to sleep within the confines of her childhood home, but she knew if she did, sleep would be the farthest comfort she would be getting. Nightmares crept into her conscience, leaving her skin gleaming with the sticky sweat that produced from her terror. Many nights, Sera was her selfless knight-in-shining armor, waking her from the images that replayed inside her dreams every night. It never once bothered Sera, at least to the point of desiring to be rid of Serenity. Yet, she knew her best friend's state-of-mind just wasn't healthy anymore. "That sounds— great. Perfect, actually." Serenity sighed, at last deciding upon the notion. Sera's eyes lit up with excitement, hoping for the best, "Great! Then, we can go tomorrow. Or, you can be a solo player, if you prefer." The corners of Serenity's lips curled upwards, unconsciously smiling. "I really don't mind",  She told her. Sera's eyes brightened more, probably more ecstatic than she was. Which, just wasn't like her. "So, two players on this quest of photography?" Sera pondered, once more, for verification. Serenity rolled her eyes, something that seemed more appropriate for Sera,  than her. "Yes, two players, Sera." Sera squealed with joy, joining herself to Serenity's diminutive circle of space, crushing her in a hug. Serenity just wasn't the affectionate type of gal, She thought, in third-person. "Okay, okay; that's enough." Serenity gaped, barely pushing her away. This time, Sera rolled her eyes; somewhat chuckling. "Sorry; Forgot you don't like hugs." Serenity frowned in silence, remembering a particular incident that occurred in her earlier years of school, in which why she loathes any kind of affectionate touching. The exact incident that Sera somewhat caused, the exact incident that Sera continues to laugh at, as if it only happened yesterday. "You'll get over it, Serena.", was the aftermath of the occurrence. Words spoken by, no other, Sera. "Well, I do believe this calls for a congratulatory double scoop of ice cream, so—" Sera pauses mid-sentence, long enough to skip to the refrigerator's upper compartment, the freezer, to check for her stash of frozen treats. Sera's smile wiped clean, after discovering that there was not a singular tub remaining. Did we really eat all of that? she thought, remembering the last late night trip for ice cream involved purchasing three large tubs. "Looks like it's time we visited the store, again, huh?" Sera resumed, wistfully. Serenity nodded in agreement, knowing how ice cream was such a big deal to her gleeful best friend. "Okie doke, I'll go put some shoes on and-" " No, wait—" Serenity told her, thinking of another way to escape her mind. For now. Sera remained still, awaiting for her best friend's explanation. The explanation that quickly erased from her brain. "Um, well, maybe I could go..." She said, merely an octave above whisper. Sera became puzzled, yet she felt she knew what Serenity was asking. "Alone." Serenity finally added. Her assumptions were strangely correct. "Oh." A brief moment of silence passed, before Serenity added, "Is that, okay?" "Yeah, yeah. It's cool, I get it." Sera answered abruptly. " You sure? I mean, you can— if you want. I just wanted to-" "—clear your mind?" Sera interrupted, finishing her sentence. Serenity frowned, "Am I really that predictable?" "No, in fact, you're anything but that. I just know you too well, Serena." Ashley informed her, with a grin. Serenity formed an 'O' with her mouth, indicating she understood what she meant. Yet, she still remained confused. Am I really? What I usually do is easily read and understood... "You better get going, before it closes, you know." Sera reminded her. "Oh, yeah, right." Serenity foolishly remembered the task at hand, becoming lost in her own mind. Again. After locating her simple pair of Toms footwear and slipping them onto her feet, Serenity was off, into Sera's Honda CVR. It was new, well, new to Sera. Her parents gifted it to her, as an eighteenth birthday present, knowing how much she needed a vehicle. Ever since her parents' deaths, Serenity gained the courage to finally put herself behind the wheel of a car. It was a strange way to make amends with things, but driving somehow— calmed her. With the easy glide of the four wheels to the asphalt pavement; it gave her an empowering sense of stability.  Something she didn't quite know how to grasp, since her parents' untimely death.