Chapter 1
454 Words
I stood before the mirror, stunned at my own reflection. Was this really Lilian Lavenson—now Velda Jance? The once shy tomboy nobody wanted to know had become every man’s dream. I smiled at the transformation time had gifted me.
As I lay down, headset on, Battle Scars played softly. My mind drifted back to Mac Valley High. Nearly six years ago, I was a tough, quiet tomboy who scared off anyone who tried to mess with me. Then, everything changed when I met an angel—Jaden Neerds. One of the school’s most handsome guys, he saw past my rough edges. He accepted me—without makeup, without shame.
He became my whole world.
We were inseparable, making memories under the stars, on road trips, laughing until our stomachs hurt. But it all ended a month after our anniversary. Jaden died in a car accident. They said his body was never found—burnt beyond recognition. Just like that, I lost the love of my life.
In my grief, I leaned on my best friend, Keelson Mclay. Eventually, I entered a relationship with Gold Nelson, the school’s charming heartthrob. I loved him... or so I thought. But he betrayed me by sleeping with my worst enemy, Lily.
That betrayal shattered whatever faith I had left in love.
As if life hadn't done enough, I lost my parents in a fire. I hit rock bottom. Suicidal thoughts consumed me. But Keelson and his wonderful parents took me in, adopting me as their own. I changed my name—escaping the pain of my past.
I focused on school, on fashion—the one thing that still made me feel close to Jaden. I rebuilt myself piece by piece.
Then, a knock on the door snapped me out of my memories.
Keelson stood there, grinning, holding a brightly wrapped box.
"What’s with that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Omg! You forgot?" he teased.
"Forgot what?"
"Only that today is your birthday... well, your fourth anniversary as Velda Jance!"
"Oh... I really forgot," I said, smiling. "You didn’t have to."
"That’s why I’m here!" he beamed, striking a goofy pose.
I laughed and hugged him tightly. "What would I do without you?"
"You still haven’t opened your gift! Close your eyes."
I obeyed. Moments later, he told me to open them.
A heart-shaped necklace with the name “Velda Jance” gleamed in the box.
"It’s beautiful," I whispered. "Thank you."
"Now get dressed. We’re going out. And wear something sexy but classy."
"I don’t want to go out today, Keel, you know how I get."
"I know. But I’ve got a good feeling about tonight—and I’m not taking no for an answer."
- Writer
