1 Chapter 1: Fake Teal Rhinestones

I feel a numb sensation all over my whole body, I have been beaten to the point my muscles refuse to listen to me when I command them to move. I taste blood, lots of it. I sucked on my lower lip; the blood was from my lower lip rushing into my mouth like a small stream. I must have busted my lip, but I do not remember how. I am cold and exhausted. I gathered the energy I had left to slowly support myself while sat up. I was no longer sleeping in my bed but in a field of grass that stretched for what it seemed like miles. I look around in panic. Where am I?

"Liz, Liz, Liz we're here" a gentle whisper in my ear. I opened my eyes and stretched my arms; I must have fallen asleep during the drive. Finally, we are here in this countryside small town. Why did I agree to be here again? Don't ask me I have no idea. My parents said aunt Mae live here and needed assistance since her husband recently died. I did not know where my aunt lived since she always came into the city to visit. I already miss the city, the skyscrapers, lake fronts, cafes in every corner. The morning traffic and people rushing to work, I will miss it. I got out of the car and helped with some boxes located in the back of the car. I took two steps, picked up my head and there was our new home. I didn't expect our house to be this big and beautiful. I didn't know a small town like this one can have such a beautiful house. I walked into the house and scanned the living room. The house is white inside and out. How plain, I thought. Then, I noticed a dream catcher hanging by the living room window. The old owner must have forgotten to pack it when they sold the house to my parents. I came back to reality and sat the box down before walking outside again.

After we finished moving all the boxes inside we started unpacking our things. All of our furniture were delivered and set up for us before we arrived, unpacking didn't take long. It was evening and the sun was already setting. I ripped the tape off the last box. I'll unpack this last box and then I can rest for the rest of the night, I told myself. I took a deep breath and looked out my window. I can see the whole back yard from my window. I decided to take a short break before unpacking my last box. I went outside to check out the patio and pool. To see a pool in a small-town countryside place like this was astonishing to me, but then again, the city didn't really have outdoor pools like this either. I was used to rooftop and indoor pools. As soon as I took a step outside I lost balance and bolted forward shoulders first. Luckily, I was able to catch myself from falling otherwise I would have fallen flat on my face. It was almost like something grabbed my shoulders and pulled me forward. What was it? Was it the evening breeze? No, it could not have been. I walked around the pool, looking into the water expecting something to jump out at me. The night was covered with fiery red colors, a gradient so beautiful I was rendered speechless. The sunsets here are a lot more beautiful here than in the city that is for sure. I could get used to this. I took a big breath in and smiled. A few minutes passed and I decided to go back inside. I slid the doors shut with my head down looking at my feet. I looked up and saw a dark shadow quickly vanish. I closed my eyes shut and reopened them. What the heck was that? I must be crazy, no it must be smoke from the neighbors. Wait, I didn't smell any smoke and no one was outside. I turned to look at the back door for a long second. It was probably just my imagination. I shook it off and headed to my room.

I walked to my still saran-wrapped bookshelf and skimmed through all the books I read back at home with my friends completely ignoring the last box I was supposed to unpack. I came across my old diary from elementary school. I tore the saran wrap and reached for my journal. The cover was pink with fake teal rhinestones that read Liz's Dairy. The journal housed worn out juice stain-wrinkled pages. Out of curiosity, I cracked the journal to the middle pages and walked over to my bed. I have not looked at this for so long. I laid on my bed and started reading.

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May 22nd, I saw him again. He stood by the metal gates that surrounded our playground and watched us while we played tag. He didn't look lonely yet his eyes didn't smile either. A man in dark blue jeans and black crew neck. I don't know why but it seemed like the man is looking at me. Not in an evil way nor a friendly way either. His eyes were stuck to me like a hawk eye eyeballing a mouse running in a crowd. I want to approach him but the last time I did he walked away. Did he know I was walking towards him?

I flipped a couple pages ahead and read again.

June 11th, my last day of 6th grade and the start of my anticipation for middle school. I had a lot of fun today with my friends and teachers. I ate so much my stomach hurt. I had to tell mom that I didn't want a big dinner because I ate 3 burgers, 2 hot dogs, and drank 2 cans of soda. Who knew I could eat so much? It's a new record! If mom knew how much junk food I ate she would make me go on her vegetarian diet with her. I don't know if I should tell my parents that I keep seeing this guy around. I asked my friends if he was someone's big brother, but they all said no. I sat on a blanket laid out on the grass my friend's mom laid it for us and the man sat on the bench by me drinking a bottle of beer. Or at least I think that's what it was. It didn't look like juice to me. He didn't speak to anyone and he certainly didn't let anyone talk to him. He just sat there and drank his beer. I just sat there and ate my hot dog but it felt like we were enjoying the weather together. Will I be seeing him in the summer too?

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I looked at the clock on my dresser, it was already 8:00pm and the sky had gone completely dark with no stars or moon. I closed the journal and sat it down gently on the bed. I stood up and walked into the bathroom to shower. I closed the door behind me and played music from my phone. I jumped into the shower and ten minutes later came out. The mirrors were covered with the hot steam and my music was still blasting. I grabbed my clothes and threw it into the laundry basket and opened the door. I left the door open to allow the steam to escape into my room. I got dressed, brushed my hair and headed downstairs for a late dinner.

It was getting late and I'm still doing the dishes. Stupid rock, paper, scissors. I suck at the game especially when it comes to doing chores. Every night I always have to do the dishes. I rinsed off all the dishes and rearranged them to dry on the dish rack. I shut off all the lights in the kitchen when I finished cleaning up and headed upstairs. "Good night Dad" I said while going up the stairs. I plugged in my phone to charge, set it on the nightstand and crawled into bed with suspicion something was missing. My journal, where did it go? Did it fall off the bed? I looked under my bed, between the sheets, on my nightstand. No sign of it but I was too tired to look any further. All I want right now is sleep. I will look for it tomorrow. I just want to sleep off everything that happened today, hoping that tomorrow will be better and brighter.

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