Chapter 1: My hero

My alarm is set to go off any minute, but I've been awake for half of the night, shifting back and forth, counting sheep, trying to fall asleep. My mind doesn't allow me to sleep, because I keep remembering the same thing from 10 years ago.

Yes, that memory of my father leaving us keeps playing in my head again and again. My sister, screaming and begging for him to stay, clutched his leg to not leave us, but he didn't want to hear it. 'It's all that brat's fault. If she behaved properly, maybe I wouldn't have lost my patience. Arggh, leave my leg you little— ' and he shoved her off him then snarled/growled/grunted/glared at us as he grabbed his suitcase. But I was too young to understand and thought he would return soon. I liked my dad. Even if he hated me I felt that he wasn't all that bad. He was short-tempered and moody, but I always asked him to play with me. That love and compassion was the reason he left us. Maybe if I just stayed out of this, I could've saved our family. We could've been whole

'BEEP…BEEP'

There goes the alarm. I slowly wake up and look through the window. Wind waves the tree branches as if in a raucous ballgame celebration. The clouds look white as tiny cotton balls floating after you blow them. The roads aren't very busy. Not very crowded. What a peaceful day. I wish my life was just as peaceful as that. I went to the bathroom to take a shower. Showers are my mood-elevators, taking me higher and getting me prepared for the exhausting day. 'Lilith, breakfast!' a shallow voice called from downstairs. 'Coming!' I replied as I quickly finished drying my hair and getting dressed for school. After the divorce Mom doesn't speak to me as much. No, I don't speak to her as much. I want to, but whenever I try the guilt overtakes me. Even though she said it wasn't my fault, I know deep inside, she feels it too.

'Lilith honey, I have a surprise for you.' She smiled and carefully handed me a colorful, neatly wrapped box. I tore the decorations open and opened the box impatiently like a little child. I picked up the gift surprisingly. It was a beautiful, little brooch. Wow, I thought to myself. I never thought Mom would buy me such an expensive gift. I turned around and examined it from all sides. It was shiny in every way. 'Do you like it??' She asked curiously. 'like it? I love it!' I couldn't hide the excitement. I can't believe she remembered my birthday. She is always busy with her work and would always be my birthday. Then she would apologize constantly for not getting me anything. I honestly found it pretty annoying, because I didn't actually want anything, I just wanted to talk to her and spend some time with her, to give her the rest she wanted. That's why I'm so happy today, she actually stayed home from work and bought me something. I wanted to share all the immense feelings and emotions inside of me, but I don't know what to say. 'Thank you Mom' I smiled happily. 'Oh and another thing' she added. ' Your sister is coming back! Isn't that great news ?' My heart started beating like a racecar. My racecar? My only sister. My sweet sister. 'When? Where? How? Is she alright??' 'Calm down honey, she just finished her 1st semester, so she's coming today to see how you've grown up!'

'OMG! I can't believe this, today!? Why didn't you say this earlier?? I could've done some makeup and-'

'I'm sure she'll like you the way you are.' She smiled again.

I guess so. She was the only one who forgave me. She was the one who wasn't hiding it and convincing me and blaming other unnecessary things. She was angry and upset at me, and has every right to be. But she still supported me, cared for me and saw me as family like everyone should. She remembered my birthday and spent time with me. What more could I want?

'Well, ok Mom, I got to go. I'll be late for school. Bye' I walked towards her and gently kissed her forehead. Then I waved and closed the door. Ok, school. I have to walk since my school is very close to my apartment.

'Hey, Bestie !!' A very gorgeous girl ran towards me to greet me. She looks average and white. Her beautiful blond hair flowing on all sides in perfect harmony. I begin doubting how we even became friends. She's an angel and I'm….not an angel.

'Hey Beth, Good morning' I smiled and waved

'Good morning, Happy Birthday! I got you something!' She delicately took a piece of something wrapped in a messy piece of paper. It was hard to guess from the shape. Another gift? I have many more blessed people than I ever deserve. I took the gift and unwrapped it. Wow, I can't believe she got me this. My favorite. You rock Beth.

'A new smartphone?' I smile uncontrollably

'Yes, I noticed you were using your old cellphone, so that me, May, and James decided to get you a new one, so you could chat and call us

The three of them did this?

"Thanks, guys. I'll be sure to use it properly. But where are the others??' my attitude changed completely.

'I don't know, those lazy bums should be here now.' She muttered. I chuckled as we made our way to our school- Coral Coast High school. The dull sound of footsteps and chatter echo around me as the hallway fills with students going to their classes of the day. All I have to do is stay out of trouble. Stay out of trouble…

'Het dirthead!' An annoying tone echoed in the hall as the students paused to look at me and the person who was calling me. Who else? Megan and her posse.

'I heard it's someone's birthday today' She rolled her eyes and sniggered. Her eyes bulged so much they looked like billiard balls.

Don't you roll your eyes at me you insensitive jerk! Two other girls were staring at her snorting at me in annoyance. The Rosa Twins. You haven't heard of the Rosa twins? They act all nice when they meet you but in reality, they are just two spoiled brats who crave popularity and think they rule the whole world. Megan is a mere puppet in their acts to get themselves out of trouble. I still wonder why she's staying with me if she knows they are using her.

I looked down to ignore them but it didn't work. Instead, it got her even more pissed off.

'Oh, you're not answering me? Do you think you're better than us? Look at your hideous hair, Your 'casual clothes. Your teeth are so uneven they need to put braces on to put it on track.' They began to laugh and tease me more.

'Still no answer? You really need to be taught a lesson. ' Megan frowned and lifted her hand to land a hit on me. Her hand came straight at my face. It was going to hit me. Man, I don't want to get hit on my birthday. I wish I could defend myself. But I feel so weak inside.

I sniffled as a strong hand defended me and pushed Megan back. She was as shocked as I was.

'Leave her alone!' He screamed.

My cheeks suddenly went red. Finally, my hero has arrived.