Chapter 1 Olive

My morning radio station played at 6 a.m bright and early. Even the happy music couldn't make me happy to get out of bed. I had to go to school and go to work. There is nothing happy about that. I was tempted to just throw my pillow at the radio. Instead, I sucked it up and turned it off myself. I got up slowly and took a moment just sitting on my bed. I looked out of my window all to see a busy street of many people with miserable lives just like mine. I am 20. Once I graduated from high school I immediately went to Harvard. Now I live in the large city of Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is pretty great. Every morning it is the same old thing. Get up, take an hour-long ride to Harvard, only to stay there for 2 hours, take a train back, go to work, repeat. I know what you are thinking, my life is so amazing. Trust me, I know. I have been going to law school for about three years now. I graduated high school early, because well, I am smart.

I got up and put on a gray sweater and jeans. It was pretty chilly outside. I headed down the stairs of my small shabby apartment. It was raining of course. It was always misty and foggy. We rarely had a clear sky. 

I got on the train to go to school. It wasn't as crowded as it usually is on Fridays. It's kind of funny how life works. We see 100's of different faces everyday, yet we all know that we won't see them anymore. Each person with their own goals, ambitions, problems. Kind of makes you think how pointless some days can be.

It was an unusually quiet train ride. There usually is always some druggy, or homeless drunk person ranting about politics. Looking for a fight. I don't pay any mind to them. I let myself zone out listening to music. Lofi most of the time.

I stepped off the platform only to have to walk 10 minutes to the school. Thankfully I got the afternoon classes. My first class usually starts around 2:30. It's not that bad. I get time to study, do homework, eat. I am doing pretty well. I won't lie. It's not like I am struggling to get by. I could easily afford an apartment closer to Harvard. A new, nice, bigger apartment, but for some reason I like living far away. It is not as bad as it seems.

As I was walking to my Campus I took a deep breath of air. The streets were pretty clean for a city. I smelt Cherry Blossoms from the nearby trees. It reminded me of when my mother and I would walk in the park. It was a nice memory. I like thinking of the memories when I had my mother. Since I moved out, I haven't spoken to my father. Maritza moved out when she was 16. I haven't heard from her in 3 years. She blocked me on every social media app, blocked me on her regular contacts. I guess she really didn't want to talk to me anymore. I wonder what I did.

I was sitting in a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. Nobody really knew about it, but I swore that they had the best coffee, plus, no one was ever there, so I knew everyone who worked there. And they knew me. It was about the closest I had to friends.

"Hey Olive!" I heard my name from behind the counter. One of the people that I knew the most was Donnie. He was always super cheerful and kind. Always positive. I wonder how he stayed like that living in a gloomy place like this. He should get the hell out of here and move somewhere like green achers. Too bad that's only on T.V. 

"Hey Donnie." I said with as much energy as I could.

"You want your regular?"An iced green tea with whipped cream. It sounded like heaven.

"Yes, thank you so much".

"Anything for our best/only customer!"

I was almost the only one who returned here. It was in a shabby area, and everyone wants something shiny and new nowadays. I sat down and pulled out my laptop. I have a very nice laptop. It is my baby. My best friend. I like to think of it as a person, because really, all of our devices have our secrets, and we trust them enough to put passwords, documents, emails, anything private into them. We know they won't share it because they are loyal. I wish we were all laptops, but no, our world has gone to shit.

Donnie walked over and sat down in the seat next to me. He handed my drink over and tentatively watched me type one of my essays for school furiously.

"Do you need something Donnie?" I asked him, giving him half of my attention. 

"No, I was just watching. What are you writing about?" I held my finger up in front of him. I needed to finish one of my thoughts. Fucking english. I hated writing. 

"The causes of rebellion in a court stance. It's not fun if you haven't already noticed."

"You seem like you need a break. What if we go out tomorrow. It's the weekend! You need to take a break from all this work. All you ever do is study."

"Maybe. I don't know. I have a lot of big tests in two weeks. Then I am done."

"Yeah, in TWO WEEKS. You can study the week before." He shook his head violently, letting his long hair flip around. "You know what, you are going. Tonight. Get an outfit. We are going dancing." He smiled slyly. "Make the dress sexy." Then he left the chair.

"Fuuuuucckkk" I planted my hands on my forehead. What was I supposed to do? I checked my watch. I still had over 4 hours until class started. I got up, told Donnie bye, and then went out and tried to find some stores around.

I ended up going into this Victoria Secret look alike. With all those plastic fake girls. Ew. 

All of the dresses looked like they would stop at the top of your stomach. I ended up finding this hot pink dress that stopped at the top of my thighs. It was the longest dress I could find. It was of course a pencil dress. 70$ for one night. Talk about a waste. It was great wasting my money. I tried on the dress one more time before I left.

I looked in the mirror. I had curves. It wasn't like I couldn't pull off a dress like it. I was pretty skinny though. 

I walked out of the store and heard my phone buzz. I don't know why, and I don't know how, but somehow Donnie had gotten my number. He texted me the address and what time he was going to pick me up. Thank god it was later. It slipped my mind that I had work tonight. I texted him back, "I get off at 7. Pick me up at 9." The thing started at 11, so I thought that it was a reasonable time.

As I continued to walk towards the campus, many blank faces looked at me. People who had graduated. Full canvases of empty lives. All striving to make a living. It was sad. I didn't really ever, r want to, think about what I would do when I finished school. I couldn't buy a house with the minimum wage that I earn. Nor did I need a house. The point was that I would be graduating and I would be getting a job in competition with others. But, I was better at the job. I had a keener mind. Younger and prettier face. And we all know that in the world that we live in, that is all that really matters.

I had gotten to the campus in about 10 minutes from when I started. Many students were shuffling at a fast pace, in and out of the main halls doors. One girl caught my eye in particular. A bright red head with almost purple-ish eyes. Her glowing complexion outshined the sun. I stopped mid step because I was just so mesmerized by her unbelievable beauty. She had something that was almost enchanting. Almost as soon as I saw her, she disappeared into the crowd, but for a split second, in a small fraction of time, our eyes caught. She created a fiery sensation inside my stomach and head. Even as I started walking again, I yearned for another look. Another glance at the beauty that I had just seen. It was something that I wish I could be trapped in forever. I wanted to be drowned in her eyes. Her purple, lightning bright eyes. Thinking about her made me sick, and my class was going to start in 15 minutes.

Our professor Calahan greeted us at the front door of the classroom. I liked him because he was someone who always knew everyone's names. It was amazing, and his memory was impeccable. 30 minutes into class was when I had just started to forget the red head. Something about her was just frustrating, infuriating even. She was someone I would love to get to know. Someone who I would let take advantage of me easily. I am vulnerable under her gaze.

About an hour had passed and it seemed that I was in some sort of trance because I hadn't heard my Professor call my name about 10 times before I finally had woken up.

"Greener! Wake up, in the law courtroom, there is no time to daydream about men." The class laughed after he said that. I blushed. If only he knew that it wasn't a man I was thinking of.

"I apologize Professor, what was your question?"

"That is quite alright, now, in the courtroom, what is an example of a valid and legal question to ask the leading suspect?"

"The leading suspect?"

"Yes ma'am"

"What is the suspect in the court for? Without knowing reliable information, I would not be able to answer your question."

"Do you see ladies and gentlemen, this is the answer I was looking for. She spoke up, and that takes bravery and courage in the courtroom. Miss. Greener, the leading suspect is in trial for the murder of a factory producer. Shoved into a shredder machine. Killed, just last night at 10:43 p.m."

"Well, knowing this information that you have just told me, I would first ask the leading suspect what time his shift was. Just to get a good time zone to work on. After that, I would examine the evidence of the murder. DNA analysis, suspect whereabouts during the time. I would then call the leading suspect to the stand. Here is where I answer your question. The question I would ask, 'Is there anything else I should know about the story before I draw conclusions and accuse you?', this may strike fear into the suspect, and anyone is always vulnerable in fear." Over 30 people were staring at me. What I had just said was a first year response. I couldn't tell if they were looking in awe, or in confusion and stupidity. The bell rang, and slowly, without taking their eyes off me, they all got up one by one. Professor Calahan looked at me.

"Greener, stay after class." Mr. Calahan was a short, fat man. He wasn't healthy and he always looked super grumpy. He was balding in multiple spots yet he continued to try and color his non-existent hair. It was kind of funny. He would have dots all over his head it seemed. I think that is what makes him so frightening.

"Yes sir" I said that shakely. I was scared. I was scared for the lecture of my life, and you could believe that it was going to be long. It was my only class today. He knew that work started at 5. We got off at 3. 

"Greener, I have nothing to say except" I waited in anticipation as he thought about his words, "What in the world are you doing at a place like this." Not something that I thought he was going to say.

"Is that a compliment sir?"

"You bet it is. Greener, I am about to give you the chance of a lifetime, and I will never forgive you if you don't take it." Nice way to strike fear into the person on the stand.

"Yes sir?"

"Once you graduate, I would like to offer you a job at my industry, effective immediately"

"Sir! Really?! That is too much. You are offering too much!"

"No! Do you agree?"

"Yes sir I do!"

"Great, you will start a week after graduation. Be prepared, it will be a lot of hard work and dedication."

"Thank you sir. Thank you so much!" 

I guess good things can happen to those who wait.

I walked out the main doors, and to my surprise it was warm enough to take off my jacket. 

It takes me about 15 minutes to walk to work. I work at a nice fast food restaurant, Sheelies. It is a burger and milkshake type place. We have this slutty work uniform which is sometimes the only reason some people come in. I got my bright green short pencil skirt on, along with the blue crop top t-shirt. It felt smaller than last time.

I walked with a fast pace towards the back of the kitchen. I didn't want no perv staring at me if he didn't have to. We were always pretty busy, again, credit to the slutty outfits, but regardless, I got a pretty decent amount of money working there. I was able to fend for myself.

"Diana!" Diana was one of my best work friends. I guess I kind of forget about her outside of work. 

"Hey Olive." She had this kind of gothic look to her, but man, the girl was hot, I had to give that to her.

"What's wrong?"

"Everything" 

"As usual" She was always gloomy. She had short black hair, really pale skin. She was really skinny. She was one of those girls that would look 16 but was actually 20. She always wore eccentric eyeliner. We were very different. I was more excited to work for money, whereas she was always gloomy to be there.

My first order was from a family of 6. It is funny that they chose our restaurant to eat at. Not a very family friendly place. 

People don't really like me because I am honest. Brutally honest, but what can I say. Truth hurts babe. I should have lost my job a while ago for some of the things I said to our customers. I have fat shamed, called out, cursed, exploited, and have been just plain rude, but my manager says I am what brings customers to the place. Me and my body. Sick fucks.

It was a slow night. I got 30$ worth of tips. I usually get over 50$. I was the last one in the restaurant. Diana decided to dip. I was pretty sure that she didn't care if she never saw me again or if she lost her job. 

I was locking up at seven and I was about to start walking to the train station when I heard 2 loud bangs. I shivered. I thought of the memory. I thought of it. Something that was supposed to be buried inside my head decided to come up at that moment. I looked around frantically. What the fuck was happening. I started to hyperventilate. I was scared. For my life. I don't know why, but I knew I was in danger. I started running. The train station was at least 20 minutes away. I don't know what I was thinking. Trash cans, hobos, people who would be begging for cash, I passed at least a dozen of them before I finally came to my senses and stopped. It took me a good 15 minutes before I finally caught my breath. I checked my phone. Dead. Fuck.

 I probably wasn't even in trouble. Of course I was still paranoid. I sat down on a neighboring staircase of an old, beat down apartment building. I tried to comprehend what was happening. I think the last time I had a panic attack was when my cat jumped off a roof and didn't move for like an hour after that. I am pretty sure it proved the theory that cats have nine lives.

Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the door behind me. I fell off the staircase and onto the sidewalk, looking at the door in preparation for the worst. Instead, a small petite girl came out.

"Miss! Are you alright?" She had a tiny, squeaky little voice. Cute almost.

"Who are you?"

"My name's Cora. But everyone calls me Core!" From the looks of it, she was at least 11 years old.

"Core, do you have a mother?"

"Um, I have a guardian, what is a 'mother'" the poor child didn't have any parents.

"Can you go get her for me?"

"Sure." She smiled and then looked back.

"HATTIE! GET DOWN HERE! WE HAVE A STRANGER AT OUR DOOR." She was able to yell so loud for someone with such a small voice. Her hair was a bright orange, and her eyes were too big for her face. She had a large gap between her teeth, and it showed whenever it smiled. She was wearing a cute little rainbow striped shirt. She had on overalls, and she had a big chocolate pudding stain on her clothes, or at least I would hope it was chocolate pudding. 

The next part was a surprise. I was met with purple eyes. Again. And once again I was caught in another jaw dropping trance. Her red hair was down instead of up in a bun like when I saw her at the campus. Something was different about her. She seemed more friendly and extravagant.

"Hi, hello, I apologize for any inconvenience that this little booger may have done".

"Please, I should be apologizing". At this point I stood up and dusted myself off to introduce myself. "I'm Olive, I am sorry for bothering you like this"

"Please, it is no problem. I am Lavender." I grasped her hand. They were soft, but unusually strong. There was no way that she was as delicate as she seemed.

"Oh! Like your eyes!"

"P-pardon?" She looked at me like it was a mystery of why I commented on her eyes.

"Well, your eyes are purple, very beautiful might I add" I smiled warmly.

"M-my eyes are green" They obviously weren't, I mean, I could see them plainly. Regardless of the obvious lie, I dropped it and continued talking.

"Oh, it must have been a trick of the light."Clearly there was no light outside. I cursed myself for saying something so idiodic. "Do you happen to have a phone I could use?"

"Oh! Yes, yes please come in."

"No, I wouldn't want to intrude" Even though I looked like a hooker, I was still trying to be respectable. I hadn't changed out of my work clothes yet, so it didn't help.

"It really is no problem, better yet, maybe I could drive you to your destination?"

"Wow, that is just so generous of you, but I really don't want to be an inconvenience, you see, my destination is almost an hour away, I wouldn't want to take time out of your night like that."

"Again, it really isn't any trouble, but let's get you inside to get something to eat, and then you can use the phone". She was kind, beautiful, and generous. She was a package deal that I would love to buy.

"You are too kind, thank you so much." I was about to get money to pay her for her kindness, but then she pulled me inside rough and hard. "Ow! What was that fo-" She covered my mouth with her hand. 

"Shut up and listen, you cannot leave tonight. There was a man with freakishly bright blue eyes following you" She looked out of the door peep hole for a moment and then turned around quickly and pressed her back against the door. She slid and sat down in front of the door. "I don't think you can leave until morning. He just sat down in my driveway. He seems to be waiting for you."

I started to cry. I sat down on my knees in front of Lavender. She looked at me. "I can't thank you enough. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't pull me inside"

"It is only common decency" She said.

I looked into the peephole. Sure enough there was a man out there, but she said he had blue eyes. From my perspective they were black, but when he looked up, I saw the true color. They were in fact a bright fiery red. Blood red. They looked ready to kill.

"I'm sorry" I turned around and before I knew it, Lavender had hit me in the head with a vase. Everything went dark. And I faded away into darkness.