Chapter One: La La Land.

I was in a cab going to my new home. In Rosewood, Philadelphia. Where everything is perfect and everyone looked like models. I am going to be living with my cousin, Hanna Marin. I haven't seen her since my thirteen birthday party three years ago. I wonder what she looks like now and what's been going on in her life.

Maybe I should tell you why I'm living with my cousin Hanna and Aunt Ashley. My parents have been killed by my stalker—who is now in jail and hopefully stays there until he's dead. It was pretty intense with him on the run and the cops didn't know where he was but thankfully they caught him, but it was too late. Jacob Sanderson—my stalker—had already killed my parents because he was looking for me.

I was at one of my best friend's houses, having a sleepover. It was always our thing. On the first day of summer, it would be just Jessica and I. Getting up at 8:15 A.M., we go to our favorite coffee shop called As Old As Time, it sells the best pancakes, French toast, egg sandwiches, and best of all coffee. Then we would do a little shopping and try on a few things before we go to lunch. By the end of the night, when her parents are asleep we would steal some of the alcohol in their liquor cabinet and watch our favorite movies. It would range from comedy to romance to horror movies.

It all had to end because of that faithful night. I wish it didn't happen but it did and I blame myself for not being there to protect them. Every day it gets harder and harder and I wish I could change everything.

My name is Alisa Marin. I am sixteen years old. I use to live in Delaware. Where everything is green and farms. It was pretty quiet until I dated Jacob Sanderson. I didn't realize how psychotic he was until it was too late.

When the cab driver parked in the driveway of Marin's house, I gave him the money to pay for the ride and said thank you to him. I got out of the cab with the three bags that I brought with me. The rest of my stuff will be here in just a few hours.

I took a deep breath before walking up to the door and knocking on it loud enough for someone to hear. After a few long seconds, the door opened and Hanna Marin appeared in the doorway.

A bright smile came to Hanna's face and hugged her cousin tight. "Oh my gosh! You're here! I'm so happy to see you again." She squealed in excitement. "Come in, come in!" She urged me as well taking a bag from my hand.

As I entered the Marin house, it was beautiful—and big—she couldn't believe that they lived in this house. My parents couldn't afford this house. They owned a flower shop and they get a decent amount of money but not as big and beautiful as this house or any of the houses on this street. Just thinking about my parents made my eyes swell with tears but I blinked them away when Aunt Ashley came walking in the hall.

"Sweetie, I'm so glad that you made it here safely!" she cried out with her arms wide open, walking over to me and giving me a hug. "Just make yourself at home. Okay?" she pulled away with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, Aunt Ashley. I can't express how grateful I am that you took me in." I smiled at her in return.

"No need to thank me. You're family. Family take care of each other." Aunt Ashley placed a hand on my cheek. "Right, Han?" she looked over at her daughter with a smile.

"Totally," said Hanna, smiling.

"Show Alisa her room and I'll order us takeout." She pulled her hand away from my cheek and pulled out her cell phone from her pocket, dialing food for the three of us.

"Thank you again, Aunt Ashley," I said, flashing a smile in her direction before following Hanna to her new room.

Once Hanna and I walked into the room, the room was beautiful and I still couldn't get over how beautiful this house was. "Thank you for helping me carry up my bags," I said, setting the bags down near the bed.

"You're welcome," said Hanna. "So…I'm sorry about your parents…I wish I could have been there for you but I had a lot of stuff going on."

"No, it's fine. I totally understand. But I wish you did come through. It would have been nice to you again even with all that has happened." I frowned, looking down at the ground, picking at my nails.

It was a habit that I started picking up after my parents died. Sometimes I don't even realize that I'm doing it.

"I know. But if you ever need to talk…I'm here. And so is my mom." She smiled gently.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"I'll leave you to unpack and get settled in." Hanna hugged me one more time before turning around and walking out, closing the door behind her.

A soft sigh left my lips as I flung myself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. I am not ready to go to Rosewood High. I am also not ready to meet new people either. I am not ready to face reality.

How could I possibly be ready to face everything after what had happened with me and my parents? I am at a loss with everything. I feel numb.

My phone started to ring. Breaking out of my thoughts. I sat up and pulled my phone out of my pocket. It read One New Text Message.

Huh. I wonder who's texting me. I didn't give anyone my number except for my best friend, her mom, Hanna, and Aunt Ashley.

I opened it and the text read:

Hey, Alisa. I know a little secret about you. I know all of your dirty little secrets. I even know that you slept with your best friend's boyfriend. Does she know? Maybe I should tell her. —A

My eyes were wide with fear and a gasp left her lips. I looked up and looked around the room. How in the hell did this A person know about this? I was drunk and so was he. I regretted it ever since and I couldn't even bring myself to tell her.

It would hurt her and I couldn't lose my best friend after losing my parents. It would break me even more. If that was possible.

My hands shook as my phone clattered to the floor. I breathed in and out, trying not to panic.

This is crazy. How could A know about that? Only he and I know about this. What did this A person want from me? To confess to my best friend?

I couldn't. I just couldn't. She would hate me. She wouldn't talk to me anymore.

After a few minutes to calm down, I picked up my phone and set it on the nightstand, and started putting my clothes away. I just want to forget about her parents' death, her ex-boyfriend, and A. I just want to think about my happy memories. I just want to stay in my own little la la land for a little while longer before I start school next week.

This is going to be hell for sure.