Contest:Character Fanfiction Contest/A Girl's Messed Up Journal

A Girl's Messed Up Journal by: DreamingAloud14 a.k.a Dream :)) 

Prologue

Hi. I’m Kiara.

I’m 15

I’m a demigod

Half-human and half-God

Cool???

Not really

I lost a family and a normal life.

But guess what…

There’s more to my story than just a simple girl trying to survive life as a demigod. More than just that.

I’m still standing. Writing in this journal. Waiting for someone to read it. For someone to find out about me.

And now it’s in your hands. Please take good care of it.

It’s not safe in the hands of another.

“Kiara! You have an IM!”

Whoops. I gotta go. Enjoy reading. Try to keep everything you read to yourself.

Shhhh…

Chapter 1 

Kiara’s P.O.V

I was a little three year old girl then. My Dad and I were the only members of the family, besides the other relatives. I always think that Dad never liked me much cause no matter how hard I tried to please him he seemed to want more for him to be pleased. It was frustrating and unfair as a little girl. Sure, he’d give me what I wanted but not out of love or pride of me.

“ Dad, why did Mommy leave??” I ask him. I would have loved to learn about my mom but he never really mentioned her to me.

“Because she didn’t want to be a mother” he answers. My eyes widen. This was the first time he’d answer one of my questions about mom and it left me curious.

I mean, I was a 4 year old girl after all. I didn’t understand why she wouldn’t want to be my mom. I just left it at that. I was curious and wanted more answers but I knew Dad wouldn’t answer them anyway.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Dad gets up to get the door while I continue to brush Lady Penelope’s hair. She was my favourite toy. A little fabric doll that had rope-like hair and big blue eyes. This was the first toy my Dad ever got me for achieving something. Although he didn’t really seem proud he was a tad bit satisfied.

Perfected a spelling quiz at 3 right?

I look towards the calendar that is randomly hanging off a wall. The house maids hung it there for a reminder of things since Dad never stopped working. He was working on his laptop just now.

Then I spot it…

Kiara’s Birthday. Please do not forget~! –Ella and Kaye

It was written in the box for the 5^th of September. I was so happy that Ella and Kaye took the pleasure of writing it on the calendar. A glint of hope sparks in me the moment I thought about my birthday. Maybe when I turn 5 he’ll finally appreciate the things I work my best on for him.

Maybe…

“Oh James, when can I meet this little angel???” a voice rang through the door of Dad’s study. My lips purse at the unfamiliar voice.

Who could that be??

“She’s in my study right now. Come look” The door creaked open and Dad appeared at the doorframe. Soon followed by a woman that looked like a bad version of a Barbie doll. She seemed really creepy.

“Hi sweetheart. I’m Auntie Cecilia. I’m gonna be your Mommy soon” her voice sounded like bitter-sweet candy with a high pitch tune. Well that’s how it sounded to me, that is.

“ New mommy?!” once I digested what she said I was immediately alert.

“Yes, Kiara. She will be your new mommy on September 5.  I’m marrying her!” Dad’s face was full of glee and happiness. I never seen him truly like that.

“But didn’t you love my mommy??” My eyebrows knit in confusion.

“Of course I did. Back then. But I’m moving on now…” I couldn’t really process in my pretty little head what he was trying to say but I nodded anyway. I would love to see Dad happy.

“Oh great! We cannot wait for the wedding. It’s in 2 weeks. September 5! We both cleared our schedules right??” Cecilia rattled on and on. I realized that the wedding was exactly at my birthday. I looked towards Dad and called.

“Daddy!”

“Yeah?” he turns away from Cecilia and focuses on me.

“It’s my bir—“ I get cut off a loud shriek from outside.

“Oh dear! That was the twins. I have to go see if they are alright” Cecilia scurries off. Dad ignores me and follows his bride-to-be to who-knows-where.

Sigh…

I was disappointed then. I finally realized that Dad didn’t even remember my birthday. Maybe that’s why they both agreed the wedding be at September. 5. It was devastating to know your Dad doesn’t know when your birthday is.

I frowned at Lady Penelope and poked her nose. I loved talking to her. She seems to understand everything when she doesn’t even live. But I treated her like a best friend, to be honest.

“What did you think of the new mommy, Lady Penelope???” I asked her.

No response.

I wasn’t really expecting one. But I knew she didn’t like her either. I don’t know if I’m abnormal or what for talking to a doll.

I get up and walk out of the study with Lady Penelope in hand. I walked down the hallway in my new white dress and imagine to be a princess in a huge castle all alone. It’s sad to hear the ‘all alone’ part but I’d rather be alone than be with a bunch of people I don’t really like.

“Mom! It’s bleeding! BLEE.DING!” a shrilly voice almost like Cecilia’s shouts.

I bound down the stairs and head for the kitchen where the sound is coming from. There were 3 kids in the room with Cecilia and Dad. They were gathered around one girl that looked exactly like the other girl standing next to her.

“Mom! Don’t touch it!” the girl who had pink streaks in her hair yelped.

“What’s going on?” my voice came out as a small one compared to the loud shrilly voice the girl had.

“Nothing, dear. Daisy just got a small splinter. That’s all” Cecilia smiles wryly at me and goes back to mending her daughter’s hand.

A figure in my peripheral vision catches my attention. I turn my head slightly and notice a boy around 10 sitting on the kitchen counter looking bored. He didn’t pay any attention to his wailing sister and frantic mother at all. He seemed relaxed.

“Hi. I’m Kiara” I introduce a little loudly for him to hear. His head snaps in my direction.

“I’m Christian. Nice to meet you, Kiara” he smiles softly and warmly. I couldn’t help but smile back. There was something different about him. I don’t know what but it was really something.

He didn’t look like Cecilia or his sisters at all. He had messy dark brown hair, dark charcoal-like eyes and big rough limbs. He seemed muscular and big than the rest of his family. You wouldn’t think he’d be related to them at all.

Maybe it’s a good thing…

“Your James’s daughter right?” he ask randomly.

“Yes” I nod.

“Lovely weather we’re having” he adds lightly. I giggle at look out the window. He was right though. It looked like a perfect day for a picnic.

“It’s really pwetty” I say. I bite my tongue involuntarily. Since I was only 4 I had hard time pronouncing some words.

“It’d be really funny to have you as a little sister” he chuckles. I was surprised for a moment. I never had a sibling before.

“Really?” I walk over to him and had to look up to see his face.

“I’d be honoured” he smiles that warm smile he did a little earlier.

“What’s honoured?” I ask dumbly. I’ll admit it was pretty stupid to ask that.

“I’ll tell you on the way” he laughs.

“On the way to where?” What was he going on about? Are we leaving or something?? O.O

“Nevermind…” he laughs again.

I turn around and look up to see what happened to Cecilia’s daughter, Daisy. I could barely see anything from my height so I tug on the dress of Daisy’s sister. She seemed nice. Maybe like Christian.

“Is she okay?” I ask innocently.

“She’s fine. Now would you please not touch my satin dress” she answers with an irritated expression. She grabs the fabric from my hands and pats it into place.

I noticed she had no pink streaks in her hair but it was nicely styled and looked really stiff. She had a lovely tan complexion and nice blue eyes. She was really pretty. But I didn’t like how she acted. She seemed like a witch ready to cast a killing spell to me.

“Is she always mad?” I ask Christian without turning around.

“Sadly, yes” I heard him sigh. I try to process everything I’ve learn today.

I have a new mom

I have 3 new siblings

My Dad forgot my birthday again

Lady Penelope needs a bath later

I need a dog

Okay. I got a little carried away there. I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

Christian’s P.O.V

As Kiara walks away with that little doll in her hand I sigh. She was different. Her eyes seemed to change like a pattern when I try to focus on them. She looks almost like…a goddess.  I could feel something off her. Maybe she’s just like me.

That can’t be.

She seemed so ignorant about that. I mean she’s only a little girl. Then again, everyone is at first.

“Chris, my dear, could you please take your sisters around the house. I’m sure they would love to have a tour while me and James talk about the wedding” Mom’s voice took me out of my thoughts.

“Of course” I realize I was toying with my pocket knife again.

ADHD…

“Come on. Let’s see what we’re in for” I hop off the counter and beckon for the twins to follow.

We walk out of the kitchen and randomly walk around the first floor. We managed to find a small library, a play room that probably belonged to Kiara, a laundry, bathroom and living room. We passed by a small door that looked pretty old and rusty.

BLAGSH

“GHOST!” that was Rose’s immediate reaction. Oh great…

“It’s probably just a mouse” I say lamely. Daisy shakes her head and motions for me to open the door.

“Why me?” I ask in annoyance.

“Cause you’re the older brother!” they answer simultaneously and cross their arms over their chest. I hate it when they do that to me…

I sigh and crept over to the door slowly. A sweet humming was heard from the other side of the door. I strain my ears to listen to the quiet hum of a lullaby. A few rattling noises were heard and I stop in my tracks.

“Well? Go on!” Daisy urges. I scowl and come closer to the door.

I place my hand on the doorknob and try to push the door open. It wouldn’t budge. My brows furrow and I push harder. The humming was considerably louder with my distance to the door. I put my weight forward and push on the door.

SWOOSH. BLAGSH. CREAAKKK

“Christian?” a small voice rang in the air. I groaned and lifted my head. I face planted onto whatever these hard things are the moment the door opened.

“Yep?” I pushed myself up and sat in a sitting position.

“What are you doing?” it was Kiara’s voice. I rubbed my eyes lightly and stared at her.

“We heard a noise and decided to check it out” I answered blankly.

“Oh…” she shrugs and walks off dragging her doll with her. She didn’t even glance at the twins.

I get up and dust off my pants. I look around the room and notice that it was a small storage room that had old furniture, boxes and old clothing. I tripped over a box that had a label written on the side. I tipped the boxed and saw it was a box of photos.

I bent down and picked up a photo. It was a photo of James and some other woman. She was extremely beautiful. She had eyes just like Kiara and her skin looks flawless. She seemed like an older version of Kiara except for the hair. The woman’s hair seemed to be blonde or maybe auburn. I’m not sure…

“Christian? Are you done in there?” Rose’s voice calls from the hallway.

“Uh-huh…” I mutter and try to search for another photo of the woman but there wasn’t the same kaleidoscope eyes and blonde hair with a tint of auburn when put in the light.

Mostly it was James’s photos and a few photos of Kiara when she was little. I sigh and pocketed the picture for safekeeping. I walk out of the storage room and shut the door behind me. Daisy and Rose were whispering among themselves when I came out.

“You guys were talking about something?” I call out. They shut their lips and shake their heads. I just nod and walk off.

A loud sound was heard outside. My brows furrow in confusion. Maybe something just fell over. Another thump was heard which was followed by a pattern of it. I stop in my tracks and strain my ears.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

I walk over to the door and open it slowly. A woman about 6 feet tall was standing in the doorway. She was dressed in a black trench coat, combat boots and sunglasses. I raise my brows in curiosity and surprise. I’ve never seen this woman before.

“I’m looking for Christian Clark” her shrilly and sharp voice had a chill to it. It was weird hearing her voice. Almost creepy.

“I’m Christian. Now what do you want?” I ask rudely.

“Ahhh…you’re the lovely Christian everyone has been talking about. How ‘bout we step out a minute?” she ask in a knowing tone. I knew he was referring to Daisy and Rose who were just a few feet behind me.

I knew this woman wasn’t just an ordinary  passerby. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t here to tell me I won some contest for free pie. Although that would’ve been nice. I frown and step out of the house shutting the door behind me.

“So…bring it” I scowl and sprint off. I need to get as far away from the house as possible.

I need to protect them…

I don’t know why but…

Especially, Kiara.

Chapter 2

Christian’s P.O.V

I run down the sidewalk to wherever my feet takes me. My hand creeps into my pant pocket where my dagger was. It was a gift from my mom, my only remembrance of her before she died. It wasn’t a nice encounter with my first ever monsters. I was only 5 back then.

~Flashback~

I sat crossed leg in our backyard. I was a little innocent 5 year old that was once again tinkering with a bunch of old nuts and bolts I found. My mom was out for work. It was around 8PM. The moonlight peaked through the clouds shining on my backyard.

 

SWOOSH

 

A rustle of leaves jolts me out of my concentration. I look up and see a few leaves rustle in the wind. I go back to figuring out how the nuts and bolts fit when all of the sudden…

 

BAM!

 

I turn my head and see my Mom start jogging up to me in her loud heels. She was drenched in sweat and her hair was falling down her shoulders. She was my superman since my father was never really there for me.

 

“Christian! Thank the Gods you’re okay” she picks me up and looks around protectively.

 

“What’s wrong, Mommy?” I ask and pocket my nuts and bolts.

 

“Nothing, sweety. Everything’s fine. Come on. We have to leave” she says forcefully and carries me inside.

 

“But mommy….” I try to protest as a shadow catches my eye. I stare intently at the spot I saw the mysterious black spot and frown.

 

What was that?

 

“Get your things and hurry” she orders and puts me down. She goes to the storage room where she usually puts her cleaning supplies. I run up to my room to grab my special back pack. It was already packed with things I need whenever we needed to leave suddenly.

 

Extra clothes, bottled water, some snacks, flashlight, a whole bundle of money, blanket and old baseball bat. I grabbed it from under my bed and slung it over my shoulder. I ran for my baseball cap and put it on. I rushed down the stairs ready to go. I knew better than to ask. Mom wouldn’t have answered me anyway.

 

She was in her room dressing in some jeans and a different shirt. She had a huge duffle bag with a bunch of things jammed inside. Unlike me she never made a bag that’s ready to go. She only insisted I make one. I crawled up her bed and peered inside.

 

Zip!

I jump back in surprise as Mom zips up the duffle bag and shakes her head at me. I sigh and sit back. The air seemed dense and moist for some reason. I don’t know what but something was different. I saw my old red ball at the side table and decided to play with it while Mom was busy rushing around.

 

“Damn. We need more time. I hope  Kaye  has some tricks up her sleeves” Mom mutters and grabs the duffle bag.

 

“Where are we going?” I ask. This wasn’t the first time we’d move so suddenly. Mom was more at ease the last time. I knew why we had to constantly move.

 

Mom said it’s cause of her and Dad’s bad reputation. They did some pretty nasty things before and someone framed them so badly they had to go on the run. Well, Dad left mom when I came.

 

That’s what she said. I don’t know if it’s true but I assumed so.

 

“I don’t know yet but we need to move fast” she says sharply and picks me up. I cling onto her as she jogs up to the front door. She slips her feet into some running shoes which laces were removed.

 

She opens the front door and peeks out. She sighs in relief and opens it wider for us to come out. That shadow I saw earlier appears again. I gasps in shock as it’s body appeared. It seemed like a giant about 20 feet tall. It had weird looking skin and yellow-ish canine teeth. It was disgusting and scary at the same time. Not a good combination.

 

“Shit” Mom cusses involuntarily and shuts the door fast.

 

“What was that?” I stare at the closed door in horror.

 

“Something. We just need to get away from it” she answers and runs toward the kitchen. She opens the back door warily.

 

There was nothing at the backyard. Just the usual back yard and all. To think I was just sitting their calmly a while ago. Mom steps out and shuts the back door silently. She grabs a shovel from the side and leans it against the area under the doorknob and I think you get the picture.

 

“There. Now let’s try to head uptown” Mom says and rushes out the backyard. She  pulls my cap down to hide my face.

 

She starts to run towards the bus stop when the big figure suddenly appears at the curb. I gasps and wrap my small arms around my mom protectively. As if I could protect her from a monster that big.

 

“Ahhh…Demetria. Our master has sent us to…uhh….kill that forsaken child” the huge figures voice rumbled and cracked weirdly. No one ever called my mom by her full name. She was always Demi to others.

 

“Mom, who is he?” I asks and point towards the huge figure.

 

“No one. You better leave us alone” Mom says bravely but her voice was just about to crack.

 

“Hahaha! Not a chance!” the figure roared in laughter and soon 3 or 4 more huge figures gathered around with him.

 

“Boss, should we get the boy now?” the smallest one of them asks.

 

“Not just yet, Smoky. We need to get rid of that woman first” the figure my mom was talking to a while ago answers. I assumed he was the leader of the pack.

 

“Give us the boy, Demitria. Or else face the consequences” the leader threatened. My eyes wander to his hand were a huge looking stick was clutched around his fingers. Maybe a club?

 

“He’s my child! He didn’t deserve to be a forsaken child!” Mom shouts angrily and bolts for the other end. I start to look back when Mom forcefully turns my head forward.

 

“Don’t look back” she hisses and sprints faster.

 

Mom was bounding down the street like lightning and was approaching an entrance to a woods. It was the hunting woods. No one but hunters came there and it wasn’t even hunting season yet. Heavy footsteps shook the pavement making Mom stumble. It wasn’t bad enough that they had huge bodies but they were faster than they looked.

 

“Mom, faster!” I cried. I was a 5 year old. What’d you think I’d say?

 

“I’m trying!” she chokes out and continues to run trying to go faster. The woods were getting close and there was a chance if we got there first we could hide and never be found.

 

Tough luck…

 

The smallest one of the pack, the one named Smoky, came bounding in front and grabbed for me. I shrieked in horror as his huge hand came awfully close to face. My mom was beginning to slow down and the clutches of these huge monsters were just behind us.

 

“Mom, don’t slow down!” I yelled. My throat was closing up and I was sweating from head to toe.

 

Before Mom could gather the strength to sprint faster Smoky lunged and grabbed my mom by the waist. Mom screamed in protest but we were too far in the abandoned street for anyone to notice. Smoky laughs loudly and gets up lifting my mom and me in the air triumphantly.

 

“Good job, Smoky!” one of the giants congratulates and clamps Smoky on the back.

 

“You have to get out of here, Christian. I’m going to let you go and you have to run to the woods without stopping okay?” Mom whispers taking deep and shallow breaths.

 

“But what about you?!” I screamed in protest to her plan. The giants were too busy congratulating Smoky to notice us.

 

“I’ll be following your every step. I promise. Just please do this” Mom begs and presses something into my hand. Tears were rimming her eyes and I was determined to do this. I wouldn’t fail her now.

 

There’s never been a man in her life after Dad but he’s never even showed up once. I should take a stand.

 

“Okay. Be careful” I whisper and loosen my grip of her. She nods and looks down. It was a good 10 feet jump before the ground.

 

“You know how to land?” Mom asks. I nod unsure. My mom taught me basic agility like how to jump down from trees and to run fast. Normal things that are pretty useful. Especially in situations like these.

 

“Okay. Go!” Mom practically throws me off and I tuck into a ball rolling around then landed dizzily on my feet. I felt a weird feeling on my left ankle meaning I probably broke something.

 

“RUN!” Mom shouts. My feet move of their own and I sprint for the woods. By this time the giants notice my small figure running and they start threatening my mom and running for me. I would’ve gone back but I wouldn’t dare disobey mom’s orders.

 

I continue running to the woods. I finally went in. Huge thick trees surrounded me but I had to get as far as I could. The giants were catching up but within the trees I was a shadow. I continue running ignoring my throbbing and painful ankle. The heavy footsteps stop and a loud ear piercing scream rings the air.

 

I spin around quickly and peek through the trees. The giants were stopped at the entrance of the woods with Smoky holding something on his hand. It was sharp and something was dripping from it. On his other hand a limp body was hanging like a rag doll. My eyes widen in horror as I realized who the body belonged to.

 

“MOM!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. The giants turn to me easily intimidating me with their size.

 

“Be careful, kid. We’re letting you go for now. Our master calls.” The boss says and snaps his huge fingers.

 

Smoky drops my mother’s body on the pavement and they bound away. Police sirens start blaring in the distance and people were peeking into the abandoned street with flashlights and bats ready. I considered running to my mom but a voice kept me glued in place.

 

Don’t go to her. She’s done her best for you. Don’t you think you should save yourself and make sure she didn’t die in grief?

 

A deep rumbling voice spoke in my mind. I first thought it was the giants but the voice seemed more controlled and gentle even. The police cars appear and people were starting to point at my mother’s figure. I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and bolt deeper into the woods.

 

She will be in a better place, Christian. I promise…

 

The voice promised sincerely then left me completely. It only spoke to me again once. It explained to me being a demigod and all seeing that no one else would’ve explained. After that it told me about being a forsaken child. I guess a forgotten child that’s why not much monsters ever bothered me until the giant attack. It lastly told me about Camp Half-Blood. The only safe place for demigods like me. I didn’t go. I wanted to avenge my mother in my own way.

 

That was the last time I heard from the voice. It left me be, I guess. I realized the thing my mom gave me was dagger and I only used it in time of need. Ever since then I was on the run. A rogue. I was a missing person in the files of the police. I was soon forgotten and a foster care found me. That’s when Cecilia found me and adopted me. Then I had a new life.

 

Someone to protect.

 

Not how I didn’t protect my mom.

 

~End of Flashback~

 

I snap back into reality and realize I was running towards the old abandoned building near the park. Perfect. I grabbed my dagger from pocket and smash through the weak boarded up door. The monster finally revealed itself. Turns out it was a Echidna.

“Bring it, ugly!”  I taunt and run into the building. I jumped over old dusty furniture and sprint up the stairs.

I end up in the third landing and realized there was only a door there. I kicked open the door and saw a wide and empty room. Nice. Time to learn a quick dance lesson with the Echidna.

“Oh Christian! Why don’t you come here?” her shrilly and sharp tone sent chills up my spine. I frown and face the door backing away for space.

The Echidna appears at the door and smiles bitterly sweet at me. Her beady reds eyes boar into mine. Creepy stalker. I know.

“How ‘bout I teach you how to dance, huh?” I smirk. She snarls and charges at me. I sidestep and swing the dagger at her body. She flicks her snake like lower body at me and tackles me to the ground.

She smirks and hisses at me triumphantly. I scowl and spit in her face. She gags and rolls off me. I give her a good kick sending her body sliding a few inches across the room. She gets up, looking pretty pissed, and lunges at me with her claws ready. I duck and swing my dagger in an arc direction making a deep slice at her abdomen.

“ARGHH!” she hisses angrily and hits me on the side with her tail I slam to the side of the wall sending crumbs of the ceiling raining down.

“Stupid, monsters. Why me?” I huff and get up painfully.

I charge at her and let out a battle cry. She blindly grabs for my arm and I swipe my dagger at her arm. I cut her arm barely and she claws at my shoulder. I cry in pain as her claws sunk deep into my shoulder.

“What the hell, bitch?!” I cuss in anger. My blood boils by just staring at her.

“I got the advantage here, boy. Just give up” she persuades. I shake my head in disgust and tighten my grip on my dagger.

I slash at her face earning a shriek from her. Blood runs down her face like a waterfall. I grin and shove her backwards. She covers her face in pain and irritation at the same time. She continued to back away until she hit a wall. I decided to deliver the final blow.

I brought my arm back and threw the dagger forward. The Echidna was too busy clawing at her own face to notice the dagger coming straight at her. The dagger buried itself on the Echidna chest. Instead of body parts and blood strewn everywhere a pile of gold dust erupts and scatters. My dagger drops lightly with a clatter.

I sigh in relief. That worn me out. My body sagged cause of exhaustion and the damage the stupid Echidna made. My shoulder felt like it was ran over by a monster truck multiply times and a fork was driven through it repeatedly.  Gross mental image.

“Another monster. Yipee” I cheer sarcastically and pick up my dagger. I limp down the stairs and checked around if anyone was looking before I limp out of the old building.

In the distance I saw a small little girl with a doll in her hand looking around. My brows knit in confusion. Why would Kiara be outside? Did she come looking for me? Where were Daisy and Rose?

I limp and try to cover up the wound on my shoulder. It was pretty useless. Even my clothes were stained with blood. Not only mine but the Echidna’s too. I was limping cause of the impact with the wall. It was a strong hit.

“CHRISTIAN!” Kiara gasps and starts to run towards me. I cuss under my breath and wave lamely.

“Hey!” I try to put an innocent face on as she comes closer. She notices the blood on my shoulder and on the other parts of my body. Her eyes widen to bowling balls, not literally.

“What happened?!” she shrieked in horror and walks up in front of me.

“Nothing. I was just playing with a bunch of spray cans I saw” I lie smoothly.

“Then why are you walking funny?” she ask curiously. I frown. Smart kid.

“Cause I’m pretending to be a zombie to freak people out!” I laugh and do my best zombie impression.

“BRAINS~ I WILL EAT YOUR BRAINS!” I roar. She starts giggling uncontrollably.

“Let’s go. Before someone think you are a zombie!” she laughs and tugs at my bad arm. I wince and instinctively raise my hand to my wounded shoulder.

“Well? Come on!” she smiles and starts to tug a little harder. I wince again and try to cover it up by chuckling.

“Alright, kiddo. Let’s go” I say and we walk back to the house. Well, she was skipping.

I felt a weird presence to her. As if she was meant to be my sister. I shake the feeling off and continue to walk towards the house. Boy do I have a lot of explaining to do. I don’t think the spray paint and zombie impression is gonna work again.

“Look! Wutterfly!” Kiara suddenly jumps up and down and points at a butterfly. I laugh at how she pronounced it.

We we’re gonna get along well…

Chapter 3

7 years later…

Kiara’s P.O.V

“CHRISTIAN! THIS WAS MY FAVORITE BLOUSE!” I yelled angrily.

“Sorry ‘bout that, lil’ sis” Christian was holding in a laughing fit that his face was turning redder by the second.

“You look like a tomato, you know?” I point out bluntly. He cracked and burst out laughing.

Through the years Christian and I became pretty close. Ever since the wedding Dad barely talked to me or paid any attention to me anymore. It was all Cecilia and her kids. Not me. He didn’t even remember my birthday. The maids did and Christian just found out then too. My Dad can rot in a hole for all I care.

We finally decided to move out of the old house.  Christian and I were painting his new room. I was finally 12 years old and Christian was 17. Daisy and Rose just turned 14 last month and even had a huge pool party, which Christian and I ditched.

“What kind of brother are you?” I huff in annoyance.

“The best one ever” he answers confidently.

“You wish” I stuck my tongue out at him. He chuckles and continues painting. We decided to fill his room with graffiti and one space allotted for our bulletin board. We put a bunch of out photos, notes and etc on it.

We finally finished painting the grey background and brought out the spray paints. He had a set of them. He was pretty handy with spray paints and some nuts and bolts. That’s why unfinished contraptions were laying around the room right now.

“What do you wanna put?” I asks. He shrugs and thought for a moment.

“Can we put ‘Demetria’ on this wall?” he asks.

“Sure. It’s your wall. How ‘bout we put your name below it too?” I suggest. He nods and shakes the spray can. I smile sadly at him when he wasn’t looking. I know all about his past.

His mother was pretty naughty with his father. They got into all sorts of trouble. But when one of the people they victimized got back at them they went on the run. When his mom had him his father just disappear. Without a goodbye or anything. His mother died running from some gangsters that were trying to attack them.

Pretty sad, yes?

I shook my own spray paint and started to make an outline of a star on the side. I decided to let him do the honours of put his mother’s name on the wall. I don’t know if Cecilia will like it but then again, who cares?

“What are you two doing?” two voice asks at once. I snap my head in the direction of the door and see the twins leaning at the doorframe eating popsicles off different colours.

“Eating mice. What do you think we’re doing?” I say sarcastically. Rose sneers at me while I hear Christian snicker.

“Shouldn’t you guys be unpacking?” Christian asks politely. He was tolerating the twins as much as he can. One way or another they’re still family.

“Shouldn’t you guys have painted this room last week when we came to décor up the rooms?” Daisy shot back. I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to control my anger.

“There was a skateboard tournament last week” Christian says plainly. I turned out boy-ish and girly at the same time. Weird right?

I liked skateboarding, graffiti, sneakers yet I also like the color pink, shopping, chatting on the phones for hours, designing and all that.

“Ugh. Skateboarding? Try ballet or theatre for a change” Rose pulls a disgusted face. I roll my eyes and almost burst out laughing.

“Ballet? No thanks. Dying my hair violet would be better. Theatre? Maybe…” I smile bitterly sweet at them. Rose narrowed her eyes at me and stomped off. Daisy stalked after her afterwards.

“Will they ever leave us alone?” I ask with a twinge of irritation in my voice.

“Nope” Christian answered popping the ‘p’.

I continued to design the star as we lightly chatted about almost everything on the face of the Earth. I finally got tired of the silence and grabbed Christian’s iPod dock and iPod from his back pack. I plugged it up and put the iPod to shuffle.

“What song did you pick?” Christian asks.

“I didn’t” I answer back. As if on cue a song started playing.

“Have you ever felt like you were the only one on the road

Have you ever wonder where have everybody gone?

Have you ever felt abandoned?

Have you ever felt alone?

 

Well I, I hear you’re cry

And I, I feel your pain

I know you try so hard

To make things right

To overcome this endless fight

Just don’t give up” The song blared throughout the room.

My hand froze halfway through my work. Christian also stopped working and was just staring at the outline of his mother’s name. I suddenly felt guilty.

“Sorry. I’ll change the song” I say quietly and start to walk towards the iPod dock to shut it off.

“No!” I was surprised by his reaction. This song meant so much to him. It brought out so many memories.

“W-what?” I asks making sure I heard him right.

“I meant shut down the iPod. But…c-can you sing it for me?” he asks reluctantly. I look taken back for a second there.

“Why?” I was filled with curiosity at the moment.

“I remembered when I first told you about that song. Whenever I had a nightmare you’d sing me to sleep. Remember? It’s just that…that song…” he trailed off. I nodded and shut down the iPod.

He continued to work on the graffiti waiting patiently for me to start singing. I walk over to my work and took a deep breath. I haven’t really sang that song in a while.

“Have you ever felt like you just stepped over the line?

And then you just pretend that everything is fine

Have you ever felt nobody knows who you are?

Have you ever felt like a failure in disguise?

 

Well I, I hear you’re cry

And I, I feel your pain

I know you try so hard

To make things right

To overcome this endless fight

Just don’t give up” I sang just loudly enough for the both of us.

Christian was working silently. I couldn’t wish for a better older brother than him. Sometimes I have to become the older one too. Christian’s strong but he’s also scared. He’s been through a lot. He doesn’t want to lose anymore.

“Well I, I hear you’re cry

And I, I feel your pain

I know you try so hard

To make things right

To overcome this endless fight

Just don’t give up

 

Just don’t give up

Just don’t give up

I won’t give up…” I trail off and turn my head to Christian. He had his forehead to the wall and has dropped the spray can he was holding.

“You okay?” I ask softly.

“I’m fine. Thanks, sis” he lifts his head up from the wall and smiles at me. I smile back and finish up my work.

“You know…” I start to say.

“You’re not a failure to me” I say turning to him. He nods without taking his eyes off his work.

I purse my lips and let it go. He’s too stubborn to actually listen to that statement.

“If only courage were limitless” he says. I didn’t know how to answer.

We lapse into silence once again. It was a comfortable silence though. Hours passed and the sun was starting to set. We managed to finish up the first wall. We were halfway through the third wall when Cecilia came in knocking saying we only had 30 more minutes before we should stop. Christian wanted to put a graffiti of a Greek symbol on the second wall for some reason. The third wall had a graffiti of New York city on it.

Weird choices

I didn’t push it. It was probably a sensitive subject to him.

“Okay, kiddos. Time for dinner. Head downstairs. We’ll we set up in a few” Cecilia came in once again. I hid a scowl as I start to pack up the spray cans.

“Sure, Mom. See you downstairs” Christian says and gives Cecilia a small wave. Cecilia eyes us and leaves the room anyway.

“How do you tolerate these people?” I asks and put the packed up spray cans inside an unpacked box.

“Ninja training” Christian says sarcastically. I roll my eyes and hits him with a pillow.

“Hey!” he protest and covers his head. I stick my tongue out at him and hit him again. He fakes hurt and topples off the bed.

“Stop acting, you sissy!” I tease and throw the pillow at him. He chuckles and puts the pillow on the bed getting up.

I leave the room and head over to my own. I unpacked a day earlier to help Christian with his room. And yes, I did ride bus with my left over things. I plopped on my bed and grabbed my cell phone from underneath my mattress. Cecilia doesn’t know I bought a cell phone neither does Dad. I’d be in deep shit if they did.

For some odd reason Christian doesn’t have any other gadget than the iPod. In fact, the iPod and the iPod dock was really weird looking. It looked like it was made of copper and appeared really old fashioned. The eldest version of the iPod.

I scroll through my messages out of boredom. I don’t mind not having dinner, to be honest. Usually it’s Chinese take-out. Gross. Cecilia doesn’t know how to cook, James doesn’t bother to cook and we don’t have maids cause they both think it’s plain annoying. Chinese take-out it is.

“Crazy family…” I mutter and lay on my side facing the headboard. I slip my hand underneath my pillow and my hands close on something.

I pull it out and see a photo of my Mom and James. They seemed really happy in the photo. They were at an amusement park judging from the ferris wheel, carousel and kids running in the background. Mom had a soft smile on and her eyes looked amused. James had a blank face staring weirdly at the camera.

It’s funny how they look together. My Mom seemed like a sweet person from her looks. James was always grumpy and business focused. My Mom’s eyes looked like a slideshow of colours, her hair was changing colours depending on the light and her skin was flawless. How lucky was I?

“Why did you leave me, Mom? Did I deserve to be left behind like this?” I whisper quietly.

No reponse.

Of course. As if a photo would answer back right? I sigh and put the photo back under the pillow and place my cell phone under the mattress again. Better head downstairs, Cecilia will throw a tantrum and ground me again.

“James, I just think we should discipline her more” That was the first thing I heard once I shut my bedroom door behind me.

“Cecilia, she’s fine. I don’t think she needs any of that” James’s voice answers. I flatten myself on the door and wait for them to continue their conversation. They sounded like they were at the base of the stairs.

“But she’s being such a brat! Do you know how she treat Rose and Daisy? As if they weren’t related at all! But when it comes to Christian she’s such an angel to him. I mean it’s unfair to the twins. She needs a good talk!” Cecilia rants. I roll my eyes and mouth out what she just said.

“Bull…” I mumble in annoyance.

“Calm down, Cecilia. I’m sure we can talk to her later” James suggest. I heard a sigh and then fading footsteps.

I exhale and glare at the stairs. Stupid useless people. I need a talk?! Why doesn’t she talk to those witch daughters of hers? It’s always my fault. I stomp my way down the steps to calm down my nerves. I took a deep breath and walk as calmly as possible towards the dining area.

“Good evening, dear. Take a seat. We’re having steak tonight” Cecilia surprises me by greeting me by the door with a plate of burnt steak.

Did she try to cook?

“Uhh…Why couldn’t we have Chinese take-out?” I was suddenly craving for the everyday Chinese take-out noodles.

“Oh silly girl! I decided to be a lovely wife and mother to you all and cook. Come on and sit” she laughs loudly. I force a smile and lightly push pass her to take a seat at the table.

James was scrolling through his phone, Daisy was poking the burnt steak , Rose was filing her nails and chewing gum, and lastly Christian was staring at the burnt steak like it was poisoned or something. It probably was though.

“Okay! Let’s have some dinner. Feel free to eat up. Making this was not an easy job” Cecilia took a seat and placed the plate of burnt steak on the table.

I gingerly took a slice and put some mash potatoes on it. Huge chunks of potatoes poked out  of the light brown blob. She is so not cooking next time.

“So Kiara, dear, your father and I wanted to talk about something” Cecilia starts.

I’m dead…

Rather, their dead

But what’s the difference?

Chapter 4

Christian’s P.O.V

My head snaps up at Mom’s statement. Kiara’s eyes narrow at Mom. I gulp down the digusting burnt steak and stare at Mom, Dad and Kiara.

“What’s up, Mom?” I asks. She snaps her head in my direction and grins creepily. She may be my step-mom but she’s pretty creepy.

“It’s just that we think Kiara’s behaviour is getting out of hand” Mom says and turns her attention to Kiara.

“My what?!” Kiara half shouts. I frown and kick her foot from under the table since she sat right in front of me.

“Ouch!” she yelps and doubles over.

“Dear, we believe your being too bratty and spoiled—“ Mom gets cut off.

“Spoiled?!” Kiara almost chokes on her own saliva from the looks of it.

“By Christian” Mom finished. I snap my head in her direction and my eyes widen. I don’t spoil her! That’s crazy.

“He doesn’t spoil me” Kiara says as bluntly and calmly as she can.

“Of course he does! I mean he’s the only person in the family that you actually show affection too. You started calling your Dad by his name even. Daisy and Rose get mistreated by you!” Cecilia points out confidently. I could practically face palm at the moment.

They don’t see how they mistreat her and treat her like dirt do they?

“That’s outrageous! I never did anything to them” Kiara defends. I wanted to jump in but she gave me a look that meant she could still stand herself up on this.

“LIAR! They told me how you call them idiots and other names. You always order them around or make them leave” Mom says and scowls at Kiara. Kiara looked like she was about to explode. She took a deep breath and looked at Mom dead in the eye.

“And you call me the liar” She says seriously. Mom puffed her cheeks and red was flowing to her face. I would’ve laugh if it wasn’t such a serious conversation.

“Kiara, do not disrespect your mother!” Dad jumps in.

“HELL TO THE NO IS THIS WOMAN MY MOTHER! I’D RATHER DIE! MY MOM MAY HAVE LEFT BUT YOU JUST REPLACE HER AND FORGOTTEN THE LAST BIT OF HER THAT WAS STILL WITH YOU! AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A FATHER?! SUCH PARENTS YOU BOTH ARE!” Kiara finally snapped.

“HOW DARE YOU?! You don’t deserve to be a daughter of mine! You better be thankful! YOUR MOTHER WAS A SENSELESS WOMAN THAT WAS PROBABLY A DRUNK AND A DRUG DEALER. SHE’S A USELESS SLUT!” Mom’s face was fully red and everything she had was in those words.

My eyes snap to Kiara. Her eyes changed into a deep shade of scary red. Mom was suddenly surprised with her eyes. Before she could say anything Kiara stood up and slammed her hands so hard on the table it rattled the whole room.

“HOW DO YOU KNOW?! DID YOU MEET HER IN PERSON?! YOU CAN’T JUST JUDGE SOMEONE. I AIN’T THANKFUL FOR ANYTHING INVOLVING YOU, JAMES, DAISY OR ROSE! YOU’VER MADE MY LIFE LIVING HELL EVER SINCE YOU MARRIED JAMES! YOU ALL DON’T KNOW WHEN MY BIRTHDAY IS AND NO ONE CAME TO MY MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATION! ONLY CHRISTIAN DID! AND YOU SAY HE SPOILS ME?!” Kiara was screaming at the top of her lungs and her eyes changed back to the uneven colour  it always had.

Everything went still and Mom’s red face went pale. Dad was staring at Kiara with shock written all over his face. Rose and Daisy looked like they were about to murder Kiara on the spot. Kiara shook her head and kicked her chair away. It flew to the wall and made a loud thump. Kiara stomps out of the room leaving us in silence.

I sigh and each gave them a disappointed look. I bounded upstairs and went inside Kiara’s room. She pulled out a suitcase from underneath her bed and started packing. I sigh and walked over to her bed. She looked at me and huffed continuing to pack.

“You know, you can’t carry that much if you’re planning to run away” I point out. She stops abruptly and stares at her suitcase. She growls involuntarily and grabs a backpack from her closet transferring a few clothes and her cell phone to it. She continued to pack afterwards.

“I know it stung for Mom to say that about your mom but she probably got frustrated and mad. Don’t we all get mad?” I say trying to soothe her anger. Tears were spilling down her cheeks and her eyes were getting red from holding the tears in.

“You don’t know okay? It hurt bad, Christian. Mom didn’t deserve to be judged like this” Kiara says and wipes off her tears.

“Even if she left you?” I remind her. She stops packing and looks at me.

“You once told me everything happens for a reason. I’m pretty sure she had a reason why she left. Good or bad I’ve forgiven her. I believe she would’ve been a better parent than James or Cecilia” Kiara says. She was right. I did teach her that.

She jammed a few snacks and at least 3 bottles of water into the back pack. She grabbed her sketchpad and a few pencils putting them inside. She slipped her hand underneath her pillow pulling out a photo of her parents, James and her real mom. She put the photo in her pants back pocket.

“You’re not seriously running away are you?” I suddenly asks alarmed. I thought she would just give up packing and cry but she had a determined look on.

“I am serious, Christian. I can’t live here anymore. I don’t belong here” she answers. Her eyes were the color of burning charcoal. I furrow my brows. Her eyes looked like charcoal burning in all honesty.

“Are you okay?” I asks. She zips up her backpack slinging it on her shoulder.

“Fine” she looks up and I see her eyes as colour grey. I’ve always been mystified by her eyes. Such colours.

“You don’t have to leave you know? I mean, where are you going to go? Live in the streets?” I try luck to convince her to stay. It was a long shot though.

“No. I’ll find a place. Trust me” she answers confidently. 

WIP