Summer of eight years ago.

The skies opened up, that night, I was cuddled up in my bed, hugging my teddy bear to myself. I was scared of thunders, I buried my face on my teddy bear refusing to look up. It rumbled again, with lightning. I tightened my grip on my teddy bear.

I was scared.

A night like this bad things tends to happen, mother always says, and I’ve come to believe it too. A rainy night, a lonely night.

It shouldn’t be so.

But it was to me, I was all alone.

The rain poured down heavily, and I held the teddy to my chest. Lifting my head to stare at the door if they were coming.

They.

My both parents.

Dad was optional, but I had hoped she would be here. But she didn’t, I prayed the door would open but it didn’t.

Instead, I heard their yelling voices. Shouting at each other on top of their voices.

I should have never hoped of them coming.

I went back to the position I was in with my teddy. Facedown. And wrapped my hands around it, though it couldn’t contain it, because it was huge and bigger than I was.

But I was still comfortable.

“Flower.. come down for dinner.”

I heard mom’s voice from the door.

“I’ll have my dinner in my room!” I yelled, raising my voice so she could hear. She opened the door and stroll towards the bed. I couldn’t hear her feet. As she walked, then sat and touched my hair. She stroked it.

“You need to come downstairs, baby.”

“I don’t want to. It’s still raining.”

“Come on, you shouldn’t keep your dad waiting.”

“Must I go? You could just eat without me.”

“We can’t do that. Now get up.”

“I’m scared..”

She pulled me up from the bed, taking me in her arms.

“You’re my little flower, you shouldn’t be scared, even when I’m there or not. Don’t be scared of anything.”

“But you said bad things tend to happen on a day like this.”

“Of course, but that doesn’t mean you should be scared of them. Flower. Listen to me, you need to be strong, a fighter. A strong lady. You’ll be smart because you’re a special breed but trust would ruin you.”

“Don’t cry, don’t show any sign of weakness. Don’t let them tremble on you. You’re my daughter. A rare gem. Be safe.”

“Mom,” I was getting scared.

“What’s wrong? Are you leaving?”

I panicked.

She caressed my hair. And hugged me for a couple of minutes. Then let go of me.

“You’ve to remember all I’ve said.”

“Mom,” my voice cracked. I was at the edge of crying.

“And don’t cry,” she pulled my cheeks.

“Listen to me, don’t you ever cry, not a spill don’t cry, ever again.”

“Mom.” I sob.

I was certain, something bad was gonna happen I was scared, I hugged her, there was nothing else I could do other than that.

She drew circles on my back.

“it’s okay, you’ll be fine. I trust you, you’ll do just great.” She whispered. In my ears.

"You don't tell me what to do!" Dad yelled at mom. They hadn’t even touched their meals.

We were having a late dinner. I fiddled with my spoon. Looking down at my plate. Reasons I didn’t want to come in the first place. I wanted a peaceful dinner.

"And so what if I...."

“Oh shut it, stop acting like a saint..”

“It’s my past. You shouldn’t...”

“Because you’re ashamed of your past and I’m ashamed of knowing you.”

“Dean!”

"You know what Ellen. Am out of here. I won't take this nonsense from you. I don’t even want to see your face.”

“What about our daughter.”

“She’s your daughter. She doesn’t even look like me anyway, what the waste.”

“You shouldn’t do this..”

He pulled back from the dinner and stood up, I hurried up to meet him and held his pantsuit. He glared at me with disgust. And slapped me on the face. He held me roughly on the hair and pushed me off him. I hit my head on the ground. Out of the corner of my eyes, I watched him walk away. Opened the door and into the rain.

"Come back.."

Mom's voice went faint. She collapsed back on the chair. Clasped her hands over her head. She looked at me with pity. Walked over to meet me.

“You shouldn’t have intervened.”

I sniffed.

Helping me off my feet, I hugged her. Crying on her shoulders.

“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.”

I sustain an injury on the side of my head, there was a cut.

“I clean up your wound.”

I only nodded and sat down, waiting for her to come with an aide box.

She squats and began cleaning the wound.

I whimper when its stings.

Her phone rang. She lifts her head immediately. And ran to the dining table and

Picked the call. I just watched, running a finger to touch my injured head.

This dinner was a mess. This was our last dinner together as a family.

She ran out of hearing a shot. So I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

I stood up, tiptoe to where she was receiving the call, and peeked at her.

Then I heard mom muffled cries over the phone.

I lean closer.

So I could eavesdrop on her conversation.

"You can't do this to me..."

She wiped her tears off her face.

"Don't do this, just give me some time please."

"I've given you enough time Ellen."

The baritone voice replied.

"Please Scar...."

“A day or two, not now, I need to be here for her, just a night, please. She needs me.”

“I’ve given you enough time Ellen, time to pay up. For your sins..”

“Scar...”

I couldn't hear anything else. She ran past me, her face was puffy and red. Her eyes held so much regret and pain.

And tears won't stop streaming down her cheek.

"Don't follow me.."

She warned.

Running upstairs.

I ran after her. Climbing the stairs in haste to keep up with her.

"Mom talk to me!"

I yelled getting frustrated.

But she wasn't getting it.

"Is it because of Dad? When dad comes back we can talk. He’s just angry he would come back, he always does..”

"He isn't coming back!"

She snapped.

I froze. She never snaps at me or raises her voice.

“He’s gone forever, you should stop thinking about him because now, you don’t have a father anymore.”

“it’s just a misunderstanding.”

“It’s more than that. You’ll understand soon enough.” She sniffed.

She pushed the door to her room open.

I entered. And try pulling the handset to make a call through dad.

"Don't come close."

She pulled a stool closer and stood on it. Fixing the rope on the ceiling fan.

My lips quivers as I had an idea of what she was trying to do.

But my feet won't move.

Why

What’s wrong?

"Am doing this for you. I want my little flower to grow. I want you to live Aisling. I want you to live, well not on the run. I want you to be like your mates. I want you to live.”

She cried hitting her fist on her chest.

"You're just ten, I don't want life for you to end here.."

The rope was already on her neck.

"Don't cry. I'll always be there for you."

"Is this the only way mother?"

“It is.”

She cried harder.

"I won't cry, mother. I won't share a tear."

Mom nodded. Then smiled.

"Never."

I nodded.

"You promise"

"I promise mother."

Watching her tightening the rope on her neck. And with a last glance.

She kicked the stool.

She killed herself right in front of me.

She committed suicide.

Ellen Dean.

My mother.

•Autumn of Eight Years After •

"Get that bastard"

"Get that...."

I jumped through the fence immediately his voice came up. It was midnight, I was already drenched with perspiration, running down from my face, to my neck. Getting into the Bitters mansion hadn’t been easy, it was the hardest of all. I’ve broken into. But there hasn’t been a mission I’ve failed. The cash from his drawer would buy a lot of new fancy watches and gold bracelets like I was gonna wear them.

I knew who my target was, and aimed, making sure I doesn’t miss.

That’s has been life for me. And the only way I enjoyed it.

Running out of the house. It didn't take them a few seconds before they began running after me. I wasn’t wrong when I said it, the men at his mansion were trained, like soldiers. Always ready.

Whatever they were ready for.

I clutched tightly to the envelope containing the cash. Never letting go. With this, I could live big!

Though I was living big, Let’s say bigger.

"Stop right there.!"

Only a moron would do that.

I sniggered.

“Go to Hell!” I said that I don’t care, let them get me if they could. Which I doubt would happen.

I Continue running. For my victory!

All my life I had been running that was what I learned to do. Running from everything, whether it was after me or not I was always running And there was no way they could get me. Because running was my thing.

"If you want us to be easy on you, you better stop now. You little rat.”

"Or else what.!"

I yelled. Back. Throwing my neck backward, so I could see their faces but they couldn’t see mine. I covered my face properly with the face cap. And the mask I had on.

My face was everything.

And no one must see it.

About three huge men were running towards me. Almost closed up, two were behind them, which appears to be bouncers.

Couldn’t believe being sent bouncers after me.

Just a turn was what I needed to get out of here and not get caught, seeing my victory right in front of my eyes. I smiled and stretched my hands like I was holding my escape. But I needed to mock my enemies I turned and smirked.

"Get me will you..."

Someone crushed into me with a bike.

I didn't see that coming.

But I did see myself falling. Bam! My butts hit the ground with force.

That hurts.

Darn it!

Who could have done that? Deliberately delivered me into the hands of my enemies.

I glared hard at the tall and lanky teenager.

I couldn't see his face, the only thing I could see was his beautiful grey eyes. Which I had to admit Because he was masked up like I was.

The envelope slipped off my hands flying in the air. Like a kite. I lift my hands trying to catch them, I wanted to stand up but I couldn’t.

"Ohh.!"

I gasped watching it. Almost getting down. Who was gonna get it? Our focus was on the envelope dancing in the air. Watching us as we struggle, on who was gonna get it.

"You!"

I growled.

"You should watch where you're going." He replied, I knew he smirked. With the way, his eyes looked down at me with mischief.

"You crushed into me moron."

"You're a crazy bitch."

"Jerk!"

Did he see through my disguise? He couldn't right. No one knew I was a girl in disguise.

That was my secret.

He caught the envelope and held it while staring down at me.

“You want this?”

“Give it to me.”

I jumped up.

Fighting to get the envelope from his hands, he was taller than I was. So it was kind of difficult to get it from his hands.

“Give it back, it’s mine.”

I turned and saw them running. They are almost here.

Am so dead.

He noticed where my gaze was and he saw the men coming over to us. They had caught us.

"Not so fast..."

I gulped and slowly lift my head to look at him. His dark eyes shoot dagger at me.

I cracked my knuckles. Ready for a fight. A man like this would beat me into a pulp. But I won’t give up so easily.

"You little thing. Bring back the envelope you stole.”

That imbecile caused this.

"Give me the damn envelope!”

“I don’t have it.”

I have been working hard for this night. And there's no way am giving it all up.

"Be good if you wanna leave here alive."

"Give it to me."

There was no way out.

I posed ready for a fight.

“Looking for this?” I heard the guy with the bike say. He waved the envelope in the air.

“There’s sure a lot of fistfuls of cash in here.”

“Get that boy, bring an envelope.”

The two bouncers rush towards him. He moved away from her bike. And throw the envelope towards me, I hop a little and got hold of it.

“What’s this, some child’s play?”

He punched the bouncer in the face, jumped, and kicked him. In the head. He staggered backward, the other bouncer was on my tail.

He hit me with his fist, I wasn’t able to duck quickly, I fell back. Still gripping the envelope, the others watched us, I jerk up and gave him a height-length kick.

We both fought the bouncers, who were quite bigger than us, but we did give them. A little treat.

He was a good fighter. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw him strangle the bouncer with the towel around his neck.

The bouncer crocked. And stretched, hitting his hands to let go.

He punched his nose, till it began bleeding.

Then we heard the cops siren.

“What the cops, who called the cops.”

"Let's go. It's the cops."

The defeated bouncer stood up from the floor, I was still tied to the other bouncer, who was on top of me.

He came to my rescue, pulled him away from me.

I thought he was gonna help me up but he took the envelope from my hands.

I studied him. There must be something to identify him with. Something. But there was nothing at all.

When he turned. And began approaching me in a threatening way. I took my stand. Not sway with fear.

"Come on!"

They hurried away.

"Let's not cross paths ever again." He threatened.

“Wait, What, give me back!” I yelled, but he had already hopped on his bike and drove away.

“You should run!” He advises.

“Bastard!” I cussed and stamp my feet on the ground.

Did he perhaps call the cops?

But why?

******

I arrived home all sweaty it was six in the morning. I climbed through the window as always. And successfully landed in my room.

I quickly pulled off my disguise cloth and hide them. And Put on my nightie.

"You're late for school miss flower."

"Oh Gawd!"

This old witch. Good thing she didn't see me in my disguise cloth.

"Mrs. Lane"

"I was suspended remember."

"That was two weeks ago. It's Monday. You're resuming today. Your uniform has been Changed and your desk in school as well. "

I sighed and sat on the bed. I was comfortable. I have everything except love, happiness, and family.

And I blossom at day and fade at night.

A secret that would always be mine.

A thief I am.

I stare at the giant black prison gate of hell, where I was held down. I glared at it as it parted. As we drove into the prison house.

Locked up for life?

Never!

I shake my head vigorously, making a mess of the hairstyle Mrs. Lane made.

Conspicuously earning a look from my driver.

Ben. I had been suspended for pursuing a student down the stairs which I didn’t do but was suspended for it, cause everyone thought I did it, very likely I didn’t do it.

He looked away immediately my eyes met his.

"We're here ma'am "

"I told you to stop calling me that."

"I couldn't help it, ma'am "

I rolled my eyes so hard.

"Sorry ma'am "

I just need to get out of here. But getting out of here I would be heading into the place of my doom. I could feel It, there was no way I could pass the upcoming exams.

I reached out to open the car door but someone beat me to it.

"Girlfriend!" She screeched in my ear.

There was only one crazy friend I've got and She was a parrot too.

But she knows nothing about me. And I on the other hand know everything about her.

She was so predictable. That was what I thought.

"School without you has been a Who a lot of wrecks come on girl, I am gonna tell you everything that has happened, I'll fill in everything. Every detail you would be so amazing, I got an amazing story to tell you, you know, Mr. Pams, he’s been suspected, for secretly dating a minor. And You can imagine the look on Carly's face when she sees you..."

"Oh! such a heartbreaker.."

"Come on!"

She dragged me out of the car with my backpack.

"Bye Ben!."

I yelled over my shoulders.

Told ya, Marie has a lot to say in a minute. That was her.

"I miss you a lot. "

She nudged my shoulders and linked her hands on mine.

"Let's go."

"Not so fast girls..."

We turned in the direction of the voice.

"Miss patty"

We are both in unison.

I hate it so much. She was our homeroom teacher, She was a thorn in my flesh. Tall and ugly. Every woman, the same age as the woman who took dad away is all ugly to me.

It's not like they took dad away, he left us, me in particular, the last time I saw him was at mom’s funeral, and then he took the remainder of stuff he had at home away.

Not even a goodbye from him.

Not a single hug.

Nothing.

I just wanted to find someone to blame, though I know that wasn’t it. Ms patty was always on my tail.

She behaves like a witch too. The reason she isn't married yet.

And I had no idea why she always pick on me.

"Aisling flower. You need to see the principal."

"But why miss patty?"

"Stay out of this miss Jonah."

She huffed and pulled her hands away from mine.

"She will see you in class."

She glare at miss patty and grumpy walked away from us.

I smiled.

And followed miss patty towards the principal office...

*****

"You can fully attend class now and no more trouble.."

"Not like I caused any."

I mumble.

"Aisling."

He called.

I lifted my lashes to look at him.

"Welcome back."

I rolled my eyes.

What the **** is wrong with this man over here.

He gestured towards the door.

And someone came in. At that instance.

"Oh, you're here."

He shoved me aside. With outstretched arms welcomed the guy who just walked in.

His face was like a storm. Long and narrow, with a perfect jawline. His eyes were dark and beautiful. His uniform fit him so well like it was met for him.

I saw myself staring at him. Until he pushed me out of the way.

I jolted back to reality.

I turned and stare at him.

"Aren't you leaving?"

I clutched my fist. Wishing I could punch him.

"Aisling this was the transfer student I talked about. He came when you were away. He’s in the same class as you, he would be introduced today, by your homeroom teacher” He was smiling so wide.

I pitied him.

And clicked my tongue.

"What's so special about that."

"You should try getting an A in your grade and then know what's so special."

I wish looks could kill.

I desperately wish it could.

****

I entered the class and all my eyes went to me.

She back.

It's been two weeks already.

I thought it was a month.

After what she did.

She was supposed to be expelled from school.

They kept on whispering as I walked to my seat.

"Girlfriend.!"

Marie held my hands and walked me to my seat.

I was grateful.

My seat was inked with a scribble. I thought Mrs. Lane changed my seat or did they do it again.

"You can seat with me Aisling." I nodded and tails behind Marie.

Immediately we settled. Carly and her squad came with a smug look on their faces.

"Calm down everyone."

She quelled the class.

Our school was a school for the rich. If you ain’t rich you can't be here. Having a scholarship was very rare.

But this year five students were given scholarships to Briton high.

And charisma was a scholarship student.

The victim.

When I was the actual victim.

"You can't blame her. That's how her mother died remember."

They were chattering from the class.

"Poor little thing. Grow up without a mother and she decided to take it out on a poor girl Charisma. How pathetic the girl is fighting for her life."

My throat burn.

I stood up.

"Aisling stop. Let it go."

"Don't it bother you why she bares Aisling flower instead of Aisling Dean?"

And pah!

I slapped her across the face.

She staggered backward. Holding her cheek and I gave her another one on the other cheek she collapsed on her squad.

"Don't you dare bring my mother into this." I gulped I was at the edge of crying but the tears won't fall. Not even a single one.

"Aisling Flower..."

miss patty called.

As she came into the class with the student I met in the office. He wasn’t having the hard look on, which he gave me in the office, instead, it was replaced by a flirtatious smile. Already got most of the girls in class.

“Caryl to your seat.”

“She hit me miss patty.”

“To your seat.” She ordered. Grumpily she marched down to her seat while flashing a glare by way. I glare back at her, it was as if we were in an eye battle.

“We have a new student in our midst, introduce yourself to the class.”

He step forward, and grin a little, Carly looked away from me and stare at him, I did the same, looking away from her.

“I’m Grey Milestone, hope we get along.” He winked.

“New student ritual!” Andre Anderson. The hottest guy in school. He was among the popular squad in school.

My secret admirer.

I know he would never notice me, though I kept stealing glances at him, during lessons.

The new student ritual was something every new student got to do, especially the ones Andre hates.

Miss patty has no say in it. So she step back and let us decide what we want him to do.

“Dance, dance,” they yelled from the back.

Then it’s settled, he would have to dance to be accepted in the school.

“Whose gonna sing, so I can dance.”

“We’ll sing.”

My silly classmates sang, and dance perfectly to the disappointment of Andre. His waist moved perfectly to the song, When he was done he smirked at Andre.

Something was fishy between.

“Aisling... still hasn’t forgotten.

"To the principal office.."

“Witch!” I cussed.