2

~Aurelia Williams~

School progressed slowly, as always, which was perhaps a good thing. Because the longer I'm here, the less time I have to spend at home. After it was over far too quickly, I waited for Steven in the parking lot. Normally he always had to wait for me, but this time he just didn't come and I was getting a little impatient.

Stupidly, I couldn't turn off my thoughts, which kept telling me that Steven was now turning his back on me too. That he realized how worthless I really am.

But after waiting for a while, I saw him running out of the school building with a quick step. He almost looked harried.

"Sorry, I got held up," he apologized to me, ruffling his brown short hair.

A crooked smile appeared on his lips as he looked at me. That smile put a smile on my face again. It's always amazing what an effect he has on me.

"It's okay, you don't have to explain anything to me," I answered him and got into his car. When we pulled out of the parking space, I looked again at the entrance to the school. There were now 3 boys our age who looked angrily at us All three looked athletic, maybe they could be on the basketball team, but I don't think I've ever seen them here.

Is Steven looking for a new friend after all? I thought again. Why can't I just turn off these stupid thoughts? Steven wouldn't do that to me...at least I hope so.

"Who are they?" I asked after continuing to watch the three.

"Just some... friends," Steven said, letting a long pause before continuing. "They just wanted to know a few things about tomorrow's exam."

There was the word: 'friends'. But I shouldn't worry. After all, you can have multiple friends. That's nothing to worry about, is it?

I didn't ask any more questions because he was obviously looking for an excuse and I didn't want to push him.

"Um maybe..." he suddenly started and blushed. "B-well maybe you like..." he continued and I got curious what he wanted to ask me because he's never that nervous normally .

"Yes?" I replied to him.

"Nothing," Steven said and I was a little disappointed that he didn't dare to tell me. Normally he always told me everything history exam tomorrow."

Is that what he wanted to ask me? It's no big deal. Then why was he so insecure?

"Is that what you wanted to ask me? But yes, we can do that. I just have to..."

"...be home before 8. I know." He finished my sentence.

I sometimes forget how well Steven already knew me. We've actually known each other since we were 7. That means we've known each other for 10 years now that we're 17. Steven is only a day older than me and is like a big brother to me. He's always there when I need him and I love him for that.

Without him, I wouldn't know if the hope inside would still be there.

I looked over at him. He looked down at the street intently. I had to chuckle because somehow the way he pressed his lips together looked cute. He always did that when he was focused.

Suddenly his ice blue eyes looked over at me and I looked away in embarrassment.

"Look at the street!" I ordered him and started to giggle.

"What if you're a lot more interesting?" he said, but shifted his gaze back to the road, which I was grateful for. I didn't feel like dying just yet.

I didn't answer his question and just looked out the window in silence. I watched the pedestrians living their seemingly normal perfect lives. I wished for a life like that when I saw her. But unfortunately that was not possible. I thought of my mother telling me before I went to bed that everything would be fine. But it never was, it only got worse.

I was so preoccupied I didn't even notice the car pull up and Steven got out until he opened the car door for me.

"My lady," he said in a mock arrogant tone, making way for me to get out.

"Thank you, My Lord," I replied and had to start laughing again. That's what I loved so much about Steven. The way he always distracts me. It's just so easygoing with him.

Once inside, I first greeted his parents. They were super nice as always. But today they seemed to be somehow tense. When Steven's brother Dave stepped out of the kitchen behind his parents, he looked shocked instead of annoyed. Something seemed different today, but what was going on all of a sudden?

was something wrong with me

"Steven," his father spoke in a stern tone. "Can we talk to you for a moment?" This sounded more like a request than a question.

"Of course," said the person addressed and then looked at me. "Go up to my room, I'll be right back!"

I just nodded in response and then made my way to his room. Of course I knew where his room was since his house was almost like a second home to me. Actually, that was it. After all, isn't home the place where you feel most comfortable? That's what Steven's house was to me. I felt very safe and protected here because of his family. Even if that was more down to Steven himself.

I had just reached the top of the stairs when I heard loud voices coming from the kitchen. "Steven, have you forgotten who is coming today??? You know very well that it's actually forbidden for her to be here." That was his father, who was quite upset. But what did he mean by saying that it's forbidden for SHE to be here. Did he mean me? Why was it forbidden? Had did I do something wrong?

I got curious and even though I knew it wasn't a good idea, I snuck back down the stairs and started listening.

"How can you be so irresponsible? You know you're risking her life if he sees her." This time it was his mother who spoke very tensely. "If she even suspects anything, you know what's being asked of you! He won't take any chances."

"Mom," Steven said this time, but I couldn't quite make out the tone of his voice. It sounded like he didn't want her to continue.

"If she finds out too much, you have to kill her or he will!" his mother said, but this time with sympathy in her voice. I started and backed away from the door, my heart starting to race. What is his name must SHE kill? am I SHE? and who is HE?