Chapter 1

• Scarlett's POV
• Flashback
• On a hot sunny day while walking back home from school, I could not help but think back to when things were alright with my family.
• It was not like there was something wrong with my family, but ever since mom was diagnosed with leukemia, the joy we once had in the family was vague.
• The sudden honk of the car disturbed my train of thoughts. I forgot; I had crossed the road to the other end.
• It was as if my leg had a mind on its own. Looking up from fidgeting with my hands; something I usually do when I'm nervous.
• I smiled sheepishly at the driver and apologized. This was all Kira's fault. She always drops me home after school but she had to leave school early today due to that stupid boyfriend of hers. Kira has been my best friend since we were kids.
• Although she's a spoilt brat, I wouldn't change her for anything. It's just Lyon her boyfriend that I hate to the core. Gosh, he's so full of himself with those weirdo friends he had.
• Approaching the front patio of the house, I took time to glance at the flower’s mom had planted. It had blossomed already since it's summer. I walked towards the bed of flowers and plucked a rose for my mom.
• I smiled at myself, knowing mom would like it. Roses had always been her favorite flower.
• Quickly entering the house, I dropped my bag on the sofa and kicked off my shoes. Knowing perfectly mum would scold me afterwards, I giggled.
• The clinking of dishes drew my attention to the kitchen.
• “Hi mom" I said, tapping the island. That must have startled her because she dropped the ladle.
• My mom chuckled and picked the ladle from the floor. “How was school today?”, my mom asked while I wore the apron to offer a helping hand. I washed my hands and started chopping veggies.
• “It was as usual, not bad". I replied, continuing with what I was doing.
• “Kira didn't drop you today?”, my mom asked, raising her eyebrows. I chuckled. The noise of the pot falling on the floor startled me.
• Glancing up, I noticed my mom, who seemed to be in pain.
• “Mom, what's wrong?". I asked with worry evident on my face.
• I hurriedly rushed to her side. My mom flashed me a weak smile. It was then I realized something was definitely wrong. That's when I noticed mum's pale appearance. I guided her to the chair near the kitchen island.
• My mom, being as stubborn as always wanted to prove to me there was nothing wrong with her and I was overthinking, but I have had enough of that. Mom suddenly coughed and I had to pass the kitchen tissue over to her.
• What I realized crumbled my whole world, my mom had coughed blood. I couldn't help but shed tears knowing my mom's life was on the hold.
• I was ten when my mom was diagnosed with leukemia. We had tried anything possible but we couldn't find a matching stem cell transplant for my mom.
• Don't cry, I'm going to be fine". My mom held my face, reassuring me.
• I hugged her so tightly as if there was no tomorrow. I offered to continue the cooking, which mom protested against.
• ****************************************************
• “Food is ready". I called out loud enough for my mom to hear.
• “Wow I'm right on time”, dad spoke, settling on the chair opposite my mom.
• “You better wash your hands before you eat". Mom warned dad with a stern face. “I'm up already”, my dad replied, getting up from the chair. I chuckled, looking at my mom who just shrugged her shoulders.
• “Sweetie, pass me the salad”, dad asked with a smile which I returned while passing the bowl to him.
• “Hmmmm this tastes delicious.” dad said with a thumbs up.
• “You got to be kidding dad. Mom's meals are amazing".
• “How was work today?", my mom asked, which was my cue to leave since I had finished my meal.
• “Wow, this movie is amazing". I said, tossing popcorn in my mouth.
• Mom chuckled at my response. Dad just offered me an apologetic smile.
• “It's time to sleep honey. You have school tomorrow". Mom nagged me and I whined in return.
• I reluctantly walked from the living room. I hadn't made it to my room until I heard dad screaming for help. I quickly rushed back downstairs.
• “Dad, what happened? Why is mom unconscious?". I asked, shaking my mom. “Sweetie, it would be better if we rushed your mom to the hospital. I'm literally as confused as you are. She just got up after you left but fainted before she could take a step". Nodding my head, I realized my dad was right.
• “Hurry", my dad kept barking orders at the cab driver, who I felt pity for.
• He refused to drive to the hospital despite my opinion. With the hospital in view, I wiped my tears knowing mom was going to be alright.
• “Will you guys hurry up? If anything happens to my wife. I won't forgive any of you". My dad spoke to the nearby nurses who rushed with a wheelchair to get my mom from my dad's arms.
• “Dad, can you sit down for a while. You are making me nervous going back and forth". I reasoned with my dad.
• Here we are sitting in front of the emergency room with the lights still on. “God please save my mom". I whispered a silent prayer, hoping the heavens would be easy on me. The lights went off and we hurriedly rushed to meet the doctor who came outside with his mask on.
• “Doctor, how is my wife? Is she alright? Say something, don't keep mute”, my dad shouted at the doctor, which startled me with this new side of him.
• “I'm sorry to disappoint you guys but we couldn't save her.”
• “What do you mean doctor?". I asked, walking up to the doctor.
• “I'm sorry but we lost her. She is dead but she passed this locket before she gave up". I took the locket and burst into tears watching my world crumble right in front of my eyes. How could my mom die just like that? We were happy a while ago. What happened? What went wrong? I didn't get to see her last smile.
• Embracing my sorrows, I looked over at my dad who had his head in between his hands. I crawled gently to his side, tapping his back to console him.
• That was the last time my dad treated me nicely.
• END OF FLASHBACK
• “What are you doing still sitting on the floor? The food won't cook itself. Will you get up?". My dad yelled at me.
• I stood up wincing in pain from my dad's brutal beatings. I didn't know what wrong I committed, but my dad leashes his anger over my mom's death on me.
• My mere presence irritates him since I remind him of my dead mom. I've learnt the hard way that crying makes the situation worse. I dragged myself to the kitchen working on dinner with my shaky hands. Silently wiping my tears, I braced myself confidently, focusing on cooking.
• Placing the food on the diner, I gently dragged a chair to sit on. While eating, I avoided eye contact with my dad. I cleared my throat, drawing my dad's attention. “Dad." I started but was cut in by my dad.
• “What! Can't I eat in peace”, my dad yelled.
• The stench of alcohol was so strong I had to look down from not puking on him. Ignoring his threats, I continued. ...tomorrow is my graduation ceremony and I was asking if you could make it.
• Fidgeting with my fingers, something I usually do when I'm nervous. I glanced up, seeing my dad's eyes soften. An emotion you can't fathom. I saw love in his eyes but was soon masked with an unexplainable expression.
• “I've lost my appetite”, my dad stood up, suddenly startling me.
• I continued eating while he left. I cleared the table and went inside my room. Sitting up gently on my bed, I picked up the family photo on the bedside table, kissing my mom's picture. ‘I’m going to make you proud mom. Don't worry, I don't blame dad, he will definitely come around. Covering myself with a blanket, I switched off the bedside lamp.
• *************
• “Will your dad come today?" Kira, my best friend, asked me.
• I glanced over at Lyon sitting closer to us.
• “Must he follow you wherever you go including graduation". I scoffed.
• I glared at him with her eyes flashing Kira yelled “Keep your voice down. I know you hate my boyfriend but he's the one I love, so you better get used to that because it's not changing ".
• I just shrugged my shoulders, focusing on the speech principal Williams was busy saying.
• “Do you really understand the lengthy thing Willie is reading?". Kira asked, stressing on the nickname we gave Principal Williams.
• “Can you guys keep your voices down ". A girl sitting behind us cautioned us. Kira scoffed, which I giggled in return.
• “Well it's time to call our valedictorian for this 2016 batch for the yearly speech. Let's give a round of applause for Scarlett McWarner.
• “Omg!! that's my bestie". Kira shouted into the crowd while I stood up walking towards Willie.
• “Thank you" I whispered, standing in front of the crowd. I sucked in a deep breath. “Hi guys I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone present, especially our precious tutors here who had to deal with our shenanigans. I looked at the crowd and saw the smiles on everyone's faces. Being in senior high is a hectic thing to begin with, the confusions, popularity and the failed relationships.”
• The crowd laughed at that. “...but we sailed through it all. I'm proud of you all and to my mom who played a pivotal role in my success. I love you mom and you will always remain in my heart. Thank you". I smiled and handed the microphone back to Willie, taking my seat.
• “You did great girl". Kira gave me a thumbs up while I sat down.
• Clutching tightly on to my certificate, I looked among the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of my dad, but unfortunately, I was disappointed once again.
• “Scar, will you join us for a photo". Kira slightly pushed me.
• “Well sure, but you have to stop calling me that nickname of yours". I warned and took my spot beside Kira.
• “Say cheese".Mr. Sanders, Kira's dad said with a smile.
• “I need a copy of that".
• “You don't have a problem."
• “You know you could always count on us dear", Kira's mom patted my shoulder. “Thank you Mrs. Sanders ".
• “My pleasure and no formality. We are family.", she warned. I giggled in return. “You did great in there and I know your parents are proud of you"
• “Thanks Lyon. I didn't know you could reason sensibly". I said sarcastically, which he chuckled in response.
• It's been weeks since I graduated. I've taken up menial jobs to save for my college tuition, since my dad won't even mind me. I sat in front of my laptop and sucked in a deep breath. Skimming through my emails for any message, I found what I was looking for.
• Clicking on the message, the bold words wrote “Congratulations you have been accepted into East High University to read Data Analytics and Technology ". I blinked my eyes several times, making sure it was reality not a dream. “I got in", I screamed, jumping on my bed. East High University has always been my dream college and I knew with my dad's current demeanor, there was no way he was going to allow me to school outside New York City.
• I picked up my phone and quickly texted Kira with the good news. My phone's screen lighted up with a new message. Kira hit a fast reply.
• “I'm happy for you baby girl. I also got into the college I applied to with Lyon". I read her message and scoffed.
• “Congratulations to you two. I just hope he doesn't break your heart". I sent back. “He won't even dare". I laughed at the text and laid on my bed.
• “College will sure be fun and exciting". I whispered and switched off the lamp. “Good night Teddy". I clutched tightly my teddy bear, kissing its nose before drifting off to sleep.