FATED TO BE WITH YOU

Mum says we need to

, but you nee

too fast. And besides, why d

day. Dad is helping Mum

r is he just in

But Mum wants us to

going to suck if

d your frie

ends. You're smart and cool. But no one

ou need to stop saying things

oday. I'm not a child anymore. Complaining about

so sharp? It's always been like this with Lily, and ho

I explained, "but sometimes, the way you speak makes me fe

"I'll try to sound

word, I extended my hand toward her. She took it immediately, and warmth filled my ch

e I used to?" I teased, t

I'm not seven or eight anymore! Besides, t

're not your friends

ight," sh

n protest. But she didn't fight it-she never really minded. We pla

ed inside, Mum's wa

ie. Happy

She pecked Mum's cheek befor

ur day at s

swered, but I caught the f

er favorite cookie and a milkshake. Taking the chance, I

would be here, but you know

. She said it doesn't feel like

r. But we'll have to wait and see. Go g

f them could make it. Besides, this wasn't reall

. You don't ha

y invite

she doesn't have

r expression. "Don't worry too much.

. I'm worried. I'll be leaving high school for college soo

concern. "I don't know,

r. My gaze drifted to the dining table, where Lily was happily sho

she asked, noti

ile. "No, enj

ed and ke

wait a little longer for your dad. Lily, come

way, I went up to

y's

l and Mum talking before we left, but I didn't want to think about

e gift for you upstairs," she had said earlier, and now, as she

paper quickly, gasping w

k you, Mum!" I hugged her tightly,

glad you love it, sweetie. Now, go ta

twirling in my new dress. By the time I stepped out, I was glowing with excitement. I qui

ed gently, twisting and pinning my curls in place. She had al

, tilting my chin up. "Y

her. "Than

issed my forehead. "I

you to

led out a small box. "I have one la

ng with excitement. "A t

, revealing a delicate silver chain with a tiny pendant. "

Her voice was calm, but there was an unusual seriou

er anything, a loud

y before he burst into the room. His face was pale,

iately. "What i

couldn't hear. I frowned, my fingers tightening around the neck

on?" I asked,

't answer. Instead, she rushed out of

other. "Michael,

just got a call fr

s. Michael never looked me

ed in my dress, hoping to lighten the

"Mum and Dad need a few minutes

eaped. "Da

on in Michael's eyes ma

few friends over for business. Mum wants us

creeping into my chest. I ran my fingers over my dress, then touched the pendan

ng a small smile. "They're beautifu

w around me. "Michael... you don't look

d. "It's no

omething was definitely wrong. The silence

g scream echoed

art s

that Mum?" My voice

ad, he grabbed my wrist and

No matter what you hear, okay

a snake. "Michael... I'm

a whisper. "There are strange people downstairs. They're..

and I was left in

terribly, te