SHADOWS

Chapter 1 - Life

My name is Jacob Oliver and this is a story you will never forget,I promise you.I'm twelve years old and I'm living in California with my mother.Our father left us when I was born,I never got to see him,only in some photos.He looks like a pretty handsome guy,but my mother told me to never try to find him.Hope someday I'll found out what happened myself.I don't have many friends,so don't get me wrong,I hardly socialize with people.I always felt..distant to them.

(Mother) : Jacob,wake up!You'll get late to school!

(Jacob) : Alright mom,just five more minutes!Oh man,I really wish I could just stay in this bed all day..

(Mother) : Hi there,you had a pretty rough night , didn't you?

(Jacob) : What do you mean,did something happen mom?  

(Mother) : My neighbour told me you were screaming about some monsters in your closet!How many times do I have to tell you they are not real?

(Jacob) : But I saw them mom,I swear!They looked so real..

(Mother) : Ok sweetie,I think it's time for you to get some fresh air!It will make you feel better!

(Jacob) : Okay..

I remember always being late to school because of my nightmares.Almost every night they visited me in my dream..it was so vivid,like a lucid dream..I would struggle so much trying to wake up.I was so afraid..waking up in a cold sweat then hiding under my blanket and holding my eyes opened till the morning came up.I just..couldn't sleep.I would see the doors from my closet opened,but nothing was here.But soon I've learned that my psyhical nightmares are nothing compared to the cruel reality..

Every day would just feel the same.The same routine..going to school,then going back home.I just didn't want to have something to do with the kids..I would always stand there in the swingset,looking at them.I think I always felt that people could simply not be trusted.They always called me "the weird kid"..."If you are not like them,if you don't follow their rules,the "trending",you would just be treated differently,because you know?You don't stay in line like a sheep like you are supposed to.

Someday,when I was in class,just chilling I was looking at the window and I saw this girl,being threatened by two kids.One of them calls himself "the boss" of my class.His name is David.He was always pretty annoying,I just couldn't stand him.I always imagined myself strangling him everytime he threatened someone.I just didn't have the courage to stand in front of him.But that day came..I remember going out of class,opening the door and..

(Jacob) : Let her go ! NOW ! I had enough of you already !

(David) : Well,well!Look who's talking! You better leave now or you'll get into trouble ! 

(David's friend) : Ohh,look out!It's the weird kid!

(??) : He's not weird,stop talking to him like that!Jacob,just go..I don't want you to get hurt because of me!

(Jacob) : No Sophie,I think I had enough of this guy.

Sophie had a chance to run and quickly got inside.But me?I remember getting punched by this guy and his friend I couldn't feel my face.Yeah,I got beaten up pretty bad,but you know what,it was worth it..after hearing those words from her I think I did the right thing.I don't know why but for the first time I felt good helping someone.I never did that.My body just moved on its own,you know?

(David) : You are pathetic,don't get in my way again,got it?

I couldn't help but look at him with so much hate..I just felt so bad I couldn't do more,I felt so..weak.

(Sophie) : Are you ok ?Let me get you to the doctor,you don't look so good!

(Jacob) : No,I hate doctors.I will get better hopefully.

(Sophie) : Lies.Shut up and come with me,I promise I'll stay there with you.

(Sophie) : By the way,my name is Sophie Grey.You really shouldn't have done that for me,you know?I just ignore those kind of people,they don't deserve my attention.

(Jacob) : Nah,it's nothing.My name is Jacob by the way.

(Sophie) : Hey,uhm.Do you want to eat together ? 

(Jacob) : Sure!Why not?

At this moment I felt something I never did .I just felt...different.I had someone to talk to.I didn't feel imprisoned anymore.We would use to talk every day at school about so many things.She became the best friend I ever had.

Fast forward 2 years later..

(Sophie) : Hey Jacob did you decide to what high school you are going ? 

(Jacob) : Well to be honest with you...I'm thinking to go to the police academy!My father was in the police,so I guess I will do the same thing!What do you have in mind?

(Sophie) : Well,I'm thinking  of going to the school of plastic arts!I just love doing paintings!I believe those embody so many feelings,from people portraits that immortalize the happiness or the sadness,landscapes..

(Jacob) : Yeah,I have to admit.You do have a special talent,your painting of that mountain landscape was sureal!I have my fingers crossed for you! 

(Sophie) : Oh,thank you!I am looking forward to seeing you arrest me haha!

(Jacob) : That's funny!I wish more to help people though!

Fast forward to examination day.

(Sophie) : Jacob,I'm so excited!All these years have passed and we're finnaly here!

(Jacob) : Yeah,it's so weird being here now.I am a little nervous about this exam.I hope it ends well.

Two days later...

I was riding the swingset,it was a sunny day..birds were chirping,people were talking to each other.It was a fine day,you know?

(Sophie) : Jacob!We finnaly got the results!WE FINNALY PASSED!

(Jacob) : Oh my god,I am so happy for you Sophie!(I bet you'll go on with your life and forget me right?)

(Sophie) : I am happy for you too!You can finnaly achieve your dream!

(Jacob) : (Yeah,maybe she's right) Yeah!So glad it's finnaly over.

(Sophie) : Wanna celebrate later today ? My mother wanted to throw a party and I'll invite all my friends !

(Jacob) : Yeah,sure.I will let my mother know !

(Sophie) : See you soon !

(Jacob) : See you !