The bravery Inside Us

The Beginning Of The End

Alone. I listen to the rustling of the trees, the fall leaves dead on the ground, only a few remaining dance in the breeze holding onto their branches. I wait, prey in the woods being stalked by a creature beyond my word, beyond my understanding. I shiver as the crisp night wind hits and pull my jacket tighter. I might be able to save myself, Im not worried about that, but he is out there, alone withthem. The real question, is can I save him?

I roll out of bed and immediately regret it. Fall is just starting so my room is always either too hot or cold, and I left my window open to battle the heat last night, resulting in a frozen room this morning. I shrug on my house coat and head down stairs. Marlee! Finally youre awake! my mom chirps as if it isnt 7AM and I worked until 10 the night before Hey mom, any fresh coffee? she slides a warm mug filled with cream colored liquid across the kitchen bar Caramel creamer, I finally found that stuff you wanted to try I take a sip and feel my insides warming up and my mind waking up already Yeah, its pretty good she sighs and shifts her weight onto her other foot, suggesting that a serious discussion was on the way Marls, are you sure youre going to be ok while your dad and I go to see Aunt Kathrine? Mom I sigh First, Im 18 now I think I can handle some microwave dinners and getting to bed. Second, how could I possibly go wrong with this beautiful momified list created for every hour of the day! I dramatically display the 4 pages of typed instructions left for me, including a 5th page just for Simon our cat. I know baby but that doesnt mean I wont be worried, youre our little girl Im always going to worry about you I know, but dont worry I pause feeling like Im forgetting something, then it hits me Doesnt your plane leave in an hour? Shit she goes flying upstairs as I take another sip of coffee. Simon comes over and meows begging for some of my drink. I dip my finger in the coffee and offer it to him, he bites me. Little cunt muffin, Im taking care of you for a week so behave he flicks his tail and goes over to the patch of sun on the couch. MARLEEEE IM LEAVING! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU TOO! I yell right before the door slams. As soon as her car pulls out I 3 way call my friends Kasey, Alana, Josh, bring over the decorations for the party. The Eagle has left the building.

By 8PM that night my entire house was ready for the party. Streamers, beer, vodka, weed, typical party. Being known for your out of this world parties is stressful, its like each time you have to one up yourself. But this time I outdid myself. Even in September our pool was open and filled with glow sticks and down stairs our hot tub was the same, ping pong was set up with no paddles for the classic beer pong, and rooms were set up with extra blankets for black outs and drunk sex. I finish setting up the beer and head to the living room with my friends Wow Marls you really did a great job! Kasey runs up and wraps her arms around me Im so proud of you! Thanks Kay Yeah, real shit Marlee this is gonna be a great party Language! Alana glares at Josh I told you to fix that Oh shit sorry- I laugh as his cheeks turn pink and he glances at the immensely mad Alana. So when are people coming? she sighs, forgetting about Josh for a bit Any minuet now- just like that some guys and girls walked in as a group so I turned on my speakers, and it was a blur from there.

2 Hours later everyone is dancing to the music, my house is filled to the brim with drunk horny emotional teens and I have nowhere to hide. I do my rounds, saying hi, giving hugs, offering grocery bags (Pre checked for holes) to kids who seem to have drank a bit too much. Eventually Im so emotionally drained I head out to my porch for some fresh air. I breathe in the fresh crisp autumn air. Leaning against the railing I grab the almost empty bottle of vodka I brought with me and finish it off in 3 swallows. Now whats a sweet girl like you doing with a strong beverage like that I look over to a guy standing in the corner away from the light. His black hair was gelled up in the front and slightly covered by a beanie. I caught his eyes and the green emeralds looked so deeply into mine I felt they could see my soul. I shivered. Whats a questionable guy like you doing in those shadows stalking me? he smirks Stalking? Id say babysitting he walked over and picked up the bottle I dont remember dropping and hands it to me do you think youve had enough yet? his cologne is so strong I cough No, Im still up for a good time, just too many people in there I feel squished in there I hop up on the railing and he comes over about a foot from me I feel you, I got my ass grabbed too many times I look over Yeah people tend to get grabby, no matter the gender he smiles Josh, nice to meet you he holds out his hand Marlee I shake it.

little did I know, that handshake started something way more complicated than a friendship, it started a war.