"Diana?... Di come on open the door. It was a joke. Don't be so angry it's not good for health." She heard his voice from outside the door. Even though it was filled with humour she knew it was just an act. He was really concerned but couldn't show it outside as it would raise suspicions. At least she hoped so. It felt nice when he showed some concern it was like someone really cares about her.
Lucas Woods. Her best friend and boyfriend for almost five years now. She hoped it would last for longer but her many insecurities had increased over the past few months and she wasn't so sure anymore. A few inches taller than her with spiked black hair that shone in the sun, chiseled face, sparkling dark brown eyes, a bright smile which could light up the darkest of days for her and a heart of gold, Diana felt that she didn't deserve him.
"Please?", she heard his voice once more. Damn. She had been lost in her thoughts again.
Masking her face with indifference she opened the door before raising an eyebrow as if to question, "Who said I'm mad?"
*****
The four of them were laughing and messing around when the smile on Diana's face slipped off. She knew she had to hide herself and feelings now and she wasn't happy about it. The person she called her best friend walked in. They were cousins of the same age and from their days as babies had been the best of friends or at least until the two of them turned thirteen. They still called each other best friends but that bond had broken a long time ago.
Betrayal ran deep through Diana's heart but she had learnt to forgive and move on only for it to come crashing down back again. Now as she felt the attention of everyone turn towards Violet, she felt the walls break down further and her pain flowed through. What hurt the most was Luke was now engaged in conversation with Violet, her presence seemed long forgotten. Last time this happened she had tried speaking but was not heard. She felt ignored, hurt and the pain was turning to be unbearable.
She had grown distant from everyone each day and no one noticed this for she wore a mask. A smile etched onto her face when she met any person's eye, the pain buried deep. The person who was supposed to be her supporting pillar was only breaking her into pieces further more. Her heart was shattering at every look, smile and word they shared. And yet hope still lingered in her heart. The pieces still remaining clung onto it and she whispered to herself he doesn't love her, he is yours, he loves you and not her, they are just friends. It was a chant repeating in her mind but did little to help her overcome the unease she felt.
They were too close. And it didn't help that Diana and Lucas had lost communication. Their love was forbidden, a secret, hence had to be kept in the shadows. And now the loss of communication didn't help at all. She had a feeling Violet was the reason for this and her gut feeling had never been wrong before, but being the person who saw the positive in everything decided not to judge without knowing the truth.
It was not only her love life that was crumbling. Her family life, friendships and dreams were all starting to crack like a dam under pressure. She feared she would fall into depression and hoped she would be able to control herself from the suicidal thoughts running through her mind. But then she reminded herself that this wasn't new to her. She had gone through this once even if it wasn't as severe as this time and was resolved to walk through this time too. Injured and bruised yet strong. But then again last time Luke was the one who helped her through and this time it seems as if he is the one leading her down that path again. She wasn't strong enough to let him go. Not yet at least.
For the ones who are reading the story of this strong yet broken girl it must be confusing as to what must be really happening. So let's start at the beginning. It all started five years ago, three months before Diana Flynn turned thirteen.