My name's Aliyah Reed. I'm thirteen years old.

I live with my family in Seattle,I have an older brother called Jackson,he's just three years older than me no big deal.Although he doesn't seem to think so.We've always been a very close family,despite our parents busy schedule and frequent moves,they've always managed to make time for us.

Whatever mom and dad did must have required a lot of hard work,because they'd always insisted on giving us training,at thirteen I already knew how to shoot and properly defend myself.I never really knew what they did,it didn't occur to me to ask either,all that mattered is that we were all together as a family.Or at least I thought…..

Until the tragedy happened,One that changed the course of our lives completely.Dad had received a phone call in the evening,the expression on his face changed as soon as he was told whatever news he received,he turned to look at mom and they understood each other instantly.As soon as he hung up,they both left the living room and headed upstairs,Jackson soon followed afterwards leaving me in the dark.

After what was 10minutes they all descended the stairs in a rush with black bags in there hands,Jackson took them and rushed to the jeep outside.

"Alyah sweetheart we'll be right back" mom said with a smile "something came up with work and we have to check it out ok dear"

"Listen to your brother he's in charge!" Dad said coming in for a hug "incase of any trouble you know what to do right?"

"Kick there ass!" I exclaimed with a smile

"That's my girl!" He said proudly and kissed my forehead after a hug

"We won't be long" mom said with smile and they left

They talked with Jackson for a while outside,I watched them through the window as the car drove off. Jackson came back and found me standing by the curtains.

"You heard them,I'm in charge!!" He declared

"Jackson,you've been my brother for thirteen years"I said sarcastically "I'm pretty sure I know the drill by now" I finished as I threw myself on the couch lazily

I decided to watch some TikToks on my phone to pass the time as Jax watched a football match.I didn't realize when I fell asleep as I woke up to find Jackson wasn't there.

"Jackson!" I called out "Jackson!!" I called louder

"Yes okay keep me updated" he said on the phone as he popped up from the kitchen "what's wrong Alyah?" He asked after hanging up

"Nothing,I thought I was alone. What time is it? Mom and dad aren't back yet?" I asked with a yawn

"No,it seems there have been some delays they'll be back any minute now. Go sleep in your room" he said casually

"And what about you?" I asked

"I'm a big boy" he teased and is scoffed "I'll be fine.I'll just wait up for them"

"Okay. Wake me when they get back" I said and he nodded with a slight smile

Tired as I was I dragged myself upstairs to my room.

3am in the morning,was the time I got up after getting the urge to go to the bathroom.On my way back to the room I heard people talking and figured it was mom and dad,so I immediately headed downstairs.

"No! There has to be a mistake!" Jackson yelled

"Jackson calm down your sister is upstairs" a man said

Is what I heard,As I got closer to the staircase

"This has never happened before! What the fuck happened!" I heard Jackson say in a low yet furious tone

"They were tailing a big one this time,I don't understand why they didn't inform us of anything and decided to face it alone"

"No! This can't be happening" he said tracing his fingers through his hair in a confused manner "They can't be dead!" He said to him

"I'm so sorry son,the remains of what was left of there bodies have been sent to the morgue"

"Who's dead?" I finally descended and asked

And they both turned to look at me in shook

As I got down I realized there were also a group of men who looked like bodyguards in and out the house,all carrying guns in there hands.

"Alyah why are you awake at this time?" Jackson asked rubbing off his face

"I went to the bathroom,who died Jax?!" I asked now worried

"Alyah I…" he stummered with anguish all over his face as I looked at him in confusion

"I'm very sorry madam,but your parents have-"he was explaining as he got interrupted

"Passed away!" Jackson finished

"Wh-what?!" I stummered in disbelief

"Mom and dad were in an accident and" he said "they didn't make it.They're gone Alyah" he finished and hugged me

I stood there in a total state of shock unable to move or comprehend what they were saying.

"You're kidding me…right? This is some sick joke yeah? What do you mean they died?!" I asked

"No Alyah,Mr and Mrs Reed are dead.Jake's brother,Roy will be your legal guardian,he will have arrived here by morning"the man said with pity

It was at that moment that the news finally hit me and tears began streaming down my face uncontrollably,I felt my legs get weak as I fell to my knees.

"She doesn't know anything?" The man whispered

"No! Our parents wanted to keep it that way" Jackson said "Did they do it?" He asked as they continued whispering

"Here's my number,we'll talk more tomorrow. This is clearly not the time" he said as they both turned to me and he nodded

"I am very sorry for your loss,we shall be available for whatever it is that you may need" the man said "I hope you can get some rest" he said and signaled to the men as they left the house

"Alyah?!" He called out to me for the third time as I snapped from my daze to look at him "we'll be okay. I promise you,I will always take care of you" he said and hugged me close

"It will be okay" he reassured once again and tightened the hug "I will avenge you,I promise mom and dad.even if it's the last thing I do" he said to himself