The story banks on misfortune and regret. The characters are seen to try solve their problems, some make it, others…..
Greg, the protagonist, is inter-sex and makes a horrible mistake which follows up on him. He ends up losing most people close to him and his parents see it best to take him for rehab. Meanwhile in the Preston family are faced with a painful loss of one for the sons, Philip. The other son, Aiden is a freestyle character, doesn't seem to care about anything. He gets into some mess and is sentenced for life. Penelope, the only girl in the family, curbs incest and finally comes out after enduring torment for a long time. She also proceeds to rehab. Greg experiences many things during his session and comes back home to a surprise. He is faced with a dilemma and doesn't not know what to do. Finally, Greg steps into senior year and tries to put his past behind him, deciding to focus ahead.
This story exposes most of the problems and circumstances faced in today's teenage world to be specific. It is my hope that the person reading this will not only be taken away by the story but also understand the characters and try and base remedies to their problems to prepare if they ever occur in future.
1.
She was engulfed in thought by the courtyard questioning the despicable deeds she had done the previous day "what am I gonna tell father!? Grace soliloquized as she rocked in a hammock. The events passed so fast she could not even comprehend. It was the first week of summer, Grace had come from school with a Burgundy leather Jacket, a black pair of jeans and sneakers. She had never been a rowdy fir. She was done to earth. Also adding to the fact that she was intersex. When she found this out at a mere age, she was wrapped in confusion. When she approached her dad on the matter, she was just…. Let's say he did not take it as she would've hoped. Rowland and Grace have never really bonded or anything. He always looked at her in a condescending way. Mother, on the other hand, had a good heart. She lit up the whole house with her smile. Graced referred to her mother as her best friend as she was quite an introvert. As time went by, she started discovering new things and at the age of 13, she decided to focus on her masculine hormones. Josephine was very supportive of her and held her hand through every step of the way. For Grace, High school was never really her place. Her favourite area in the whole world was out in the woods. At night, she fancied sneaking out into the woods. She was constantly made fun of in school but never really cared much of it. Her love life was just…. COMPLICATED. When she graduated to a senior, she met her first love, Madelyn Page. She had amassed all her yearbook photos, stalked all her social accounts and even knew her whole family. One fun fact about Grace is that she changed her name to Greg. She regarded herself of more of a man.
Three months earlier, Greg spotted Madelyn by the Cafeteria. He decided to make a move . It went pretty smooth. He started walking her to class, carrying her books and before he knew it, they were in a relationship. Greg was a virgin and had always wanted to explore more of himself. So on the first night of summer, Greg told Madelyn to go with her to a rooftop party at the Preston's. This family was extremely close to Greg's family, the Presters. Greg prepared himself by wearing a suit, his gold watch and some expensive Versace cologne he was putting on. Josephine knew what was going on and had Greg's back. Greg would often tell his mother everything. Greg got in his Porsche Boxster Spyder and went to pick up Madelyn. She had him at her fingertips. Greg was mesmerised by her. He would do anything for her. Greg pulled up at her house, alighted and opened the door for her. He could not take his eyes off her luscious breasts. Madelyn was inviting but before anything too over the top happened, Madelyn's overprotective dad, Richard, called Madelyn into the house. Greg accelerated on as they burst into laughter. No sooner had they seen the stop sign than they arrived. The Prestons were well-known for their many estates in the country and their firms which were runned in prowess. Greg was very familiar with them as they had picnics every Saturday. Aiden, the eldest, was the one throwing the party. After his mother's demise, he did not really heed to a word he was told by his father. Philip and Penelope were also present and were not as innocent as they pose to be. Their uncle, however, was their chaperone. Greg and Madelyn alighted and headed into the house.
The vast compound welcomed us with two sculptures at Abraham Lincon and Thomas Jefferson. Their dad was very political and was deeply engrossed in those type of things. He had gone to the city of Paris to do some political research. Music was blasted all around the house. Aiden welcomed us cheerfully with the two half-naked women he had wrapped around his arms. He was expelled at seventeen for entertaining promiscuous behaviour. Regardless, Greg still loved him. The party was very engaging but Greg was on a mission. A mission to lose his virginity. He had taken a few glasses of vodka. Madelyn likewise. They headed to a bedroom upstairs as they glanced at each other seductively. Greg lunged towards Madelyn with unfathomable lust. His heart was palpitating vigorously against his chest as he caressed her legs working to her thighs. Madelyn had a naughty grin on her face as her rosy cheeks lit up with ecstasy. Greg's lips softly landed on hers. Madelyn took off her clothes craving for more. Greg did not understand this feeling running through his veins right at this moment but he could not care less. Every inch of his body lay on her as he gently thrusted himself into her. Madelyn was drowning in a sea of pleasure as she curled herself on the bed. Greg was a wild dog as he let all his feelings out. They lay on the bed all smiles for it was the best feeling of their life. In a split second, there were changed and proceeded down to the party. Greg was throwing furtive glances at everyone in the party. It was around midnight when he remembered he was to be home hours ago. He gave Madelyn a kiss on the cheek and rushed back home. As he was driving, his ego was boosted as he finally did it. He was filled with immense affection for Madelyn. Every moment that he shuts his eyes, her well-shaped body imprints itself in his head. He arrived at the gate and found his dad standing firm next to the door. He panicked. He slowly unfastened his seatbelt and proceeded to the door. His father's voice echoed in the whole house. "where the hell have you been you wretch!'' without even being given a chance to respond, he was smacked on the face. The fury in his father's eyes was unfathomable. He ran upstairs and locked the door to this room from the inside. His heart was racing and his mood changing drastically. His mother was sound asleep. Rowland was not fond of Greg ever since he was born. This is majorly due to his son's structure. He was deeply disgusted when the doctors told him he was trans-gender. As Greg lay on his bed not knowing what was going to be his next move, his mind drifted to Madelyn. His blood immediately boiled up. He then came to think of the fact that he may have impregnated her. "Noo, I mean, it couldn't, I can't'' Greg went back and forth now realising the big risk he took.
The thought. The possibility ate him up for the next two weeks. He really could not tell anyone since he lacked friends. His only good friend was his mom and you don't expect him to ask for advise based on a possible impregnation. His mom knew something was of but couldn't quite get on it. He subconsciously avoided all of Madelyn's calls not knowing what to do. The woods near his backyard was where he would spend most of his evening. Sleep was also seeming to be an issue but he was trying all he could.
7:30. Greg is woken up by a stone that is constantly hitting his bedroom window. When he stepped out, he saw Madelyn in a nightdress. "Greg, we need to talk''. His heart dropped. His mind quickly went back to the previous nights. "What have I done?" he asked himself as he nervously walked down the flight of stairs. Greg hugged Madelyn but she looked rather uneasy. "Can we go somewhere private please". Madelyn said. Greg directed her to his favourite spot in the woods. "Greg, um...I'm…. …PR…PRE…PREGNANT.'' ''What?!?'' Greg exclaimed. His eyes dilated in disbelief. He could not control his rate of breathing. "Please tell me you're kidding Maddie". Madelyn broke out into tears. "Greg, I don't know what to do. ''At this juncture, Greg's mind was very far. ''We'll figure it out. ''Greg said with a forced confidence. He treaded back home and sat at a hammock by the courtyard.
Yep, the world really did him bad. He did not know whether to tell anyone, whether to be happy or sad. He was devoid of mirth. One day into the summer and he was already fucked. ''Greg, sweetie, come have some breakfast. ''His mother called out from the kitchen. Greg walked with his head down towards his mother. ''I hope you know we're having our picnic with the Prestons this afternoon. "Greg had completely forgotten about this. His mind just in shambles.
2.
Fredrick was making breakfast for his family as he had been accustomed to. He was a very interactive and fun dad. Aiden, Philip and Penelope all loved him. Although Aiden often quarrelled with him, he always had and will have a soft spot for him. The nanny, Linda, was in the laundry room folding clothes. Peter, Fredrick's brother, was very interesting. He lost all his kin via a fatal road accident. He was the only lucky survivor. He had nothing at all to call his. At the time, he was still a young man figuring himself out. His big brother came to his rescue and gave him a place to call home. He had not really gotten his shit together. Ever since he was in the university, he was often shunned from everyone else. Honestly, his paedophilic behaviours were unacceptable. In university, he was arrested twice for assaulting minors. His dad was very abusive to his mother. This impacted him more then he thought. In the Preston's household, his behaviours did not come to a halt. He had a particular liking towards Penelope. He would constantly visit her room at night and read her stories as he takes advantage of her. Peter threatened Penelope that he would destroy her life if she dared tell a soul. She became a very quiet person mostly because of him. Phillip was a sportsman. He constantly won medals and trophies being the best in basketball and rugby. Some of his schoolmates referred to him as the ladies' man. He has had over ten girlfriends in less than one year. He was the most affected by the mother's death. He was extremely close to her. On the day she died, Philip was merely six years old. She was caught up in a fatal road accident and died on the spot. The family as a whole was grief-stricken. They had the Prester family holding their hand every step of the way. Aiden, the oldest child, was very notorious. He goes to community college in the neighbourhood. He was expelled when he was in year II. Let's just say he wasn't God's best friend. Especially after his mother's demise, his way of grieving was going to the club every single day. He was taken to rehab but he is more or less the same. The household always has some sort of drama. Being a Saturday, they were making preparations for their weekly picnic with the Presters. Their history goes way back to when Rowland and Fredrick were best mates in highschool. They did almost everything together and vowed to remain friends for the rest of their lives. Philip was looking forward to this the most as he just wanted to converse with Greg. They have been best friends ever since kindergarten. Since all the kids were on summer break, they had planned to spend as much time as they would with the Presters.
Back when Philip was in Kindergarten, he enjoyed spending time with Greg. Although he never quite understood because at the time, she was Grace. Philip never really cared about it as much. He always looked forward to meeting him on the weekends. He was pushing everyone in the house to make haste as it was already noon. They used to go to the famous Andersite Reserve. It had a tranquil and serene atmosphere for picnics, outdoor games and what not. They all boarded the family Jeep as they patiently waited for Aiden, who was God knows where. He walked up to the card, cigar in his hand phone on hand and putting on some peachy earphones. His attitude wasn't really the best per se. He filled the whole car with smoke and Fredrick had honestly washed his hands. Penelope couldn't keep her mouth shut throughout the whole ride. She was anticipating to see Martha, the Prester's nanny. They had a sort of bond. They were inseparable whenever they were in each other's company. The vicinity changed drastically from buildings and roads to trees and animals. They could spot the Prester's car parked by the gigantic tree next to some green grass. The kids ran out of the car all smiles, apart from Aiden of course, towards them. They exchanged warm greetings and had a much of some things. The grownups were left in the tent. Greg and Philip set up as the kids went for a stroll in the woods. "How's Madelyn…." Philip constantly teased Greg on the matter. At this point and time, there were alone as Aiden was off elsewhere and Penelope was with Martha. This recurrent question kept being asked by Phillip. Greg was in no position to answer that. This was the first big thing that had happened to him that he hadn't told Philip. They were basically brothers from another mother. Greg rummaged through his thoughts constantly debating whether he should let Philip in on his previous endeavours. ''Phillip I..I… have something I need to tell you.'' "Yesterday I was in a party with Madelyn at your place. Let's just say things went a little overboard.'' ''Greg! Your scaring me! What did you do?'' he said with a condescending frown on his face. "I think she's pregnant. ''Greg's hear jerked after uttering these words. Phillip could not believe that what he just heard. Philip always knew Greg to be such a reserved and chill dude. ''what did you say!?'' Philip exclaimed. ''I promised it wasn't my intention. Philip what do I do?'' Greg broke out into tears. He went down on his knees and slammed his head constantly in one log. This was his first time talking to someone about this stressful scenario. Philip did not really know what to tell him. ''Umm…. Let's get back to camp Greg. ''Little did they know they were in the middle of nowhere. It was in the middle of the night and the only thing they could see was a poorly lit mansion on the east. I mean, as much as Greg insisted not heading there, Philip was already knocking on the humongous black gate. It opened by itself and it led to a massive courtyard. The typical persona would turn and get the hell away from there but nooo. They walked into a pit of doom. A silhouette was projected from the top left window. It looked like a middle-aged woman dancing to something intimate or something of the sort. Up the stairs they went for the sole purpose of asking for assistance. Philip being the daredevil that he is, led the way and opened the door without thinking twice. When they walked in...
3.
"Çall Greg and Philip in, it's late.'' Martha instructed Penelope as she was getting ready for bed. ''Greg! Philip!" she shouted as her voice echoed through the whole forest but to no avail. Pen was getting a bit worked up about the situation. She strode all around their site but didn't spot a soul. There was movement in the bushes up ahead. ''Boo!'' Aiden jumped out and went into the tent. Aiden loved his small sister and always vouched for her when necessary. As per the usual, Aiden did not really give ducks where the rest were. His school life is just another thing in itself. When Josephine and Rowland heard the news from Pen, they were actually worried. They split up, ventured deep into the woods shouting their names. Fredrick was in slumberland and he was never fond of disturbances during these times. The cries grew weaker and weaker as Pen and Martha sat by the fire praying to their gods that the two are found. Their mother, Josephine, was headed to the same mansion that the two trouble makers were in. she kept walking with the slightest spark of hope she held onto and found the gate open. She sauntered across the whole house and came to a sudden halt as she ran past a door on which blood had been inscribed. It had to be this one right. She took a deep breath and opened the door. What her eyes were exposed to was horrifying. Philip's corpse lay next to Greg's body. Philip's leg at one end of the room as blood oozed from every opening in his body. Greg, on the other hand had a pulse. I mean, this was great but couldn't overshadow Philip's death. Josephine was short of words. She honestly had no idea what to do. A few minutes later, Greg came to but he had a dep cut on his right arm. That did not really seem to bother him when he looked to his left. ''No! No! No! Philip! Philip please wake up!'' Greg sat on the bloody floor, his left hand pressing on his cut as he let out all his sadness. This week has just been horrible for Greg. That was how he lost his Best friend. ''Come on Greg, we have to get back to camp'' Greg dragged his frends body al the way t the campsite right after Josephine treated his cut. Rowland was already there half asleep by the fire. When he saw Greg, he was ecstatic. What followed seemed to change his mood completely. Almost unrecognisable, he saw Philip corpse pale and lifeless. His mind quickly went to Fredrick, his best friend. "I mean, how will he react after hearing of this. ''Rowland asked himself. This would be his second loss of a family member. He helped Greg burry the body in a nearby graveyard. The next morning, everyone was in a melancholic mood apart from Fredrick. What's for breakfast?'' he casually asked as he went to wash his face. Rowland called him aside and broke the news to him. This did quite a number on him. He merely just took his bags and drove off. Greg was still in his tent. His eyes were red and swollen. He was grief stricken. The Madelyn thing had completely disappeared from his head.
Due to this unexpected occurrence, Rowland and Josephine ordered we pack our bags.
"We were not really feeling the spirit anymore. I honestly did not know what to do. I just got in the car and shut my eyes. When we got home, no one dared to have a word with me. I immediately went out to the woods that were a few metres behind our house. There was nothing anyone could say to me to make me feel better. My summer was ruined in an instant. I don't even understand what that was back there in that house. When I walked in, Philip was not next to me anymore. He was upside down suspended by a rope. It was the worse experience in my life. I don't even want to think about it. This brought me back to when Monique died. I feel like sometimes if I just did something different, she still would have been with us. We were at the annual County Fair in Baxton. I had been looking forward for this for such a long time. Considering I was age 12, it was understandable. All my best pals were going to be in attendance so there was no way on earth I was about to miss the biggest event of the year. I was just gonna go for the fun considering I wasn't really a freaky kind of kid. The only problem was that my parents were on a trip to God knows where. They always had a very good responsible picture every time they saw me so these kind of things never really worried them. There was a time they were away for almost a month and just left him with some money. Anyway, so due to this, I had to go over to the Preston's and beg Monique to take me. She was honestly my favourite, after Philip of course. It took quite sometime but she finally budged. She picked me up at around 8 and we were off. The fair was packed. I had to try out the Ferris wheel but Monique wasn't necessarily a heights person. So when we were getting on it, Monique was having second thoughts. When it started moving, she panicked and got off. Hardly had the ride took off when she got off. She was very unlucky as she was left dangling on one of the seats. I shouted to the control person to stop the ride but my cries landed on deaf ears. Tears run through my cheeks as she slowly lost her grip. Considering the fact that we were at the top of the Ferris wheel, she had not chance. Her hands gave up and I immediately shut my eyes till the end of the ride. Upon alighting, a pool of blood was at my footstep. To my right were body parts I didn't even know existed. My legs gave up on me so I lay there helpless. Countless passers by tapped by shoulder offering to take me home but to no avail. I didn't even notice the ambulance come and take her corpse away. It was a grotesque scene. Hours later is when Fredrick heard the news and came to pick me up. I drenched the car seats in blood. Not just any blood, his wife's...Ever since that day, I have always blamed myself for her death. No one has ever really asked me what happened. Come to think of it, the only person I shared this with was my late best friend, of which his death was also my fault. What the hell is wrong with me!?''
Greg sat in the woods for hours contemplating on whether or not he should just take his life. I mean it was understandable, considering all the things going on in his life. Not to mentioned Madelyn, Greg felt chills run down his spine when the sound of gunshots rent the air. It was coming from his house. He immediately ran towards his house to see what the hell was going on. Upon arrival, he was swiftly passed by a speeding black car with men in black. Seeing this really creeped him out considering the last time these men were here, they had some issues with Joseph, Greg's granddad. Some business debts here and there, wasn't really pin-pointed. The common ground was that they were bad news. Greg met his mother by the door, eyes dilated, skin paled and hair dishevelled. I mean, he never really needed an explanation. He went straight for his grand dad's study which was on the second floor. He stopped in his tracks when he neared his oak dark door. His head split into two having three bullet holes in his skull. I mean, there was nothing else he could really do but to cry...again! He hit rock-bottom. He was at the lowest he could ever be. He locked himself up in his room for weeks reflecting on the past week and how it might as well just have changed his life forever. Rowland and Josephine were getting worried. Little did Greg know that they were planning on taking him to Rehab. Greg had been cutting himself and hurting constantly. His parents informed him on the conclusion they made. This his him like a truck. What first came to his mind was Madelyn.
4.
''I have to get to Madelyn!'' Honestly, I feel like I'm falling apart. Maybe I need this Rehab. Since my folks said we were to leave in like two days, I had to wait for it to get dark and sneak out. I changed my outfit because I honestly don't remember the last time I freshened up. Bottles of beer lay strewn on the floor. I pushed them under the bed and came out through the window into the cold and gloomy night. I mean it wasn't that far, so I got there in like 10 minutes. I threw stones at her bedroom window, hoping it would signal her. I hadn't even though about what I would tell her. I just knew I had to tell her something. Stunning as usual, opened their main gate and whispered my name as she rubbed her eyes. "What the fuck Greg, it's two in the morning!'' Ok. I mean, it was actually two in the morning so I couldn't really blame her. "why don't we go somewhere private.'' I said as I bought time trying to think of something to tell her. ''Umm...so...I think we should…you shouldn't have the baby''
''You want me to abort Greg!'' Honestly, I did. I was the only logical way forward right? I didn't really wanna worry her with my life drama and all the messed up shit that was going on. It was clear she was worked up. I didn't know about what but I knew her pretty well to have an idea of what it could have been. ''Maddy, please calm down. It wouldn't make sense having the child at this age. Think of what your dad would say." This really hit her. She loved her dad and never really wanted him to be disappointed in her. Especially after the stunt she pulled with me. I stretched out my arms and let her body collide into mine. She wet my entire right shoulder with tears. She was broken, so it was arranged that first thin in the morning we were going to the clinic. As I walked back home, I felt kind of relieved. Like a burden had been lifted off my back and despite all the other things, I actually felt like not killing myself. If that's not progress, I don't know what is. The next day I enjoyed the last of what will sooner be forgotten for a really long time. I heard stories about rehab before. My distant cousin on my mother's side was bi-polar. I mean, my mom always told me how he would come from parties late at night and changes completely when he is home. I thought I would find him there. My day was exhausted thinking about Madelyn and Rehab. Woke up the next day with a feeling of meh. I was honestly up for anything. I honestly thought my folks forgot about the whole rehab thing but no, they both came downstairs with clothes already packed. It was going to be a 90 day programme. Ok. This was when it hit me. 90 is kinda like too much. I mean, what am I supposed to be told for 90 days. Those are like three whole months. This would mean I would miss the most of the semester considering we were opening in August. The programme was in my mom's purse. I took it as they did who knows what as I waited to go. It was to end on the 16th of September. The facility looked remarkable. I was actually looking forward to it little did I know…..I sauntered right into the back seat and shut my eyes and fell into slumber land.
5.
The Preston's mood was not any different when they arrived. Fredrick and Aiden held a short memorial service at the backyard with candles and everything for poor Philip. The mood was as melancholic as it could ever be. Pen arrived shortly together with Linda, their smiles upside down. Linda had watched Philip grow up so you can imagine. This did a number on her. She always regarded Pen, Aiden and Philip as her own since she is barren and did not even procure her other half. This was all she had. Her legs sprints gave up on her as she lay on the grass sobbing and sobbing. Aiden, barely shed a tear. He was the type of guy to laugh at a burial. All his emotions went with Monique. They recapped, went in the house and each of them to their designated quarters. Pen calmly went up the stairs, a grey-light cloth in hand to help with emotions.
Hardly had she opened her door when Peter tapped her on the back. As she turned around, her mood changed impetuously. Their relationship was not only wrong, but horribly disgusting. Okay, I wouldn't call it a relationship. Pen never really entertained Peter but his masculine advantage always carried the day. Peter firmly grasped Pen's soft hand and dragged her into the room and locked the door. He viciously tore Pen's dress into two as he struggled with his own attire. Just as Pen sought to catch a breath, air was suddenly restrained from passing through her throat. Peter's biceps have Pen no room for any form of resistance. He choked her and pinned her on the rough wall of her bedroom closet. His rough hands escalating from her shin all the way to her innocence. Pen moaned with her mouth wide agape as she constantly tried to break free. Her bosoms firmly compressed to nothingness as she lay helpless on her princess bed. Pen's eyes dilated when she saw his…. This was the part she dreaded the most as it was not only a violation of her womanhood but also her purity. Thrusting himself inches deep in her as her eyes span around in circles. His cracked dark lips were in position to her soft lips. His tongue deep in her mouth up to a point Pen simply gave up and started crying. Peter rose up as cum spew all over her body as she forcefully swallowed some. As if nothing had happened, he wore his clothing and stepped out of the room. "If you dare speak a word I'' he threatened her having a devious grin on his colossal face. Pen put her pillow over her head as she cried and cried. She went to the bathroom and cleaned herself off the foul substances deposited on her. ''Penelope! supper now! ''Fredrick's voice echoed all the way throughout the house. She quickly wore her clothing and limped towards the living room. Whenever she was asked about her limping, she always said she had just sprained her ankle. Peter pulled out a seat for Pen as she took a plate from the Kitchen. Pen swallowed her unfathomable ire and ate her food. ''Is everything alright Penelope?'' Fredrick asked with his brow knitted in curiosity. Pen was hesitant and quickly thought of the previous ordeal. "I'm gonna fucking tell him. Fuck this dude!'' Pen constantly uttered in her head. Pen stood up furiously and started. "Dad, I have something I need to tell you.'' Peter quickly glanced in Pen's direction with a threatening eye. Pen did not hesitate and was like. ''Dad, I have something to tell you concerning uncle Peter!'' He was seen moving uncomfortably in his chair ready to pounce at her at any moment. "He has been ..h….he…has been doing things to me…..Things I don't like…he...he ..has b…been touching me. ''Pen couldn't hold her tears longer. She broke down there and then as her dad furiously got up. He held uncle Peter by the neck and within seconds, he was in the air. This escalated toa slap to his face. His cheeks turned read as he begged for mercy. Fredrick took a spoon from the table and impaled it at the back of his head where it developed a huge bump. ''Pack your things and get out of my house you disgusting creature. ''He muttered anger seething in his tone. Fredrick went straight to his daughter and consoled her. This man had really done a number on Pen and this resulted to Fredrick finally understanding her limping. He constantly asked her if she was doing okay. I mean, what kind of question was that. She was in shambles. No form of therapy could console this poor little soul. Peter came from upstairs dragging his belongings headed to the door. He constantly pleaded with Fredrick but all he received were looks of disgust and the likes. Aiden casually unbothered by the activities of the house, opened for a tall slender girl. She was in his class a while back. No one in the house, not even his father really asked about her. Fredrick had warned Aiden on getting girls pregnant and always threatened him on the same. Peter's life was in shambles. I mean, this was the only place he could call home after his life took a twist. Before losing his family, he was a very promising prospect. In primary and secondary school, he used to be thte top of his class up until he enrolled in the University. He was introduced to some vigilante type of gang that did all types of wrong. I'm talking weed, alcohol, cigarettes and the likes. At first, Peter's self drive and determination in life did not allow him to succumb to such but eventually, they penetrated him and his life started going down. His parents slowly noticed as every time he came home for the long holidays, he never really stayed home. Always came back reeking of alcohol. This often became very worrying for the parents. There was a time his mother went up to his room to do his laundry and came across some bhang and cocaine. At first, this came as a shock considering his exemplary behaviour ever since she was a kid. When his mom brought up the topic, Peter had an anger outburst and got into a physical fight with his mother. This really affected their relationship. When his mother informed his father, he was furious beyond words. He constantly whipped Peter for his unacceptable behaviour and one time, made a decision with his mother to take him to a correction centre all the way up towards the North. Little did they know what would befall them. His father did not clearly see a road block and before he knew it, they all collided with it as the car overturned taking the lifes of both his parents. Peter always blamed this on himself. Always asking himself, what if he did not start drugs. He then and there vowed never to take drugs. With the help of Fredrick, his older brother, he was enrolled in a rehabilitation programme that really changed him but his most recent flaw did not depart. This caused him misery at a time in his life he did not expect. He roamed the streets hopeless, helpless and just…. He literally had no one to go to and was now destined to fall. The Preston household went about with their lives as usual. Pen was taken to rehab to heal. Aiden left to do whatever the hell he does. Fredrick could still not believe this.
6.
A ray of crimson light snaked into the backseat hitting me directly on my visage. I slowly opened my eyes as I yawned wondering where I was. I felt a tap on my lap, looking forward, my mom exposed her eggshell white teeth in smile reminding me of my engagement. I slowly alighted our car and followed my dad to the entrance. The structure was spectacular. It looked even better in person. Back at home, my dad constantly gave this place positive views but I didn't expect this. "Welcome to White Rand Rehabilitation Centre, let me just check you in. The receptionist said as she handed me a blue sort of like residential card and tied a blue ribbon on my right wrist. My parents felt obliged to survey the entire institution before dumping their only child there. They are the best parents I could ever ask for. After the reception, there is a main gathering area at the centre, surrounded by several rooms and past this rooms was a lake that surrounded the place. Tranquillity at its finest. I mean, I was feeling calm already. One of the caregivers approached us and directed me to my room. ''Afternoon guys, hope your tastes coincide with the décor. I can assure you Greg, we will not rest until you are good as new. "Ok. This was a little bit creepy. I hadn't told him my name neither had never seen him in my life. What was even more peculiar was that no one was outside or even anywhere at all. Come to think of it, I have only seen the receptionist and the caregiver. ''I wish you the best son." my dad said as they headed out with the man. Philip, the caregiver, guided me to my room. I mean, it wasn't all that. It had a bed, a window and most importantly, a toilet. He left me there together with some sort of pamphlet. It was just talking about how this place is amazing and all and it also had the daily routine. My eyes began to get heavy and I slowly drifted to slumber land. I didn't know how long I slept. But I was abruptly awoken by blaring sirens coming from everywhere in the building. A brown skinned male, about 6 feet and had dainty eyebrows bolted into my room. ''Follow me! Now!' I rubbed my eyes as I got up from bed. Wore my cheap sandals and trailed him. I had never been this confused. I followed the others along an endless hallway when suddenly, I was pulled into a safety closet with a firm grip. ''Shh!!'' the guy from earlier held his index finger across his lips. My eyes popped out corresponding with my racing heart. ''we need to hide somewhere else. I'll explain everything later.'' He said. ''my name's Cedrick by the way. ''I wasn't 'really up to start a conversation considering the circumstance. He slowly opened the closet door and I checked whether the coast was clear. There were some torch flashes but were emanating from outside. We tiptoed out as Cedrick led the way. He took me down some steps into some sort of dungeon. He pressed a brick on the wall and the wall just like opened. ''what the actual….'' I thought to myself he pulled me in. the wall closed almost immediately. He sat by a corner and signalled me to come closer. ''so, I know your probably wondering what the hell is going on. I'm sorry to say that this is no rehab centre. On contrary, I would call it a torture house. The caregivers you see around are employees of some foreign government who experiment on young minds like us. When it normally gets around 1 in the morning, their meant to get into our rooms, take our blood and experiment on it. A few years back, the guys enrolled here used to go through hell. Some even used to be amputated and all sorts of things. This also used to happen around 1. The sirens would go off, signalling all the patients to remain in their rooms to get their ''medication''. As time went by, we adapted. We slowly built an underground hideaway to escape to as soon as the sirens are heard. That's where everyone was headed earlier. I've been here for quite sometimes, about six years. My parents died when I was eleven, so my aunt took me here adhering to the fact that I was unstable. Little did she know… the institution lied to her that I was dead and sent their 'condolences'. When she came to confirm this, they induced me with some sort of serum I don't know. All I know is that to the outside world, I'm dead. These sadists took anyone they could find during the time, and locked them in their lab till morning doing all sorts of things to them. In the morning, they would come up to you and act as if everything was normal. They were brainwashed so as not to remember anything. I'm lucky enough never to have been caught. Let's just say my friends didn't share the same luck. I've lost about four pals of mine to these guys. My vendetta grows stronger and stronger each day. After gathering in the hide away, we would leave at early dawn and return to our rooms. During the day, they wouldn't dare do a thing as the administrator was around. They all seemed to fear her. She goes by Alexa. So, just saying keep your head up at all times. Not all these guys here are innocent. Some are here on anger management, depression, homicide amongst other ruthless things. But I…...I have a plan. A plan to escape, be free. Finally leave this hell hole. But I'll need your help. Do you trust me?''
7.
"Come on! We're going to be late.'' Fredrick shouted. The Preston's were on their way to court. Let's just say Aiden has been very occupied these couple of months. A week after his uncle left the house, he met up with his so called 'gang'. Aiden was the kind of person to do anything as long as his guys were thrilled. They had been planning what they referred to as a heist. Not just any small one, they were to rob one of the biggest jewellery stores in Manhattan. Jack, Jill, Arthur and Him rented out a Jeep, courtesy of Fredrick. He obviously had no clue. They met at a bar across Canal street at around 6pm. They had with them backpacks filled with heavy artillery. They were prepared. They all had nothing to lose. Jack and Jill were siblings, partners in crime. They got to this when they were around 12. It all started small until eventually …Arthur was the only child, raised by his mother who was never really around. This exposed him to more than he could handle. He then met Aiden who happened to be besties with Jack and Jill. It started with candy stores, supermarkets, houses and eventually now expensive jewellery stores. Aiden has a blueprint of the building in their Jeep. They had already made sense of all the areas within the store. At around 8pm they headed off. Aiden was behind the wheel, Arthur took shotgun and the other two were back seat. Aiden wasn't really into drugs like his friends. They smoked weed and had booze almost all the damn time. This never really triggered Aiden as long as he wasn't part of it, he was okay with it. As their jeep snaked the entrance, they parked it out back. They were in black suits and black ski-masks. Jack and Jill went through the back door, Arther was the brains of the operations. He was working on disabling the cameras from in the Jeep while Aiden was the 'Jason Voorhees' of the operation. He entered using the main entrance and set guns ablaze. Within a second, everyone was on the floor, Jack and Jill stuffing all they could into their duffel bags. Arther had already taken care of the surveillance. It was all going according to plan. Rowland, who worked in the store, walked in headed to his station. Aiden panicked and let a rip on his riffle. Upon realising who it was, he panicked and ran straight to the Jeep and drove off. It didn't occur to him that Jack and Jill were still there. Call him an imbecile, betrayer, what not. He was too worked up to even pay attention to stop signs. He pulled up at some motel, quickly changed, booked a room together with Arther and just blacked out. He hoped to wake up and find it to be all a dream. That evening, he headed to his house to be confronted by his dad. Aiden proceeded to the living room only to see Jack and Jill on the news taking mugshots. This was nerve-racking for Aiden. Almost immediately, a phone rang from within the kitchen. It was the household one." Is this Fredrick Preston, father to Aiden Preston. I'm afraid he has been mentioned to have been involved in a robbery. We will be at your residence shortly. Fredrick was discombobulated. He did not see his son as a thief, but again he wouldn't be that shocked. He hasn't necessarily been on his best behaviour. Fredrick loved his son, and wouldn't want to see him in jail. He swore to him to get him a good lawyer and to get him out of this. The police had already arrived and took him away. Linda stood by the stairs, an observer. Thoughts racing in her mind, questions that she did not have answers to. The next morning, Fredrick already had one of the best lawyers in the state. Fredrick's dad travelled from the county to witness and support his grandchild. Linda also accompanied them. The courtroom was packed with magistrates, family members of the affected. This was really discomforting as it was their closest friends that had been affected. The plaintiff, Josephine Prester, stood next to her lawyer, wearing all black with a veil. Ire filled in her eyes as Fredrick walked in and stood by his son, the defendant. They had never seen Josphine this pissed off. Not to mentioned the subsequent tears that frequently ran down her eyes. The judge declared the court into session and all hullabaloo broke out. Josephine's lawyer pinned Aiden and his dad to the ground leaving them speechless. Aiden threw in the towel and confessed right in front of the judge. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Fredrick could not believe his ears. Tears tricked down his visage as he watched Aiden being dragged out of the courtroom. Fredrick never thought it would end up like this. His accounts could not even make half bail.
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8.
I have never been here for quite some time. A month or two I would say. My friend Cedrick has helped me through this shitshow. Along the way I amassed a couple other allies who seem to enjoy my company. Despite the I am scrambles, this place was actually serene. I haven't thought about my past in a while and let's just say their afternoon pudding is to die for. Now that I had been staying there for quite a while, I understood the programme. We were woken up at around 8.30 in the morning. That is after the 'patients' including me made our way from our hideaway early dawn so they would not suspect a thing. We would proceed on to the gathering area where we would have these sacred prayers. There was a bishop who used to visit every 9.00am in the morning. Honestly, I'm not really a religious person but we just all have to kneel down and put our hands together to give the bishop some sort of fulfilment. It's not like I wasn't a "God" guy. Its just that after Phillip, I lost hope in basically everything. Cedrick and a few of some of his companions gave me at least something to live for. The breakfast could be better, but we take what we have. Since I have a cook who is some distant cousin of my mom, I got some mashed potatoes every Tuesday and Thursday. On my first day, I didn't really expect the welcome I received. The day now after being confused as hell because I was running at one am in the freaking morning, everything went on smoothly after. In White Rand, they had a strict policy on welcoming newbies in order to make them feel loved. In my life I have never been the centre of attention like I was then. Cedrick took me to the cafeteria which was like on the other side of the bock. He continued his narration about this hellhole and how he expanded his territory since he got here. The cafeteria entrance had like 6 banners, each saying 'WELCOME YOU ARE ONE OF US NOW GREG'. This followed with an ice cream cone that found its way to my left hand. Could I be more content? I started hating my parents less because I mean, at least the food is not bad. When I waled into the cafeteria with Cedrick, all eyes were on me. I gathered intel from the other patients that Cedrick is the top dog around here. The fact that I was walking with him was kind of a big deal. Whenever he noticed that all the uninvited glances were overwhelming me, he just looked beyond my back with a stone face printed on his face. They turned their heads faster than I could imagine. After breakfast, we had some sort of free period at the courtyard. It was kind of like individual meditation in a way. Since I was new to the area, Cedrick took me to his spot. With no doubt he had the best one among all these others. He sat on a wide branch that showed him the ocean and the birds. Tranquillity at its finest. The classes took up most of the day around 4.30pm. The recreation time afterwards was quite busy. There were so many things you could do. I signed in to book club cause I'm not really an outdoorsy person as much. I feel like everyone understood me there and the pain of losing the people I love slowly faded away. As the days went by, I slowly claimed my spot in the institution. At night, Cedrick, some of his friends and I would have a round table and devise a way to escape. They had blueprints o the whole area so navigation was the only obstacle. From the bunker, the tunnel that Josh and some of his friends came together and started, only went like 50m before hitting some hard wall. Josh had been here for about 5 years. He was 22 years, tall, broad and scary. He came after Cedrick who was about the same age as he. They were the best of friends before I came. Well its not like he isn't his best friend anymore. Its just that Cedrick prioritises my wellbeing more than he does Josh. He has been sending me mean glances ever since I got there and I couldn't approach him at all. I mean look at him! The girls were tested for pregnancy after every 2 months. I don't think the institution really encourages birth. I had now only a month left in there. It hadn't really clicked honestly but I regret saying that I honestly prefer here to home. My friendship status was workable, and my life, well... Honestly, I have been a knot since I talked to Jessica. Jessica is the secretary of book club. She may or may not have been the reason why I joined the club. Anyway, on my first session, she looked at me once and gave me a warm smile exposing her perfect teeth and rosy cheeks. I didn't know if she was seeing anyone at that time but my mind had only one mission. Right after class I introduced myself and slowly, we became friends. It was on my 18th birthday that I decided to shoot my shot. I made sure that non one knew my birth date because I knew they would make a big deal out of it. But of course, after breakfast, the caretakers burst in with a 5kg cake drawn Maria on it and eighteen candles. I was not really a birthday celebration kind of guy. The last time I did a party was around 10, and it was because my parents forced me to through one. So later in the day when Jessica was alone at the patio, I went and sat next to her. We had been talking every single day for like two months now. My game was on point, not giving myself all the credit, but when her face was melting with incessant giggles, I knew I had said all the right things. From then, we started seeing each other but we haven't been really close, of late. The one flaw in our relationship is that she doesn't like Cedrick, she told me that they knew each other before this. To make matters more complicated, she added that they used to date and broke up a while ago. I learnt about this a week ago. I have been looking for the courage to approach Cedrick and ask him how it went down. And I kind of felt bad for dating his ex. But he never really shows any reaction when I'm with her. That was the things I loved about Cedrick. I could tell him anything and he would not make fun of me or judge me or anything like that. I would say that he is my best friend. Last Wednesday after book club, Jess and I snuck into one of the board rooms and made out. Believe it or not, that was when we had our first kiss. When she said that she had never kissed anyone, I found it pretty hard to believe. I mean, you look like that and you're a lip virgin. I could not believe it. She was very innocent and kind person I must say. Whenever she thought that there was something that I did wrong, she would come to me. Yes, It's been a chill and all. Yesterday is when I had the shock of my life. After our classes at 4.30pm, I went to my spot and on my way, I couldn't believe what I saw. Cedrick was on his tree and you wouldn't believe who was next to him. Jess was there. But not only that, they were kissing. I stopped in my tracks in uttermost shock. This isn't your ideal day in a rehab centre, finding your girl cheating on you with your best friend, who was her ex to make things worse. I ran back to my room and locked the door. I was so fucking pissed off. I kept on asking myself how long had it been going on for. I felt like a fool face down into my drenched pillow. My eyes dark red as I looked into my 30 by 30cm mirror on the left side of my bed. Anger began seeping in my veins as I marched out of my room heading for the bunker. I had one thing in mind and one thing alone, to end Cedrick Wafula's life. At the back of the bunker, Josh hid several guns in case it got bad. I don't know how the hell he got them in the first place but I wasn't really trying to ask him though. I did not want to know. There was a combination which everyone knew. It was his little sister's birthday. I took it without thinking and headed right for Cedrick.
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9.
On Aiden's side, he wasn't really fairing on well. After the judgement of court, he was stuffed in a tinted military car and sent out to some prison up in militia. There were several so when he heard the word, he wasn't really as scared. Little did he know that he was going to Black Hurst, one of the oldest prisons around in the state. Only the worst of the worst were sent out there. Upon arrival, he was given a rather cold welcome. He was shoved out of the van and his head kissed in the mud almost immediately. As I said, the place wasn't really accommodating. He was dragged across multiple cells after he was registered into the prison, searched and given his black overall which wasn't really new. It had several holes and some brown stains and he wasn't really in a position to demand for anything. He went to his cell but he could barely see where he was coz you could imagine no one even bothered to give him a towel. He was welcomed with a putrid stench of all sorts of things. Most of it I would imagine came from the cracked W.C. which was directly in front of him. On its immediate left was a bunk bed on which a dirty towel and a bedsheet was placed and a sink on the opposite side of the 4 by 4 metre room. The cell door was shut and a calendar was through to him. He lay on the dirty floor for about two hours trying to piece his life together until where he was right now. He wondered why there was a bunkbed and he was only one guy. Little did he know. He began dozing off on the floor and eventually slept. He was startled when the cell door flung open and who came in was just...He was a big dark middle-aged man. His muscles were evident throughout his whole overall. Yes, you can imagine. Not to mention this guy was well over six feet. The mud in Aiden's eyes had somewhat dried and he rubbed his eyes to get a clear view of him. "Brack. I'm Brack." He said and laid himself at the bottom bed. Aiden had already set up his stuff so you could not imagine his life now. Brack did not who any signs of returning his things. The cell opposite his was barely lit. Considering that it was deep into the night. He could only see two eyes past the cell door and a head of shaking violently. His other cellmate began gesturing things Aiden could not make out of. "Ok buddy, I have rules. Rules which have to be followed. Okay!" Aiden quickly got to his feet and faced his direction. "Don't dare put your filthy but on my toilet and don't talk to me at all. Clear!" when he was done, Aiden was really confused. He didn't know what to say well most probably coz he just go strict instructions not to say a word to him, so he simply just nodded and faced the other direction. "Fuck!" Aiden said lightly in a way Brack couldn't hear. He jumped onto his bed dreading his situation. He zoned out before he knew it.
"Wake up and get to work!". A rough voice was heard all around the cell area. Aiden could barely open his eyes but was confused when he saw Brack dart out of the cell almost immediately. He couldn't believe that there was someone or thing that could send him out that fast. He therefore knew that something was coming. He got up and rubbed his eyes and headed for the sink, washed his face and proceeded to the exit. No sooner had he stepped out that he was met with a long, hard and heavy sort of pipe directly onto his let hip. This shook off any amount of sleep he had and he limped away from the man as fast as possible heading to the open area. It was dark outside and everyone had already made lines or something like that. You wouldn't expect him to know what to do. So just ran and stood behind one of the lines and just waited or the worst. "Slant up!" Overhead! Down sight!" the commander walked out with the same pipe in his hand and he repeated the commands severally and loudly. The commander can only be described as robust. Aiden found the first few days rough but as time went by, he got a little bit used to the routine, not so much to his cellmate, Brack. He walked around the prison with some other robber-looking hooligans. No one dared stand in their way. The food fights were discombobulating considering the fact that the lean ones mostly got in the middle of the most of them. Aiden had been doing his best to better his life out there but it wasn't going well. I mean, his life was cut short 15 years. To think that he will be a free man at thirty-four is not really something you can shrug off. In the university he was in, he wasn't really doing a course. He barely made time for classes and never took his parents seriously. Basically, he had a really dark future. Fredrick could not make money for the good university, to add insult to injury, he had banked all his cards on his daughter, Pen who did fairly well in school. Aiden always found Brack and his 'men' in their cell and he was never in a position to debate about it. The two guys on the opposite cell, Rick and Vanderwaal, were somewhat good. Despite the fact that Rick was among Brack's men, he was less rough and toxic. Vanderwaal had made acquaintance with Aiden about three or so days after his arrival. Vanderwaal's past was quite messy but he did not look the part. He was around 5'7 and had a chubby face with baby locks. He was all smiles most of the time. He murdered his two sisters who were both younger than him. He wasn't really a sharing kind of guy so not even the guards know whey he did what he did. Vanderwaal showed Aiden around the main areas and the others he had to discover them the hard way. The prison was quite vast and had maximum security one could not even think of escaping. Well, everyone except Brack and his guys. Brack has been here for a while and was to be released sooner rather than later. Hugo followed about a month after Brack and they began talking. Rick and DX, as they called him, joined together and formed their little alliance. Considering their robust nature, they overtime, became one of the most powerful guys around. Aiden was quite satisfied with the one ally he had.
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10.
It's the fifth month, seventh day, 4am. I wouldn't say I have had the best experience here, but, it could be worse. Little did I know that this day was going to be hell. I had adapted to the schedule and tried my best to always be up on my feet. I constantly tried to warm up to Brack but the man was indifferent. The torture was splendid as usual. Around the third day of my arrival, I was assigned duties just like every other inmate. I had the quarry section. It wasn't really work, all we did was take some axes and chop up a bunch of rocks till about noon. Lucky for me, Vanderwaal was also here, so he took me through the 'basics'. I came to know that he had some sort of feud with Brack and his boys. I never really came to understand why but every time I brought it up, he always changed the subject but I could eel the fear in the sound of his voice after. I got even more worried because about a week ago, I overheard Brack and his men planning something big and constantly, I heard Vanderwaal's name and let's just say there were not happy. His whole gang were doing 'the plates' as we used to call them. Honestly, I feel like that is the hardest one there is. They did it on the higher side of the prison so they had a clear view of the quarry. There was a little bit of commotion which emanated from who knows where. When I looked right, I was filled with fright and ran with all my might. An axe was swung directly at my face and I eluded the attack in the nick of time. No sooner had I began catching my breadth than Vanderwaal's head rolled up until my right foot. I stood still, my eyes dilated not knowing what to do. Everything started becoming blurry and suddenly pitch black. When I came to, I stood up as fast as I can quickly recollecting the past events. I was in my cell, Brack wasn't there. Vanderwaal was...I sat back down and just stayed there helpless coz I knew there was nothing I could do. On the opposite cells, guards came in and out clearing out everything of his. Rick just sat there, didn't really show like he cared. Then suddenly, I recalled the axe swung at my face, then a faint image of Brack flew threw my mind. That is when I put two and two together. When I looked at Brack's calendar which was the only thing left there, today was circled. That is when it hit me, he was being released today. Could he really have gotten away will Vanderwall's death? I was infuriated and started shouting at Rick for answers, all he did was stare back at me. I constantly banged my head onto the cell door as tears forced themselves out into the open. He was the only person I trusted in there. On the bright side, Brack was gone so no more of his stupid rules. This place had finally broken me to a point where I literally felt nothing. Vanderwaal brought out the best in me. During the visiting days, my dad never really showed. I didn't blame him. I wasn't really son of the year. Flunking all my classes and getting jailed and all. That's where Vanderwaal's parents came in, every time they came, he would call me and my day would become less worse. His mother always brought her famous forest berry that was just... Now I look at the barely painted wall, all the good memories running through my mind until there was non left. "Arden! Time for work!" The guard yelled at me. I got up and went alone since...well. My eyes could barely open fully, I was carrying so much bitterness and anger in me that I just stopped talking to anyone. This ordeal drove away the little goodness and enthusiasm I had in me. With Brack gone, most things had changed. He would always be the first to serve food and at basically everywhere. No one really know me. I never really used to do somethings like lifting weights and all. Vanderwaal and I would merely walk past Brack and his guys working out in the middle of the field in the mid-day sun, sweat literally pouring from their skin. I was never really a weight-lifting kind of guy but that was when I had things to look forward to in life. Everything had changed now. I felt as if I was all alone in this world, even as I walked past my fellow inmates, I just visualised their absence. It broke me to think that I would never see Pen again. I didn't really who my love towards her but deep down the brother-sister connection was unbreakable. Ever since Brack left, I have been working out daily, not really talking to anyone. With time, people started fearing me. When you have everything taken away from you, you don't really express joy. Brack's former goons became mine. That was of course after beating the hell out of Rick and even stabbing him. I don't know where he went after that. I just know that I never saw him again after he was taken by the paramedics. I was content but nothing would ever heal what I was feeling. The guards caught up t o me and took me away to some prison island. I don't know how they knew it was me. Here it was even worse, no beds, no sink no nothing. And did I mention that I was to be sentenced to life imprisonment. I hit rock bottom. I sat at the corner of my confinement room and eagerly waited for death to do its thing.
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11.
Day 78, I had a calendar in my room that I ticked every day. I was really counting on the day I would get out of this hell hole. I tried to cancel out of the thoughts of yesterday's events. Every time I closed my eyes the 'Glock 9' I head in my hand flashed in and out and I remember aiming it at Cedrick. I swear I didn't mean to. I told myself constantly. I let my anger get the best of me. I really did love her. I didn't mean to. I buried my head deep inside my pillow awaiting my fate. Mr. Grey banged out my door and told me its time for my punishment. Immediately I got out, my eyes met with Cedrick's. I was still mad at him for what he made me do. I couldn't even begin to imaging what he was feeling. I killed Jessica!!! I couldn't believe it. When the gun fired, a grin was imprinted on my face because I knew I had got him. When I saw Jessica fall onto the ground and started bleeding profusely, I fled to my room and locked the door. I knew I messed up. The price I would have to pay was deadly. Especially considering that I turned 18 about a month ago. I could go to prison and I very much did not want that. Grey took me to the boss's office. I had never really seen him. He was a plump guy with a stone face and it was evident that he was in his early fifties. He did not get his eyes off me for about 15 minutes without saying a word. He started to intimidate me when he got into his desk and pulled out some files. Those files stated what would happen to an 18 and above year old if he or she commits murder. I already knew where this was going. I could not just sit there and wait to be arrested. I was taken to the exit and instructed to enter this black van that would take me to the station. Judging by where the rehab centre was located, I knew it wasn't going to be our friendly neighbourhood police station where my uncle works as the Deputy at the place. On the way my mind merely ran off and wandered deep in my thoughts. This wasn't my first time heading to the station. Back when I was about 12, my friends and I kind of stole from a shop. I say kind of coz it was partly by mistake. I mean, at the time, I brought up the discourse on the matter, jokingly, each of us took a handful of sweets and shoved them deep in our back pockets. We were to return them before leaving but as we were, it didn't really cross our minds. When the exit alarms went off, we panicked and run all the way to the other block. In the end, we were caught and they put us in a police car and took us to the station to scare us. My mom and dad weren't really jolly. They each gave me a piece of their minds and you can imagine the beating I received from my father as soon as we came home. It was a good memory that now came across me. I wished that all I had done was still a couple of sweets but we never really get what we want. I hear watched in the news a while back some teenagers who were caught robbing a bank, and one of them shot a guy. No just any guy, my dad. And not just any shooter, Aiden. I saw this on my like second week at Rehab. It really struck me but not really as bad as it should honestly. I had never really been in good terms with him so I guess the impact wasn't that gruesome. Every time I think of Aiden, my mind goes back to his party, goes back to Madelyn, what she told me, I just….The stress began to build upon me. Especially considering school was about to open. After I changed his gender and all, I haven't really been having the best high school life. But it was the end of senior year and I had vowed ever since I was a sophomore that I would finish high school with impact. We pulled up right outside the station. It was evening so it wasn't really packed. I got out and followed the guy in front of me with my handcuffs threatening to slit my wrists considering how sharp they were. My mom came a few minutes shortly. Let's just say, the reaction I expected from her was not what I got. On first glance, she ran to my direction and flooded me with hugs and kisses. She kept asking me whether I'm okay. So I was kind of relieved now but the whole possibility of the ending up in prison thing wasn't really comforting me. My mom told me that rehab cases aren't really as serious coz I mean it's a mental health institution. Considering my mum was one of the biggest lawyers in state, she pulled some strings and I was free, that is after she paid a generous amount of money to the officers. I told her that I needed to take some things from Rehab since it was made clear that I wouldn't be welcomed there at all. When we were at the gate, it was a ruckus. The caregivers were running helter-skelter as the alarms were going off vigorously. The patients had escaped! When we got closer, we heard that they ganged upon the security and just went passed the security. No doubt this was all because of me. When I looked back, I saw Cedrick and Josh along with every other person running as fast as they could. That was when I went on and told my mum how this place wasn't what her and every other person thought it was. I told her all about their little experiments and brutal nature. I went and took my things as fast as I could and told my mom to drive as fast as she could. While on the highway, I took a sigh of relief. "It's over". I whispered having an elongated smile printed on my face. I cranked up the volume of the radio and zone out till we reached home. "At last!" I felt as if the heavy load I had been carrying on my shoulder had been lifted. When I walked in, I almost collapsed right there and then. We had quite a number of 'guests' at the dinner table. Just when I was having the best day of my life. I saw Mr. Grey at where my dad used to sit. Right next to him were Madelyn's parents together with Madelyn herself. Her stomach had bulged out slightly and she started tearing up when I walked in and came and hugged me. Right there and then, I had no idea what I was going to do. I took a big swallow of saliva, closed my eyes and prepared for the worst.
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12.
It's been a hell of a ride these past months. When my parents knew what had happened, they flipped out of their minds. As days go by, I trye and stay strong but in my mind, I have no idea what the fuck I'm going to do. It all goes back to the first day I met him. It was sophomore year, I wasn't really looking for someone. But there he was. He was funny, kind, cheeky and what not. He made me feel like I was special. What no one had ever achieved in my whole entire life. My parents were not the best. My mum was in her early thirties. I can sum up her whole lie and character with just two words, party-girl. She has been trying to be there recently but there are times I don't even know she's in town. My dad died about five years ago. I guess she was just too much for him. He was a typical middle-aged man out to earn a living. I guess he wasn't ready for all that. Now I have a step dad. I think you can guess where they met. I was 12 at the time. I lived with my nanny basically coz my mom was never there. But ever since she met Bill, she just...changed. Bill was a bearded, muscular man in his early 40's. he didn't really have a fixed source of income. I have never really known what he does up until now but as long as he can put food on the table, that's all that really matters. He helped me sneak out most of the time, the chillest dad in the world. I missed my dad very much though. He really helped me cope and burry that part of my life and move on. School was where his death really hit me. I was in middle-school, I stopped talking to basically everyone, skipping classes, going to parties. Yep. I was in a bad place. It was Hope who took me through the whole thing. She is still my best friend up until now. Yeah… so back to Greg. We had been talking almost daily for a long time now. I enjoyed his company as he did mine. When he asked me out, I was on the moon. I told Hope everything and we prepared for everything. But there was only one problem, it was a PARTY! I know you're thinking, why is that a bad thing. That's where the sad part comes in. I was a virgin. Most of my classmates had lost their virginities, some in front of my eyes, others just...Point is, I needed to same myself from embarrassment. I wasn't really sure if Greg was a virgin coz of his whole life transition gender thing. I didn't really mind that. Hope did at first but she realised how nice he was and stopped disturbing him really. It was 7, in the dress I stole from my mum. He picked me up and we were in a party. Up the stairs into a room – my body mass on top of his – left the party – in my room. Everything went on so fast. But I had never been that excited in my life. I felt like a whole new person. Every time I closed my eyes, his face mirrored in front of mine. I felt whole again. Kinda like the hole left by my Dad was filling up slowly. I didn't really care of what would happen next. All I knew is that, I was deep in love. Since it was summer break, days just went on as usual. I had wanted a job in the new mall as a sandwich make...got it. Started at around mid-day ended at three, got a wholesome amount from it. Its good to use of my time in my opinion. In about 2 weeks, I started feeling kinda off. Slight dizziness and vomiting. Assumed it was the flu and moved on with my life. When I persisted, that when I started getting paranoid. I was young but not stupid. I had the thought in my mind. I wanted to be sure. I set out to the small mart in our neighbourhood and got a pregnancy test. Yep. Didn't really think it would come a time in my life I would need it. I mean I'm only 16. What am I gonna tell my parents?! So, got it, went home and tested. TWO STRIPES!?! I was fucked. I ran around the house in circle. In confusion, anger, regret, pain. I mean the only one that came to my mind was Greg. I didn't really think twice, I ran all the way to his house. I was like 2 blocks away so it was manageable. And it was deep into the night so my folks were deep asleep. I was crying, threw a stone in Greg's window till he came out. I jumped into his arms the moment he came out. Broke the new to him as I broke down. At this point I didn't know what to do. In between his arms I felt some sort of tranquility. After we talked in the woods, he didn't really better my situation, but the fact that he was not mad was okay. "We'll talk." He said. I went back home trying to figure out what to do. I obviously wasn't gonna tell my parents. My mum especially. Ever since I was 14 she has been talking me to thses life choice sessions ever since I tried to kill myself. It wasn't really that serious. We had a fight with some other girl in the cafeteria, don't really remember her name. she had I think insulted my mum or something. I was a very active child and I had some anger issues. I punched her nose and she flooded me with all these facts about my bad and sad life. That was when it hit me, I went to the girl's washroom and began cutting myself as I cried. Yeah...I was in a bad place. But I mean I conquered it and I try to be stronger each day. You could guess the only person I told about my situation. She would come every evening to my house to 'study'. On the day I told her, she couldn't believe me. I'll admit that I was the least likely to get pregnant before graduation. She always told me to sit him down and try talk some sense into him. I didn't really know what to do. I went to him after like 2 weeks only to find that he had gone to Rehab. "Rehab!! Seriously!" I was pissed. I ran back home and just thought of driving a knife into my stomach to kill the creature growing in me. Is he trying to tell me that he is going through more than I am? I was just...LOST.
Eventually, my mom started becoming a little suspicious. When you vomit almost twice a day and have a high tendency of fainting, people tend to notice. She now had had it and insisted that I go and get checked up. I know that if I go through with it I would be fucked up. So I tried all I could but when Bill stepped in, it wasn't really a negotiation anymore. I loved him and all but I'll admit that he was pretty intimidating when he got angry. I knew it was all over when I heard "Madelyn Bose, please see the doctor" Well the day ended on a very low note. I have never seen Bill that upset. My mum kinda supported me but she didn't want it to look evident in front of him. When I arrived at the house, he persisted I tell him who did this to me. I mean, I thought of Greg first then although I was hella pissed at him, I couldn't let Bill release his anger on him. That was the longest night in my life. I didn't hear the end of it. It had been quite a while since Greg left for Rehab. To be honest, I didn't know when hell be back. My stomach had developed a little lump. The stress I had in me. The abortion factor didn't really seem right to do. I couldn't bare killing my own child, but what was I to do. In the afternoon, I found Bill in my room taking everything down. I didn't really know what he was looking for but I could guess. That's when I remembered I had some photos of him in my wardrobe. I don't really remember where I got them from but that didn't really matter. He burst out of the house holding his pictures. He knew him obviously. Back when we started dating, that's all I could talk about at home. He even started developing a liking towards him. But all that seemed to fade away when he told my mum and I to get in the car.
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13.
There is no day that passes by that I don't remember what that bustard did to me. He ruined my life. Every time I look at myself in the mirror, I feel disgusted. They don't really understand. They are not helping me. How do they seriously think putting me in here helps in any way. I hear Greg was also taken to Rehab, was kind of hoping to find a familiar face but oh well. Dr Phil was always there for me, I guess. Just used to follow me around, constantly asking me if I needed anything. It was getting annoying. I've been here for about 3 months now. When I was being admitted here, I wasn't really paying attention to what anyone was saying. I was just in my own world. I am so sure ai am the eldest here. Al the others seem to be psychopaths. The upside of all this is that we could ring out folks on the weekends. Linda was the only one who put a smile on my face. Oh and....Luis. HE was just fun to be with. I remember on my first week, he offered to give me a tour of the place. I had my second thoughts about him. I had my second thoughts about him. He kind of intimidated me considering he was like a foot taller than me. But did that stop him? I wasn't really getting the point of the rehab thing but he made it more bearable. Everyday after high tea he would take me to this backyard. I didn't even know it existed and we would talk for hours about baseless things that would still make my heart melt. I hat to say it but, I was falling in love. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. One Saturday I wend to get him in his room where he spent most of his time. Didn't really ask what he did coz I didn't want it to seem like I wanted to monitor him. The door was locked so I decided to go by the back. I peeped into his window and what I saw plucked my soul straight from my body. In one hand, was a lit blunt that went in and out of his mouth simultaneously, one the other was a clear plastic bag enclosing some white powder. I knew what it was but my mind constantly refused to accept. I stood there for quite some time, in shock. I was many things at that time. Suddenly, he turned and shot his red eyes at me in shock. I bolted away and headed to the main room where everyone was gathered. I went to a corner by myself and zoned off. I didn't know what to think. The only person I ever saw with those type of drugs was my brother, Aiden. And we all know how he turned out. To think that I was actually falling in love with the guy. As expected, he came behind me and tried to convince me it was not what It looked like. I mean, I liked the guy, so getting mad at him wasn't really in the cards. It took him a while, but he managed to convince me. I honestly don't know how but he did. It was only some significant others who knew what he did. I was exposed to a whole new world. Before I knew it, I was in the game. Though not as hefty, I was in. I was 2 months into my session when I started doing them, my life became...exciting. Got new friends. Not good friends. Amazing friends. Snuck out, stole food, smoked weed, did cocaine. Seriously, what did we not do. At my tender age of 14, I was an addict. I know your thinking, how did we get them, let's just say, Luis knows a guy, and his guy know a bigger guy. The source never really mattered, as along as it was free. But after a while, the staff started finding stashes and stashes of the goods, became suspicious, investigations commenced. Only took them two weeks to figure out Luis was the supplier. All I know is that one night, they all fled into his room and took him, I've never seen him again. He was orphan, so I guess nothing really mattered to him, and as for me, only had my dad who I haven't spoken to in a while. At the moment, life was...POINTLESS. The drugs deprived me of my sleep. I did them day and night, missing meals, keeping away from the crown and just doing my thing. They never really caught up to me. But obviously, I couldn't go on forever. One Monday night, corner of my bed, midnight. Feeling kinda tipsy then dizzy, then DARK. Wasn't really alive. But let's just say, they packed a punch. I was out in a semi-comma for about 6 months. I narrate this as this was the biggest fall in my life. Could feel dad by my side, crying so that I could wake up, move a finger, something...just anything. When I did, he was overjoyed. Could not say the same about myself. While I was in rehab I always kept thinking of my future. I saw nothing. I mean, mom was gone, Phillip was gone, Aiden was basically gone, wasn't even sure if Linda was still there especially after her mother died. So yeah, wasn't that happy when I woke up. But all this got me thinking, I can't throw my whole life away coz of the things I can't change. Though I have learned to focus on the things that I can. Few months later, dad left. I was all alone. But Josephine took me in as her own despite my messy past. But everyday I open my eyes, I live by my motto. YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE
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14.
Talk about a sticky situation. Bill was just about three feet away from me. A safe distance, but I was not taking my chances. Her mom wasn't necessarily in her best mood. "Hey guys what's up?" My mum casually asked them. Your son got my daughter pregnant, that's what happened! "Bill boomed across the hall. I held my heart in my chest as I looked into Bills eyes. Madelyn was still on the table looking down into her bulged out belly. I ran through my mind trying to find a solution. I doubt Mr. Grey understood the situation. I was still yet to understand why he was here. All my mind was telling me to do was run, and that's exactly what I did. Did so straight to my room. Could just imagine Madelyn's stress right now but I didn't really want to care. Although I did. Schools was in a week, what was I to do. I mean, I couldn't just act responsible then what…. Raise the child. In my head I assumed everything will go back to the way it was. Stayed up there the whole day and locked my door. Woke up the next day, found Grey and my mum on the dining table. It was one hellhole after another. Unending. I sat down and was told that I was the one who facilitated the escape of the patients in White Rand. He went on further and said that I have to get down to the station for misconduct or something like that. Didn't really know what was going on in my mum's head. I just knew it wasn't gonna be pretty. It was the second time in the week I was there, kinda got used to the cell smells. Every time I was in places like this Aiden just came to my mind. I will never forget that day. I was with Cedrick and his fellas when I saw his mugshots on the news, followed by the announcement of the death of Rowland Prester. At first, I didn't want to believe. But when Mr. Grey called me in private to apologise, it hit me. For about 3 weeks I was...sad. But I got used to it…kinda. I wasn't really that close with him but you kinda realise you love someone when you lose them. I wasn't there to get my mum's reaction. All I know is that she firmly facilitated Aiden's arrest and imprisonment. I was sentenced to 5 days of community service which was not that bad. The only reason my mum didn't discuss the Madelyn thing is because she was destroyed by Rowlands's death. In the mornings she wakes up extremely late and just steps out. I have never quite figured out where she goes but again I didn't want to complicate things by asking her. I basically cooked and cleaned for the both of us. I was just worried of what she is going to do when I left for school. The start of senior year was in two days, my summer has been challenging. But I'll try my best to pull through and wind this whole thing once and for all. I went to Madelyn's a day before to try something, I guess. I didn't want us to end on such a bad note. Coz it was obviously gonna have to end. When I got there, the neighbours said that they moved out yesternight. I'll have to admit that that was kinda relieving. I promised myself never again will I go that far, and if I do, I'll be careful.
2nd September 2022. First day of senior year, didn't believe how far I have gotten but I'm grateful. I go to the bus stop, got in and confidently walked to class. I told myself that this was going to be a fresh start. NOTHING WAS GOING TO STOP ME.
This story exposes most of the problems and circumstances faced in today's teenage world to be specific. It is my hope that the person reading this will not only be taken away by the story but also understand the characters and try and base remedies to their problems to prepare if they ever occur in future
Acknowledgment
I always thought of myself as a creative guy. One time in form two I was thinking of what's next for me. Besides studies and all. What if I write a book? I mean, I remember back in primary writing compositions was never really a problem for me. Always used to exceed expectation. This was most of the reason why I wrote this book. Of course my parents, especially my mom, really motivated me to continue with my aspiration. When I first told her what I wanted to do, she was shocked. Mostly, I think because I was just from school and on my break. She wondered whether I was really going to read if I am busy writing a book in school. But regardless she encouraged me and my aspiration lived on. My classmates I have to say really motivated me as well. My friends were always pushing me to show them my progress but I always insisted finishing first. They did not feel the same. I decided to give my desk mate to read but only one chapter to see whether it was worthy for the rest to read it. The positive comments boosted my moral and decided to give the rest a glimpse of it. I found out that the motivation I got from them really encouraged me to keep on writing. My dream is to say that I have published a book. I look forward to expanding this part of me and writing more and more until I get my name on that BEST SELLING AUTHOR.