The morning sunlight streaming through the kitchen window highlighted the wisps of steam rising from the kettle as it boiled loudly. Ginger, lost in thought, stood transfixed in front of it, her vibrant ginger hair cascading down her back in loose waves. She wore a faded basketball jersey and distressed cargo pants, exuding a relaxed, laid-back demeanor.
Her mother, Freda, burst into the kitchen, concern etched on her face. "Ginger, are you alright? You seemed a million miles away." She swiftly turned off the gas, silencing the kettle's ear-piercing whistle.
Ginger's gaze snapped back to reality. "Oh, yeah, Mom. I'm fine. Just getting some hot water for cocoa before school." She reached for a mug and began preparing her morning drink.
As she worked, her eyes drifted toward the small television on the kitchen counter, where a breaking news report had just begun. A somber-faced newscaster spoke of a 17-year-old girl named Sofia Michael, who had mysteriously vanished.
"According to reports," the newscaster continued, "Sofia's grandmother discovered her empty bedroom this morning at her residence, prompting a frantic call to the authorities. An investigation is currently underway."
The newscaster's expression turned sympathetic. "Tragically, Sofia's mother has been struggling with severe mental health issues. Many are now questioning whether her condition may have contributed to Sofia's disappearance."
Ginger listened distractedly, her focus on getting ready for school. She added a spoonful of sugar to her cocoa, stirred it, and took a sip, her eyes never leaving the TV screen.
Freda watched her daughter with a mix of amusement and concern. "Ginger, don't you think you should get going? You don't want to be late for school."
***
Ginger stepped into the bustling hallways of Highwood High School, where the air was electric with hushed conversations. The disappearance of Sofia Michael, the new girl in town, was the only topic on everyone's mind.
"I heard she just moved to Birdwoods yesterday," a girl whispered to her friend, eyes wide with worry.
"Isn't it frightening?" her friend replied. "My mom said this town is cursed."
Nearby, another group of friends discussed the mystery. "I heard the witches took her," April said, her voice laced with conviction.
Her blonde-haired friend, Courtney, let out a mocking laugh. "Witches don't exist, April."
April's eyes flashed with intensity. "They do! My mom said so. Birdwoods is filled with witches and supernatural beings. This town is their coven."
The group burst out laughing. "April, Sofia was kidnapped by humans, not witches," Courtney said, still chuckling.
The bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Students scrambled to gather their belongings and hurry to their next class. Ginger joined the flow, her mind whirling with the rumors and theories surrounding Sofia's disappearance.
As the bell rang, signaling recess, the Biology teacher dismissed the class. Students poured out of the classroom, eager to grab a snack, practice sports, or catch up on reading in the library. Ginger, however, lingered, claiming a spot by the window. She gazed out at the bustling courtyard, watching as people walked to and fro.
A couple caught her attention, taking selfies and giggling. Ginger rolled her eyes, unimpressed. Her reverie was disrupted by the arrival of Miss Paris, the cheerleading coach. Miss Paris stood before Ginger, a stern yet encouraging expression on her face.
"Not today, young lady," Miss Paris said, her voice firm but gentle. "Principal Hawkman informed me that you're to join the cheerleading club. No more sulking around and avoiding humans, Ginger. You need to make friends and be social."
Ginger let out a dramatic groan, rolling her eyeballs in protest. "I don't want to," she muttered, her tone low and uninterested.
Miss Paris smiled, unfazed. "You can't say no, honey. And any behavior you put up, I'm ready for it. Meet me at the field." With that, she turned and walked out of the classroom.
Ginger let out a deep sigh, her gaze drifting back to the window. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before standing up and trudging toward the field, her reluctance evident in every step.
Ginger arrived at the field, where Miss Paris beamed with excitement. However, the six cheerleaders didn't share her enthusiasm. In fact, Ginger's presence seemed to irritate them.
"Girls, meet our new member, Ginger! You all be nice, okay?" Miss Paris said, prompting the girls to put on fake smiles.
"Ginger, this is Delancey, the captain of the group," Miss Paris continued.
Delancey, a blonde-haired girl, looked up at Ginger with a scoff, quickly covering it with a smile.
Miss Paris chimed in, "Okay, I'll leave you all to get to know each other. Remember, you're all a team, and we Learn, Grow, Thrive to make Highwood the best!" She walked away, leaving the girls to themselves.
As soon as Miss Paris was out of earshot, the cheerleaders turned on Ginger.
"Well, well, well, look who it is – Ginger Wary, sister to a twin and a murderer," Delancey sneered. "What do you think she's doing here? To kill us too?"
The other girls snickered in agreement.
"Sorry, girl, but we don't accept murderers here in cheerleading," Tracy, a girl with short, black, wavy hair, added.
Ginger defended herself, "Yeah, I think you all need to be careful. You never know when it will be your turn."
Delancey smirked wickedly. "Not surprised, though – the blood of a murderer runs through your family vein. Just like Gin killed Holly, I bet it felt good as she slaughtered Holly."
Ginger's eyes narrowed, her fists clenched in anger. She was ready to leave when Delancey delivered the final blow.
"Are you going to murder your mom too? Or should we pay for someone to do that?" Delancey said, prompting the other girls to chuckle.
With rage and anger, Ginger swiftly punched Delancey in the face. The punch was so fast that no one expected it. Ginger continued to punch Delancey heavily and continuously, fueled by her rage.
The other cheerleaders screamed loudly, attracting the attention of other students and teachers. Miss Paris rushed to the scene, where she found Ginger's hands covered in blood.
"She was trying to kill her!" Tracy exclaimed.