To those who say that "Oh, all parents love their children equally" and "No parent has a favorite child" had clearly never met my mom and dad.
The apple of their eye had always been Isabelle, my twin sister. Born 3 minutes later than me, she was their baby princess and could do no wrong.
Me on the other hand, my presence was tolerated at best but often totally ignored, only addressed when absolutely necessary as if I was just the Shadow of Isabelle.
Having said that. I wouldn't say I was starved for affection growing up. I had grown used to the solitude and being independent.
Besides, I had comforted myself with the idea that it would only be a few more months till I could go to college and could disappear from the life of this so called 'family'. They probably wouldn't even notice if I disappeared.
After all, as my sisters substitute, I never got the chance to chase anything I wanted, my life was dictated by her whims!
Like there was that time when we were 6 she wanted to learn martial arts. She went for 2 weeks and gave up. The reason?
"Oh the feeling of sweating is so gross. I don't wanna do it"
So guess who had to spend 10 years of their life learning martial arts to prove that 'Isabelle' was talented in multiple fields. That's right. ME!
Instead, our parents hired fancy tutors to teach Isabelle magic. I could never really understand why I had to sweat like a pig while she got to learn how to throw fireballs and crap.
But hey! I at least knew how to kick a man in the face. That was something...Right?
Who am I kidding.... I was always the expendable one... The one they could afford to lose.
That's why when the government drafted the most excellent 'Warriors' for a top secret task force. I found myself being shipped off by my parents in Isabelle place.
'Goodbye Ari~' she had mouthed.
The look on my sisters face was something I could never forget. She had given me a smile but their was no warmth. If anything, there had been... relief. As if she had dodged the butchers knife and she was in the free and clear. Sisterly love my ass. I was just her scapegoat!
I didn't have the magical abilities that my sister did. I could barely light a candle, let alone fight a monster. My parents had abandoned me as a to save Isabelles life.
I barely remember the ride to the army base. It was a blur as voices and laughter of the boys and girls similar in age to me introduced themselves.
The only person I remember was Liam, the guy who had sat next to me on the bus.
Sure, he was cute with curly blonde hair and green eyes that shimmered in the light. But I didn't have the heart for romance. I for sure thought I was going to be the first to die in whatever mission we got sent to. I was just going to be a shadow and let myself be forgotten.
Yet Liam didn't seem to care about my thoughts. He was kind and caring, worrying about those around him, even someone like me.
"Hey! You okay there? You look a little down."
"Hah? No...I am fine"
I had such a way with words. I for sure thought he would just turn away right then and there. Why would he continue talking with the gloomy girl who couldn't even give a proper greeting?
Yet he betrayed my expectations again.
"Well then Fine. Nice to meet you. I am Liam" he chuckled holding out his hand for a handshake.
My brain froze when I heard such a lame joke but still, coming from him it was somehow endearing.
"Well this is awkward. I didn't mean to imply that you were hot... I mean you are pretty. But Like I wasn't trying to hit on you or anything"
The look of panic on his face as he got embarrassed at his own joke was too much for me to not let out a small laugh.
"Hey~! There we go. I at least got a laugh out of you. Thats gotta count for something right?"
His smile must be contagious as I felt my own lips twitch upwards. I had reached out my hands and returned the handshake.
"My names Ar....Isabelle. My name is Isabelle..."
I almost forgot, I was here as Isabelle. The boy didn't think I was cute, he thought Isabelle was. That was a quick way to cut down my budding self esteem.
Thankfully, While Liam cute may he be,, he was totally dense and didn't pick up on my change in mood. Or at the very least he didn't let on that he knew. Instead he spoke about all sorts of nonsensical topics like sports, tv shows and internet culture.
Despite my best efforts, I found myself growing closer to him. He had that charm about him that made people want to open up and follow him. The real hero type.
"So what kind of place do you think this task force is gonna be like? I wonder if we are going to be trained to be super spies or something?"
The question was finally broached. I had no idea nor did anyone else on the bus for that matter.
"I don't know but whatever it is, I will definitely be at the top!" A surly voice cut in to our conversation.
Turning my head. I saw a burly meathead of a man sitting there, looking at Liam with a smug look on his face. I noticed that he was sneaking glances at me.
This isn't elementary school bud, I'm not gonna be impressed if you are the biggest and strongest kid in the yard.
"Don't worry sweetheart! No matter what they throw at us, I will protect you. Hahaha!"
Did he just wink at me?! Oh god he did. That was nausea inducing. I felt the urge to throw up talking to him so I did the only thing I knew: Avert my gaze and act as if I didn't see it.
Yup! Total Mastermind strategy.
Liam took one glance at me before looking at the muscle freak in front of us with a cold serious expression.
"If you don't know what it is? How can you promise to protect someone?"
That switch up was totally unexpected. A serious Liam is kinda cool huh...? But it seems Mr. Macho took offence. I could see a vein throbbing on his forehead. Gross. He opened his mouth but the Bus Driver cut him off.
"Get Ready to depart Cadets! We will be arriving at Base soon."
Looking out the window, I saw what could only be described as a massive military compound surrounded by a massive fence, complete with helicopters, Tanks, Humvees and the other crap a military had.
Up until now, it all felt so surreal. I could barely register the drivers words as we pulled up to the gate
"Welcome to your New Home. Welcome to Fort Hunter"
More like Welcome to Hell on Earth...