Chapter 1:
Amber's pov
The alarm clock screamed at me, dragging me out of my peaceful dream and straight into reality. I groaned, blindly slapping the snooze button, but it was too late. Once I was awake, there was no going back.
"Amber! Time to wake up, kiddo!" My dad's voice echoed from downstairs, followed by the sound of dishes clanking in the kitchen.
I sighed, rubbing my eyes. Mornings sucked.
Sitting up, I stretched, glancing around my room. It was a mess—clothes on the floor, books scattered across my desk, my phone lying face down on my bed with 1% battery left. Typical.
I glanced at the small photo frame on my bedside table. It was an old picture of my mom, smiling brightly, holding me in her arms when I was just a baby.
Even after all these years, I still missed her.
My dad had raised me alone since she passed away. And somehow, despite working long shifts in the police department, he had never once made me feel like I was missing something.
"Amber! I'm making pancakes, but if you don't get down here, I'm eating yours!"
That got me moving.
I quickly threw on a hoodie and jeans, ran a brush through my hair, and bolted downstairs.
Breakfast with Dad
The kitchen smelled like coffee and pancakes. My dad was standing by the stove, flipping pancakes with his usual carefree smile.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he greeted.
I slumped into a chair. "Morning. I hate mornings."
"You say that every day," he chuckled, placing a plate in front of me. "But you love pancakes."
I grabbed my fork, shoving a piece into my mouth. "True."
Dad sat across from me, sipping his coffee. He was still wearing his police uniform, badge shining under the kitchen lights.
"Long shift today?" I asked.
"Yeah, but I'll be home for dinner. So don't burn the house down while I'm gone."
I rolled my eyes. "That's never happened yet "
He laughed, ruffling my hair. "Just be good, alright? And don't get detention again."
"That was happened one time."
Before he could start lecturing me, a knock on the window made me jump.
Elena..
Elena was standing outside, arms crossed, impatient as ever. Her brown hair was tied in a loose braid, and she wore an oversized hoodie that made her look half-asleep.
"Move it, slowpoke!" she called.
Dad shook his head. "That girl is always waiting on you."
"Because she has no patience," I shot back, grabbing my bag. "Love you, Dad!"
"Love you too, kiddo. Stay out of trouble!"
I grinned as I ran out the door, joining Elena on the sidewalk.
Walking to School (And My Bad Life Choices)
"So," Elena started as we walked, "how late did you stay up this time?"
"Two. Maybe three?"
She groaned. "Amber!"
"It was worth it! I was watching—"
"Don't tell me you were rewatching the same show again."
I grinned. "Commitment."
Elena sighed. "One day, I'm gonna steal your phone just so you get some sleep."
I laughed as we walked through the quiet streets. Something about today felt weirdly peaceful. Too peaceful.
There were fewer cars. Fewer people. A streetlight flickered.
For a second, a weird chill crept up my spine.
"You okay?" Elena asked, nudging me.
I shook it off. "Yeah. Just tired."
She smirked. "See? I told you."
We kept walking, lost in our usual random conversations about teachers, homework, and our shared hatred for math class.
Just another normal day.
Or so I thought.
Zane's pov
The music blasted through my earphones as I tied my shoelaces, blocking out the noise of the world.
I didn't care about mornings. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about much at all.
After grabbing my bag, I slung it over my shoulder and left the house, walking towards school alone.
My phone buzzed. Another message.
I ignored it.
The streets were mostly empty, which suited me just fine. I preferred the quiet.
As I reached the school gates, I could already hear the annoying chatter of students. The second I stepped inside, the stares started.
I was used to it.
Girls and Their Useless Obsession
A group of girls stood near the lockers, whispering and giggling as I walked past.
"He's so hot."
"Did you see his hands?!"
"I swear, he's perfect."
I tuned them out.
It wasn't like I did anything to attract attention. I didn't talk to them. I didn't look at them.
And yet, they kept acting like I was some mystery to be solved.
I walked to class, took my usual seat near the window, and shoved my earphones back in.
Until, of course, the loudest person in the world walked in.
The moment Amber stepped into the room, it was like peace ceased to exist.
She was talking too loud, laughing too much, waving her hands dramatically as she told Elena some ridiculous story.
My eye twitched. Where does she always gets so much energy?
She passed by my desk, completely unbothered by the stares, throwing herself into her seat.
"Did you see the look on his face?!" Amber laughed. "He was so mad!"
Elena snorted. "You're a menace."
I sighed, turning up my music.
Just another normal, boring day.
Or at least, that's what I thought.
By the time the sun set, everything would
Change
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