1

Basically an introduction to how the two girls met and to have sense of how she will be treated throughout the novel.

            I stood on a familiar hill far away from the city, where I watched civilization no taller than my nimble fingers. I imagined to lay the vast array of skyscrapers on the gentle curve of my palm while my other hand was intertwined with Anna’s. And I was careful to keep my hand still as the slightest movement in my wrist could cause disruption among the city. But the city was tipping, slowly falling from my palm as I was unable to remain still. Very faint screams were heard as the city was quickly falling and I, the reason for its downfall. Yet as I blinked, the city was fine. Unharmed and rooted to the ground.

            Anna looked at the far away city and then back at me. “I remember this place! We used to go here when we were young.” I nodded and smiled at her.

            “Remember when we first met?” I asked, still watching her, "I think was twelve."

 

            They stared at me with mixed emotions. Some with disgust clearly on their faces and a few with traces of sympathy -- but mostly disgust. Like I had twelve toes and twenty fingers. But I was so sure I had neither; I even did a double check just to make sure. Yet as I lay inside my plain bedroom -- in this lonely house, it was difficult to forget.

            I cuddled with little Jace, tracing intricate patterns on his fur coat. He was the only companion I had left in this cruel, cruel world. I looked at him, trying to find life somewhere in this stuffed toy. The same life I saw not so long ago but others didn't. Instead I found disapproval. Embarrassment. And pure sadness. I was overcome by every moment I felt truly ashamed of myself because of little innocent Jace. And although I found comfort in him, I also found pain. 

            Overwhelmed with anger caused by long and lonely years, I threw him across the room. Satisfied that for once, he experienced pain.

            I fell back on my bed, shutting my eyes while trying to erase everything. But the more I tried, the more the memories became more distinct -- like someone taped my eyelids, forcing me to watch a lonesome little girl grow to end up constantly humiliated.

            “Tsk, tsk.” Startled, I opened my eyes and found myself eyeing a teenage girl as she slowly picked up little Jace and placed him on the shelf with all his friends. She sat on the edge of my bed and I quickly hugged my knees to keep a large distance between us. “Don’t take it on him, it’s not his fault.”

            “Do I know you?” I stumbled with my words while she considered the question, taking a long moment to find an answer.

            “A friend." The girl spoke, "I won’t hurt you. Promise.” I should have felt scared, should have called for help, but this house was empty. And I felt strangely warm. A sense of familiarity in the air, like I some how knew this stranger. She continued to look at me. “You still don’t believe me? My name’s Anna.” I introduced myself before she took a long time explaining why she was here, pausing once in while to laugh at her own jokes while I sat there, pushed up against the headboard. Anna was vibrant, lively and she explained how she was my long lost sister and when she seen the skepticism on my face, she told me how she was there, how she was always there.

            “Take my hand, Abby.” Anna said after I gradually did so. “Now close your eyes. Open them.” I was still on my bed but something else surrounded us, replacing the dull green wallpaper and the white oak floors. Aquamarine waters enclosed us, softly crashing against the bed frame. The gentle movement of the water became more fascinating as the sun highlighted each wave. I watched the surroundings in awe and turned to Anna, smiling at her before I gripped my feet onto the edges of the bed, and splashing into the water.

           

            “I remember.” Anna turned back to the city. “I was always there.”

 

Reviews

[Mady Lee]

Really interesting and well-written.
I would have to say that I thought the main character was a boy, but I was wrong. I will continue reading as I do want to know more about Anna and what will happen to the two of them. Also, the concept is really interesting. I was reading the little description in the book page and I could honestly say that I have never read a story as similar as yours -- but then again, I don't think I have read a wide range of books yet. Overall, it really was a good chapter.

[Gomeisa]

This was quite interesting.
It kinda made me reflect on my child-hood.
I did get a bit confused as to who the first person was though.
Other then that, this is well written and i am looking forward to the next chapter.
Great write and well done.