Chapter 1

            My life changed completely when I was ten years old. The first reason was my mother passed away in a car crash. Immediately after her death, my father changed. He married Betty, better known as ugliest witch of Elopura, within a few weeks. From that day onwards, I always called him by his name. Jared did not deserve to be called father. If you think that I called Betty a witch just because she’s my step mother, you are wrong. She married him just for the money and fame. Her 16-year-old daughter, Jen was just like her mother. The first time I met Jen, she tried to flirt with me.

            Jared Weinbach was an actor. He acted in all kinds of movies, especially romantic ones. The name Jared Weinbach makes every woman who heard his name scream until your eardrums burst. Since Betty and Jen are in the family, their names are can be seen on newspapers. I have seen plenty of times of a front page with a picture of Betty with another man. Jared couldn’t care less because he himself was caught by the press with many other women.

            I, on the other hand, carry the name Weinbach in shame. Every girl in my school tried to cling to me. Fortunately, the principal threaten anyone that if they keep bothering me, he will give them detention. I was so relieved that the girls finally left me alone. However, there were still a few stubborn popular girls who acted as if I’m their property.

            The band enjoyed the crowd though. Not only I’m a son to a famous actor, I’m also the lead singer for a band called Rebellious Lads. My band mates are Chase, Daniel and Zack. Chase plays the drums, Zack plays the keyboard, Daniel plays the electric violin and I play the electric guitar. We started out when we were 14. We quickly became famous since I am Jared’s son.

            We are so famous that we received many awards. We play a variety of music which is why everyone loves our music. We sometimes enjoy the fame but sometimes it was too much for us to handle. Imagine trying to go to the cinema together just to watch a movie but the plan will cut short when a girl suddenly screams, “That’s Rebellious Lads!” and the rest of the mall starts screaming in excitement. That’s our life now but we will never get used to getting chased.

            The only girl we always hang out with is Gabriella Fletcher. She is my closest friend since we grew up together. Our mothers used to be best friend so they made us grow up together hoping that we would bond and get married eventually. Before you jump into ridiculous conclusions, we are just friends, nothing more. We tried to date once but it didn’t work out. Plus, Daniel and Gabriella are in a relationship.

            The band and Gabriella live in a mansion in the West Side of Tigris, Elopura. Just to clear things up, Tigris is the capital city of Elopura. Anyway, Gabriella is also our manager. She is the one who makes deal with record companies, set dates for gigs, signs on our behalf and so many other things. Gabriella had to hire security guards so no stalker would break in and sell our stuff on e-bay. It happened to many artists in Elopura and we don’t want to be one of them.

            Gabriella is a nerd. She has long wavy hair that is always tied into a pony tail and spectacles with thick black frame. Her blue eyes are full with innocence. Once you get to know her, she’s no angel.

            When I was 15 and my band is freshly well-known, the popular girls bullied Gabriella so they can replace her. The first and only time they did, Gabriella was crying all day. She was too afraid to tell me when I asked her. When I found out, I was so angry that I confronted the leader, which is coincidentally Jen Weinbach. I didn’t care if we share the last name when it comes to my best friend. I yelled and threatened her in front of the whole school. A few students even recorded the scene and posted it on YouTube. The video earned two million views in two days. Jared called me about the matter but I hung up before a word escapes from his mouth.

            From that day onwards, no one dared to mess with me or Gabriella.

            I’m currently sitting next to Gabriella in History class. I am a nerd, just like Gabriella, but not as smart as her. History is the only subject I always got higher marks than her. I am paying attention to Miss Val until my vision turns black and white.

            I tap Gabriella’s shoulder and whisper, “Gab, it’s time. I’ll see at home.”

            “Be careful,” she whispers back. Her expression shows concern as always.

            Gabriella and the band are the only ones who know my secret. I hurriedly pack my bag and stand up.

            “Miss Val, I’m not feeling well. May I leave?” I ask her. My vision is slowly fading away. I look at the back of the class to see Chase frowns at me as Daniel and Zack has understanding and concern shown in their eyes.

            “Okay, Anthony. Get well soon,” Miss Val’s timid voice makes me look back at her. I give her a grateful smile and dash out of the classroom. Fortunately, no one was in the hall to ask me for my autograph. I enter an empty lavatory. Quickly yet messily, I lock the door and take out a small leather bag from my school bag.

            Darkness consumes me before a familiar forest surrounds me.

            The second reason why my life changed? Seven years ago, I was cursed to time travel.