The atmosphere in the car grew tense with a dark cloud of perturbation looming above us. After minutes of arguing, everyone agreed Lauren would be the one to drop me off, for Andrew was in no state to. She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she mumbled for the hundredth time.

"I'm fine, Laur." 

Her lips twitched downward, forming a frown. The both of us knew the truth - I wasn't fine. If anything, I was pushing away the pain and worry.

"So, tell me about that party you mentioned."

I released a groan at the thought of it. While I dreaded going, I wanted to get the party out of the way.

"If you mean the terrible excuse for a little family bonding, then I am so stoked!" I smiled sardonically, throwing up my arms and cheering.

"Come on, it can't be that bad. There will be plenty of hot guys there, I'm sure." She wiggled her brows at me.

"I wish you could take my place."

My eyes trailed toward the window as the car neared my street. A father and his daughter walking their dog came into view, causing my stomach to tighten. 

I rather have one loving parent than two who disregard me.

"I don't think you understand how lucky you are!"

Nope, I'm pretty sure I understand how unlucky I am.

I scoffed under my breath at the irony. Lauren tilted her head at me as if saying really.

"You get to go to this amazing party, your parents make loads, you're smart, incredibly pretty - the list could go on and on."

But at what cost?

I forced a smile on my face. "Sorry, you're right. My head's just not in the right place."

"Yeah, I completely understand! After what happened today, I don't blame you."

A tight smile formed on my face to the point of it physically hurting. I stiffened my hand around the strap of my backpack - a habit I formed - and opened the door, dreading to enter my house.

"Oh! Before I forget. Please get any hot guys' numbers for me. Pretty please!" I shook my head in disbelief while letting out a soft chortle. 

Some things never change.

The front door of my house swung open as I was half way up the drive way. I furrowed my brows at the sight of the smiling asian woman. Her soft black hair was neatly tied back to a classy bun, showing off her smooth white skin with the common tone of yellow. She wore a professional business attire.

I furrowed my brows in confusion before glancing around. My cheeks warmed up at the thought of being at the wrong house but grew even more muddled at the correct house number plastered on the mailbox.

What?

"Hello, you must be Rosalie!" Her voice was soft, having a twinge of a British accent to it.

Double what?

I froze in my spot in utter bewilderment of a stranger casually knowing my name while standing inside my house.

"Rosa! You're finally home. We were just talking about you." My mom appeared at the threshold of the door, in front of the stranger, with a bright smile.

My eyes bulged at the sight in front of me. My mom? Home? What parallel universe did I just enter?

"Mom?" I whispered, furrowing my brows. 

My eyes widened as everything clicked - the party. I bit back the scowl threatening to form on my face. Of course. Why didn't I see this coming? A forced yet polite smile grew on my face, causing false happiness to spread across my features.

"Hello." 

"This is Mae. She works alongside me in the hospital and is a fantastic neurosurgeon."

"You're too kind, Claire. How about we go inside? Amanda should be done prepping the station."

I refused to show how much this was bothering me as we left the cool breeze and sounds of birds chirping outside. Mae ushered me to a chair before motioning Amanda in my direction.

"Your mom told me you're the top of your class. That's quite exemplary."

How would she know? It's not like she or dad makes any effort to get to know us.

"I'm not exactly the top."

She lets out a soft laugh. "You're so modest. Have you traveled anywhere?"

I watched as the lady, known as Amanda, applied a nail polish color of teal on my nails with precision. The preparation only reminded me more of the upcoming event, making me internally groan in trepidation. 

"Not really. I've never left this town actually."

Mae's lips pulled downward in a frown. "You mustn't stay here your whole life. I'm sure you'll get the chance to see everything."

Oh, I plan to.

"My family and I actually originated from England then moved to the States 11 years ago. We currently, just yesterday, moved here." she continued. 

Her eyes lit up immediately at a newfound thought. "I have a daughter, Vivian, who I would love for you to meet. You seem a tad restless about this event. Why don't you two stick together?"

"I would like that." A true smile stretched onto my face. 

"Brilliant! I'll give you my number in case you need anything. I have to go run a few errands, but don't hesitate to call me."

I gave her a soft farewell, watching Mae exit the door. A frown replaced my smile. Of course a stranger would feel more like a mom to me than my actual mom.

"Rosa! I'm heading out to meet with one of my coworkers." 

My mom jogged downstairs while shrugging on an expensive coat. I bet she thinks that's more expensive than me, I thought bitterly.

I really need to stop thinking like this.

While Amanda was cleaning up and packing her station, my mom handed her a few bills with a gracious tip. 

"Thank you so much. Enjoy your day!" Amanda chirped before picking up her belongings and exiting the house.

Turning her attention back to me, my mom sighed, "What happened to your car?"

I shrugged in response for 2 reasons:

1) I was still bitter, probably always will be.

2) I really don't know what happened to it.

She shook her head, before pulling out her phone. I decided to inspect my nails in the meantime. A beautiful teal color replaced my usual nude, plain nails. Intricate patterns of glitter swirled around. 

"Okay!" my mom cheered before ending the call. She then turned to me with a relieved expression. "An auto mechanic is on his way right now. This should cover the cost." She reached inside her purse and fished out a few bundles of hundreds.

My eyes bulged at the amount she shoved into my hand. It had to be at least a few thousand. Why would she even keep this much money in her purse!?

A scowl converted my shocked features to pure annoyance. "We're not going to fucking Hawaii."

Her eyes narrowed at my use of a profanity. She opened her mouth to surely lecture me about my diction. Instead of addressing the situation, like I wanted her to, she scoffed. 

"Don't be silly. $3,000 would not get us anywhere."

Without another word, her heels click-clacked against the hard floor. A door closing signaled her departure. My shoulders and resentful expression fell immediately. 

"Bye mom." A ghost of a whisper haunted the air, strangling me.

It felt like an eternity as I was rooted in place, staring at the door longingly. A sharp knock caused me to jump slightly. I traded the forlorn frown with a bright grin as I walked towards the door, grabbing my car keys on the table.

"Hello, you must be- oh what do you want?" I slouched my body against the threshold of the door, refusing to listen to my abdomen crying out in pain. 

"I'm sure I hate being here as much as you hate having me here." Justin sulked. "Can we just get this over with?"

I silently agreed with him, stepping outside to lead him to the only car in the driveway. Justin sighed dramatically before lifting the hood of the car up. I couldn't help but stare at him, watching his muscles move.

"All you need is a jump start. The batte- why am I even telling you this? A girl like you wouldn't understand."

I narrowed my eyes at him, crossing my arms over my chest. While I wanted to desperately argue with him, he was unfortunately right. If I was stranded on a street with a broken down car, I wouldn't know what to do. I hate how right he was.

After a few minutes, Justin stepped back with a blank expression and handed me my keys back. "It works like normal. That would b-" 

I interrupted him by shoving one of the bundles of hundreds into his hand. It should be equivalent to $1,000. His eyes widened and threatened to pop out of his head.

"What are you doing! It didn't even cost close to this much!" He argued.

I merely shrugged in response, swallowing a few of my thoughts which desired to be free. Justin shakily pocketed the money then left with a puzzled look. 

What was his problem?

Shaking away the questions I apparently had too much of lately, I dropped the keys back on the table inside the house. There was a beautiful open park with spacious grounds and a playground nearby. For some reason, I had the urge to get some fresh air. Without a second thought, I locked the front door and began my journey.

Coincidentally, my attire was appropriate for a run. The elastic hair tie on my wrist only influenced the decision to go for a short run. I quickly tied my straight, boring hair up to a high ponytail and took off in a sprint before I had second thoughts. 

The wind softly whipped my face and my pulse raced as I sped up. The sound of my breathing and the cool breeze around me was enough to calm my raging thoughts. Slowing down, my figure finally reached my destination. I watched in awe, the air radiating pure joy, as children built their own adventures on the playground and dogs playing catch with their owners. 

If only life was always like this. Easy. Easy and fun and calming. 

A small smile lit my face as a little boy ran to me. His soft black hair looked untamed while his light brown eyes shone a gleam of youth.

"Hi, do you want to play with us?" he asked with a toothy smile.

My eyes followed his as he looked to a group of kids who were anticipating my response. My eyes strayed downward in disappointment. 

"I'm sorry, but I have to go soon," I apologized.

"Please, just one game!" The little boy stared at me with big innocent eyes, tugging at my hand.

I bit my lip in thought, debating between my two options. The child pleaded me with his shiny orbs and pouty lips.

"Oh alright."

A chorus of cheers sounded around me. I couldn't help but smile at their expressions of pure joy.

"You're it!" 

Of course, I was.

A big, goofy grin grew on my face as I slowly jogged to a girl with flaming red hair. My hand reached out to gently tap her on the shoulder. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes, immediately darting towards a boy with curly, blonde locks.

"Henry!" a feminine voice yelled a few feet away.

The boy who begged me to play with him stopped in his tracks. He spared me a glance before trudging over to a girl around my age. His shoulders sagged and a scowl graced his facial features.

"You haven't been tailored yet. We're going home!" Her voice was tinged with irritation. Henry shook off her hand as she attempted to grab his.

"No, I'm playing! I met a new friend too!" he huffed, pointing at me. 

My eyes widened while shaking my head. I continuously mouthed the word no, furrowing my brows. Her eyes followed his finger and landed her gaze on me. I promptly abandoned my rapid spasm and sent her a sheepish smile. She sighed before tugging him towards me.

"I apologize for my brother, but he would like to say bye."

"No! I want to play with her!" Henry cried, stomping his foot. She tossed her head back and closed her eyes in frustration.

"You need to finish getting tailored, then you can play with her." Her voice was stern.  

"Will she be there?" His eyes watered slightly.

The girl stared at me, pleading silently. 

Say no.

"Sure," I grinned grimly.

The girl threw me a pitiful look before motioning her head to follow her.

"Thanks again. We have a party to go to and he needs his suit."

I took in the stranger's appearance. Her black hair was streaked with brown and fell in soft waves which reached a little bit above the middle of her back. Her eyes were brown, but they seem to change their shades. Currently, her eyes seem to be a bright brown, but still a little dull. 

"My name's Vivian." The girl introduced herself as we continued walking.

"Rosalie, but you can call me Rosie." I reciprocated her kindness. 

While I informed them about my life in this town, they rambled on about the constant moving and having to make new friends all over again. I couldn't imagine what it must feel like to pick up and start all over again after finally settling down.

"We're here," Vivian announced as she stopped in front of a giant house with an oak tree rooted in the center, wrapped by a birch wood bench.

"Dad's still at work and my mum will be home soon."

Henry traipsed to the mahogany door. Soon after my gawking, I followed Vivian inside the brick home. A man was standing in the living room with a measuring tape strung over his shoulder. 

"Finally m'boy. Come here!" 

He motioned Henry over quickly as if he was in a hurry. The child grumbled and stomped over to the man who quickly threw a suit jacket over him.

Vivian shook her head at her upset brother. She glanced at the jiggling doorknob before directing her attention back to Henry who refused to uncross his arms. 

"Hey mum," Vivian greeted the woman entering the house without removing her eyes from the stubborn boy. 

I - on the other hand - fully pivoted my body, getting ready to introduce myself. My eyes widened in shock before mentally slapping myself at my oblivious nature.

"Mae?"