"I'm going to get you!" Tyler yelled as he ran after Megan. She screamed and giggled, her little legs carrying her away from the "evil villain."

"No you're not!" she yelled back.

Laughing, I continued to read as I sat on the concrete beneath the deck. It was a rather unusually hot day, so we changed into our swimsuits and had a water day. The last time Megan and I had a water day was several months ago. This year, because he has been so involved in our lives, we decided to invite Tyler. As I silently read to myself, the book was shot out of my hands as I was sprayed with rushing cold water, in which resulted me to squeal and scream.

Looking up, I saw Tyler laughing, a hose-equipped Megan standing beside him. Fortunately for me, I knew better than to believe that sweet, innocent little Megan would do that to her loving, generous older sister. The evil villain, on the other hand...

I grabbed the hose from her tiny, drenched hands and pointed it towards Tyler. The grin on his face disappeared, quickly replaced with a horrifying look.

"I know my adoring, sweet, little sister didn't spray me with water. If anything, you, Mr. Villain, sprayed me with cold—very cold, I might add—water, and she merely stole it out of her hands, making it seem like she was the culprit. But alas, I am magical and I can read your plan-filled minds and know exactly what your next moves will be."

Before he could run away, I pointed the makeshift water gun towards him and pressed on the trigger. Clear water squirted out of the nozzle and hit him. Reacting to the cold water, he laughed and tried to run away. He began to run, but he did not get far before he slipped on the mud. I laughed as I watched him flail through the brown, lumpy substance. I soon felt guilty and tried to help him. Unfortunately, my superpowers were not in effect at the moment as he grabbed my arm and pulled me down beside him. I screamed and landed in the mud patch. He began to laugh and I did, too.

"Tyler!" I said, laughing. "Why!"

"Because it's funny." He grabbed some mud and rubbed it on my arm. I laughed and did the same.

Once we were done with our mud fight, we stood up to find a hysterical Megan. She sprayed us off, still giggling.

"Come here, Little Munchkin," Tyler said, scooping her up in a hug.

"I like that name. Can you call me that from now on?" she asked.

Tyler laughed and nodded. "Sure thing."

I grabbed the towels from the deck and brought them down. As I wrapped Megan in her Barbie towel, Tyler wrapped me in my sea turtle towel. Once we were all covered, we went inside for snacks and a movie.

"What movie do you guys wanna watch?" I asked as I walked to my room.

"Beauty and the Beast! Beauty and the Beast!" Megan yelled. I could easily imagine her jumping up and down.

Laughing, I went into my room to change. I grabbed my turquoise pajamas that had pandas on the pants and put my hair up into a bun. After I was all warm and comfortable, I grabbed my blanket and walked out to the living room. Megan was in her room changing while Tyler put popcorn into the microwave.

"So, I guess it's Beauty and the Beast," I said, walking up to Tyler from behind.

"Isn't that your favorite Disney movie?" he asked.

"You remembered," I said.

"I only remember things about the people I really like."

"Aw, I feel so special."

He laughed and took the popcorn out of the microwave when it beeped. The room began to smell like buttery goodness. I grabbed a few Dr. Peppers and headed out to the living room where Megan sat on the couch.

Just as the movie began to start, Tyler forced me out of the circle chair thing (that has been my name for it since I was five), sat down and told me to sit back down beside him. I did. It was a small chair, so I was practically sitting on his lap. Maybe that was his plan all along. I mean, his name is Mr. Villain.

"So," he began, "my parents have been talking about how they really want to meet you. I know we've only been dating for a month, but they invited you for dinner. If it's uncomfortable for you in any way, you don't have to go."

"Hey," I responded, looking up at him. My neck began to hurt from the awkward position. "You have already met my mom and my sister. It's only fair for me to meet your family, right?"

"So that's a yes?"

"Yup."

"Okay, well they were hoping tonight, if that's fine..."

Tonight? A small knot formed in the pit of my stomach.

"Yeah, that's fine." I tried to hide my nervousness. It was such short notice.

"Great." He kissed the top of my head and we focused on the TV just as the movie began to start.

After Tyler left, I ran to my room to have a proper freak out session. I grabbed my phone and texted them in a group chat to "get their smart, fashion forward butts over here." It didn't take too long before I got a response. After I explained, I threw my phone to my bed and opened my closet. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. There was absolutely nothing to wear.

Clothes were flying through the air as the doorbell rang. My heart skipped several beats as I looked around my clothe littered room.

"September! It's Ariel and Mackenzie!" Megan yelled.

"Okay! I'm in my room!"

I heard the door slam, followed by footsteps and laughter. Within seconds, I was met with the cheerful faces of my two best friends. Their eyes smiled with joy as they looked at me.

"I can't believe he invited you to meet his parents!" Mackenzie squealed.

Only moments before, I told them to come to my house immediately, as it was a crisis. When they asked why, as usual, I explained my dilemma to them. They thought of it as exciting while I thought of it as terrifying. Okay, it isn't that terrifying, but I have never met a boyfriend's parents before. In fact, I've never had a boyfriend before. I know, I'm lame, but to be fair, no guy has ever thought of me as interesting or "girlfriend material."

"I know!" I cried! "I'm scared out of my mind! And I have absolutely nothing to wear! Help me find something to wear!"

"Dang, girl. You gotta chill. Take a deep breath," Ariel ordered. I obeyed. "Good. Now, why are you freaking out?"

"My whole single life as we know it has changed. I'm no longer single!" I stopped. "How am I no longer single? Oh my gosh, I'm no longer single!" I had to take a few deep breaths in order to calm myself down and avoid hyperventilating.

"Well, duh!" Mackenzie said. "We've known that for a month. I mean, you see the guy every day. You should have known that by now."

I playfully hit her shoulder, which resulted in a laugh from her. I hated when she does that; it annoys the crap out of me. "Just shut up and help me."

Ariel and Mackenzie nodded and headed to my closet. They searched through the clothes I didn't abuse and when nothing was found, they sifted through the clothes on the wood floor. We spent over an hour trying to look for the right clothes for tonight, as well as the right makeup that both complimented my eyes and outfit, and the perfect shoes that didn't make me look too tall or too short. I swear, if there was a Grammy Award for "Best Dressed While Meeting A Significant Other's parents," we would get it.

I stood in the mirror, staring at my reflection. In the end, we chose a pink floral dress with wedges and my silver cross necklace. The makeup was a light brown eyeshadow with dark brown in the crease, along with black eyeliner, mascara, and light pink blush.

"You look exquisite," Mackenzie said, holding my arm.

"Wow, Mack, that's a big word for you," I teased.

"Shut up," she laughed.

"Okay, guys. Thank you for helping me. I couldn't have picked out an outfit without you. Actually, I wouldn't have picked out an outfit without you because I have no sense of style whatsoever, so thanks again. I have to go, though. Thanks again...for the third time, and wish me luck."

I gave them both hugs, grabbed my keys, and left my room. As I walked down the hall and out the door, I took deep breaths, continually telling myself to be calm and don't be a dork.

—————————

I stood in front of a church. It felt like forever since I had seen my second home, but really, it has only been four days. The usual smell of freshly baked cookies and coffee poisoned the once scentless air outside the building. Couples began to walk through the double doors, greeting the greeters for their usual Sunday morning service.

"It's still 2016, September. It is the day of your attack, but several hours before the event," Amelia said.

"Why did you bring me here? Why now?" I turned away from the building and looked at Caleb and Amelia.

"We told you the purpose of bringing you here, however, you are brought here now so you could see the church before the incident. Later, you will see the church after the incident. But, this is not the reason as to why you are here. You are here to see how God has impacted you as a child."

"September," Caleb interrupted, "you must walk through those doors now. Trust us, everything will be okay."

Had he sensed my nervousness and fear?

"Go," Amelia whispered.

I nodded and turned back to my home. There was a breeze only seconds later—they left. As I walked up the steps to the entrance, questions began to invade my mind. What was my first day of church like? Who did I meet? What happened to make me want to forget this day?

I took a deep breath and opened the double doors. Fear rushed over me as I walked into the building. The first thing I saw was a mother holding a baby and a little girl clinging to her arm. The little girl was small and scared. She had brunette hair the length of her back and bright green eyes—me.

"Mommy, I don't want to go," she said. "I want to stay with you."

"Honey, please go for me."

"But I'm scared."

My heart broke in two. I was so scared to be away from her. And I didn't blame her. After what I had just witnessed with Dad, I was afraid that she would leave me, too.

"Here, how about this?" Mom knelt down to my height and looked me in the eyes. "If you go, I will get you ice cream afterwards, okay? Does that sound good to you?"

The little girl nodded. Mom smiled and kissed me on the forehead.

"Good. Now let's sign you in, okay?"

I nodded, continuing to hold onto her arm. I watched as Mom and I walked down the hall and made our way to my class. Children were laughing and smiling in the colorful room. Pictures of God and crosses hung on the blue walls. Red hearts were painted around the room, as well as Bible verses. It seemed like a kid-friendly room. Why was I so afraid?

"Hello there, Sweetheart. What's your name?" a girl with short blonde hair asked. I hid behind Mom, who got a little annoyed at my reactions.

"September, you're not five anymore, you're ten. You better start acting like a ten-year-old."

"September," the girl said. "That's a beautiful name."

"Thanks," Mom said.

The lady typed my name into a computer and hit enter. A strand of name tags rolled out of the computer only seconds later. She handed one to Mom and put the other on the shoulder of my shirt.

"Now when you come to pick her up, you'll have to show the tag so we know you are indeed the guardian and that will be it. Once you get her, you are free to go," she smiled.

I forgot how complicated the system was. It was a smart way to pick up children, but it was also time consuming and overall a pain. I don't blame Mom for not forcing me back there.

Small September gave Mom a final hug and walked into the classroom. Without watching Mom leave, I followed the smaller version of myself into the classroom. Many children were at the toy kitchen, making food for the teachers and helpers. Others were playing jump rope, playing with blocks, and playing Duck, Duck, Goose. I watched as I sat down in the center of the room, alone. Before I knew it, kids were giggling. Were they laughing at me? Once again, I was consumed with fear and sadness.

September, don't be sad. Please, don't be sad.

"Hey, guys," a lady with long black hair said. "Who's ready to learn?" The room erupted with joyous cheers. "Great, but first, we have a new student. This is September. Can everyone say 'Hi September'?"

The room was silent. Crickets were heard in the background. I watched as tears filled the young girl's eyes.

"Why is your name September? Isn't that the name of a month? You're name is weird," a boy with bright blue eyes and blonde hair asked.

"Timothy!" the lady said. "That is no way to treat our new student. Apologize this instant."

"Sorry," he said, soon whispering to the black haired girl beside him, "yeah, sorry her parents gave her such a weird name."

Laughter was heard around the room. Small September got up and went to the lady who signed me in several years ago. She whispered something to her and the lady nodded, her short hair bouncing up and down.

"September is going now. Thank you for joining us today. We hope to see you next week."

Everyone said bye, some giggling while saying the word that hurt me the most. After the farewell, I watched as I left the room and make my way up to the sanctuary, the place I felt most comfortable being in.

I stood in an empty church. Everything seemed quiet and uncomfortable. That was why I wanted to forget that day. Because I was treated so horribly.

"Okay, I understand now. I was quick to leave. I was quick to jump to conclusions before actually giving the church a try. I get it now."

Wind enveloped me as Caleb returned. His golden eyes were brighter than usual, as well as his white clothing.

"Congratulations, September. You have figured out the message behind this memory."

"You said I was going to see the church after my death. Show it to me now."

"Patience, September. Hastiness gets you nowhere."

"I want to see my friends again. Please."

He sighed and nodded. We walked over to the youth building in silence, leaving me to mull over everything. Chills ran down my spine as I thought about what was to come. The smell of rain corrupted my nose as the wind picked up slightly. Caleb continued to walk before me, his wings slightly dragging behind him. I followed, silently drowning in my thoughts.

When we finally reached the separate building, I heard laughter and music outside the door. Their happiness hurt my heart, but in a way where I was happy that they were happy. They don't know yet.

"September, I am aware of your wanting to see your friends, but you have to remember that whatever you do, you cannot intervene."

"I don't care what happens. I just want to see my friends." I walked inside the building, leaving Caleb behind.

Tyler, Mackenzie and Ariel weren't there, however, I didn't expect them to be. They were an hour away and had just witnessed my death, so it wasn't bad they weren't here. Then the door opened. I turned around, watching my two best friends and boyfriend walking in, smiles on their faces and their tear-stained faces no more. I felt as if I had swallowed a cannonball, as it had traveled down to the pit of my stomach, landing upon a knot that had been there all day.

"Hey, guys!" Harry said, walking up to them. He gave Ariel a kiss on the cheek, hugged Mackenzie, then gave Tyler a high-five.

"Hey," Tyler said.

"Hey," Ariel and Mackenzie said quietly.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asked.

"Of course everything isn't okay! I'm dead!" I yelled. I knew they couldn't hear me, but I had to get it out there. For all I knew, the three of them weren't going to say anything.

"Actually," Tyler began, "can you ask Robert to get everyone together? We have an announcement to make."

"Sure thing," Harry said.

"Hey, guys!" Kevin yelled as he walked up to the group of four. "Where's September?"

They grew silent. Harry seemed to catch on and ran to Robert. The cannonball repositioned to where it sat in the middle of my stomach, onto the continually growing pit.

Kevin looked at them, confused. "Guys, what's wrong? Where is September? Why did Harry just run away? Guys, talk to me!"

"Okay, guys!" Robert yelled from the other room. "Some of our students and peers have an announcement to make! Guys, come on in."

Tyler, Mackenzie, and Ariel walked past me. I turned my head to watch them. Slowly, I walked behind them. My legs became jell-o as I tried to stay calm. How is everyone going to react? What if it turns out badly. I think I'm going to be sick. Despite my sudden stomach ache, I continued to follow. Within seconds, I walked into a big, blue room where a hundred or so students sat in rows and rows of chairs. My three friends stood on the stage, the drums, bass guitar and guitar sitting behind them. Robert was off to the side, looking at them, watching to see what they had to say.

"Hey, guys," Tyler started. Everyone responded, which made his smile return, but only slightly. "I have an announcement to make. So, as some of you know, September and the three of us went down to Virginia beach two days ago and weren't expected back until tomorrow. However, our vacation was cut short, as—" The words got caught in his throat. "As—"

I couldn't watch this. Neither Mackenzie nor Ariel were capable of giving the news either. I am completely aware that Caleb warned me of getting involved, but I couldn't just watch them go through this. Turning around, I looked at the tech booth in the back. Maybe there is something there. I ran to the back and got onto the computer. Thankfully, no one was back there—for now, at least. I pulled up the news segment regarding my death. Before I could hit play, someone came to the back. Kevin. Without looking at what the video was, he pressed play and turned down the lights. Everyone looked at the black screen before them.

"In today's news: an eight-year-old brings Christ to the boardwalk, the upcoming storm, and a girl attacked by a shark. First, there was a high school girl attacked by a shark on the coast of Virginia Beach. It was said that she was waist deep when the creature attacked. Here is Kelly Andrews with more of the story," a lady with brunette, shoulder-length hair and dark skin said.

"Thanks, Bridgette," the news reporter said. "I am here at Virginia Beach where a horrific shark attack took place. The victim was seventeen-year-old September Ann Jones. She was in the water with her boyfriend, Tyler Howards, and sister, eight-year-old Megan Jones when the attack occurred. It was none other than a bull shark that prowled the waters. The seven foot shark grabbed Jones by her leg, tearing it apart and kept her under for a good minute. When she was finally released, several people, including two lifeguards ran to her aid."

The camera then went to, by the looks of it, a thirty-year-old man with blonde hair and brown eyes. He looked shocked as he gave his interview.

"Yeah, I was there when I saw it. It was pretty horrific. Her leg was nearly destroyed and her family looked terrified. I would be, too."

"It was scary to see a young girl possibly face her death. I was close to her area, it could have been me. I'll be praying for her family," said a twenty-year-old girl with straight blonde hair and tan skin.

These people saw the attack.

"We tried to signal for them to get out of the water, but it was possible they didn't hear us. So many people scream while in the ocean and we look to see if whoever screamed was okay, but the majority of the time, it's just kids having fun. When we heard screams coming from that area and saw one of the three gone, we assumed the worst. Thankfully, the boy she was with helped out by pushing her to shore. Many people would freak out in that circumstance, but he was a real trooper. And so was she. A real fighter. We all hope that she ends up okay and do continue to send out the message of water safety. Sharks are out there and they show no mercy." Wait, I thought. I know her. She was the lifeguard that helped me out of the water. My heart sank. She tried to save me.

"There you have it," the reporter said. "We have yet to receive information on September's current condition, but are hoping to hear from the family soon. Now with Eric on the weather."

The screen went black. A sad energy filled the room as chills ran up and down my arms, legs, and spine. Everyone looked up at Tyler, Mackenzie, and Ariel. Before I knew it, I stood behind them, watching everyone look up at the front. Their eyes were wide, mouths hung open, tears in their eyes.

"Mackenzie?" Robert asked. "Tyler? Ariel? What happened?"

Ariel began to speak, her voice raspy. "September died. Her—her..."

"Her heart gave out. Because the shark attacked—attacked..." Mackenzie tried to continue, but failed.

Tyler finally finished the sentence. "Because the shark attacked her leg, the doctors said it was the worst area, something with arteries and veins or something...she lost a lot of blood. They tried to bring her back, but unfortunately, there was no hope. The shark brutally attacked her. I tried to save her, but—"

Some of the students already started to cry. My heart broke into a million pieces. How could this have happened?

"Did she...did she go peacefully?" a girl with short brown hair asked.

I didn't know her. It made me sad to think that she knew of me, but I didn't know of her.

"No," Mackenzie said quietly. "She was in a lot of pain. But now she's in a happier place. Taken too soon, but never gone."

"Let's pray," Robert said. "Dear heavenly Father..."

Before he could officially start, I ran out of the building and outside. The air smelled like rain and the wind began to pick up. Thunder rumbled in the distance and lightning lit up the sky.

"September," Caleb said. "I told you not to intervene."

"I don't care! I just witnessed my friends suffer because of my death! I can't do this anymore!"

I began to run. I didn't care about this. I didn't care about anything anymore; I had no more emotions.

"September!" Caleb yelled. "September!"

Caleb's voice faded as I ran farther away from the mournful building. The rain started to fall from the sky, making the ground wet and squishy. As I ran on the grass, I fell due to the slickness of it. I sat down on the muddy grass, not wanting to get up. Because I could no longer hold it in, I cried for what felt like the first time in forever. I cried and I didn't care what happened.

"I'm done!" I yelled, looking up at the dark sky. "You hear me? I'm done!"

I continued to sit there, the rain falling on me and thunder rumbling around me. Without any warning, I closed my eyes and lied down on the ground.