So this was actually the first story that inspired the writing of this book (it's hard to explain).

Life is so unusual we may never understand the twists and turns it throws at us.

The screeching of fast, burning tires sped down the street like a tiger when someone stabs it with a spear.

Peeking through the blinds, I found myself already knowing who it was and who the beast was coming for.

On the defensive, I flew down the stairs with as much energy as lightening, ready to strike at the culprit who had parked half on and half way off the sidewalk in their old 1973 Ford Maverick Sedan.

Cautiously, I tiptoed the rest of the way while "Mission Impossible" played over and over in my head.

Through the kitchen door, I proceeded to peek at the newcomer.

- - - - - -

Banging on the door like a savage beast was one of the most hideous and most terrifying creature imaginable . . .

A Woman.

Not just any kind of woman, but the kind that wore more makeup than a clown and dressed herself in cheap knockoff jewelry and clothes to look "pretty".

There she was breaking our door to pieces as she finally strolled through with a huff and a scan of the room, nose held high to the ceiling the whole time.

Behind her scurried in a small weasel of a man, our land lord.

No doubt that this was his newest girlfriend of the week.

I rolled my eyes.

He probably had to pay her to be his "girlfriend". No, she probably had to pay him. Knowing him though, he's paying either way.

I analyzed the surroundings.

Mother, who had been cooking a hefty snack, turned to be startled by a bull with large hooped earrings.

The woman began talking down to my mother as if she were a child.

Alright, I've had enough!

I sipped in a big gulp of air and stepped out. I came in as if I didn't hear the racket. Just casual, that's me.

" . . . and that is why you -- huh, oh and who's this?"

She bared her fangs in a huge grin, like the Cheshire, towards me as she bent her knobby knees -- that surprised me by how her legs didn't snap in two.

I arched an eyebrow, scanning her to find out who exactly she was.

*My Brain* Danger, Danger. Not trustworthy. Do not let her stay here.
*Brain Processing Complete*

"Oh, Ma'am I would a-ad-advise that the ch-child not over hearrr our conversat-sation," the land lord stuttered as always, "It's very important."

"Oh Jacob, do you have to be that way?" The woman snapped back in a sweet tone and then directed her fake smile and fake tone towards me as she over-emphasized;
"Isn't she just a sweet, little angel?" As she petted my head as if I was some kind of dog.

"Call me a "sweet, little angel" again lady and I swear, I will personally show you how much of a "sweet, little angel" I am not!!" I clenched my fist against my side and regained my composure "She is not worth the effort."

"Maybe you should go up to your room, honey" Mother directed.

"Huh? . . . okay" I replied as innocently as possible.

- - - - - -

It had been so long since Johnny had left, and his departure had left me in somewhat of a dreadful mood.

A feeling of being out-of-place in the world.

I was a torn flower without its petals.

No wonder my mom always came to comfort me when I woke up screaming and crying in the middle of the night.

He was what brought light into my world.

The only true friend I ever had and the only one besides my father to truly understand me.

How could he leave me? . . .

Tears trailed down my cheeks as I remembered the pain when I had accidentally cut my hand with the knife. Yeah, it isn't such a good idea to attempt pealing a potato or two when distracted.

When I woke up one night only screaming "it's my fault, it's my fault" . . .

When I imagined him standing in front of me, so far away, in the rain-stained window as the drops pitter-pattered and the lightening struck outside.

My hand slid slowly down the glassy surface to reach through and pull him closer.

To no avail.

----Third Person POV----

Trapped in her thoughts once more, the lost girl dreamed of seeing lonely boy once again.

Just one more time, that's all she asked for.

Too young she was, not even knowing what the feelings were that she was experiencing.

So cold, so lifeless, . . .

----First Person POV----

There's no point thinking of the past now.

An echoing rumble sounded from below, I jumped to put my ear to the floor to hear the women ask my mother if she could powder her nose.

"It's time, I have to do something now. This is my chance." I ransacked my own room to find something, anything of use.

Then I heard it.

A small croak was all it took for me to go into action.

Hearing it, I got an evil, nasty idea  . . . as my smile went as wide as the Grinch's.

Digging through the rubble of items, clothes, and other things I finally reached the sound that I was looking for.

"Mr. Hops!" I shouted with glee and the brightest smile. The last thing in my life to bring such a smile to my face.

"How could you hide from me? You don't want to leave too, do you?" I paused for a moment.

Brushing it away, I ran to the bathroom.

"Alright Mr Hops, your job is to lay still in the toilet for as long as possible. Is that okay with you?"

I opened the lid and was about to lay him in,

When he

Jumped

Out of

My reach!!

The echoing rumble sounded with cannon fire and rattling chains, the beast was drawing near.

I retreated to the safe haven of the bunker of my room planning my next mission strategy.

All the while, praying to any God that could possibly exist out there that Mr. Hops would be okay.

That's when I heard the ear-splitting scream.

To be continued . . .

Funny how My Immortal and Separate Ways began playing during this chapter.