My name is Elena Miller. I'm going to tell you a story that started when I was 14, but it's not a good one. It's not good because, well, it's my story. You'll understand later.

This story starts with a family, the Millers. My entire family consists of four people. My parents, Natalea and Andru, are the best parents anyone could ask for. Except for when they're in 'Panic Mode', as I like to call it. They lock all ten deadbolts on the front and back doors and lock me in my room with my brother guarding the door. 

My older brother, Mason, is a surprisingly good brother. Believe it or not, we don't have those stereotypical sibling fights. He does get way too overprotective, though. I don't understand why he cares about me so much, or why he'd rather make sure I get home safe than hang out with his best friend or a couple of girls. Another thing, he's the definition of the popular guy. Everyone wants to be Mason's friend, or girlfriend for that matter. 

Mason could have a life if he wanted to, he just doesn't want one. Too bad the same can't be said for me. I'm only allowed to go outside if my brother is with me, or if I'm going to school. I'm not allowed to date or make any new friends. I've only had one friend my whole life, Olisa Jakobs.
Olisa isn't the most popular girl in school. See, Olisa hasn't had the best life. Her mom went missing only a few days after she was born, and she's only ever known her dad. And, he isn't exactly the nicest guy, if you know what I mean. 

I guess you could say that I'm friends with Hayden. Hayden is my brother's best friend. Why, I have no idea. Hayden doesn't really seem 'friend material', even after you get to know him. He's rude, he's mean, and he knows it! He once caught me trying to sneak out of my house to meet with a guy, and he didn't even give me a chance to come up with a good lie! Before he went inside to tell my parents, he looked me right in the eyes and said: "I'm only doing this to keep you safe." For a minute, I even thought he was being genuine, wanting to make sure I didn't get hurt. But that couldn't be right. I was 'Mason's annoying little sister', right? He couldn't possibly want to actually protect me. No, he was just trying to get further into my brother's good graces. So, I just glared followed him inside, awaiting the further lecture from my parents. 

It's sad, knowing after all this time, that I was wrong about every, single, one of them.