Chapter 4

Michelle always thought of her life as a fairy tale with no happy ending. Just regret and a
stained reputation. Young and old knew her story. Parents looked at her with looks of fear,
believing she was a delinquent with a violent background. Her peers followed their lead and
stayed clear of her; thinking she would hurt them or worse. She was the black sheep. The cloud
that hangs over peoples head. She had no place in town but where could she go? She didnt
belong in Hillcrest, but she was alone in the world with no parents, no siblings, and no family.
All she had been was a face, but that was useless. Her parents knew something, but her mom
would end the conversation before it could begin. Her search for answers was like adrift in the
seas. Just waves rocking the boat side to side with blank skies and open waters that would stretch
for miles with no signs of land in every direction she looked. Sometimes Michelle would think
she just here to be alone. Like every adopted child, she wonders if her life would have been
better if she stayed with her real family. That is why she was here now. Her place beside the attic
above her room. The roof of the school. People would think she would be crazy to come up here
but where could she go? She had nowhere else to be. She climbed every step; getting higher and
higher to the top of her school. She felt something here, but she couldnt explain it. It just called
to her when she started high school last year.
Michelle, where are we going? She looked back, trying not to laugh. Kyle was leaning
against the railing, looking down the stairwell. Should we really be up here? It doesn't look
safe.
She grinned.
It's fine Kyle, She assured him. I do this all the time, and besides, no one cares that
Im up here. They dont even know that the door is unlocked.
He turned his eye to her and raised a brow.
What door?
She looked back at him over her shoulder, smiling. Youll see.
Together they continued to climb up the stairs; step by step when they came to a dark
slightly rusted door. She smiled and grabbed the doorknob and looked back at Kyle, smirking.

Kyle, welcome to my secret hideout, she whispered excitedly.

She turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. Her smile grew bigger and set her
foot the hard cement roof. She walked out further and came to the edge of the school were a
large solid edge wrapped around the whole rooftop that was up to her hip. She climbed up on it
and sat down.
Michelle is careful, Kyle exclaimed worriedly.
She looked back and turned her whole body around at him to see him running towards
her. She laughed at his worried face.
Kyle it's fine, she assured him. This isn't the first time Ive done something like this.
He slowed to a jog and stopped in front of her.
Still, he said lifting her. You just fainted not so long ago. You could have another
accident.
Youre sweet Kyle, she whispered.
He smiled and placed her down on her feet.
Thanks. I just dont want anything to happen you.
She laughed. Nothing will happen to me. Come on. Ill show.
She walked past him and climbed up on the ledge again. She turned around and held her
hand out to him. He looked at her hand skeptically with raised eyebrows. She rolled her eyes.
Come on, she said enthusiastic. I trusted you. Now it's time for you trusted me.
He sighed and half frowned and grabbed her hand.
If we die I will haunt you for the rest of eternity, he said dramatically.
She rolled her eyes and lifted him up the ledge with her. She looked forward with Kyle
looking at her confused and turned. He gasped. They could see the whole town from up here!
They could see the church, the hospital, even the lake, but there was something that caught his

eye. Near the lake was what looked like a run-down house? It was brittle and burned so badly it
was black.
Michelle, whats that? Over by the lake. He pointed out at it.
She turned her eyes to where his finger pointed and shuddered when she saw the house.
She wrapped her arms around herself and turned her head away in a flinch.
Nothing but a bad memory, she said quickly. Nothing but trouble comes from that
house.
Did anyone live there, he asked curiously.
Yeah, she answered bitterly. Me.
You lived there! He cries, shocked. So, your family had an accident there and
moved.
She frowned and shook her head quickly. Not exactly, she said hesitantly.
What is that supposed to mean, he asked curiously. I dont understand.
She saw the eagerness in his eyes and sighed and climbed off the ledge. She leaned her
back against it with her hands folded together on her thighs. Kyle looked down at her with
furrowed brows and slowly lowered down off the ledge.
Michelle, he said concerned. What is it?
She looked up at him and turned around, leaning her elbows on the ledge and looked out
at the destroyed house with eyes filled with anger and sadness.
Kyle, as you know I am adopted, she admitted, hesitantly. That house was where I
was found. I was only 4 years at the time and I was stuck inside.
Stuck! He yelled. Inside that house?
She nodded. The house caught on fire, but no one knew how. Only that I was the only
one trapped inside.

Is why you are treated like this? He was outraged. Because you were a defenseless
toddler trapped inside a burning death trap? They shouldnt hold you against that!
They dont, she mumbled. What really freaks out the people was that I was perfectly
healthy after I was rescued. A little girl stuck in a burning building with no smoke inhalation or
breathing problems. The people werent worried about that. It was after I was rescued from the
fire it just went out. Like it never even happened and I began laughing hysterically. That is what
scared the people more. I was different from everyone else, but I dont care Im different.
You dont care, He said it like was a question.
You actually thought I cared what they thought about me, she chuckled. Being
different isnt a bad thing. It just another way being special. Thats the problem with people
nowadays. They are afraid to be individuals, to think for themselves. Here the girls try to act like
the cheerleaders and the guy try to act cool and tough like the jocks. I think being yourself is fine
enough. You're true to yourself and thats the only thing that matters.
Kyle stared at her with wide eyes.
What? She queried.
That is very wise of you, he said amazed. You're more different than I thought you
would. Who's your family, well adoptive parents is.
Michelle sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear.
Im nothing like them, she said bitterly. Im always reminded of that. I think my
parents knew my birth parents, but Im not so sure. I think sometimes my mom even hates me
because who they were. Whenever my mom would win an argument, I swear she enjoys it when
Im wrong. I dont know. Maybe I put too much thought in it?
No, you dont, he objected.
He steps down and stands next to her. You have every right to asked questions about
your birth parents. I wished I never remembered mine.
She took that by surprise. Kyle youre-

Adopted? He nodded. Not at first. I came from an abusive family. Parents were drunks
and their favorite game was beat the kids.
Kids?
You had a sibling. She exclaims, voice a little high.
Yeah, a sister, he said. But that doesn't matter. Can we change the subject?
He looked at her from the corner of her eye then looked forward. He stared out at the
view with stiff eyes. Others would have thought he was blowing them off but not Michelle. It
was a very touchy subject; that much she knew but it was himself that he blamed. She looks
down and grabbed his hand. He turns his head to their hands and slowly raised it.
Michelle what are-?
I know that look, she interrupted him. The hate you try to give off so they would leave
you alone and the cold attitude, but I know you're hurting and badly by the looks of it ...
You dont know anything, he growled, ripping his hand away from hers.
He turned around and storms away. She shook her head and follows.
You know you dont have to be a big tough guy! She yelled. You can at least let one
person in.
He turns around, facing her with a glare.
Like you? He snaps. Why should I let someone like you know? You never felt pain
like have. You would never understand.
No one ever does, they said together.
Kyle stares at her with her staring back.
You think I dont understand? She demanded, aggressively. Yes. My situation may be
different, but I know what it feels like to wake up every morning knowing you are alone in this
world and nobody even cares. Ive been called a freak all my life and that makes me want to hate
the world and myself, but I dont. I dont let their words or their actions get the best of me. You
want to know why?

WHY!?
Its because I have someone that sees past everything, she explains, compellingly. To
them, Im not some broken record or the mentally disturbed kid that everyone thinks I am.
Kyle flinched at her answer. A look of sorrow quickly was replaced for second until it
disappeared, leaving him with empty, emotionless green eyes. Michelle knows that look all too
well. Every morning when she woke to face another day to deal with simple-minded, harsh,
never- moving- forward- people who never had a care in the world. Kyle put his hand in his
jacket pockets and stared down at his feet. The first chance of actually making a friend in her
personal hellhole was now fading like the flames of burning ember. Michelle hated the now
awkward tension between them now. She rolled her eyes and stormed over to the door. Maybe
she was better off anyway. Being alone taught her to only trust herself against anything and she
could go back to it again without a simple thought. She just thought a change would be good for
once. She felt like an idiot. She had to tell him everything and had it all thrown back at her so
fast she has no idea what to do now.
Hey, he yelled back
Michelle froze in her spot and glared at her feet. What!
You said you had someone who sees past everything?" Kyle repeats, almost
embarrassed.
Michelle turned around; even against her better judgment. She crossed her arms and stared.
Yeah, I do, she tells him firmly. What of it?
He looks down at his feet. "Who is that?
My brother Daniel, she answers quickly. Hes my rock. If I didnt have him I dont
know what would happen.
Kyle looks up from his feet and eyed Michelle with his bright golden green eyes with a
frown planted on his face.
Why do you have so much faith in him? He asked uncertainly.

Well, there are times when you just need to count on someone besides yourself, she
alluded. I learned that being alone only turns you cold and bitter, for example, my grandmother
Edna. She lives the life of luxury and is as cold and a bitch as my sister.
They both chuckled together. They looked at each other with grins, but Kyles dropped
his first.
I wish I had that. His voices, very bleak. You are lucky.
Michelle snorted. How on earth would you call me lucky?
Because you have someone who cares about you in this world, he said, mildly. I, on
the other hand, have no one.
That cant be true. She tried to reason. Everyone has someone out there that they need.
Someone who is there when the whole world doesnt understand.
Kyles expression turned dark. Under his breath, he mumbled, Well those somebodies
are gone.
He turned back around and leaned against the ledge. She never thought that someone was
out there like her, but she was so wrong. They were so similar yet they were in different
situations. Michelle sighed and walked back over to his side. She leaned her hip against the ledge
and stared at him.
Who were your special someone, She asked it so casually.
He laughed halfheartedly.
Why does it matter? He asked indifferently. Theyre gone and Im here alone so why
does it matter?
Would they be okay that you are like this? She disputed. What do you think they
would do seeing you so cold and distant from everyone?
He chuckled half-heartedly.
Ellie would kick my butt to the next century.
Whos Ellie? She queried.

He dropped his head, sighing. She is...was my little sisters. She was my best friend. The
one person that would bring my head above the water when I was drowning.
Michelle smirked. She finally got something out of him. So far she felt this conversation
was one-sided.
What happened? She pleaded.
Why do you care? He snapped.
I only asked. She surrenders. I want to know why you are such a jerk sometimes.
He didnt say anything when he sighed and ran his hair through his dark.
Im sorry. He apologizes. Its just been so long since I met a person who actually
cared before. To others, Im just a pretty face. People just ignore the main problems around me
and treat like a child.
They think you're incompetent, she replied harshly. Like youre an infant that could
get hurt easily or a delicate flower that with just one blow you will crumble.
From the corner of her, she saw Kyle staring at her with widened eyes. She turned her
head and stared at him with a knowing look.
I know the feeling, she told him, resting her chin in her hand.
She looked out to the horizon and let out a breath.
My mom is the same way. She thinks Im so delicate. Most times I think she tries to
keep me alone. She smothers me constantly. Sometimes I feel like screaming out in frustration
because of her. I just wish to go crazy and free and do what I want, but I cant.
Why is that?
She turned her head in her hands.
Because Im too scared to, she concedes. I cant stand up for myself. Im...just not
brave enough. When I want to tell her how I really feel...I choke up and get quiet. My mom can
see that. I know she can. I think she gets a satisfaction from it.

She looked out at the town when she felt her hand being held. She looked down at their
hands and then up at Kyle. She saw him smile at her.
Maybe we both need someone in this world, he encouraged her.
He moving closer to her. Michelle smiled at him and rested her head on his shoulder and
looked out to the town. Kyles body froze up when he relaxed. He rested his head on hers. They
watched the town together in peace and quiet. It felt different with just the both of them together.
It was almost felt natural. Like they had found their missing puzzle pieces. They both climbed up
on the ledge together when Michelles foot scoffed the side and she fell into Kyle. He caught her
gently and looked down at her. She stared up into his eyes feeling very warm and light on her
feet. He slowly pushed her up on her feet with his hands still holding her upper arms.
Are you okay?
She nodded. Thanks for catching me, she said thankfully. Im sorry. Im a klutz.
He shook his head.
Its okay. Just try to be careful.
She nodded and walked along the ledge with Kyle, holding his hands. They talked
together about their likes, their dislikes, favorite songs, types of music, favorite animal. Just
getting to know each other. They seemed to have a lot in common.
So what happen to your family? She asked softly.
His hand tightened over hers but loosen over hers.
It happened 5 years ago from this day. I was taking a little walk by myself. I had a
normal day with them, but everything changed when I came home. The house was torn apart. It
was completely trashed and my family was gone. They were taken.
She did not understand. How can people just be taken?
Well, what happened after? She asks, eagerly.
I reported what happened and the authorities began the search. They found nothing and I
got stuck with a guardian. I have been moved from place to place for the last 5 years. I just got so

used to being just there with a fake smile plastered on my face. I realized that I will always be
that kid they expect so little from so why not try to make it hard for them; you know? So now to
others I seem like a-
A jerk, she finished casually.
He laughs. Yes, you could say that, he smirked. Sorry, if I surprised you. Its just
knowing the teachers will be kind to me only because I donated a lot of money to the school.
That caught her by surprise.
Donated? She repeats, throat tight.
Yes donated, he said embarrassed. My family comes from old money. I thought since I
will be staying here till I graduate, I would least make the school better.
Why? She asked confused. This town has enough money with snobbish, preppy,
overachieving, and butt kissing jerks. More money is not what they need.
Kyle began laughing. He laughed so hard that he held his stomach and hunched over.
Oh thats rich. he laughs, trying to stop, But wouldn't you be one of those snobbish,
preppy, overachieving, and butt kissers too?
She shrugs her shoulders. I wouldnt know. I was adopted. Besides that house outside of
town, my parents could have been renting it for all I know. To most people here, Im a charity
case.
His brows furrowed together. I dont follow.
She rolls her eyes and gives him a look.
Oh come on, she drags. The poor orphan trapped in a burning building adopted by
wealth. If that doesn't make the headlines then I dont know what will. I bet it did when I was
adopted. If I know Edna then she probably announced it and sent it to the newsprint. More eyes
on the Carter and Morris family. Whoop De freakin' doo.
Kyle started at her with raised brows. Is your family really like that?

Only my mothers side. My moms father died when she was young and Edna got
remarried when my mom was 6. Then Ednas second husband died and she got all his money;
every last cent. He had no other family so it was easy picking for her. So, they moved to this
little town to show off all their wealth. My mom was 13 at the time. Ever since then Edna looked
down at anyone. She wouldnt even treat you like a person, just someone to play with.
Wow she sounds like a real witch, he said appalled.
Well thats too nice for her, she told him, darkly. Shes the reason Brooke is the way
she is. She took her under her wing. Brooke is what I like to call Edna the second. They are both
cruel, heartless, ego minded, and spend cash like its nothing. It makes me sick the way they treat
people.
His eyes widen slightly. Wow, now my life doesnt seem so bad now.
Yeah because Im actually living in a nightmare, she said dryly.
Is everyone here really as you say, he asked, a bit troubled.
She tapped her chin, thinking. Well, it really depends on who you really are. You, for
example, will be the talk of the town. Since you are a pretty boy and all.
Oh really, he said challengingly.
"Yeah, of course," she gloated for him. "You would be considered a mind jock who
knows their bench mass than their IQ."
"Well I am pretty strong and quick on my feet"
He grabs her hand and spun her around quick and easy. She breaks into a laugh and grabs
his shoulders. She stumbles slightly and accidently falls into him. He catches her and together;
they laugh at their silliness when Kyles arms accidently slipped from the middle of her back to
her waist and really begins to hold her. His laughed slowed and started down at Michelle. She
looked alive on her feet. He noticed she had beautiful eyes. He never noticed them before. He
reaches his hand up and brushed her hair out of her face. She continue to smile up at him.
You have an amazing smile, he told her.
She blushed a soft pink.

Thanks. You should be lucky. These smiles come around very rarely, she told him.
He narrowed his eyes at her with a grin on his face. Well lets see about that.
He grabs her hand and dipped her quickly and then raised her up with a turn. Michelle
lets out another laugh and rests her forehead on his shoulder.
For my new school revelation, I swear to keep that smile on your face till graduation,
he swore.
And I will keep you to that promise, she told him, jokingly.