I'm sorry that it's not a twilight story, but I had a dream once and I based this story on that somewhat Twilight dream. I did put it in Twilight form originally, but I didn't want to look like a copy cat writer when I finally got it ready to be published. I really hope you enjoy it.

Elevator to Exile Island

Chapter 1: Hallucinations and Animals

When there is a time to scream, you know it. When there is a time to run, you don't think.

When there is a time for action you don't move, you hold your breath as you stand in a blaze of

violence.

I was just born when my mother abandoned me on the streets of Washington to fend for

myself. The police found and took me to an adoption center, then two years later I was adopted. The family did not have much money but when I was five they were caught in an unexplained fire as I stood and, confusingly, watched them wither away. After five more failed adoptions, noone wanted me in there family, they called me 'fire child' for almost everywhere I went there was an enormous blaze. Every family rejected me except one, the Garter family. It was just one woman who held the weight of her family name. She was excited to have a child to carry out there name, but the fiery curse followed me to the house I thought would be my permanent home. Fortunately, I made a friend in the short time I spent a Garter. Her name was Alex. She had long, golden brown hair and forgiving brown eyes. She did not play sports, but she was in great shape. She spent her time on the computer and neglected her chores. To keep her from trouble, I did her chores without her mother's knowledge. We play fought a lot and had arguments about me being so organized. A lot of the time she was just stubborn.

It's the beginning of winter and snow is falling instead of smoldering embers. I am now 17 years old, but through all the pain I found that Alex is my new little sister. Walking towards my job at the animal shelter, I thought I heard footsteps in the snow behind me. I have seen people outside under these snow covered trees, but these steps sounded out of tune, like there was a psychopath following, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to get me. Other people also wanted me dead because they thought I was a threat to society, but that ended three years ago. I ended my thoughts by rapidly twisting around, only to face my own shadow on the icy surface. The sun was slowly climbing the mountain top to brighten the view.

I always cut my orange hair short so I could hide from threatening people. I know what your thinking, you think I died my hair orange. No, it's completely natural. As I stared at my blank shadow with my blood red eyes(yes, my irises are red and are also natural)it was tipping to one side. It took me a moment to figure out why it was doing this and then I found myself lying in the street. I quickly picked myself up and brushed the snow off my cheap, steel green, jacket. I was lucky that the snow plows weren't out yet. I ran in the direction of the animal shelter so I wouldn't have to hear the mysterious footsteps.

Finally, I unlocked the doors and entered the shelter. Upon entering I spotted a dark silhouette standing on top of the counter. I waved my hand in front of the motion sensors to turn on the lights, but like earlier, there was nothing there.

"Typical hallucinations." I whispered under my breath, "There is nothing in here that can hurt me. Except our snake." I turned my head towards the only snake in the shelter only to hear it's mystical hiss.

I prepare the food for the animals in the backroom. There is one snake, a rescued horse, eight dogs, eight puppies, ten cats, and of course, my favorite, fifteen kittens. I loved kittens so much because, well, my name is Kitten. I was given this name because the fierce-ness of the cat and cuddly-ness of the kitten dwelled inside me, so I ended up with Kitten. I did not care for my name but concentrated on preparing the food. First I always feed the horse, then the snake, our cats and kittens are next, and last is the dogs and puppies.

I sat in the armless computer chair behind the desk and listened to the quiet munching of hungry animals. The animals enjoy my company. The kittens and puppies need extra attention after being left alone over night. After I feed them I let them run around in the small stall with the horse. She pays special attention not step on them. I always watch them so nothing bad ever happens. I clean the cages while the animals exercise. The snake has a bit of a mean side to him, sometimes I fear he will never be sold. I have to clean his cage first so he wouldn't be so grouchy. Unlike other people I see a personality in each animal, in each breed.

I finish all that I can actually do at 9, and leave the rest to Lauren who takes over

sales. She hides her green eyes with a set of glasses, and always ties her red hair up in a bun. She's 25-years-old but treats me equally, she's short so we meet eye-to-eye. This morning she was late so I had to call her.

"Hello." Lauren said sleepily.

"Hello, wake up sleepy head. You were supposed to be down here already."

"Oh, man I overslept. I'm so sorry this happened."

"Don't worry about it. Just making sure nobody kidnapped you and left you stranded on an island." I teased her.

She didn't like that and slammed the phone on the receiver.

To pass the time I played with the kittens, cats, dogs, and puppies. I actually love

all kinds of animals. While I played I tried to solve the mystery of the footsteps and shadow I saw. Before Laura appeared I put the animals in there correct cages, and lay on the couch in the play area. We had it in case someone was really tired. I felt that way so I lay sickly on my back, and closed my eyes. Then there was an uproar of the animals as if there was someone here. I kept my eyes closed then the animals immediately ceased there cries. I wanted to open my eyes but I couldn't. It felt like I was in a bad dream. I felt something slender, cold, and sharp against my neck. It was a blade being held there in an attempt to scare me. I attempted to jump and punch the person, but I was paralyzed.

I felt a hot breath on my right ear as it whispered, "You will burn all of humanity." The blade disappeared and so did the hot breath in my ear. The uproar of the animals gradually became clear as I came back to earth. I opened my eyes slowly. I sat up and the animals calmed down. My guess is that they thought something was wrong with me. I glanced at the clock. 9:55. Laura could be here any minute. I had nothing else to do except wait for her arrival. I remembered what the voice had said. I touched my right ear. It was like a sauna. I was getting the feeling that I wasn't alone anymore.

Ten minutes later, Lauren appeared in her red station wagon. I grabbed my jacket and bid her a quick farewell. I was about to escape from her party invitations that come everyday but, she caught me.

"Hey there's a party going on down at Marty's bar. I know you'll love this party." Even though I'm 17, I get to go to Marty's bar when I want to. He makes sure I don't drink. "So are you coming, I hear it's going to be a lot of fun." She pestered.

"Okay, okay, I'll go." I finally blurted feeling uneasy about my decision.

"Alright, I'll pick you up at 8, okay."

"Sure. See you later."

I took off down the street heading for town. The animal shelter is the only thing to do all day. I saved up enough money to get an outfit that's for partying, funerals, and even fits my idea on life.

I entered the clothing store were I had seen my outfit. I searched for each piece one by one. I threw it all on the counter. The thin man behind it was smoking a cigar which left a horrible odor.

"Let's see here," he said lazily, "we have a black dress; a pair of black leather, knee high

boots; and some black pantihose. Will that be all?" I almost fell asleep as he added everything up.

"Yes, Uh, how much will that be?"

"That will be 88." He was so slow I was just about to release him into the sloth exhibit at the zoo, but I gathered my patience, I pulled out my wallet and handed him the money. He carefully folded my clothes in a paper bag and I sprinted home to try on my new outfit. On the way home, I noticed that all the creepy hallucinations stopped after that voice said those words. I stopped completely about half-way home and reviewing my encounter today. I strolled home again, but my steady walk exploded into a steady jog.

As excited as I was, I forgot about the door and slammed right into it. I unlocked the door, dropped my jacket and hustled into my room. I pulled the dress from it's hiding spot in my bag and slipped it on. It was layered and fluffy and went about an inch below my knees. It didn't have a back but it covered my sides. It was like a turtle neck and choked me slightly. It hugged closely to my thin torso. The long sleeves were snug around my arms and there was a hole in each sleeve for my thumb peep through. The dress wasn't really that much but it looked so expensive, and I was wearing it. I glanced at the clock and it said 6.

"Where'd the time go?" I screamed out loud. I was glad Alex was in evening school and didn't get home till 10, and her mom worked. I finished high school early by skipping a grade. I don't have enough money for college so I'm stuck with Alex and her mom.

I quickly showered, blew dried my hair, and slipped into my dress, tights and knee high boots. I grabbed my favorite black overcoat and examined it's form to the contours of my dress. The coat was about to my ankles and it zipped from my belly button to the top of my neck. I picked up my wallet and jammed it into my coat pocket. Once I did so I spotted Laura's car lights shine through the house. I threw the door open and left the house. I quickly locked up and put the key in it's hiding spot on the porch. Laura saw what I was wearing and sat there with her mouth gapping open. I opened the car door and got comfortable in the leather seats.

"Where did you get that dress?" She yelled so loud it was like a scream of terror. "I didn't

know you had that kind of money, how much was it?"

"First of all I got it at that store you hate, and everything, except the coat, was 88." Even

though I gave her an answer she still didn't believe it was that cheap. "Are we going or what?" I

snapped at her so fast she jumped. She backed out and drove ferociously to Marty's bar. I didn't mean to snap at her like an alligator but her stare was ripping through my flesh, it was scary. She was acting really strange today. Since I always pay attention to details, I either care or don't.

We arrived at the bar and the music was already blowing the top off. I've ben to so many parties like these they didn't interest me much anymore.

"You want a drink?" Laura asked after seating at a table.

"Yeah, a Pepsi." She dashed over to the counter and made our orders. I was looking at the drapery that was hung from the ceiling, wondering what type of material it was made of, for some reason.

Laura was back in a split second with our drinks. She was smiling a ghoulish grin.

"What?" I demanded.

"Nothing, it's just so much fun and your not even drinking. Why don't you get a real drink tonight?"

"You know I'm under age." But her smile was devilish and drove me to say it. "Stay away from me for awhile, okay?" Her smile vanished and she joined a small gang of teenagers. She was whispering something to them that worried me. I gulped down my soda and left the bar. Laura and her gang of teenagers followed right behind. I had never seen these people in my life yet they were somewhat stalking me.

"Hey, where are you going, the fun's this way." As much as Laura's pestering really got to me I didn't turn around. "Come, on. What did you even buy that dress for?" I was getting mad and dizzy. I turned to face her.

"Look Laura," I said slurring my words feeling drunk. I stabilized myself with the wall for everything was spinning wildly. My vision focused and unfocused nervously and everyone in Laura's little group was whispering something about a drug. "Laura...Laura what did you do to me?" I said sleepily. Panting, I covered my face with my free hand.

"I didn't do anything to you." She smiled and at that very moment, I passed out. My mind played those horrifying words I herd in the pet store, like a broken record, over and over again.