My feet hit the ground, thumping as I propelled myself forward. I couldn't out run them! Lokesh was going to win. Vines tried to crawl up my legs in the shadows of the moon. They mocked me, they laughed. Biting back a scream, I gave one final effort to ditch the men behind me, but two tigers overwhelmed me.

I bolted up in bed and let out a scream, well past its due. Mom wasted no time in rushing into my bedroom.

"Sweetie! Where does it hurt? Was it a dream? They can't hurt you." She cooed, cradling me in her arms. Still shaking, I sighed and relaxed into her embrace.

"It was nothing mom, just a tiger dream again."

"Again? That's it, no more tigers curse for you. Give me the books, now."

"But mom, I'm 18, I can read whatever I want!"

"You still live under my roof. Books. Now."

Pulling my legs out from the soft sheets, my mostly bare legs were met with ice fingers. Spring shouldn't be this cold. I picked up the stack of books, all four. She motioned to grab my notebook too. I did. I gave her the pile, and she kissed my nose. With that, she, my precious tigers curse, and my imagine journal were gone. Happy Monday to me.

I would say school started out like the hell it always did, but it didn't. I dropped my new ear cuff down the sink and slide across a mud puddle on the way. Cleo was sick too, meaning for gym, I was partners with nobody! Second block was a snooze fest, and I didn't even have my journal to write my juicy stories in. Today was much worse than normal.

I was heading to lunch as I spotted Justin in my peripheral vision. He was 5' 11" of perfect quarterback. His blonde hair fell right over his face, brown eyes glistening. His nose was angled so softly on his face; angels must have placed it there. His eyes glanced up and found mine. He smiled, I waved. Then he put his arm around Cia.

Cia is a singer. She will be famous someday. The worst part of seeing her with the guy I liked was that she was my best friend. I fixed my lip gloss, ran my fingers through my elbow length caramel hair, and shut the locker on my skirt.

"Brittney," Cia laughed, making her way over to help. "What is up with you today? You are a mess!"

"Thanks," I muttered, freeing my skirt from the metal frame.

"Brittney is not a mess," Justin said. I felt my heart swell, then crack, knowing he wouldn't ever feel what I did. We were only friends.

"I'm sorry Brit, I didn't realize you were this upset," Cia apologized. My lack of response was always an easy tell for my moods.

"Mom took my journal,"

"No way! That journal is your life! All of your tigers curse stories are in there. I was supposed to read them!" She pouted. Justin comforted her with a kiss to her temple. He only smiled reassuringly at me. I couldn't take this. I walked away.

"Brit!" Cia called.

"Let her go for now. She needs space." I heard Justin tell her.

I pushed open the front doors and flooded from the school with all the other kids on their way to lunch. I wasn't ready for what happened next. Lokesh was standing outside of my school.

I will work on Of Black and white soon too, but I have several ideas I want to get out first. I love anyone who takes time to read this! Tell me any mistakes, issues, or criticism. Review Please. I will only get better with your help.

*TigerWarrior