Preface How far would you go to save loved ones, what would you sacrifice in order to set them free? Now as the tables turned toward me, it was my turn to make that inevitable decision, knowing what path I followed would bring dire consequences. So what should I choose?
Life or death?
Chapter 1: Christmas
I was running, running through the dimly lit street. I was running away from someone, something. The cold wind blew fiercely on my face and flimsy hair as I twisted and turned round the maze of street. The bright full moon hovered above me. Stumbling over in my worn out sneakers, I scrambled up again and looked behind me. There was no sign of anyone there. I seemed safe. But when I turned back round, I felt two, icy cold hands suddenly grab my arms...
Cory. . . Cory! Huh? I realised it had been just a dream. But it had felt so terribly real that I was sweating bullets. I also realised that my annoying little half-sister rolled over in my sheets and shoved a pillow on my head.
Cory! Wake up! the annoying voice rang again. (If you re wondering, I m not Cory, I m Cordilia Stafani Nelson)
Go away you brat! I mumbled. I hate sharing my room. It was mine in the first place. I still wish I was an only child.
But Cory, it s Christmas! Sighing gradually, I dragged myself out of bed and rubbed my eyes hard. Christmas. I hated Christmas.
Everyone makes a big deal out of it but for goodness sake, it s just like any other day! I especially hate when Nichola gets all worked up about it, and once she s started, there s no stopping her.
When I eventually opened my eyes, my little sister, Nichola Klarks (we don t have the same dad, but both of ours died when we were little) was already sitting at the end of my bed ripping the wrapping paper off of her fifth present.
Nichola! You know you have to wait for mom to wake up first. She never listens!
But it s Christmas! Ugh. Younger sisters are so irritating. I can t believe I actually wanted one eight years ago.
Reluctantly I made my bed, brushed my teeth and sloped off to the kitchen to make my mom a cup of coffee. Mom was already awake when I came in. Merry Christmas, Cordilia darling, she croaked as I handed her the cup of coffee. She was still tired. Probably having a hangover judging by the several empty wine bottles under the bed, mom gets worked up about Christmas too.
Merry Christmas to you too, mom. Christmas was the same as any other year, a long lie in then Chinese take-away and television. I liked it like this, no over the top roast dinners or a huge flock of relatives visiting from a random country I d never heard of.
Just the three of us, a small but happy family, who needs men anyway.
The rest of the day ran smoothly. I went on my laptop and chatted with my best friend, Lauren, who was up in Scotland visiting her Gran this Christmas. Also I opened up my presents from mom and Nicola. Lauren had already given me a fluffy, pink teddy bear that had Cordilia embroidered on the chest. I would have loved that when I was eight during my obsession with everything pink and girly, but it was still sweet.
Mom gave me my first pair of high heels for my present. They were deep black and had a long thin heel at the back.
Oh mom! I absolutely love them! I cried when I finally unwrapped them, careful not to rip the expensive paper. They were my first pair of REAL heels, and I probably got them because of my endless begging and pleading over the last few months.
Nichola, on the other hand, made me a macaroni and sea shell picture frame but to be honest it looked like a lump of gluey pasta with a gaping hole in the middle.
Ummm ..thanks, Nichola ..it s unique? Nichola stretched a wide grin.
Here mom, I got you this, I said, handing her a tiny parcel. It was a real gold and emerald ring that I found in a car boot sale, it cost me nearly all my savings but it was worth it. Oh my- she gasped Do you like it? Dearie, of course I love it! It s stunning, you shouldn t have! No, I take that back, you really should ve! She slipped on the ring gently and held her hand out admiringly.
It fits perfectly, thank you Cordilia she kissed me lightly, but gave me a big hug.
My turn, my turn! What did you get me Cory? Mom gave me a new dolly and it has the prettiest dresses and it has long gold hair just like Rapunzel! Did you get me a dolly too Cory? My other ones are getting really lonely in the toy box. I was surprised Nichola could say that much in one breath.
Well, ummmmm I didn t really get you a doll; I bought you a book from the book sale in school, As I handed her the carefully wrapped parcel she immediately started tearing the wrapping paper into shreds. It only took her three seconds until she uncovered the tattered old book under the remains of the wrapping paper. She was silent for a minute then she looked up with a confused look on her face.
Anne of green gables? she finally spoke You ll love it, it s a classic. I reassured her.
Nicola pulled a face and threw the book to one side.
Nichola! moms forehead creased behave yourself and pick up that book now! It was nice of Cordilia to buy you that book, so be grateful! Sighing, Nicola did as she was told and slumped at the edge of the bed.
Now, its time for your other present Cordilia, mom sighed at last.
My other present? It s from your Auntie Emmile, she specifically told me to give it too you on your fourteenth Christmas, according to her will Mum s eyes pricked a bit, and I knew she had never got over her poor sister s death. Nor had I. A mysterious death in a cursed church; not the best way to die.
Auntie Emmile s gift was wrapped in a delicate pink paper and tied up with a satin fuchsia ribbon. I fingered the bow, carefully untying it, trying to not rip the paper.
Hurry up! nagged mom, but she was too excited to sound annoyed.
I tugged at the paper, ignoring the temptation to tear the wrapping paper to pieces. When I finally unwrapped my present my mouth dropped open. On my lap lay a beautiful journal, deep ivy green with golden vines creeping across the cover. It had a shiny new lock at the side that had a beautiful pattern of swirls engraved on it.
Oh, I almost forgot the key, here, mom handed me a matching gold key that hung on a thin brass-coloured chain.
Thank you mom, its wonderful I mouthed, so lost for words. Well, it s your auntie you should thank, dear! It s so dreadful she didn t live to see nieces. And funnily enough, I wonder how she knew I was going to even have children?
For the rest of the day I kept my journal with me and the key round my neck.
That night before I went to bed I brought out my journal and wrote with my very best pen, in my neatest handwriting:
Dear diary,
This is my first Christmas that mom actually had stayed single right through. What I mean is that every year mom hooks up with some random guy she met god knows where and brings him home to live with us, and it always end up the same; Its not you, its me honey, this is not what I meant to happen, you know, Well hallelujah, they decided to skedaddle before any worse comes.
But I prefer it like this, mom, Nichola and I. One happy family, as I said, no men needed at all. Yours truly,
Cordilia
I shut my book and locked it. My eyes drooped shut and another nightmare commenced .