Every year for 24 continuous hours every crime is legal. I was about fifteen when it started and the idea scared me, but my father assured me that everything was going to be completely okay. He was right. Everything was okay and will be okay, but it doesn't seem to erase the sickness in my stomach.

As a part of the Sandin family, we could afford the best of the best, including my Uncle's security system. We only lived a few houses down in our pretty good sized gated community. Everyone had security systems, but only for tonight. Some were good, but others were really good. Either way, we were the haves. No one bothered with us. Most crime took place in the city where the poor lived. They were the real victims tonight. They had no protection and were an easy target.

The Purge to me is vile and cruel, but it does do well for the American people. I tried to think of it this way; have everyone release themselves once a year or every day? I would never take part in it and I really don't like to associate myself with people who do; its best not to.

I look at the clock ignoring my never ending growling stomach. It was exactly 30 minutes until seven…when the Purge starts. I was starving, but I can't get myself to eat a single bite. This year would be even worse; my Father and Mother are in Paris for the week. It was sort of an anniversary thing, but I know the real truth. My Father is a boss for a very big business. They sell watches and lighters for men. Some of his employees aren't very happy, but neither am I. They left me here to suffer.

I brush that off and glance over at my Aunt and Uncles. Aunt Mary places her flowers on the lawn. They support the Purge. My Family use to until the sketchy business deals, cutting pay, and taking away health care.

The phone rings, scaring me half to death. Clutching my chest, I answer in a raspy tone.

"Hello?"

"Nicole?" It's my Aunt Mary and I can see her on her cell phone. "I was wondering, since your Father and Mother are in France, would you like to spend the time at our home?" They couldn't ask sooner? It was twenty minutes till Purging time and it'll take me at least ten to get what I needed, five to lock up, and five to walk over (3 if I run).

Not wanting to be rude (or alone), I accept her offer.

"Don't bother bringing clothing," she tells me. "I'm sure Zoe has stuff you can wear. Just hurry on over, alright?" With that, she hangs up.

Zoe has clothing to fit me? I roll my eyes. I doubt it. She was skinny and flat up top while I was borderline cup D and had a little meat on my bones. And sadly not because I had huge hips and a nice butt…but because I actually had meat on my bones. I didn't really care though. I flip them my good old finger. You know? The 'everyone should be thin' people. Screw them.

I run up stairs and grab a few essentials, shirts, and pants. Holding the, I set the security system for 7:00pm and quickly go out. I could hear knives being sharpened and guns being tested.

Not a very nice thing to be heard.

Struggling, I finally make it to my Uncle and Aunts home. She looks as if she wants to panic. I give a guilty smile.

"With five minutes to spare!" My Uncle smiles, setting up their security system.

That right there made me panic! Five more minutes I would have been left for dead.

"Oh, sorry," I say. My Aunt lets it go and hugs me as does my Uncle. Charlie and Zoe don't even acknowledge my existence; Zoe sitting there like she's bored to death and Charlie playing Timmy.

Timmy was a creepy doll and one time he placed him in our home! I almost shit a brick.

"Hey," I smiled and waved at them, but Zoe sighed and Charlie just smirked. Thanks, guys. This night will defiantly go smoothly.

Zoe is tough to get along with. Only certain people she likes and I am not one of them. I being 22 years old…I have never done anything to her. Charlie is just an awkward kid. I take a seat and we all get ready for lock down.

The T.V screen turns blue. It is essentially time. I breathe in and out as a woman's voice comes on.

This is not a test. This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of the Annual Purge sanctioned by the U.S. Government. Weapons of class 4 and lower have been authorized for use during the Purge. All other weapons are restricted. Government officials of ranking 10 have been granted immunity from the Purge and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime, including murder, will be legal for 24 continuous hours. Police, fire, and emergency medical services will be unavailable until tomorrow night at 7 p.m., when The Purge concludes. Blessed be our New Founding Fathers and America, a nation reborn. May God be with you all.

With that, the sirens go off and the sickness in my stomach returns with a stronger 'kick'. I groan and hug my shaking knees. Zoe looks at me and turns to her Father.

"Can I go upstairs now?" Her parents nod.

"Thank you for being here with us," my Uncle says and with that she leaves.

"Are you nervous, too?" I look down at Charlie, who was still playing with Timmy. I'm such a bad example.

"No," I lied. "Just not feeling good."

"Because of tonight?" He presses. I give in by nodding.

"Yeah, because of tonight."

Charlie doesn't like the Purge, kind of like me, but unlike him I understand why we need the Purge. He grabs my hand and holds it. I smile.

"Nicole, if you wish, you can go upstairs or in the kitchen," Uncle offers. I nod. "Have you eaten dinner yet?" I shook my head.

"But really, I'm fine," I tell him. "I can't eat in situations like this, but thank you." I get up and nod to them. "I'm going to go upstairs and see if Zoe's alright."

I run up the stairs and straight to her room hearing giggles and moans. Henry. It has to be Henry. I sigh and peak in.

"Zoe? Are you alone?" I ask and immediately the noise stop and I hear a groan.

"What do you want?"

"Just checking up on you," I say, rolling my eyes. "But never mind, Henry's already doing that."

I walk into a spare bedroom and lay on the bed thinking about my parents. I can't help, but to feel a bit upset and angry. Not only are they in the lovely city of Paris without me, but they're in Paris when I need them the most. I crawl up into a ball and close my eyes. Maybe I could sleep to kill some time? I close my eyes.

College was crazy with Exam prep and such, especially when you want to go into the medical field. So naturally I was tired. I start to drift off, but it wasn't long before I could some screams and yells.

Author's Note: I hope you like the start and I will try my hardest on the next chapter. I will change some of the events and such. I know it's only suppose to be 12 hours, but I'll make it 24. If you see this story on any other website and the usernames are; Agentalie, Avedak3davra, or dammiforza it IS ME. But this story should only be posted on fanfiction net, wattpad, archiveofourown, and Quetev. If you see it anywhere else, please tell me! Please feel free to give honest feedback.