A/N: So this story is mainly gonna be from Raven's POV. The first chapter is kinda to let you see what the characters' lives are like a little. And I wrote it three years ago.
To all my reviewers/favoriters/watchers: Thank you so much! Each one of your comments, favorites, or follows is appreciated and cherished, not to mention motivating and inspiring. Sorry to disappoint on the pairings. XRae is my OTP. Lol. But—be warned, I'm not really a romance writer. I'm more of the comedy/drama type. We'll see, though.
Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form do I receive any profit or gain from this work of pure fanfiction. Though, I might gain smiles, if you count that. But that's only if you review. So… ;)
Warning: This chapter is heavy on the drama. Or, whatever this is. Emotional stuff. Angst. Yeah.
oOoOoOo
Chapter Three: Change in Plans
At the end of the day, you have to be prepared for your plans to be ruined.
That was one of the first things that Raven ever learned.
Yes, you can plan. You can act according to those plans, and, sometimes, things can go smoothly.
But sometimes they don't.
Sometimes, the unexpected happens.
Sometimes, bad things happen.
Sometimes, people dream. They might dream about their future, what job they want, who they want to marry, how many kids they want to have, where they want to live, where they want to travel.
But sometimes those dreams don't come true, and those plans and ideas for the future can get ruined.
Getting raped wasn't included in Arella Roth's plans.
Such a fear she had of Raven's father that, bless her heart, she could hardly bear to look at her own daughter.
Raven honestly couldn't blame her. To have a living, breathing representation of your worst fears in front of you must have been both terrifying and heart rending.
Raven was surprised that her mother hadn't had an abortion.
She had asked her mother about it once, before she died. She simply said that she couldn't.
Sometimes, despite all your carefulness and preparation for (what you believe to be) the worst, plans go awry.
People plan on doing something, they say that they will see to it that something happens, but sometimes, they just don't follow through.
Sometimes, you get moved from foster home to foster home, even if you're not doing anything wrong, even if all you're trying to do is make your "family" happy.
Sometimes, people just can't adjust like they thought they could.
So you're passed along like secondhand clothing, third-hand, fourth-hand, before finally you think you've found a place you can finally call home.
And then your father hunts you down.
Sometimes, love can't overcome fear, and the people you called family give you up for the sake of their own safety.
Sometimes, things just don't work out.
Sometimes, no matter how much you try to talk sense into a person, no matter how good your intentions or how much you try, you can't change people.
Sometimes, your father might be a crazed lunatic, a hopeless man devoid of reason and morals, intent only upon getting his next fix.
And you were just a means to his end.
In some twisted way.
Sometimes things just don't work out how you thought they might.
Sometimes, a guy can come along and sweep you off your feet, seem to understand you like no one else and make you happier than you've ever been before.
Sometimes, yes, even love is wrong.
Emotions are deceitful, flattery is poison, and good-looking seniors at rich, private academies can lie, cheat, and break your heart.
Sometimes, careful planning gets you absolutely nowhere.
Sometimes, despite you telling yourself that you don't need anyone and you're perfectly fine by yourself, you realize that sometimes it's ok, sometimes it's actually nice to have friends. Sometimes you find yourself surprised that some people actually care.
Sometimes, all it takes is one little word to change your mind.
Sometimes, a "hello" can make a friend.
Sometimes, a hug can make it better.
Sometimes, four kids who seem to have absolutely nothing in common with you can worm their way into your heart.
And you realize that you still can have a family.
At the end of the day, you have to be prepared for your plans to be ruined.
So when Raven's plans of getting straight A's in every one of her advanced classes by focusing only and completely on schoolwork and staying out of any sports, parties or extracurricular activities are ruined by Principal Wilson's promise of wealth, well, that was a tough one, but she was prepared.
oOoOoOo
A/N: Did you catch the sarcasm? Yeah, the last paragraph might have been too quick a change, but whatever. This chapter DEFINITELY did not write like I planned for it to. Isn't that funny. And sorry, I'm a short chapter writer. I usually do drabbles/one shots. I hate doing chapter fics, actually. I lack the motivation and the attention span. You know how to fix that? You tell me. ;)
( coughcoughREVIEW! Please?)
