-Makenna-

My name is Makenna. I can't tell you my last name, or where I live. Not because I'm trying to hide my identity from them, that ship has sailed. I guess it's just... tradition to start these stories out like that.

It's hard to narrow down the exact moment all this began. Maybe it was the day I was infested, maybe the day earth was invaded, or maybe all of this began a lot longer ago than I or anyone else can remember. Either way, we might as well start at my beginning: the day I heard about the Sharing.

I leaned back in my chair, chewing gum without a care in the world. My black hair was streaked with bright colors and my bangs looked like they had been mauled by a bear, after a really bad personal styling

attempt. I wore ripped jeans and a black leather jacket. I felt very cool, even if my situation wasn't that cool.

The vice principal, Mr. Chapman, walked into the room. He had a very serious expression and gave me a disapproving look as he sat down at his desk. I popped my gum and glared at him.

"I spoke to Damian. He says you started the fight," he said, folding his hands.

"That's what he gets for being a creep," I said, glaring at him.

Chapman sighed. "Makenna, this is the third time you've been in my office this month. We've tried contacting your parents, detention, suspension, everything." He rubbed his temples in stress. "I don't know what else to do with

you. I know things aren't very... stable for you at home," I narrowed my eyes when he mentioned home. "But that's no excuse for your behavior at school."

"Alright. Just send me to detention like normal. We're done here." I stood up.

Chapman glared at me. "Sit back down," he ordered. I glared back but obeyed. "Look, the school has done everything it can. Any more incidents and you will be expelled." I mulled that over. "But I have something that might be able to help. I run a... program of some kind. It helps troubled kids like you. I've seen it really change people." I rolled my eyes. This wasn't the first time someone had tried to force me into a club to fix my behavior, and it wouldn't be the last. "It's called the Sharing. We meet every Saturday at 4." He slid me a flyer.

"The Sharing? That's the stupidest name I've ever heard. How much effort did it take to come up with that one?" I sneered. Chapman sighed. I wondered how many more I could get out of him before the end of this. Despite my better judgment, I picked up the flyer. It was a very generic flyer, which could have easily been mistaken for any other group flyer if it wasn't for the name.

"Just... think about it," Chapman said. "It'll change your life."

I glared at him but kept the flyer. I don't know why I did. I should have crumpled it up right in front of him, but I didn't. Maybe this is the stupidest decision I made in my life, or maybe it was the greatest.

I walked through the suburban expanse that was my neighborhood. I still had that flyer in my hands and I stared at it as I walked. This was just another stupid attempt to help me, I thought. Everyone had an opinion on my life but no one ever wanted to actually do anything. They just gave their condolences and left.

I turned the corner into my yard. My house was considerably different than the ones around it, since it was noticeably uncared for. The lawn was dead and overgrown, the windows were filthy, and there were leaves packed in the gutters. Home sweet home.

I walked in and was greeted by the smell of cigarette smoke, with meant my sister was home. My mom was on the couch, watching trash TV and drinking straight from a liquor bottle. She ignored me as I

dumped my backpack by the door and headed to the kitchen to find some food. The fridge was nearly empty, just a few bottles of condiments, but the pantry had a box of granola bars. I grabbed one and munched on it as I headed to my room. As I walked past my sister's room, the smell of cigarettes grew stronger. I glanced in and saw her and a strange boy about five years older than her lounging on her bed, sharing a box of Marlboros. I glared at them and kept walking.

My room was a safe haven amongst my chaotic life. I had my bookshelf, my desk, my bed, and all my belongings. I flopped on my bed and looked at the flyer.

It was stupid. Going to some club couldn't fix my life. And yet, as I stared at the poster, I couldn't help but be intrigued. Maybe it was fate calling me, if you believe in that stuff. I don't know. Whatever it was,

It was the reason why I shouted, "Hey Trinity?"

"Yeah?" She called back from her room.

"Can you drive me somewhere on Saturday?"