Page 36 of Arianna

I feel a weird sensation in my chest. One I haven’t felt since I was a child.

Hope?

Happiness?

Perhaps something else?

But what could it be?

Damn you, heart. Don’t be stupid.

Eventually, you will get hurt.

Benjamin claps, capturing my attention. “Get showered and dress comfortably. We’re stepping out in twenty.”

I rise from my seat and ask hoarsely, trying to conceal my emotions. “Where are we going?”

He smiles. “First, we’re getting rid of that deranged mental patient look you have going on.” He points to my hair, making me reach for the chopped strands, reminding me of what they represent. Broken bonds and cut ties. “Then we’re getting you everything you will need to start your new life, yeah? Now hurry. I’ve been looking forward to getting the fuck out of this place at least for a day.” With one last smile, he gently pushes me toward the hall and leaves me to get ready.

I look down at the university’s brochure with all the academic offers and walk towards my room once there, I open the door and find a white box with a small black bow on it. Setting the brochures down on the bed, I focus on the medium sized box. Taking off the ribbon without messing it, I notice it is a rose gold MacBook Air. On top of the box, there is a note.

Arianna,

The first rule of any game…

You cannot undo the move, but you can make the next step better.

So, make it better. - S

For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, I smile. Maybe because this is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, if not the only thing. Or maybe it is because he signed the note with his full name when the first time we met he corrected me when I refused to be like everyone else and call him Bastian.

“Move your ass, kid!” Benjamin’s voice booms successfully making me hurry my ass up. I take the note, shove it inside one of the drawers for safekeeping, and start to get ready.

Excited about what is to come.

Good or bad, I think… I think I will be alright.

Christ… what is happening to me?

Hope.

Hope is creeping in and that is a dangerous thing.

ARIANNA

Luna

“Not even the devil wants his soul.” – A

Two years later

The day has finally arrived.

For so many busy days and long nights, I longed for it.

For a while, it was only a little girl’s dream that was too far out of her reach, and now it’s no longer a dream but a reality.

Mine.

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