Young Writers Society

Chapter One

It is very easy to get angry as a teenager.

Think about all those hormones that us teenagers have, and it doesn't help when you have a little sister who is really annoying to top things off. My sister's name is Alexis and she really knows how to get on my nerves. One time she went so far as to pour paint in my hair while we where painting our new house! I must admit that I was furious and didn't handle it well but let's not get into that.

My point is that Alexis is now mad at me because I get to tutor her best friend Olivia. Alone. Without Alexis nagging me and distracting Olivia. Don't get me wrong, I love Olivia. She small, nice, and polite. But my sister can be a very distracting person if she sets her mind to it. I guess that's a good thing sometimes.

I look out of my bedroom window, watching the rain pitter patter onto the driveway.

Bold yellow, golden orange, deep brown and crimson red leaves blow across the front yard, creating a beautiful collage of colors. Fall is my favorite season because it always feels mysterious. The green leaves change into brilliant colors and the summer heat fades away, taking the bugs and flies with it. I guess I also like fall because my birthday is in October, on the 20th to be exact. I'm about a months and a half away from turning sixteen.

"Meow." I turn away from my window to see my cat Para slinking into my room. Her pure black coat shines off the lighting and her golden eyes gleam. I laugh at Para. "Very funny but you can give up the act."

Para jumps gracefully onto the desk next to me and sits down. "Who says it's an act?" She replies, "After all, I am supposed to be a black cat."

We both look at each other in a knowing way for a moment.

"Come on Para, I know your a shapeshifter." I say in an annoyed tone, "If you don't give it up now then I'll just have to throw you into the rain."

Now, Para may be a shapeshifter created to protect me from the evil monsters and demons that lurk, waiting to kill those with The Sight. But her favorite form is a black cat and shapeshifter's often have things I common with their favorite form. That said, Para hates the rain and will try to avoid it. She also hates taking the shape of a dog.

"You wouldn't do that!" Para hissed, her fur fluffing up, "The most you would do is threaten me. After all, you need me to protect you. I smiled, "True, I would never be cruel to animals."

It makes Para furious to be called an animal because technically, she isn't. Technically, Para is a being created out of magic to pose as a guardian for those with The Sight. The Sight is only earned by those who preform an act of kindness that is outstanding. Now I look at Para closely and watch as rage fills her golden eyes. Her claws did into my dark and she shows her teeth to me. "Don't you call me an animal again." Her voice comes in a whisper, as if she can hardly get the words out because of her anger. I suppose I understand but some shapeshifter's don't mind the term. Para is more hardheaded than most.

"Sadie!" My mom calls before I have time to reply, "Olivia is here!"

I glance out my window and see a red convertible pull into our driveway. Jumping out of my chair, I rush to my door and then look back at Para. She nods, letting me know that she knows I don't need to answer her demand. She knows I was just teasing.

I rush downstairs and through the kitchen to the front door. Alexis arrives at the same time as me and she pushed her elbow into my side as I reach for the door.

"Don't touch me!" I exclaim, raising my voice.

"Watch me." She dared and poked me in the ribs. I slap her hand away and shove

her roughly aside, opening the door.