Unlucky 13 - Chapter 7

Uncle Sim had come back home and Grams had woken up. Turns out Carter is sleeping over. The tension between me and Grams is horrible. Izzy has gotten suspicious. It’s dinnertime and we were eating out in a diner called Buvette Scott. The food is pretty good so far. Carter was with us too.

Me, Izzy, Ave and Carter were sitting on one table and Grams, Tim, Aunt Martha and Uncle Simon were on another table.

I have sweet potato masala with tofu, cucumber, cashew and cilantro. It’s really good. I hadn’t realized how much I was starving until I had first taken a bite of it! The diner itself was really nice. It wasn’t all that fancy. Tiled floors, cashier, tables and chairs, etc.

Izzy nudged me, “Isn’t this so good?”

“Mhm, I’d die to eat another whole plate of this!” I said, taking another bite. Have you ever had that moment, when you eat that perfect bite in the perfect moment, and you just feel so happy?

I looked at the rest of the people who were in the restaurant, eating.

Carter looked behind me, his brown eyes wide. I gave him a questioning look, “Carter? What’s wrong?” he vigorously shook his head and looked straight down at his food and continued eating.

I looked behind me.

Big mistake.

There stood the one and only Raven Hill.

I almost spat out my food, “What in the heavens is she doing here?” I whisper-yelled at him. Why was even whisper-yelling? I don’t know. I felt safer that way. Carter just shrugged and continued eating, looking down at his food. I looked down into my food too. That was not like him at all. This girl, I swear, is dead.

“Oh, hi idiot!” A screechy voice said. I flinched. Oh no. She found us. Never mind, I’d rather die than kill that demon.

“Don’t you dare call my cousin that!” Ave growled.

“What will you do, stupid?” Raven hissed.

“I’ll snap you’re head off.” Ave snapped.

Carter still hadn’t looked up. “Hey, little brother.” she snickered, “I told you I’d follow you no matter where you go.”

Carter and Izzy whimpered. She was huddling in the corner of her chair. Somehow. “Leave him alone.” she said.

“Raven Cross Hill, I’m pretty sure that’s enough.” Uncle Sim said. He had walked up from behind her and had given me signs indicating that he was going to stop her and telling me to stay calm.

Raven whirled around, her black hair flying this way and that, “Um, oui, uh, pardon.” she ran out of the restaurant and everyone’s eyes were on her.

“That girl is dangerous.” Uncle Sim started, when she had left, “Never ever talk to her. Or contact her. She’ll follow you anywhere, anytime.”

“Okay. But she was being such an –” Ave started, but Uncle Sim cut him off.

“Enjoy the rest of your dinner,” Uncle Sim said simply, “We’ll leave in about ten minutes.”

We all just nodded, still scared. How dangerous could this Raven Hill girl get? I shuddered at just the thought. I needed to stay out of her way. Whether I was at home or in the Arctic.

Me, Izzy, Ave and Carter finished out food and cleaned up. I grabbed my purse and Izzy took hers – I thought it was adorable because she’s only ten and… It’s just so cute.

A few moments later, we all silently left the restaurant and piled into the minivan. Nobody talked during the ride home. I didn’t blame any one of them.

So much had happened today, that all of a sudden, I felt exhausted and I just wanted to sleep. But once I had reached my bed in Izzy’s room, I didn’t want to sleep. I thought over what had happened today.

My mother doesn’t want me. Raven is dangerous. I have no more friends. I sighed and turned over onto my left side. What did a do? Does God hate me? Did I do something to upset him? I’m pretty sure not.

I want motherly love. And fatherly love too. I get it from Grams… But I guess you can’t blame a kid for wanting attention from her parents. Or mother in this case, if she’s alive.

I looked at the time. It was already two in the morning. Izzy was softly snoring. I didn’t sense anyone else awake. I don’t deserve to live. I’m sick of my life.

I slowly got up and felt something wet go down my cheek. Tears. I was crying. So much has happened in just one day that I can’t hold it anymore. I need to do something to release all the pain that was happening inside me. And quick. My life is ruined forever now. There’s no reason to let it continue.

I looked at the vase that was sitting on the little table in the hallway. Blood red roses. Thorns and all. What if I pricked my finger on that and my blood continuously came out and no one could save me?

I walked down the stairs, taking each step as carefully as possible, not wanting to make a sound. I went to the kitchen and opened the drawers in which Aunt Martha kept all her sharp knives. I wanted to scream at myself, pull my hair, and do the worst things possible. But I didn’t. A tear slipped down my cheek. Why? I quietly sobbed and when I realized that tears were coming out fast, I wiped them away.

I took one out and held it against my wrist, my hand shaking.

What am I doing?

I pressed it harder. My heart was beating faster and faster by the second. I stopped. What if someone really cared about me?

No. If my mother doesn’t care, why would anyone else?

But what if someone feels as if they feel guilty of my death?

Nobody likes me.

A small voice spoke in my head. Julia, come into your senses. What are you doing?

I don’t know, so don’t judge me, Voice In My Head.

Thump. Thump thump. Thump. I thought that was my heart pounding, but nope.

Footsteps. Who’d be up right now?

I quickly hid under the table, without a noise, taking the ridiculously sharp knife with me. I’ll just have to attempt suicide down there. Suddenly, a thought came into my head. Grams…

Whoosh!

The water from the sink was flowing, making me forget about my grandmother. It just made me realize that that’s how my blood is going to gush out when I rip open my forearm with this damn knife. Julia, stop acting as if your life is a movie. You can’t just do that! The voice spoke again.

I pressed the tip of the knife – the sharpest point – against my wrist. Harder this time. I winced, “Ouch!” Blood trickled down my arm.

“Huh?” The voice said. I recognized it as Tim.

“You heard nothing.” I whispered. I guess it worked because Tim said okay and walked away. Then his footsteps stopped.

“Wait, what?” Tim said, walking towards the table. I flinched, pressing the knife so hard against my wrist that it started to bleed more. Tim lifted the table sheet and gasped when he saw me, “Jules!” He exclaimed; shock was written all over his face.

“What are you doing?” he said softly, taking my hand and pulling me out. I didn’t budge, so he came under the table with me. “What happened, Julia?”

I started crying, “Tell me. Did I do anything bad?” I sobbed.

Tim embraced me in a hug, “No, Julie. Who said that?”

“No one. My mother isn’t with me and she hates me! My father is dead! And Grams is my grandmother and I have no friends and Raven is a crazy idiot and my life just turned upside down…” I cried. Tim started stroking my hair.

“Shh…” he said, “It’s fine. Who told you this?”

Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I tried to find my voice again. When Tim realized I couldn’t, he kept quiet and continued soothing me. I felt as if someone else was in the kitchen with us, but I was too upset to even care.

Finally, I whispered, “I have no reason to live.”

“Don’t think that. If you feel down, just talk to someone or write it down.” he said. I nodded and continued crying.

“But promise you’ll keep this in between us?” I let go of him and held out my pinky.

Tim promised. “But only if you promise not to do…” he gestured towards the knife and took it from me. I nodded.

“Promise.” I leaned back into him and broke into tears again.

They’re right. Thirteen is an unlucky number. Or age, in my case.

A while later, at five in the morning, I had finally stopped bawling my eyes out and had went to bed. I kept poor Tim awake the entire night because of my stupid suicidal thoughts. I’m such a baby.

+++

“JULES!” Izzy screamed, “WAKE UP ALREADY!”

I moaned and rolled onto my belly, “Leave me alone.”

“GET UP!” she yelled into my ear.

“Leave her alone,” Tim said, coming into the room, “She’s tired and she’s having a few bumpy days.”

“Aww. But we were gonna go riding!” Izzy whined. Tim rolled his eyes and left, shutting the door behind him.

“I barely know how to ride.” I mumbled, rolling over to my back.

Izzy grinned, “I’ll teach you! Let’s go!” she pulled me off the bed and dragged me into the bathroom. “I’ll get your clothes. You freshen up.”

I groaned and did as asked. A few minutes later, Izzy knocked on the bathroom, “I have your clothes!” she said. I opened the door to let her in. She had taken out a soft green tee-shirt. And gave me white breeches, “I brought these for you. The shirt will bring out our eyes.” she beamed.

I swear to god this family is as rich as heck. I hugged her. It was glad to know someone cared, “Thanks.” I looked at the time and let go of her, “I should finish getting ready.” She nodded and left the bathroom.

Once I was done changing, I went down the stairs and ate breakfast with Ave, Tim, Aunt Martha and Grams. Uncle Sim was out at work again. Tomorrow, he was off from work. The rest were coming riding with us.

We had pancakes for breakfast. Aunt Martha was sitting at one end of the table with Grams at the other. They were talking about something related to sewing. Me and Ave were on the right side. Tim and Izzy were on the left.

Ave nudged me, “You seem upset.” he whispered. I shook my head.

“I’m good.” I smiled at him. He nodded but didn’t seem convinced.

I continued listening to Izzy babble on and on about what horse she was going to ride. And what she was going to do.

“I’ll ride Major! Or no… How about Rockette? But then there’s Minny too… But she’s a mother-to-be, so not allowed.” Izzy took a breath and took a bite of her food. I was done already. And so was Grams and Aunt Martha.

“WAIT!” Izzy yelled. Everyone looked at her.

“Izzy, I’m pretty sure you’ve been taught manners.” Aunt Martha said sternly. I giggled.

“Julia.” Grams looked at me. Izzy smirked.

“Anyways… Like I was saying…” I tuned her out and leaned over to Ave.

“When are we leaving?” I whispered.

“After breakfast.” he said, “And, I’m done! Me and Julia are going to go start the car. We won’t drive, though. Promise. We’ll probably get killed for that.”

I laughed, “Let’s go.” I took Grams’ phone – I had an idea – and slipped on my boots. Ave got the car keys and ran out the door to the front of the garage.

He opened the passenger seat door for me, and I went in. He sat on the driver’s seat and started the engine. Ave turned on the radio and listened to some music on low volume.

I turned on Grams phone and put in the password. I went to contacts. She said she still calls her. I typed in: Anthea.

“Ave, can you turn the volume down a bit? I need to do a call.” I said.

Ave grinned, and turned it off completely, “You sound so professional. I’ll get out so you can have privacy.”

I smiled at him, “Thanks.”

I looked back at the phone and called Anthea Portman. My mother.