Forgotten

Chapter Nineteen

Shortly after my sixteenth birthday I started getting letters in the mail. The letters would come daily and they all said only one thing on them, Aarisma. Day after day, week after week, they were sent. Until one was different then the rest.

I know you live here Tamara

You have betrayed your family

For this you will burn

Aarisma

Dropping the letter to the ground, I became the person I was when I was eight. When my family found me I was too scared to talk. My mom picked the letter off the ground and read it. Her eyes widened as she passed it to my father. They called the police to protect me, but not a single officer was brave enough to face the Aarisma gang. They were simply too dangerous.

From then on I became more cautious. I watched my back even within the safety of my own home. I knew my biological parents well enough to know they didn't make empty threats, but waiting for them scared me nearly to death. Any sudden noise or movement would nearly make me jump out of my skin. I lived my life in fear, to scared to even enjoy anything.

"Tammy!" Jay's voice from behind me made me let out a squeak and I spun around to face him.

"Please don't scare me like that!" I shrieked,

"Oh I'm sorry," Jay smiled and I became calm just looking at him, "I just wanted to tell you that we got new neighbors! His name is Eli, and he wants to meet you." Walking to the front door I smiled when I saw the boy there. He was about my age, sixteen, or maybe a bit older. His hair was chestnut colored in the sun, but as he stepped inside it was easy to mistake for black. His eyes were a grey-blue and staring into them my world seemed to stand still.

"Hey," His voice was nearly as amazing as his looks and he stuck out his hand. Shaking it firmly I looked down awkwardly.

"It's... It's nice to meet you," My green hair fell into my face and I tucked it behind my ear.

"Your hair is awesome," He said, "Where'd you get the inspiration for it?"

"Uhhh," I tried to sound smart but I lost all thought when he looked at me, "My.. My eye."

"Really?" He sounded so amazed by everything I said, "Let me see," His hand touched my chin and forced me to meet his gaze, "Green and silver that's so cool!" He spoke and yet I hardly heard him. All I could focus on was his hand on my chin. Never in my life had someone other than my family touched me affectionately. Never did I hold hands with my friends, never did I play games like that in classes, but now he, Eli, was touching my face. His hands were rough, calloused, as if he worked a lot, but I didn't mind. I just never wanted him to stop touching me.

"Umm," I finally stuttered, "T-t-thank you." Eli drew back his hand instantly and my chin felt cold without his touch.

"I should probably go," Eli said almost sadly, "Will I see you later?"

"Of course," I smiled as he walked away and only when the door was shut did I collapse against it. Looking over to where Jay stood a smug grin rested on his face. "What?" I said.

"You totally have a crush on him," My face flamed red and I ran to my room. That night I could only think about Eli.