Drowning was better than living.
“Mom, I'm so excited for tomorrow!" A twinkle in the twelve years old's eyes makes the woman chuckle at her cuteness. "What do you think I'm gonna be presented as?”
The wrinkled blanket rustled as her mother pulled it to tuck her in.
“Don't worry about it, sweetie. I know you're going to make me proud. Just like your brothers and sisters.” A gentle kiss landed on her daughter's forehead.
The excitement was visible through her small face, with a smile so wide one would melt in its presents.
“I hope I get to be an alpha like Eva." Her eyes then widened, "Oh! Or even omega like Emile and Elena!”
Her small finger taps her chin, probably wondering which she favors more.
“That's right, honey…” A gentle thumb tracing her soft cheek, “...as long as you're not a beta, everything will be well. Alright?”
She nodded cheerfully.
“Good night, mom.” She smiles at her mother, fluttering her eyes close to her dreamland. Along with a faint whisper.
“That's right. As long as you're not a beta.”
–
Emma Grey
My eyes fluttered open as I was awakened from my slumber.
That dream again. Lately, it has appeared quite frequently.
My hand flew towards my face, intending to rub the sleep away before I halted.
Tears?
I sighed.
A creaking sound fills the room as I shift on my bed to my side. The patter on the window indicates that it was still raining.
My eyes hollowly followed the sound, lost in the darkness of the night where it sickenly reminded me of that day.
The fateful day.
The day I felt myself drowning, better off dead. The day I was presented as a Beta.
—
“Emma, wake up! We're going to be late to the assembly.” Elena's voice jolted me awake.
“What time is it?” I stretched my hand wide, until I heard a pop in my bone.
That feels refreshing.
“Move your butt, Em. It's already 8.” She huffed, throwing my towel across the room before it landed straight on my face.
Her answer, however, made me spring up so quickly a headache coursed through my skull. I get on my feet slowly, cease for it to finally subsided.
It must've been from the lack of sleep last night. It was only after four in the morning that I could force myself into slumber again.
"What's wrong?" Her steps resounded closer towards my bed, concern laced in her words.
"No, nothing. Just a headache. I'll be ready in a minute." I forced a smile, walking past her as I headed to the bathroom.
She sighed. "Alright, if you say so. I'll be downstairs if you need anything." She muttered, walking towards the stairs, not before offering me a smile of comfort.
"Okay." Was all I could utter before giving her a similar one.
Reaching the bathroom, I lazily place the towel on the door hook. Trudging to the sink before catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
The figure seemed similar yet so different in my eyes compared to when I was younger. Gone was the excitement and enthusiasm sparkled through my features.
What was left was exhaustion and despair.
I sighed. Seeing the ugly scars latched to my skin had me loathed the reflection of myself. My eyes instantly turned away from the mirror.
What am I even doing?
Not wanting to waste any time, I removed all my clothes as I shuffled to the shower.
The water ran down my body, making me shiver in the cold of the morning.
I wondered if mom and the others had awakened. Above all, I should probably leave before she sees me, furiating her was the last thing I wanted to do.
My hand hurriedly moved, snatching the towel from where I left it, wrapping it onto my body as I left the bathroom.
Yeah, I definitely should.
–
“There you are. Here, eat your breakfast.” Elena muttered, noticing my presents as she put the plates on the table. I scanned through the food with a smile laced on my lips.
Scrambled egg and sausages, my favorite.
I felt my legs move on their own, hugging her from behind. “Thank you, El.”
She seemed startled by my actions before regaining herself. She chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around mine.
“Someone's getting sappy.” She snickered, which I only returned with a huff to her replies. “Now, eat your breakfast. We have to leave before they get here.” She patted my arms lightly.
My lips twitched to a frown, the dream from last night unconsciously haunt my thoughts again.