Chapter 2

As she'd grown up, Rosa had quickly come to realise her family weren't exactly the most normal people. From their ambiguous jobs that sometimes didn't seem real, to their abnormally, high household income, and then came their relation to Rosa. Rosa's family were a little different than other kid's families in the sense that she didn't share a drop of blood with any of them. Despite what the world thought, she was adopted. Rosa didn't know her biological parents. If she ever did the memories were long dead, lost in trauma of her past.

Long story short, Rosa had spent the first six years of her life roaming the streets of Mexico. Then one day the man she now called Father, James Elacti, found her. Saved her. And seven years later here she was. Living the life she'd always dreamed of back when she was a little girl.

Rosa arrived home from school in record timing, sacrificing her body on the icy, slippery floors for the sake of speed and time.

Her home sat on the edge of Harbour Crescent. It was a large, two-story relic of brick and tiles. Just as she walked through the house's gate a familiar car pulled up on the street. Her mother, Mary Elacti, stepped out of the driver's seat, her shining, brown hair dancing playfully in the wind.

"Hi sweetie. How was school?" her mum asked.

"It was alright," Rosa replied. "How was work? Boring?".

"Of course," her mother joked.

They walked across the front yard and Rosa unlocked the door so they could enter their home. Instantly voices radiated down the hallway from the kitchen. Rosa and her mum removed their shoes at the door and made their way into the kitchen. Sitting at the dining table was her father, a man with short black hair, with a hint of curls, and a well-kept beard. Across from him was her older sister, Emma, a beautiful girl who possessed their mother's hair and father's jade eyes. Her dad was the first to notice them.

"Welcome home," he acknowledged. Like every day, Mary kissed him on the cheek and took a seat beside him.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"Good. Very good actually" James told her.

"What do you mean?" Rosa asked confused, as she eagerly took a seat beside her sister. Her parents had been talking about possible good news earlier at breakfast but annoyingly wouldn't let Rosa in on the secret. Instead telling her she'd find out later along with Emma.

"I'm being promoted," her dad he told her.

"I thought you were already the highest rank?" Rosa asked confused by his statement. Despite her family's ambiguity whenever she asked about their work, Rosa knew her father was a detective and to her knowledge held the highest position he could at his station.

"Technically I wasn't. Due to the position being vacant, I've been doing the work of the highest rank for a while now, but today I've officially been promoted and awarded the title," her dad explained.

"Does that come with a pay rise?" Rosa grinned. Her sister teasingly nudged her in the ribs, for her tactlessness and Rosa's grin grew brighter and mischievous.

"It does" her father smiled, "And we're going out to celebrate. Well for that and your sister's great news." Emma glared at her father and her cheeks flushed. Rosa's brows furrowed, she turned to her sister.

 "What news?" she asked.

"I'll tell you later," Emma said.

"Oh come on," Rosa grumbled, annoyed with the strong sense of Deja vu.

"Later," Emma said firmly.

"Alright, we leave in an hour" James announced ending their conversation before it could turn into a squabble. "If you want to go get washed and changed, do it now."

"Where are we going?" Rosa asked.

"Golden Orchid," he replied.

The Golden Orchid was one of the most luxurious Asian restaurants in Aldock and therefore also one of the dearest.

"Woah. You must be getting a raise," Rosa joked.

"Go get changed," her dad ordered, a smile tugging on the edge of his face.

Beaming, Rosa rushed upstairs. She quickly showered and put on some light makeup before changing into her favourite jeans, top and jacket. She completed her outfit with a pair of black boots stored at the bottom of her wardrobe. After giving her mirror a twirl, and confirming she was satisfied with her attire, she headed back downstairs and waited in the living room with Emma.

"What's your news?" Rosa questioned again.

"Wait until dinner" Emma replied, her eyes not leaving the TV. It was showing some documentary that Rosa had no interest in. Her sister loved collecting an abundance of knowledge from topics such as science to the history of the world. Rosa never understood why.

"Please," Rosa said.

Emma sighed. "Do you know what. I've changed my mind, I'm not telling you."

"Fine, I'll wait until dinner," Rosa grumbled defeated.

"Good girl" Emma smiled victorious.

They continued to watch TV but after quickly becoming irritated at her sister's bored sighs, Emma let Rosa switch the channel to something more interesting, cartoons, and before they knew it their father was calling them. Quickly they completed their last-minute checks and then left, but not before Rosa reluctantly put on the coat her mother gave her. Apparently her small jacket alone wasn't appropriate for the weather. In teenage defiance she left the coat open but quickly regretted it when the cold winds struck her, proving her mother to be right. As always. The Elacti family hopped in their car, a fancy, black SUV, and drove off.

They hadn't been to the Golden Orchid since Rosa was ten. She was happy to see its interior had barely changed and was just as lavish as last time, reigniting her old joyful memories. They were assigned a table near the wall. Rosa claimed one of the red cushioned chairs beside the window, revealing the emerging starry sky, and a waiter came over and handed out menus presenting the restaurant's food and drink. With militaristic authority and efficiency, her father instantly ordered drinks for everyone and requested some time for them to decide their meals.

"Should we get some starters?" Mary asked glancing over the menu.

"Could do," James responded. "I haven't had edamame since our honeymoon".

"Can you tell me your news now?" Rosa burst out, still grumpy about being left out.

Her family sighed.

 "Tell her Em. I fear Rosa might blow up if she has to wait any longer," her dad said.

"Alright. I'm going away for a week. I've been offered a … great work opportunity," Emma informed. "One that'll accelerate my career. We're talking a years' worth of progress in a week."

"That's great Em," Rosa said happily. "When do you leave?"

Emma hesitated. "Tomorrow," she said sheepishly.

"What?! When were you going to tell me" Rosa exclaimed, startling a few of the surrounding customers. Her cheeks flushed and she hid down in her chair.

"Tomorrow before you went to school," Emma confessed. Rosa stared at her sister deadpan.

"Oh come on Rosa don't be like that. We all know how you can get," Emma said.

"I'm not a kid anymore Em. I can handle it," Rosa grumbled, "In fact, I think it's a great opportunity and I am happy for you." Rosa shot a rapid glance at her dad. He gave a small nod, and a satisfied smile broke across her face.

"Thanks," Emma said.

An awkward silence followed.

"Alright then," her mum said. "What are we thinking, starters yes or no?"

"Yes," James said.

"I'd like some sushi rolls please," Emma said.

"I'm ok," Rosa stated.

"Are you sure?" Mary asked in a motherly tone. "They have salt and pepper chicken."

Rosa face lit up instantly persuaded. "Oh, then yes please."

"Onto mains then," their father stated, a cocky smile grew, "Let me guess, all ramen bowls." He pointed at Emma, "Beef." Then at Rose, "Chicken." And finally at Mary, "Pork." No one objected. "Wonderful," he said pleased with himself. Like they'd been listening in and wating for the perfect moment, their waiter returned and took their order.

The rest of the night went well, the food was amazing, and the family had a great time together. Due to work, it had been a few months since they were all able to all truly enjoy time together. Rosa hadn't realised how much she'd missed it.

When the night sky had become a sparkling, pitch blanket and every dish was empty, James paid the bill, and they set off. It was quite late by the time they got back and knowing she was up early tomorrow to meet Sam Rosa decided to call it a night. A decision she came to thoroughly regret.

She wandered home from school, following the same route as always. The night was black, and no stars could be seen as clouds consuming the entire sky.

Why was she walking home so late? She racked her brain but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remember. Clubs. She must've had clubs after school.

But why did she also feel so on edge?

Rosa turned the street corner that usually marked halfway. If she kept this pace up she'd be home in around ten minutes.

Something growled.

Rosa spun. What the hell was that?

Something was moving in the shadows. Something big and bulky, unnaturally so. Before she knew it, her body was moving on its own. Rosa burst into a sprint. Instantly she heard something begin rushing after her. Rosa didn't dare turn around but whatever it was big enough to make the ground shake. Was she being chased by a sprinting car. Without warning her foot was pulled from beneath her. Rosa hit that ground hard, and the world blurred around her. With unreal speed something flipped her onto her back. Before Rosa try and fight back, something pierced into her stomach. She gasped as all the air charged out from her body. Her body went into shock, and she couldn't even feel the pain. Rosa glanced down to see a black, machete sized claw tearing through her stomach. Above her was a car sized abomination of black fur and muscle. It tore its claws free of her abdomen and began to slash at her body, mutilating her with ease. Blood and insides flew, and the shock vanished. Agonizing pain flared across every inch of her. Her eyes bulged and breath got trapped within her throat preventing her from crying out. Suddenly long, razor fangs sunk into her neck.

She managed to finally scream.

Rosa jolted up from her bed, with so much force the frame shuddered and her bedroom floor trembled. Cold sweat drenched her body. She quickly got hold of her rapid, hysterical breathing, before she passed out. Glancing to the right, she saw the morning light leaking in through the curtains.

'It was a nightmare,' she realised. Relief spread through her body. She fell back into her mattress. It was soaked.

"I need a shower," she mumbled.