Chapter one: The Beginning
I loved nature. Ever since I was a little girl, animals would come and play with me. My mom was happy about it, but my father always showed concern. Mother used to tell me that he was just being overprotective and was afraid I would get hurt, but my story said overwise.
My best friend or rather my only friend, Everest, had been beside me for fifteen years, and I was sixteen.
Two years ago, I started having the same dream over and over again. A white german shepherd by my side. Since then, I have been begging my parents for a dog. Of course, they forbid me to have any sort of animal in the mansion. My conscience was saying to obey them but, a small, irrational voice was saying to break the rules for once, just so I could know what this dream has been about.
I was on my bed, golden sheets spread over my body as I was reading a wonderful book. My room has been decorated to fit the aesthetic of my name. I loved my room more than anything. My peacetime was over when Everest burst into my room, eyes glimmering with hope and mischief.
“Look, I know that you are going to be mad at me, and you will probably throw me out of your window, but I am going to tell you anyway. Now, remove your eyes from that book and look at me.”
“Okay,” I rolled my eyes. This girl was my polar opposite. She sought problems while I stay away from them. “What do you have in stock, girl? Just blurt it out.”
“So you want a dog, don’t you? So why not get one?”
“Are you freaking kidding me?” She knew about my parents’ weird request regarding animals. What is she onto now?
“Yeah yeah, I know your parent forbid you and whatever bullshit they said but, you have a backyard for yourself, just put it there, and don’t tell your parents, easy peasy.”
“No, it’s not. What if they see it, or even hear it, I will be doomed and you know that.”
“But you can teach it to not bark. Or you can buy it already trained, that way it won’t bother you.”
“It’s not that simple and you know that. An animal, doesn’t matter how well it’s trained, will be behaving as it’s nature. It would be making sounds, it is bound to happen and I won’t stop it because I don’t want to treat it like some toy. Besides, what about the maids. They will see it.”
“No, they won’t. Just tell them not to go into your backyard.”
“You think I didn’t think of this idea? It’s just stupid. They will know about it.”
“No, they won’t. And even if they do, you’ve been under their command. Doing whatever pleases them and not what pleases you. If they truly love you they would understand. Autumn, it’s your life and not theirs.”
“I know, but you know what I also cognize? The fact that you always do whatever you want without being scared of your mother.”
“Autumn, you are happy with your life, but is it because you’re doing whatever pleases you or because you adore your parents and you feel content with their proud faces whenever you accomplish something they want from you?”
“I-” The silence was heavy. She was right but I needed to convince her that I couldn’t get a dog. “Everest, I’m scared of their expressions when they find out about the dog.”
“I know. But, I’ll be there for you. And don’t forget that your parents love you.”
“Okay. Now come on, we have to find a way to sneak out without them knowing. Because-”
“Because if they find out we are going out, they will send bodyguards with us and they will tell them where we went. I know the drill Autumn.”
“Good, now let’s go.”
Usually, my parents sat downstairs in the living room. I hoped they were there now so I could sneak from my room, pass the living room down and to the door in my kitchen that would lead to my private backyard, and get out. We needed to do it fast so no one could notice. Thankfully, my parents would probably think I’m studying. Just the thought of this made me question this idea again. As if Everest could read my mind she said:
“Don’t worry. You’ve been selfless for sixteen years. It’s time to be a little taste of selfishness for once.”
I gave her an appreciative look. This girl knew when and what to say every single time to make me feel better. I signaled for her to follow me through the halls as we ascended the stairs to the kitchen. I scanned the area before spotting my parents in the living room. They were talking. Good, they were distracted. We crouched down at the end of the staircase. We both had light feet since we were kids. We continued down the big, open hall. The door to my backyard was so close. Everest was looking at my parents as concern flooded her eyes. Her gaze flicked to meet mine as I gave her a questioning look. She only shook her head in response and gestured for me to open the door. I waited until I heard loud noises from other rooms as maids would be fixing the house at this time of the day so I could finally uncover the freedom to my rebellion. I hated doing this but I had to. I had been selfless for too long. And this dream has been haunting me for years. I needed to see where it would lead me. I just hoped my mom wouldn’t get mad and that our relationship wouldn’t suffer from it. My dad had always been overprotective but, I still loved him. Yes, he would prefer to lock me in my room so I wouldn’t be in contact with any boys and especially Nature (for some reason), but he would never actually do it. Maybe he would now, after I get the dog, but at least it would keep me company. I couldn’t continue with my life without Nature in it. He rarely let me go out. Thankfully, my mom made me a private backyard, that way I was “safe” from whatever my dad was afraid of and I got to enjoy Nature’s bare minimum. I feel like the dog is a message from Her. I glanced at my clueless parents. Mom, I knew you would understand because you have the same passion as mine, but you’re submissive to your husband unlike me. I lead a pack, people and animals. I ignored the rush of power that flooded me after saying this statement. Dad, I’m sorry.
I opened the door and we escaped.
