Rosa’s family weren’t exactly the most normal people in Aldock. From their ambiguous jobs to their high income and then came the more personal factor of their relation to Rosa. Rosa’s family were a little different than other kids families at school 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 ever did the memories were long dead. She spent the first six years of her life roaming the streets of Merida, 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 always dreamed of back when she was a girl.

She arrived home in record timing. Like always her house sat on the edge of harbour crescent, a large, old, 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 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 as they walked across the front yard. Rosa unlocked the front door and they entered. Instantly voices radiated down the hallway from the corridor. Rosa and her mum removed their shoes 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 greeted. 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 took as seat beside her sister.

“I am -” her dad paused, like he didn’t know how to tell her, “I’m being promoted” he told her.

“I thought you were already the highest rank?” Rosa asked. 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.

“I am, well technically. 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 nudged her in the ribs.

“It does” her father smiled, “And as a result were going out to celebrate. Well for that and your sisters good news”. Emma glared at her father.

Rosa’s brows furrowed, she turned to her sister who was glaring at their father. “What news?” Rosa asked.

“I’ll tell you later” Emma confessed.

“Oh come on” Rosa said.

“Later” Emma said firmly.

“Alright, we leave in an hour” James announced, “If you want to go get washed and changed, I’d do it now”.

“Where are we going?” Rosa asked.

“Golden Orchid” Emma said. The Golden Orchid is an Asian restaurant and one of the most luxurious establishments in Aldock.

“Woah, you must be getting a raise” Rosa joked.

“Go get changed” her dad ordered, a smile tugging on the edge of his face. Grinning, she rushed away upstairs.

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She quickly showered in the bathroom. Once in her room she put on some light makeup and changed into her favourite jeans, top and jacket before then grabbing a pair of black boots from the bottom of her wardrobe. She headed back downstairs and left the boots by the front door before then waiting in the living room with Emma.

“What’s your news?” Rosa questioned.

“Wait until dinner” Emma replied, her eyes not leaving the TV. It was showing some documentary that Rosa had no care for.

“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.

“Good girl” Emma smiled victorious. Emma let Rosa switch the channel to something more interesting, cartoons, and before she knew it their father was calling them. Rosa quickly slipped into her boots and they left, but not before she reluctantly put on the coat her mother gave her. Apparently her small jacket wasn’t appropriate for the weather. In teenage defiance she left the coat open, but quickly regretted it when the cold night winds struck her. The Elacti family hopped in their car, a black range rover, and drove off.

They hadn’t been to the Golden Orchid since Rosa was ten. Its interior had barely changed and was just as lavish as last time. They were assigned a table near the wall. Rosa claimed one of the red cushioned chairs beside the window and a waiter came over and handed out menus presenting the restaurant’s food and drink. Her father instantly ordered drinks for everyone and they were given some time to decide their meals.

“Should we get some starters?” Mary asked looking 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.

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.

“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” Mary interrupted the silence, “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, “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 then finally at Mary, “Pork”. No one objected. “Wonderful” he said happily. 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 long time since they were all able to all enjoy time together. Rosa hadn’t realised how much she’d missed it.

James paid the bill and they set off back to the house. It quite late by the time they got back and knowing she was up early tomorrow to meet Sam she decided to call it a night. She wish she hadn’t.

She wandered home from school, following the same route home as always. The sky was black and no stars could be seen. Why was she walking home so late? She couldn’t remember. She must’ve had clubs after school. Also why did she feel so on edge?

She turned the street corner, if she kept this pace up she’d be home in around ten minutes.

‘Grrr’.

Rosa spun. What the hell was that?

Something was moving in the shadows. Her body moved on its own and Rosa burst into a sprint. Instantly she heard something begin rushing after her. She didn’t dare turn around but whatever it was big enough to make the ground shake. Without warning her foot was pulled from beneath her. She hit that ground hard. With unreal speed something flipped her onto her back. Before Rosa could move something dug into her stomach. She gasped, her body went into shock and she couldn’t even feel the pain. Rosa glanced down to see a machete like 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. Blood and her insides flew and the shock vanished. Agonizing pain flared across every inch of her. suddenly long, razor fangs sunk into her neck.

She screamed.

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

‘It was a dream’ she realised. Relief spread through her body. She fell back into her mattress. It was soaked.

“I need a shower” she mumbled.