Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
I know I’m a girl because I look down and see my small hands with pink nail polish on them. I have long dark hair that’s in two braids on each side of my head, hanging down over my shoulders.
“Api Kecil.” I raise my head, recognizing the name for my own.
There’s a figure on the other side of the fire, but I’m too small to see them over it. The voice of the speaker is deep and almost ethereal. Yet, it brings with it so much comfort.
“You have been named Little Fire for the gift you have been given and will carry with you from this life into the next. The blessing that was once blocked has now been given. Guard this gift well, Api Kecil. It will serve you well when the time comes.”
It’s the same dream as before and I still don’t understand what’s going on. Always this place, always the same voice. I look around me, trying to find anything new to explain what this all means and why I keep returning to the same dream.
Nothing, there’s nothing to help. I go to speak to see if I can this time. Usually, I can’t. However, as soon as I open my mouth, everything changes.
This is new. Instead of sitting before the fire, I’m now surrounded by flames. I’m myself this time, that much I can feel. I’m on my knees and I’m naked. I can feel the heat of the flames, but I’m not panicked.
I’m more so confused. That’s when I look into the flames as a figure begins to form behind them. I squint, trying to see who or what’s on the other side.
I lift my hand as I begin to feel a pull toward the figure moving toward me. My brows knit as the air feels thick around me. My heart is racing, but I feel safe.
“I’m not going to keep putting up with this shit.”
I pop up out of my sleep looking around wildly as shouting starts in the apartment. I growl and push a hand through my sweat-soaked hair. I’m already bone tired. I’m not in the mood for this crap.
“Six a.m.,” I mutter as I look at the clock.
Damn, I’ve barely gotten any sleep. I fling the covers off and stumble out of bed. The yelling continues as I find some sweats and a T-shirt to tug on. I roll my eyes and groan as I make it to the door of my room and tug it open.
Tangy is shouting in Angel’s face as she has her hands on her hips. This is nothing new. Angel stays getting on everyone’s nerves.
“I’m not trying to hear that shit. Where’s the fucking rent?” Tangy snarls.
“I told you I need a few more days.”
“Angel,” Tangy drags out. “You’ve been living here rent-free for the past three months. Leona and Taylor may give you a pass and cover for you, but I’ve had it. If you don’t pay up, you can pack up.”
“Is that my romper?” I gasp as I look Angel over.
“Well, yeah. You said you didn’t think it looked good on you because your tits are so small. I have a date, I think it looks good on me,” Angel says nonchalantly.
I throw my hands in the air. This is beyond ridiculous. I’m tired of it.
Yeah, I didn’t like the fit, but I planned to wear it anyway. I bought it for myself. She’s out of her mind if she thinks she can just take my shit because she wants.
I know I’m exhausted because I can feel my anger rise and rush through me like the heat of a flame. I’m usually too shy to speak up, but enough is enough.
“Stop taking my things,” I bite out. “As a matter of fact, stay out of my room.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. If she doesn’t cough up some rent, she’s out on her ass and won’t be in anyone’s room. Have that money by tonight, Angel. I’m not playing.”
“Would you all shut the fuck up,” Leona snaps as she opens her bedroom door.
She has a lot of nerve. She’s always the one making the most noise. Done with this scene, I turn to head back to my room.
I know I’m not going to get any sleep, so I grab my things to go take a shower before someone else hogs the bathroom and the last of the hot water.
I might as well head to the diner and get some studying in. I’m certainly not going to get any more sleep. Angel and Leona begin to argue.
Yup, I’m getting the hell out of here before I rip my own hair out. People always mistake my kindness for a weakness. One of these days, everyone will think twice before stepping all over me.
Maybe if I had a person, I wouldn’t feel so alone and voiceless. I think of my sisters. I can’t help wondering what our lives would have been like if we had been raised together.