I saw the lights approaching... those damn headlights, the headlights that would change my life forever.

   I closed my eyes as those headlights rammed right into the side of our car.

   When I opened my eyes, I saw it. The image that haunted my nightmares. My dad sat still in the drivers seat, his face covered in blood, his dead eyes staring back at me...

   I opened my eyes and sat up quickly. My breathing was heavy and I could feel the sweat dripping down my forehead.

   I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. When I opened them again, I checked the time on my phone.

   5:32 AM. 'Great.'

   I sat up on my bed and wiped at my forehead with a sigh before picking up the bottle of Jack Daniels from my nightstand.

   I unscrewed the cap and took a long swig, shaking my head to help get it down.

   I threw some clothes on before popping a cigarette in my mouth and heading outside.

   I sat on the plastic chair in front of our tiny house, puffing away at my cigarette.

   "You had that dream again, huh?"

   I turned, slightly startled. My sister, Diana, stood behind the screen door, arms folded over her chest.

   I just nodded before turning back and looking out into the street.

   "Belle... I know they're getting worse, but Jack Daniels isn't a cure all."

   I put my hand up, stopping her before she could go any further.

   We've had this discussion hundreds of times and it always ended in an argument and me running off to stay at my best friends house for a while.

   "Look, I don't feel like having this discussion right now."

   I could hear her frustrated sigh. "I'm just trying to help."

   I shook my head. "The only way you can help right now is to leave me alone."

   And with that, she walked off, leaving me to my thoughts.

   After a few more cigarettes, I decided to get ready for the day and head to Violets.

   As I walked towards the door, Diana stopped me.

   "They're having a professors meeting after class today, so I'll be home a little later than usual."

   Diana was a professor at the collage in town. Supposedly she was pretty good, but I'd believe it when I saw it.

   I nodded before grabbing my car keys and heading out the door.

   "I love you, be safe." Diana called out as she walked to hers.

   I gave her a quick wave before hopping in my car. Before I could start it, my phone rang out from my pocket.

   I pulled it out and saw Violets name flashing on the screen. "Hey, Vy, I was just getting ready to head over."

   "Oh, good, we have some stuff to talk about."

   "Are you ok?"

   She sighed. "Yeah... I just need to borrow some money."

   I took in a deep breath, knowing exactly where that money was going. "Violet, you promised me you were done."

   "And I will be... I just really need it right now. A lot of fucked up shit went down in the past couple days and booze just isn't cutting it."

   I closed my eyes and sighed. "This is the last time, Vy."

   "I promise."

   "Alright, I'll see what I can do."

   I could almost hear her smile over the phone. "You're a life saver."

   I shook my head. "I'll be there in a little bit."

   After saying our goodbyes, I stuffed my phone back into my pocket. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the steering wheel.

   Violet has been my best friend for more years than I can remember, but she's always had a serious pill problem. I tried to help, but that goes over about as well as when Diana tries to help me.

   I glanced in my rear view mirror, checking for Diana's car, but she already left.

   With one last sigh, I hopped out of my car and headed back into the house. I walked into Diana's room and flipped open her jewelry box.

   That's where she kept her extra cash. Yes I've stolen from her before when I couldn't afford a bottle of Jack and it always made me feel like shit. I kept telling myself I'd pay her back one day, but I don't think I actually believed it.

   I pulled out a couple twenties before heading back out to my car and driving away to Violets.

   When I got there, she was already waiting outside.

She ran up to the car. "Got the cash?"

   I flashed her the twenties and she smiled before hopping into the passenger seat.

   We drove in silence towards the house that Violet got her pills from. I pulled into the driveway shortly after and handed her the twenties.

   "I'll be right back." She said before getting out and jogging up to the front door.

   I rolled down my window and lit a cigarette as I waited.

   I watched her make the exchange with the familiar, tatted-up hillbilly she always dealt with. With a little salute, she turned and jogged back to my car...

—————

   We walked through the front door of her house.

   "Seriously, dude, I owe you one."

   "Got any booze?"

   She shrugged. "Check the fridge."

   And, with that, she was off, making her way to the basement.

   I shook my head and walked to the fridge, pulling it open. All I could see inside was a six pack of wine coolers, which was disappointing.

'Mikes Hard my ass.' I thought as I grabbed a bottle and joined Violet in the basement.

   I plopped down on the couch next to her. Of course she was already woozy.

   I took a big sip from my drink before my phone rang again. This time, Diana's name flashed on the screen.

   "Who is it..?" Violet asked.

   I put my finger up as I answered. "What's up?"

   "Hey, sorry to bug you, but I forgot some papers at the house and I need you to run them over for me."

   I lowered my head. "Fine, I'll be there soon."

   "Thanks, Love you."

   "Yep." I replied before hanging up.

   "I gotta run-" I started, but stopped when I realized Violet was already passed out.

   I let out a small sigh before standing up and heading back to my car, then back home.

   I eventually found the papers Diana was talking about and hopped back into my car, making my way to the collage.

   I walked down the vaguely familiar halls to her classroom.

   I've only been here a few times and that was just to drop stuff off when she forgot it.

   I stopped in front of her classroom and knocked lightly on the door.

   She looked over and waved me in.

   I pushed the door open and walked in.

   "Here." I said, handing her the folder.

   "Thanks, I'll see you at home." She replied.

   Before I could go, I heard a few whisperes break out amongst the students.

   "Are you twins?" One asked.

   "No." We replied in unison.

   "We go over this every time. If one of you little shits asks me that again, I'm gonna ram my boot down your throat." I said out of frustration.

   The students, who were my age or even older, glanced at me in shock.

   Embarrassment quickly filled my gut when I noticed Diana glaring at me.

   Then, I heard quiet laughter. I turned in frustration, ready to verbally destroy whoever it was, but then I saw her. A few rows down sat a beautiful girl with long dark hair and big beautiful eyes that didn't quite seem to match. She held her hand over her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter.

   'Wow... she's stunning... no, she's perfect.'

   "What's your name?" I asked almost breathlessly.

   She dropped her hand and flashed me a small smile before answering. "Eve Bloom."

   'Eve...'

   My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. My surroundings started to drift away as I locked eyes with Eve.

   Then, I heard the snapping.

   I shook my head before turning to Diana. "What?"

   She shook her head and a few students laughed, including Eve.

   "You can leave now." Diana said.

   I flashed Eve an embarrassed smile before turning on my heel and walking back out of the classroom.

   I got into my car and sat there, trying to memorize every feature of Eves face.

   I let out a happy sigh. 'Eve Bloom, you will be mine one day.'