Broken Hearts Lie Next to Dying Flowers

Chapter One - The Dream
“Liz! Oh, my God! It’s been forever!”

“It’s been a week, Mom. You’ve been in New York for a week.” I said, without looking up from my homework.

“That’s forever for a mother to be away from her child.”

“Mom, can’t you see I’m busy?” I snapped, looking up at her.

“Cranky, are we?” she muttered and closed the door behind her.

I was so cranky because I was tired, on my period, and we were out of ice cream. I went back to my homework.

---

“Hello Elizabeth.”

'I was in the middle of a giant room, at the base of a pit – a very big pit.'

'Someone laughed a horrible, evil laugh.'

''I looked around to locate the source of the horrible sound. I saw no one.''

“Who’s there?!” I yelled.

''“I am your grandfather. On your father’s side.” The voice said.''

“I don’t have any relatives on my father’s side! My father, James Trent, and his parents died in a fire!”

The laugh got louder. “Your father is not dead, Elizabeth. Nor is his name James Trent. He is very much alive.”

“Why would my mother lie to me?” I demanded.

“To keep you safe”

“From what?”

'“Me.”'

'My head shot up off the desk, my paper stuck to my face.'

'I pealed it off and reminded myself that it was only a dream – no matter how real it looked.'