• "Elena, Elena!" I spun around just in time to catch Natalia in a hug. Because of the force that hit me, we both fell to the ground, though she landed on top of me. My name is Elizabeth Moore Andrews, though most call me Elena-and that is what I prefer. My little sister is Natalia Isabella Andrews, and she is only ten, whereas I'm fifteen. We both live with our father-Damien-in our small town of Forester. Long ago, when Natalia was only three, and I eight, our mother had died in a car accident coming home from work one night. The driver that caused the accident was drunk and speeding. I guess that's what happens when someone doesn't care for other people.
    I pushed those depressing thoughts aside and rose to my feet, pulling Natalia along with me. She had just come home from school, and the bus pulled away, the engine fading away as it passed by. "Sissy, where's Papa?" she asked, her ten-year-old voice filled with concern. I turned and led her up the street we lived on before answering. "He has a meeting at work and won't be home until late." I finally responded, repeating the message Father had given me on the phone. "Oh." Natalia answered, disappointed. I felt so bad when my little sister was upset. I skipped in front of her and kneeled down so my eyes were level with hers. "Hey, Natalia, with Dad gone, we get more time to ourselves!" I said, trying my best to sound enthusiastic. Thankfully, she caught my drift and smiled her bright smile. Natalia's bright green eyes sparkled with anticipation as she wrapped her arms around my neck in a tight embrace. "Yay!!" I returned her embrace with a chuckle and jumped back up.
    "You're it!" I shouted suddenly as I tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey!" she shouted in response, but I was already racing ahead. "Elena!!!! I'm so gonna get you!!!!" I raced along and didnt look back until I'd made it to the house and opened the big oak front door. Before I knew it, I was falling to the ground, landing hard on the wood floor. "Got ya!!!" came my sister's response. I groaned as she jumped off and raced upstairs to her bedroom, slamming the door. I lay there, faceforward on the floor until I caught my breath. Once I had, I pushed myself to my feet and closed the door. I had barely made it halfway into the hallway when I heard a bloodcurtling scream coming from my sister.
    For a moment my heart stopped and I stood frozen in spot. Then, as I got myself together, I raced up the stairs calling out, "Natalia!!!" I took the stairs two steps at a time and made it to the second floor in record time. My sister's door stood open at a crack, and I flung it open. "Natalia!" my heartbeat raced as I saw her lying on the ground, unmoving. I moved forward and fell to my knees beside her. I began to shake her shoulder, wanting her to wake. Oh God, I hoped she wasnt dead. "She isnt dead, just fainted." an unfamiliar voice suddenly said, making me jump. My head shot up and I saw a figure in a black cloak that trailed the floor; its hood covering the figure's head. "Who are you?" I couldnt see his face, for it was shadowed by the hood that covered his head. I slowly rose to my feet and stared unblinkingly at the stranger.
    "Where is Damien?" he asked, bypassing my question. I wouldnt be deterred so easily. "Who are you?" I repeated. Normally I hated it when people answered a question with a question, but this was an exception. "Tell me where your father is, Elizabeth, or Natalia is dead." I let out a small, desperate shriek, finally giving in to his request.
    "At a meeting."
    "When will he return?"
    "Late, I dont know the exact time."
    Suddenly, before I could even blink, his arm reached out and grabbed my throat. He flung me around so that my back was against the wall. He was the only thing holding me up. My hands flew up, clutching his arms, trying to pry them loose. "Elena!!!!" the voice that spoke made me relieved, though a sudden fear came over me. Not for me, but for Natalia.