Jigoku: Last Chance!
By Laura, age 15, California
Editor's Note: For the Prologue and Chapter 1, see the May through September issues.
Chapter 2
A few months later, I turned seven, and my life grew worse. It turns out Yui was only one of the few to be adopted, including me. My new family hugged, kissed, and squeezed me the entire first day we were together. I hate showing emotion and personal affection, and I just wanted to push them away. Not saying they were bad people, I just don't like the entire love thing - friendship, romantic, or family type. You could say I was a child without a heart; while growing up most people thought that about me.
"Luciana! Luciana!" I kept hearing my name being called; it was my first night in my new home. My new parents weren't evil, or mean, or abusive, but I just don't like getting close to people. I was lying on the rooftop staring into the night sky. Each night I would count as many stars as I could and just dream.
I don't know what my foster parents' names are; I didn't bother to pay attention. All I know is that they are not able to make their own baby. The man looks young - black flat hair, onyx eyes, a little tan, and built body. His wife is petite, her hair long and dark brown, brown eyes, and pale skin.
"Honey, where is our daughter?! She was in her room a second ago!"
"I don't know, dear! I just came back from work!"
I smirked and couldn't help but laugh at their foolishness. What idiots lose their adopted daughter the first night?! I could hear their footsteps; they were fast and loud. They found me. I laid flat on my stomach, then looked down and into my bedroom window. I could see their worried faces. The man quickly 'helped' me into my room and tucked me into bed. They treated me like a mere baby, as if I were useless to myself.
The next morning they sent me off to school. I had been 'home' schooled since I was left in the orphanage. It was the same school I used to go to, so it was no big deal. There were many rumors about me though. I couldn't help but start a fight in class, and I got to stay after school cleaning erasers. I remember how my dad had always said to ignore what others think about you, but for me that only works half the time. If they are talking about me I don't care, but if it's someone I know I'll kick their ass! My new nickname became Orphan Girl.
It began to rain and I ran to the house. I knew the man and woman would be waiting for me, worried sick once again. But when I got there the police and fire department were present. Apparently there had been a fire, and my foster parents had died. I didn't cry and I didn't bother to go to their funeral. I snuck out of the scene and made my way back to the orphanage. No one asked questions or gave looks. This soon became a routine to me. Every once in a while I would get adopted. The man and woman would die or go missing, then I would go back to the orphanage. Most of the time the family was nice, but there were occasions of abusive and horrid people.
I didn't talk much during that year. There was nothing to talk about. Maybe I don't even want to explain everything to you. This may all seem vague, but the truth will reveal itself eventually, no worries. Questions will be answered, and life will get even more complicated. The story of Jigoku has barely begun.
