❝She is holding on, but barely. Gripping whatever she can to keep it together for another day. She doesn't think about next week or next month, just today. That's what she tells herself, that's how she's gone this long. Just keep it together today❞

Darkness gilded everywhere. It felt as if I was bound in chains, something was holding me back. There was nothing around but darkness, silence and isolation. I couldn't see anything, it was pitch-black. I tried to search for light, for someone who could help me but failed.

I was drowning in a world full of sorrow and there was no one, just me and menacing, spine chilling silence. A feeling of emptiness settled inside me as I felt cut off from the world.

Everything was so gloomy and quiet; I cried out for help but got no reply, no one was there. No one was there for me. I was caged in a complete dark place, full of pain, regrets and bad memories.

"You killed her" I gulped as I heard a sinful, malicious voice whisper in my ear. I hastily turned around but met nothing but eerie darkness.

My body started to shake when I heard another whisper "You are a terrible person" The voice sounded so cold, so evil.

"You deserve to die" A new voice whispered.

There were a lot of voices, whispering lot's of hateful things to my heart. Telling me not to forget the pain I've caused her and everyone. Reminding me with every word that how hard it is to carry the weight of guilt.

"I am so sorry" I whimpered, my bottom lip quivering as the memories came flooding in my mind.

And that's when I heard her voice. Screaming, shouting, yelling and cursing me for what I did.

"I am so sorry" I let out a sob as her voice grew louder and louder and louder blocking those horrifying whispers.

I covered my ears with my hands, tears streaming down my cheek endlessly. I fell on my knees begging "Stop. I am sorry, please stop"

Helpless, I begged those voices to stop, begged her to stop, but they didn't. They continued torturing me mercilessly, just like they had always been doing.

"No. Please stop. I am sorry" I repeated continuously, but nothing worked. I was being swallowed by darkness and those ear piercing screams. The scary demons of my past circling around me.

"STOP!" I woke up panting heavily. Terrified, I looked around my surroundings and breathed a sigh of relief as I saw my familiar dorm room.

Nightmare. It was just a nightmare. Calm down Winter I calmed myself down, trying to be strong as I wipe the cold sweat off my forehead.

I glanced at Maria sleeping on bed opposite to mine and thanked god for her being a heavy sleeper. After checking time in my bedside clock which was indicating 4:57 AM. I laid down burying my face in the pillow hoping to fall asleep before I started to fall apart.

"You killed her"

Again Her voice rang in my mind as I took a deep breath begging myself not to think about it.

My mind wandered through the dark place where the roses have wilted, where the colors had faded, where happiness had died, there's no one to save me from my tormenting evil memories.

I tried my best not to think, because those memories would kill me, destroy me in every way possible, but that screaming silence I met was killer too.

My body jolted awake as I heard a sharp ringing of Alarm, which felt like acid in my ear. Groaning, I turned the Alarm off and looked at Maria in her deep slumber and decided to let her sleep a little more, because she was up really late to complete her assignments.

Hopelessly, after staring at the ceiling for what felt like eternity, I decided to take shower and get ready for another war day at college.

~~~

Dressed in my black shorts and denim jacket with a black top beneath it, I walked towards our college building with Maria by my side.

"Can you believe it? Because I can't. Like seriously! I completed all of my work in just one day and half night. Past me would be so proud right now" Maria said dramatically.

I just nodded my head walking as fast as I could hoping to get in class before our Professor.

"Geez! Woman are you taking steroids? Stop walking so fast!" She whined trying to match up my pace.

"I am not walking fast, you're just really slow"

My class room came into sight as I saw a few students gathered around the classroom door, making no move to get in. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion as I turned towards Maria.

"Well that's my cue to leave. See you at lunch?" I asked, glancing at the crowd.

Nodding her head in agreement she said "Sure. Don't be late" and disappeared in a sea full of people.

I walked towards the crowd and saw Ericka scowling at a petite blonde girl, that girl looked ready to pounce but it seemed as if something was holding her back. There were few students gathered around them, clearly enjoying the show.

Normally I wouldn't care but they were standing at the door blocking my way obviously I had to do something, so rolling my eyes at dramatics students I walked towards them and stood in front of Ericka, beside that blonde girl.

Ericka narrowed her eyes at me, which I happily ignored and said "I don't know what's stopping her" I gestured towards the blondie beside me and continued "But, I won't hesitate to smack your pretty little pathetic face.

Her left eye twitched as she snarled "What the shit? Do you even know who I am?"

"No. Why? Have you forgotten?" I retorted. I was already feeling irritable because of my very amazing morning and that Ericka girl was just adding fuel in the fire.

I knew she was going to say something but Before she could say anything further, I spoke up "As much as I'd love to stand here and talk, I have a class to attend. Not everyone has a father who can bribe teachers, working under him to pass his daughter. So can you like move from my way?"

I heard someone snigger from behind as a devilish smirk formed on my face.

"You are such a Bitch!" Ericka spat, seriously if looks could kill I would've been six feet under the ground by now or maybe not, who knows? I was already dead inside.

I chuckled lowly and said "You call me a bitch as if it's a bad thing"

Without hearing any other word leaving from her mouth, I pushed her away not too roughly, not too gently and went to my class.

I thanked my lucky stars as I saw that the professor was nowhere in sight, but my happiness lasted very little when I saw Theo sitting in a chair beside mine. Thank fuck! This day couldn't get any better.

How could I forget that we have our Wednesday class together? I thought. Damn fucking it.

Ignoring everything I took my seat without pairing a glance at him. But clearly he had some other plans.

"Hey! Good morning" He chimed happily, he was just one of those people who are too cheerful and bubbly for their own good.

I nodded taking out my notepad. Silently praying for the professor to make an appearance.

"How are you?" He asked again. Boy couldn't take a single hint. I continued ignoring him as I started drawing aimlessly at the back of my notepad.

"Why aren't you talking to me?" He asked, his voice sounded like a kid whose mom refused to let him eat another chocolate.

I huffed and finally looked towards him. He was wearing a brown chinos and baby blue button up shirt. The sleeves were rolled to his elbow showing his tanned skin.

"Talking to you doesn't bring any benefit," I snapped. My voice sounded more pissed than I intended to show.

I didn't know what was wrong with me and I hated being in that mood where nothing felt wrong but nothing felt right either. It's like I was numb and couldn't feel anything.

He furrowed his eyebrows as uncertainty filled his deep caramel eyes "You seem pissed, do you want me to tell you a joke?" His voice sounded really generous and innocent, so I told myself to calm the fuck down.

I sighed as words rolled out of my tongue unintentionally "It's okay. You are joke all by yourself"

I looked at him with wide eyes and found him gazing at me with confusion, I let out a quiet laugh and muttered "It looks like, I overestimated the number of your brain cells"

He shook his head mumbling a 'Whatever' then broke into a huge grin, showing his pearly white teeth "So, you know I am planning an amazing surprise for Kate for our one year anniversary" He cheered.

"That's great" I was really surprised that how much he remember everything related to Kate

"But please do me a favor and don't tell Kate anything about it okay? You know nothing." He requested giving me puppy dog eyes. I rolled my eyes at his dramatic antics and nodded.

Bored, I took out my phone and decided to check my barren Instagram account.

"You know, Winter?" He spoke again just as I thought that I was finally done with this conversation.

"What?" I asked my voice clearly, showing my annoyance or maybe it was my expression.

"You are not a bad person" He said, his tone earnest and his eyes shining at me with appreciation.

I raised an eyebrow as I was about to ask, what did he mean by that. But clearly fate didn't want me to get my answers as our professor entered.

"Hello! Students" His voice boomed out loud, breaking me out of my trance of thoughts. He was a nice charming guy in his late forties, wearing a comfortable suit, matching it with a bright smile on his face.

"I hope you are having a wonderful day" He smiled at us, taking out some papers from his folder.

~~~

Shining fireball was at its peak. Warm breeze stroked my exposed skin, just as I got out of class. My throat instantly felt dry, begging me to drink something chilled. My legs carried me to vending machine and I bought a can of cold coffee.

Resting my back against the wall, I opened the can and took a long sip. Letting myself lose in it's cool ecstasy.

"Uhm Are you Winter Hughes?" I heard a voice called, I turned and saw a boy with a confused expression and vivid blue eyes.

I wiped my mouth with my sleeves and nodded "No, shit sherlock"

That boy grinned like a big cheshire cat and said "I think, you'll do just fine"

"Excuse me?" Annoyed, I asked as I took another sip from my coffee can. Clearly I had better places to be than being there.

"Don't mind me. Actually our coach wants to meet you," he said. his eyes shining with determination.

"Am I that famous?"

He let out a chuckle and shook his head "I don't know. He asked me to bring you"

I straighten my posture getting away from the wall. Finishing my coffee, I threw the can in dustbin and spoke "Well then, lead the way"

"By the way, I am Finn," He said, offering me a smile. I glanced at him nodding and followed him to the basket ball court. Hello? I can't play basketball?

"Hello there, Winter" The coach said as he saw me making my way towards him. He was wearing basketball shorts with an orange T-shirt and his hair was a mess, pushed back by a headband.

"Finn! Thanks for your help, you may leave now" Coach appreciated patting his back. Finn nodded and walked away towards his friends, but not before tilting his head and giving me a fucking wink.

"So Winter, you must be wondering, why I called you" He said

"No, actually I was wondering when can I leave" I muttered in a bored tone, looking around, then turned towards him with a blank expression.

He gave me a weird look, then clearing his throat said "Well, my assistance Piper can't help me manage the team for three months and for that time period, I want you to help me. It's really easy"

"Come again? You want me to do what" I asked mind blown. There's no way in hell I would do that, I mean I already didn't like these college students or this college or well students.

"Help me and Basketball team for three months," He said this time a little more firmly. He gazed hard as his voice, clearly showing that he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"But why me" I tried to argue, to do anything, to get away from that shitty job. I couldn't even help myself, how the fuck I was supposed to be help them?

"Because I've heard a lot about you and I think you'll keep those guys in their places" He said nodding, slightly amused. I wanted to punch him, because he was ruining my already ruined day.

"I'll think about it," I sighed.

"No. It's decided and from tomorrow you are starting as our team helper, I'll get Finn to Introduce you to everyone" He said walking towards the boys Locker room, leaving me fuming and ready to kill a certain bitch.

So yeah, it's my first draft so obviously it's gonna have some mistakes and errors, but feel free to point it out! And I hope you like it. Tell me, what do you think had happened with Winter in past?

Don't forget to hit that star button and comment what you think. Ohh.... yeah and Keep an eye on Finn ;) That's it.

Take care you all and don't forget to smile, because you look much better when you smile :)

I'll try to update soon, that's all. Bye now, Shoo.

Love, Zee....