Chapter 1:Shaylee: Hi there. My name is actually Lira Oakenstead, but I changed it when I ran away from home. My mother was the Lady Clara I of Oakenstead, and my father was her lord. The titles don’t really have any meaning these days, but the Oakenstead family used to reign over Willow Creek. Our place of power was Oakenstead Manor, the now modernized home in which I grew up. I was clear from the age of thirteen I wanted no part of the family fortune, or their shady businesses, so my younger brother Frederick was heir. He was the reason I stayed until I graduated from high school. He did whatever my parents told him to, but he loved me. My parents doted on me in the public eye, but at home it was a different story. I was to do my homework, ace my exams, socialize only with the popular kids in my class. I was to come straight home from school every day, and if I was interviewed about my parents’ campaigns, I smiled and I was innocent and I lied. It worked until I was thirteen, and I found my father’s files on past campaigns. A lot of it I didn’t understand at the time, but I told my parents that evening I renounced the heirship. There was tears, and my mother acted so kind and understanding, like she knew what I was going through, like she could help. Her words. I stood firm. Over time, I started acting out. I ditched all my beautiful, rich, popular friends and the homework was tossed into a bin. My friends didn’t care about me at all. They just kept partying and still getting good marks on homeworks. I never did my homework, but I revised for all my tests. I just didn’t use my revision. It wasn’t the homework that aced my exams; I was a genius. Instead of going straight home I played nerdy video games and let the public think whatever they wanted to. I stayed out as long as I could. I hated Oakenstead Manor. It burnt to the ground exactly one week ago, and took my family with it.
The taxi stopped at a large, lush green plot of land. Shaylee slid off the seat and paid the driver. She stood at the front of the lot and stared. “It doesn’t look like anything was ever here.” She murmured.
Rikki: They cleared all the debris.
Shaylee: Aargh! Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that the Watchers thought they would set me a challenge. In addition to raising Oakenstead II, I have to raise a ten-generation legacy. In return, they’ll revive me when the legacy is complete. To make sure I play by their rules, I have a Guardian Watcher. I’d explain about Watcher society, but apparently I have bigger problems.
Rikki: Your bank account’s been hacked. You now have 1800 simoleons.
Shaylee seethed. “Kira.” She hissed.
Shaylee: Kira is my cousin. She lived in a smaller estate near the manor. We were best friends growing up. She was the only person who I couldn’t beat at tests, at anything really. She was the better version of me: one without a conscience.
Rikki: Here’s your hovel...um, home.
“Uh, thanks. I guess.” Shaylee answered.
Rikki: Pick up that phone. You’re gonna need a job, honey. And someone to call you honey. Other than me.
“Huh?”
Rikki: *muttering* And the tech guru career...then to the park!
Rikki: Here we are! Dear Watcher, these graphics are good...Now, get out there, and find some eligible males!
“Got it!” Shaylee answered confidently.
Rikki: Shaylee, honey, when I said eligible...
Shaylee: Well, it’s Alexander, the fat fisherman or the old guy.
Rikki: Point taken. Carry on your chess game, then. I’ll tell you when an eligible male does appear.
Shaylee: Ooh, look, some frogs!
Rikki: Go dig something up as well, there’s still only adults and elders.
Rikki: We may as well go home at this-WAIT!
Shaylee covered her ears.
Rikki: Oh my watcher, I found one!
Shaylee: One what?
Rikki: A young adult! Over there!
Shaylee hurried over and blushed when he lifted his head to look at her.
“Hi. I’m Shaylee.” Shaylee introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Eric. I really have to get going, but here’s my number.” He pressed a piece of paper into Shaylee’s hand, smiled and jogged off. “Wow.” Shaylee murmured.
Rikki: Call him tomorrow. For now, eat a hamburger.
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Well, that concludes our first chapter! Another one will be out today or tomorrow.
