Chapter 1

One day. A future destroyed. A story of repentance.

Chapter 1: Skydiving

"Hope!" 

Mom's shrill voice seemed to pull me out of a deep dreamless slumber. Sighing, I rubbed my face and nearly screeched as sunlight seemed to burn into my orbits. Every single day was the same and I had enough. What was there to life if you could never wake up on the right side of the bed?

Groaning, I stomped down the stairs- already in a bad mood. 

"When will you stop destroying those poor wooden planks like an elephant?" Mom glared at me sternly. Ha, I was really tempted to say "N. E. V. E. R" but all of you people should know by now that the shortcut to destroying peace in a humble abode is to get your mother angry. So, I shut my mouth tight and glanced away. 

Did I tell you that I hated mornings? No? Well, I. Hate. Mornings.

I could pretty much hear all the early-birdies rise-and-shine 5 a.m creatures telling me that 'Morning is a blessing.' Please, I'd rather you stayed on your own planet and not contact me again. 

A huge bowl of pancakes seemed to glow on the table and I reached out absent-mindedly. Slap.

"Mom!" I yelled. 

"Listen to me, first." 

"No, can't you see I'm respecting the law of attraction?" I frowned, reached out for the bowl and got slapped again. 

"Hope, you listen to me first. Do you really have to go skydiving, today?" Her chocolate brown eyes stared disapprovingly at me. There she went. When I said that every single day was the same, I meant it. There wasn't one day when she didn't bring up that topic. I took a lot from my mom character-wise so we were both incredibly stubborn.

"Of course, I have to!" I cried out indignantly. 

She sighed heavily, pushing back white and brown strands of hair, "You went yesterday! And the day before and before that, stay at home for once." At times, it was frustrating how she just couldn't seem to understand me.

"I have a competition next week, I have to practice every day," I said calmly. 

"You can take a break for today, honey," she pleaded. Slowly shaking my head, I finally picked up a pancake successfully, 

"No, I'm sorry, but if I want to be qualified for the finals then I have to do it. It requires a lot of concentration and practise, you know that full well."

Turning on my heels, I stomped back up to my room- with the pancake in hand. Honestly, I knew where mom was coming from and why she was so worried. Sky-diving was an extreme sport so it was pretty dangerous but I loved it. It was more than just a passion, I actually wanted to become a coach. When mom brought me skydiving with her when I was 16, I wanted to do it forever. The rush, exhilarating feeling of the cold wind lashing out and just plummeting to the ground like a falcon was amazing. The view was incredible. Just thinking about it made me want to go jumping immediately. 

At first, I thought it was a pretty easy sport but I was so wrong. It required focus, precision and techniques. Free-styling during the fall was the most complicated step and until recently, I had only managed 3 styles. Thankfully, senior year was over and I could finally, completely focus on it. 

Let's ignore the fact that results were merely two months away and I still had no idea whether I would be going to university or not. There was no particular subject that interested me so I put all future plans on hold. 

Looking into the mirror, I realised just how little traits I shared with mom. My hair was totally black and I had dad's almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. I hated the fact that we resembled so much because it kept reminding mom of the cold-hearted man she had married. I quickly pushed those thoughts out of my head and jumped into the shower. The last thing I wanted to do right now was to think about my unfaithful father. 

Before I knew it, it was already 9 a.m and I was leaving home, backpack slung over my shoulder. 

"Bye, mom," I kissed her forehead tenderly, "See you later."

She sighed defeatedly, "Okay sweetie, be careful." 

I drove our old, red Toyota down Marshall lane and stopped at one of the parking lots of 'Sky Extreme' center. With every step I took towards the tall building, I could feel the familiar yet intense feeling of adrenaline seep in. I was going to jump today and I really wanted to perform a perfect somersault. To my left, two boys and a little girl were walking in looking all excited. It reminded me of my first jump and I couldn't help but smile. Mom never believed that I could survive off competitions but I would prove her wrong. 

It was just like any other sport- except that it was a tad bit more dangerous. Well, that could be an understatement. 

🎶I used to rule the world, seas that rise when I gave the word, now in the morning-

Coldplay suddenly blared out of my jeans. Rummaging in my pockets, I pulled out my phone and exclaimed, "Tina!" 

"Hopie, I've texted you like tons of times, what kind of best friend does that?" She grumbled. 

I grinned, "Sorry T, it probably vibrated in the dark depths of my bag." 

Tina and I met way back during freshman year in the weirdest situation possible. It was during a basketball match in P.E class and - believe it or not - we were sprinting towards each other with eyes fixed on the ball and collided head-on. It was in the nurse's office that we started talking and I didn't know why but we just clicked. It was simple as that and I couldn't imagine my life without her anymore. 

 She huffed and I could practically see her rolling her eyes on the other side of the line. 

"There's a party tonight and guess what?" She practically shrieked. Wincing, I pulled the phone away from my ear. I loved my best friend but we really didn't share the same interests. 

"Wha-" I opened my mouth.

"JASON INVITED ME," She yelled. It took me a few seconds to adjust my hearing after that nuclear bomb. 

"The Jason?" I asked, completely stunned- wow this girl had powers. Now, people, Jason Mateo was your definition of the ultimate heart breaker with his dazzling smile, perfect body and hot spanish roots. Yes, he was a boy who came straight out of a book or movie, looked perfect on all levels and who was actually nice. Yes. He was a rare gem and Tina had had her sights on him for nearly two full years. The thought that they could actually work out made me smile. 

Compared to my best friend, I've never had much interest in boys- not after what dad did to mom and I. Many could laugh about the fact that I've never had a boyfriend but after several years of part-time work, I didn't find the time to go for 'blind' dates nor was I interested- well, that's what I tried to convince myself. 

"UHUH," I didn't think that she actually understood what it meant to turn down the volume. 

"That's great! What are you wearing tonight?" That was her cue to talk and talk for ages and except for a few 'hmm' and 'ahhs,' she talked so much, I couldn't place a word. 

"Tina, I have to go," I interrupted in the middle of her speech about whether strapped sandals were better than heels. The elevator dinged and I rushed out on seeing Coach Sanders a few meters away, tapping his foot impatiently. I was in deep trouble. 

She groaned, "Hope, if you tell me you're at the skydiving center for the umpteenth time this week, I will give you such an earful, you'll regret you even have ears."

I giggled slyly, "Not if I cut the call! Love you," and beep, I was ready to face the wrath of Coach Sanders, a strong, tall man in his fifties.

He hated late arrivals and news flash, I was late.