Chapter 1

Coraline POV.

1918: Before the Spanish Influenza

I was washing the dishes with mother until we heard the front door open. Entering the kitchen were father and my brother Edward junior. Father and mother kissed for a moment while my brother took both his and father's jacket and hat.

Edward went upstairs while I prepared dinner, as usual. Something seemed to be wrong with Edward today. It would be rude for me to ask him unless he discusses it with me. I know I am unlike other females of our town but I do not have the power to change. I went upstairs quietly so mother doesn't criticize about my "un-lady like" behavior. I knocked on Edward's door. The doorknob never turned. Being the nosy lady I am, I opened the door to find Edward on the ground with his face in his hands.

"Edward?" I asked.

"I'm a failure" he replied.

What? "Would you mind telling me what happened?" I hated to my older brother like this.

His face slowly came up revealing the despair in his eyes. "Coraline, it is rude for you to enter without permission, and I do not need to tell you anything that happened on this damned day. It is none of your business, it is my own and I'll handle is MYSELF. Why don't you just run along and leave me the hell alone! Now LEAVE!" He looked down again and then met my eyes.

I couldn't believe my ears. He has never spoken this way and especially to me. Anger slowly rising I replied, once again being rude. "It is NOT my fault you cannot succeed in anything, maybe that life is not for you! Did you ever think of that? You are so stupid it is remarkable! If you want to be like this, FINE, be the failure that you are!" With that I stormed to the door and slammed it. It was suddenly quiet downstairs. But I did not care. I could not bear to see anyone. I went to my room and banged on the walls.

That was the last time I spoke to Edward ever again. Even though my human memories are a dim veil to me, I remember that night very clear. It has been 87 years since then. I felt very bad. I regretted those words after a minute I've spoke them. I have to live with this memory every day forever. I would never get to say goodbye to my brother. I am stuck, as a fifteen-year old girl for eternity while my seventeen-year-old brother is dead. He was the lucky one, not me.

I have been living in Brooklyn, New York for nine years. It has been boring. I will probably live this city out for another four years until I move again. I was thinking I would move to London or maybe the west coast of the U.S. Maybe there would be something new in this long life.

But what if…just what if Edward was changed? Is he still in Chicago? Did he find a coven? I hope he did...What? What am I saying? He deserves better than this. There is no way he is one of us. A vampire.

Hey sorry it was short. My chapters will be longer. I just need to think more. Just PLEASE read on!