It was 9th grade orientation, and I was the most excited I had ever been. I was up at 6:00 AM, washed, dressed, and prepared. I was a dorky teenager, trying to be 'cool'. And mind you, I was only 13. 

As I arrived at 9th grade orientation, my excitement bubbled, and the feeling in my stomach assured me of that. I met up with all of my friends at the front of the school, and we all went inside. 

The orientation was one of the most exciting days ever, until I…

October 22, 2007. The night my 2nd home burnt down. 

I was suddenly awakened to my mother's screaming, and my heart nearly pounding out of my chest. I heard my frantic breathing as the fire alarm began to screech through the halls, making my ears ring. I knew what was going on, but I had to deny it, for my sanity was at stake. I stood up in my pajama's, and grabbed whatever I could from my closet. The smoke began to thicken, and it clouded my lungs. I screamed as I felt the…