Weak to Strong The Hybrid

My two friends and I sat in Clara's backyard, celebrating our graduation with chicken wings and soda. We laughed and joked around while playing Monopoly.

Our school didn't have a prom night, and we were the unpopular kids, so we hadn't been invited to any fancy parties at our classmates' houses.

"We graduated from high school. We're not kids anymore. We're going to face the real world," Gabriella said wisely.

"Yeah, you're right." Clara nodded. "I used to be impatient to graduate high school, but now I want to be a kid again."

"Hey, we haven't done anything yet. We're starting our new lives tomorrow. Why do you want to give up now?" I gave Clara a disapproving look.

Clara grinned. "I'm sad because I'm the only one going to college."

We were lost in our thoughts as we watched the sunset.

Gabriella and I walked home. Our houses were on the same block.

Starting tomorrow, I will focus on earning money to help my adoptive parents.

"Why haven't you paid off your debt this month? We're tired of coming to your house every month!"

"Are you happy that we come to your house every month, huh?"

"We'll pay if we have the money. Why should we delay paying the debt and interest?"

I stood in front of my house with my shoulders slumped. The dim light on the porch helped me see my parents and the two debt collectors.

They had ruined my graduation day. Besides, why did those two men come at night?

I gasped. I reflexively ran as fast as possible when the man with the dragon tattoo on his right hand took Anna's favorite hibiscus flower pot.

I saved the flower pot before the man threw it.

Breathless, I hugged the flower pot tightly while staring at the two debt collectors in annoyance.

"Daniella." Gilbert and Anna approached me. They were glad that I came home safe and sound.

Anna took the hibiscus flower pot from my arms and placed it on the floor.

"Good evening, Daniella." The two men smiled broadly, looking disgusting.

"Your daughter is beautiful," said the man with the dragon tattoo. "I want to take her as my hostage."

"That sounds good," said the man with the snake tattoo on his left hand.

I shuddered and swallowed hard.

"Please give us time. Just three months. I promise I will pay off all the debts and interest." I said with determination in my heart. I was confident that I would get a job soon.

"We almost got fired because of you!"

I gasped in surprise when the man with the dragon tattoo pulled my hand. Luckily, my parents spontaneously hugged me tightly.

I kicked the man's leg. I immediately regretted my actions when the man grimaced and stared at me angrily.

"I'll report you two to the police!" Gilbert growled.

"Oh, will the police respond to you?" The two debt collectors laughed mockingly at us.

Gilbert clenched his fists with his jaw clenched. Anna calmed him down.