Read Before Time (The Time Trilogy Book 1) for Free Online Page B

was totally confused.
    “Mom told me what you did yesterday,” she said.
    “Don’t you care about Mom?” Aliza said.
    “Of course I care. Otherwise, why would I go for interviews, knowing that I will never get it? I do it for her.”
    “Well, that’s not enough. You need to spend time with her and stop misbehaving,” Aliza said.
    “I didn’t misbehave. I just asked for something to eat,” I defensively. At least they hadn’t mentioned the alcohol.
    “You need to change your attitude with us, Onaiza. This will take you nowhere,” Maheen said resignedly as she sat down on the bed beside Aliza.
    “I said I didn’t do anything. Both of you always need a chance to pick on me,” I said. Angrily, I left the room. I came downstairs and saw that my phone was showing a reminder that I had to go to Kuch Khaas at six p.m.
    I decided to go. It would help me get out of the house and away from them.
     
     

     
     
    I smiled as I brushed my hair and pulled it back in a tight ponytail. Finally, the day was here. Today was the meeting of the Writer’s Guild, organized by a Lahore-based literary company, Open Letters. I had submitted a piece weeks back and was now looking forward to going there, a step towards fulfilling my life-long secret desire to be a writer.
    Gathering my purse and cell phone, I was on my way for the meeting. It was scheduled in Kuch Khaas, which was a centre for arts, culture and dialogue, located in the heart of Islamabad. The drive to Kuch Khaaswas quite short from my home, and soon enough, I was walking through the gates towards the entrance. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the library. After I got my bearings, I walked purposefully towards it. They were setting up for the meeting when I entered.
    I took a seat in a corner and looked around. The library was packed with books, every shelf and wall loaded with them. The faint smell of old paper hung around the room. All the tables had been removed so that there was more room for people to sit and discuss. At one corner, there was a computer, which was connected with the projector in the center of the room. Right now, the projector was only showing the Sony logo because the computer wasn’t logged in. Slowly, the room started to fill up with the participants.
    “Well, let’s start with the introductions while we wait,” Anis, the event organizer said. “We’ll start with you.” He pointed to a boy sitting four seats away from me. He was short, stocky, with light brown hair and thick-framed glasses.
    “Hi! I’m Ali and I’m doing my A-levels from Headstart School. I have been writing for the last four years and my favorite genres are dystopian, paranormal, and science fiction.”
    “That’s nice, Ali. We will definitely include a piece from that genre today. I’m looking forward to reading yours.” Ali smiled politely at Anis.
    Next, Anis pointed towards the girl sitting beside Ali. After two more introductions of the same sort, it was my turn to introduce myself.
    “Hi. My name is Onaiza Shahid, and I graduated from my A-levels a year ago. I have been awaiting admission for med school. I loved reading since I was a kid and I’ve been writing for the last eight years, although I’ve never published anything of what I’ve written. This is the first time I’m putting my piece out there for people to read. I love paranormal romance, historical romance, and contemporary fiction.”
    “Nice to meet you, Onaiza. I’ve read your piece, and it was pretty good, but we will discuss it in detail once the meeting commences,” Anis said.
    “Sure.” I said giving him a small smile. Slowly, as the room filled up, everyone took turns introducing themselves. A girl passed a plate of homemade cookies around.
    “Alright, guys! As we are done with the introductions, let’s get on with this meeting. Our strategy for today is that each person will read only an excerpt, as we are short on time and there are so many of us here. Therefore,