“I’ll visit. Even if Aiden won’t, I will,” I said, twirling my heart shaped necklace between my fingers. It was the only thing that I had from my mom, and I cherished it. The necklace didn’t come off no matter what. Not even while I slept. “And who knows. I might even find my mom.” A shadow of conflicting emotion covered his face. Whenever I brought up trying to find Mom, he would immediately change the subject. Crestfallen, I would always go along.
“You won’t come back, but that doesn’t matter because I want you to be happy. Get ready, alright?” he said, the emotion disappearing from his face.
“Ready? Ready for what?” If he was letting me go, I wasn’t leaving for another two days.
“A change of plans. You’re always complaining that we never spend any time together. Just be packed for Monday.”
“You’re letting me go? Awesome!” I hopped into his lap and gave him a hug, a huge smile plastered on my face the whole time. “Any hint at where we’re goin’?” My eyes narrowed in suspicion. At least they tried. I was too happy to let his odd behavior smother my joy. Honestly, I was shocked. This wasn’t like him. He always said that if you had a plan and stuck to it then nothing could go wrong. There was never a ‘change of plans’ with him.
“My lips are sealed.” He used an imaginary key to lock his lips, and then tossed the ‘key’ behind him. Really? “Just get dressed, and when you’re ready come and get me.”
Jumping off his lap, I rolled my eyes and turned my back to him so I could pick out some clothes. He was gone once I was ready to get in the shower. I skipped down the hallway towards the bathroom. I was finally leaving Luna. Maybe one day I would be able to visit Sela, too.
Luna was considered the best out of the three small islands on the coast of The States. Lunians looked down on the inhabitants of the other two islands, which were Mara and Sela. In theory, the idea that anyone would leave Luna to go to Mara, the most off-putting island, was insane. I shrugged as the scorching water pulsed on my back and cascaded down my mocha skin. Whatever Dad thought was best probably was. Besides, I hadn’t heard any complaints from Aiden, and he’d been going to school on Mara for an entire year. Then again, I hadn’t heard anything from him at all…
When I got out, I threw on some clothes and ran down the stairs to the kitchen. I’d heard pots clanging before I got in the shower. Once I opened the kitchen door, a burst of delicious smelling air wafted into my face. My mouth started to water when I saw the plate of bacon sitting on the counter.
“Mmmm, bacon,” I moaned. The perfect thing to make a hectic morning better, I thought as I grabbed a paper plate from the cabinet. I reached for a piece of bacon, but my hand was slapped away. “What gives, Dad?” Where’s the dad I’m used to? He smiled while grabbing the last piece and shoving it in his mouth. “When did you become a teenager again?” I asked.
He wiped the grease off his fingers and mouth. “You ready?” he asked, ignoring my questions on his immaturity.
“Almost,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’ve just gotta find my white sweatshirt.”
“Well, come on then. Chop chop.” Apparently, there was no more food left for me, but I was fine with not eating breakfast. It wasn’t like breakfast was something that we usually had since Dad was always at the hospital. Sprinting into the living room, I skirted around the couch. My foot caught on the edge of the rug in my haste, and I fell onto the frayed pillows and sunken couch cushions. Groaning, I flipped over the cushions, but found nothing.
I spun around, ignoring the pain in my knees, and ran back up the stairs to my bedroom. I opened my closet door and stepped into the chaos. Looking around, I only saw empty racks and shelves. My knees protested when I got down into a crawl. The newly waxed, wooden floors helped my hands slide easily through the piles and piles of empty hangers.
It was my favorite sweatshirt, and there was no way I was leaving it behind. I was just about to go look in my dresser drawers when I found a tiny, mahogany box. Where did this come from? I asked myself, my brow furrowing in confusion. I’d never seen it in my closet before, but I hadn’t been looking for anything either. Had Dad hid it there for me to find? I’d have to ask him before we left.
The box’s smooth sides were intricately designed with inlayed pearls. There were small swirls on the top that were painted with powdery blues and pinks. The box tickled at a hidden memory, so I opened it immediately. Usually I wouldn’t have bothered, but there was something different about this box. As absurd as it was, it seemed to be calling to me. My fingers trembled as I unfolded the yellowed letter that had fallen from the box along with two rings.
Dearest children,
You have been chosen.
When you receive this letter, you may still be human. You must realize that your future has been decided, and there is nothing you can do to change it. Not even death will keep you from it. It is part of your responsibility to find friends that will help you with this task.
Along with this letter are two rings. One is for each of you. They mark you as peacemakers for our kind and our world. If anyone tries to remove the ring, both the ring bearer and the thief will be punished.
This may not make sense to you now, but in time, you will begin to understand. We will always be watching. Stay safe, my beloveds.
The Hunters
I feel like I'm not helping at all!
The bit where she twirls her necklace that belonged to her mum. I think you should've mentioned that before - perhaps when she remembers her mum and the day she left.
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