Freya was in the closet, she was gazing at the mirror not quite sure of what to say. Is this the life that awaited her? Could she handle it now their family was experiencing numerous issues? She looked at the engagement ring on her finger, as she had flashes of Eamon. She loved him, and that was the verity. Finally, her wedding was around the corner, and she was overwrought that she was going to leave her sisters and the house of witches for a whole new environment with her spouse. She knew Janeka was old enough to lead her sisters through everything that would come their way in the future, but still, she was part of the family. She puffed out, as she walked out of the closet down to the kitchen to get herself a bottle of water. She heard footsteps, and she hastily turned meeting Janeka sauntering down the stairs.
“Hey.” Janeka said.
“You are supposed to be asleep.” Freya directed.
“We all can survive. We are always a family, and family never dies. Don't worry about yourself. We'll be always there for you.” Janeka said, patting Freya's back as if she knew that was what she would be worrying about. They stepped into the kitchen.
“I'm worried about Hayley. I'm worried about all of you.” Freya uttered.
“You have been always there for us, and you should have a family. You should have your life.” Janeka told her. Though she was happy she would be getting married, she'd miss her sister, Freya. “My life is incomplete without all of you.”
“We are a family. Always and Forever.” Janeka told her, as they left the kitchen.
Hayley woke up from her terrible dream, she was perspiring, and she had soaked her bed. She rushed to the bathroom and washed her face with water. She could hear the sound of the water dripping into the sinkhole. Hayley breathes out, as she peered at the mirror not getting her gaze off it. She lost control over herself letting her wild imagination take over, seeing the same old woman who attacked her on her way back home with a steak in her hand approaching. This old woman was like a thousand miles away from Hayley, but each step she took petrified her. She thought it was just her intuition tingling not until the old woman stabbed her in the heart with the steak.
Hayley woke up, she jumped out of her bed with the blanket in her hands. She couldn't get her grip off it, cuddling herself, as she quivered whimpering, as the little light in the room turned off. She attempted to run, but the door slammed shut even before she could make it there, she twisted the knob, but still, it didn't open. She said a spell, and the chandelier above her head turned on, sending the bright light across the room. Hayley could see, she breathes, as she sat on the floor, her heart still pounding fast. She wasn't afraid of this old woman, but one thing she hated was bad dreams. The light flickered, she looked up then the bulbs broke while the chandelier loosely hung on the ceiling. The next thing, her door flung open then the hanging chandelier dropped, crashing on the ground, and shattering into tiny pieces of glass. Hayley struggled through the dark until she felt her grasp on the drawer beside her bed. She opened the first one, but she couldn't find what she was looking for, growing nervous she opened the second, then the third, and she found it. Beads of sweat formed on her face. She turned on the flashlight, but it turned off, she hit it twice then it turned back on. Earnestine stepped into her room.
“I heard you scream.” Earnestine said.
“I had a nightmare.” She said quivering, as Earnestine helped her up.
“You feel so cold.” Earnestine uttered, she used the blanket to cover Hayley, as she led her out of the room.
“She tried to kill me.” Hayley mumbled, as they entered Earnestine's room. She lay quietly facing the ceiling, as she recalled the pale awful face of the old woman.
“You will be okay.” Earnestine reassured. She kissed her forehead, and she rushed to get her a glass of water. “I'm not scared, but she was there. She had always been there.” Hayley told her with watery eyes.
“Just be quiet. Let it all out.” Earnestine reiterated.
Freya dressed up in a blue flare gown, her black hair was tied into an onion bulb, she stared at the mirror, her gaze meeting the sparkling chains on her neck. The long gold earrings glittered, as the rays of the sun struck it. She looked like an angel. Freya exhaled, closing her eyes. Janeka helped with the make-up, and she looked gorgeous. Eamon texted her the address of where they'd meet, and her sisters made sure she'd look stunning or possibly more than that. Her blue heel shoes matched the long blue flare gown.
“You look beautiful.” Hayley said, as she walked downstairs to meet Freya in the living room. She greeted Janeka with a wave, and a short smile then dashed into the kitchen.
“Hayley will be safe. We will all be safe.” Janeka said waiting for her to leave the house.
“I hope so. Text me if anything goes wrong.” Freya said. She was about to take a step outside the house. Her heart beats faster, and she rolled her eyes.
“Surprise!” Eamon said with his arms wide open for a hug. Freya embraced him tightening her grip. They kissed each other.
“You look beautiful.” Eamon complimented.
“Thank you.” She said. Eamon missed her hands, smiling as he led her into the black-tinted car parked outside. “Have a nice time.” Janeka said, as she walked up to the door smiling. “Likewise.” Eamon bellowed, waving as he strode around the front of his car, getting inside the driver's seat, he winked at Freya who grinned, igniting the engine, and they drove out of the house. Janeka smiled, she slammed the door breathing out, as she waddled upstairs.
Sabrina met Hayley munching a hamburger.
“Who ordered the hamburger?” Hayley said a mouthful.
“Is that supposed to be the greeting?” Sabrina asked without removing her gaze from her. Hayley stared back, as she gulped down a cup of warm milk. “Sabrina. I don't think you deserve that respect.” Hayley told her. She was plain about it, and nothing was going to make her say otherwise. Of all her sisters, she hated Sabrina the most. She wouldn't think twice if she were in the position to take her life.
“I'm not surprised. I hate you. I hate Vampires. I hate a whole ton of things and one day you will regret being my sister.”
“Until that day comes.” Hayley said. She was on her way out when she bumped into Earnestine.
“See you when I'm back.”
“Have a nice day.” Earnestine smiled, as she dashed into the kitchen. Hayley twisted the doorknob, she still had her eyes fixed inside the house, as she locked the door from the outside.
“Surprise!” Wendy said. Hayley's heart skipped three beats, as she left without saying a word to her. When would the surprises end? She'd have a heart attack if this continued. Wendy knew that she had entered a lioness's den. “I'm sorry if that got you pissed.” Wendy said.
“It's alright,” Hayley said with a fake smile. Wendy noticed, she tilted away from her while Hayley smirked. “I'm going to deal with you today.” Hayley uttered, as she stared at Wendy.
“I can't wait!” Wendy exhaled.
Freya and Eamon clicked their glasses together, as they sipped from it. They both smiled. Eamon was a tall handsome man. He was in his early thirties. He had black curly hair and rough black beards under his jaw. His smiles revealed his charming dimples, and that was one of the things Freya loved about him. His charming blue eyes, his grin, and sometimes his cockiness. She just loved it all. They were at the known bar in Weston Hills, Bottles and Wines. “That ring on your finger means a lot to me.” Eamon smiled.
“What would I have done without a charming, lovely, and respecting man like you?” Freya said staring into those blue eyes.
“Perhaps, nothing.” Eamon joked. Freya's smile seized, and she glared at him.
“I was joking.” Freya said impersonating his voice, knowing that that was what he would say next, and they both giggled.
“I'm lucky to have you. Freya Michael, and I appreciate that.” Eamon told her caressing her soft hands. Freya just couldn't stop smiling, her nervousness had changed into happiness. She couldn't believe that it was happening, the man of her dreams would soon take her to the altar, and they would take the nuptial vows and live happily ever after. They drew close to each other, and thoughts ran through their mind. All he wanted was to devour her, she wanted to have him by her side for the rest of her love-stricken life. They kissed. It was long-lived.
“Your lips grew softer.” Eamon teased her. “We have to go to the dress shop to get your wedding gowns ready.”
“What about your suit? A place for vacation too.” Freya said.
“I took care of that even before I got here.” Eamon retorted. Freya grinned, she remembered her sisters and smiled knowing that it was for the greater good.
Hayley was walking down the hallway, she bumped into Nick who smirked and seized her hands.
“Hello.” Nick said. Just as he expected, Hayley struggled until she got her hand off his.
“Why don't we wait until school dismisses?” Hayley told him.
“It would be my pleasure.” Nick uttered waving at her, as he walked away. She saw it, the mark on his palm. Weston Hills has numerous supernatural histories to explain, and she would just be the perfect girl to learn it all.
“Let's settle this shit we have.” Nick bellowed.
“It's your choice. I bear no grudges against you.” Hayley told him.
Earnestine wanted to go visit Erin, but she had a change of mind when she remembered she had to do some research. Perhaps, the effects of the rituals were coming to pass, this was how the family would be torn apart. This was how everyone would leave without asking or caring for each other. She wasn't jealous that her sister would be getting married. She was just anxious about what the family might become with their big sister far away from them. Earnestine was worried about Hayley as much as she was worried about Freya, such a tender young lady would suffer the pain of being alone. She never wanted to see Hayley suffer, she turned pages from every book she could lay her hands-on, but still, they were nothing she could find. “Busy as always,” Sabrina said. “I can help you.” She continued as she sat beside her taking one of the spell books from her. This was the least Earnestine was expecting. She just glanced at Sabrina and looked back at her book.
“I just don't know what to do.” Earnestine told her.
“We are in this together.” Sabrina said.
Lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled above the sad skies. The rumbling came again, and it began to drizzle. It was obvious that they would be a heavy downpour tonight. She had neither seen Hayley nor Freya, but she was not worried about Freya because she would stay in Eamon's house or perhaps somewhere else. She stood close to the window in the living room waiting to hear a knock on the door or at least a message from any of them.
Nick, the school bully was running home, as likewise other students. Those who had umbrellas shielded themselves from the splattering raindrops. Hayley and Wendy held each other while walking through the rain, they were both wet, but it seemed they were enjoying the splattering. “Hope we don't get washed away by the heavy rain.” Hayley chuckled. “Not when I'm by your side.” Wendy told her looking at those silver eyes of hers. Hayley was beautiful, and above all, she was intelligent and compassionate, but there was this one thing that Wendy couldn't quite put her finger on.
Hayley knocked on the door. She quickly entered the house when Sabrina opened the door, their gaze met, but none of them cared to talk to each other. She trudged up the stairs, water still dripping from her blonde hair. Sabrina stared outside to see if she was with Wendy, fortunately, Hayley wasn't, she slammed the door shut, exhaling as she rushed down the basement. “How was your day at school?” Earnestine asked Hayley leaning at the door with her arms folded.
“Never been better.” Hayley answered, as she pulled off her shoes, and top.
“Get some rest before you come down for dinner.”
“Thank you.” Hayley smiled.
Hours later. It was drizzling, the heavy rainfall, rumbling, and the storm had stopped. They could only hear the sounds of the dripping, and splattering on the metal sheets that covered the building. The four sisters were in the living room watching a horror movie, they held themselves tight. They watched the man on the television screen scream, as his throat was slit.
“That's too scary.” Hayley said.
“It doesn't matter. I'm going to finish my movie whether you choose to stay or not.” Sabrina huffed with her eyes fixed on the screen. They heard a knock on the door, and they all stared at the clock hanging on the wall. It was almost midnight, and they knew it would be Freya. Hayley lazily stood up, dragging her feet on the floor while she whistled, as she marched closer to the door. “Welcome.” Hayley greeted. She saw Eamon and waved.
“How are you doing, Hayley? It's been quite a long time since we met.” Eamon waved back. Hayley saw the same mark she saw on Nick's palm. She smirked, as she watched the both of them kiss, and bid each other goodbye.
“Goodnight.” Hayley told him.
“See you tomorrow.” Freya smiled, as she walked into the house, Hayley shut the door, grumbling as she sat back on the couch.
They couldn't wait to hear the good news since Freya came home with shopping bags. She dropped the bags on the floor close to Hayley, as she sat on the couch beside Janeka.
“What's the good news?” Janeka asked. “I'm getting married.” She said with a short smile. They all giggled cheering her up. It was not a good time to frown or feel sorry for any reason.
“You're still our sister ok.” Earnestine said trying to hide her grief that Freya was leaving the family.
“I'm so happy for you.” Hayley grimaced. Sabrina was happy that she'd have nieces or nephews sooner or later. They were more than excited that their big sister would be stepping into marriage, and would no longer be a spinster. To Freya, It was more than overwhelming, and she couldn't help, but smile, and feel so happy, a tear dropped from her eyes.
“Don't worry.” Freya said. “It's all tears of joy.”
Hayley was unpacking the pieces of goodies in her shopping bag. She saw lots of shiny pieces of jewelry, gold earrings, and beautiful gowns, tops, and jeans. They were also Chocolate bars, biscuits, some kitchen utensils, and soft drinks. Freya didn't forget to get Vodka and Bourbon. Sabrina's favorite. Eamon was wealthy, and Freya was very lucky to be getting married to a wealthy man. Hayley thought about the gifts, and things she'd get. “I'm so happy.” She grinned, and they embraced each other. After a long time chat, they turned off the television, even without finishing the movie, they lazily walked to their rooms half awake.
Nick found himself in Weston Hills High, he wondered what he was doing here at midnight. He was lying on the sports field then he sat up, staggering, as he headed towards the school gate. His muscles were so weak, that he found it difficult to carry his body. His visions were blurred, and he quivered when he heard the hissing of snakes and chirping of the birds. The whole school began to get covered by a thick black cloud, he heard a hysterical laugh that sent him down to the ground. He managed to stand back on his feet then a dagger struck him from behind, he groaned, as he took to his heels, but the fog stopped him as he set out to find the rocky path that led out of the school. He tripped, and fell, seeing glimpses of the school gate, he struggled to get to it but was pulled into the darkness of the fog. The dagger struck him again, and again.
“Please!” Nick's lips trembled, as blood dripped from his lips, he was stabbed severally on his back, and he fell bleeding. He had lost the strength to beg for his life, but the murderer didn't think twice chuckling, stabbing him continuously.
“You deserve everything more than death because my father ought to see the light of this world again.” The murderer said. Nick was gasping for breath lying on his pool of blood.
“I promise, I will leave Weston Hills if you let me live.” Nick uttered hoping that whoever it was would show him mercy. It seemed that he recognized the voice of who was about to kill him, but he couldn't tell, as he didn't have the strength to say the words.
Nick felt his body leave the ground, he was hanging in the midair, as he threw up blood. He hit the oak tree, and the dagger pierced through his heart, he gasped with his eyes wide open, his eyeballs almost popping out of their socket. The oak tree glowed, as the killer said a spell then Nick's dead body was swallowed, the oak tree closed back while the dagger dropped to the ground. The killer walked towards the oak, picked up the dagger, and walked away. The killer was wearing a hood, so Nick was unable to identify who it was though he recognized the voice.
It's been two days. Nick Simpson had not been found anywhere in the school. All accusing fingers were being pointed at Hayley, but she didn't care, as she had settled the whole shit she had with him. She knew she was in no way responsible for the sudden disappearance of Nick Simpson, the only problem she had with him was that he aroused her anger, and she had to act. She never wanted anyone to make her new school a living hell especially now she was having a better life here. Wendy supported her too, there was no way Hayley would make someone disappear.
“Are you responsible for the sudden disappearance of Nick Simpson?” A girl asked Hayley.
“I'm not. The guy was a jerk, but I would never hurt him or kill him or make him disappear. We settled our differences after we fought,” Hayley said. The girl was using her camera to cover footage. She was leaving while Hayley and Wendy walked to the school library. “Don't you dare upload that video on the internet!” She bellowed, cautioning with haughty eyes.
“Which of you did it?” Freya said while she jammed her hands on the dining table. They stared at her none of them smiling, Sabrina took a bite from the red apple she was holding in her hands. “How are we supposed to admit that?” Sabrina challenged. She didn't care whether the whole world would disappear so long as she was still alive. “We are the only humans with supernatural abilities. We are capable of taking someone's life without him knowing. Who else except one of us could have done it?”
“Ask Hayley.” Sabrina said.
“She couldn't have done that.” Janeka opted for Hayley.
“She stopped the rituals, she can't even hurt a fly.” Sabrina murmured sarcastically. “Any more deaths we leave this town.” Freya said. Earnestine scoffed, she had been watching all of them talk, and talk without saying a single word. She took her time to look at all of them one after the other.
“Sabrina did it,” Earnestine stressed. They all stared at Sabrina. “You were too obsessed with the rituals, and perhaps you decided to do it on your own,” Earnestine proclaimed standing firmly on the aforementioned reason. “You want power, you are selfish, you are always furious.” She continued without thinking twice. Sabrina smirked, chuckling, as she stood on her feet.
“You caught me.” Sabrina said clenching her fists.
