Chapter 4

It was morning.

The doorbell rang; its echo reverberated throughout the entire apartment. At first, I just froze, unable to register what was happening.

But then it clicked.

Aunt Celeste.

With a quick jerk, I straightened and went to the door, brushing my palms on my pyjamas, as if trying to wash away the nervousness that I’d been feeling ever since this morning. As I opened the door, there she was – exactly the way I remembered her.

“Good morning, Auntie,” I greeted her warmly, without bothering to hide my smile.

“Aubrey!” she cried out, moving closer and enveloping me in a warm hug.

For a brief moment, everything else vanished.

Oh, Aubrey! How beautiful you look! She stepped back after a while and looked at me with those familiar eyes as if wanting to take a good look at me. Her hands rested on my shoulders as she studied me intently.

I smiled. How are you, Auntie?

I'm fine ine. I've missed you girls, her eyes moved to the space beyond me, already seeking someone. “Lyra? Where's Lyra?”

She’s preparing herself, I said in a rush, moving away from the door. Aunty, come in, sorry about the rudeness.”

Up until now, I hadn’t even noticed how I had been blocking the entrance.

She entered, her eyes surveying our apartment with familiarity. Yet, I could tell that she was excited about something; she was waiting for Lyra to come.

“What would you like to drink?” I asked her.

No thanks, she waved her hand lightly. I know just what you’re going to give me.

I smiled and went straight to the kitchen. There, I opened our refrigerator and grabbed a chilled bottle of orange juice and poured it into a glass, then put it on a plate.

Upon returning to the living room, I saw that she grabbed the plate almost automatically. Thanks, she murmured in gratitude.

Is Lyra ready? she asked, taking a gulp.

“Yes, she is.”

I turned slightly and called louder, “Lyra, Aunty’s here!”

It somehow made my chest tighten when I looked at my Aunt. “Thank you, Auntie, really. I wouldn’t have known what else to do if you had refused to take care of Lyra.”

She put down the glass only to stand up and approach me shortly after.

Before I knew what was happening, she placed her hands on each side of my face.

“Aubrey,” she whispered, looking deep into my eyes. “It’s nothing. Always a pleasure. The two of you are my daughters. Not by blood tho. That does not make any difference at all. You have to be safe, and I have to take care of you both.”

Her words made me feel more deeply connected than ever.

Tears started flowing uncontrollably out of my eyes even though I tried holding them in.

I knew this feeling well; it would break my defenses, no matter what kind of effort I would put into it.

But right as I started to lose myself to the emotional moment.

“Aunty!”

The voice of Lyra rang inside the room while she approached her aunt in joyous embrace.

I see my young lady is still alive and kicking!

"I am doing well," Lyra responded, tossing her hair in an exaggerated gesture that had me shaking my head.

“Oh, okay,” Aunt Celeste replied, clearly entertained by the conversation. That is good to know.

Lyra, I stated, trying to inject some sense into the proceedings, where are your bags? You do not want to miss your train.

Oh, yeah, Aunt Celeste said instantly.

Lyra nodded, pointing over there.

I went towards the already-packed suitcases and took the handle, pulling it to her and Aunt Celeste. The suitcase wheels made a soft sound as they moved along the floor.

Take care of yourself, Aunt Celeste told me as she tightened her hold on Lyra’s bag.

I will, I answered.

She stood next to her, a bit more subdued than before when she looked excited about leaving.

I'll call you, I said, making sure she heard me.

“You better,” Lyra replied. But it wasn't as loud and enthusiastic as her previous statements.

I smiled at her reassuringly. “I will.”

I stood at the door, watching them go until they got out of sight.

“Bye,” I whispered, raising my hand as a greeting even though I couldn't see them anymore.

The apartment seemed somehow changed the moment I entered it again.

It remained the same but without Lyra in it, it became incomplete somehow.

I didn't stay there long.

I went to my room, dressed up more appropriately for my travel and packed my luggage.

The temperature outside was higher than anticipated as I approached the roadside.

“Taxi!” I shouted, waving my arm at the cars driving by.

One whizzed by me.

Another came and went.

I breathed deeply, tightening my hold on my bag.

“Taxi!”

Finally, the third car slowed down.

The driver turned towards the window and said, Where are we heading, miss?

I hurriedly grabbed my phone, scrolling through the email for instructions.

“Velorum Manor, 1 Skyline Drive, Summit Estates, New Eldoria.”

He nodded, his expression calm. “Get in.”

I didn't delay.

Everything seemed normal at first.

However, little by little... things began to change.

I adjusted myself in my seat, gripping the phone harder with my hands.

Something about this felt wrong.

We had left the city altogether, the scenery around us new and almost unnervingly silent.

An idea occurred to me a frightening one. Kidnapping.

I gulped.

“Sir… where are we heading?” I tried to say calmly, but even I could tell that fear was beginning to set in.

“I'm just following your instruction,” he said succinctly.

But it did nothing to calm me down.

I turned towards the window once more, finding that everything outside me seemed to blur together.

“Don’t you worry,” he continued after a while. We’ll get there.

I leaned back slightly, but found it difficult to do.

This is it.

Wherever we ended up

I’d be getting there soon enough.