It All Started From the Stop(Sign)

Chapter Seven-The Face

"Saphira Lyris Laire. Look at my little girl all grown up now. You are almost an adult!" Grandpa Thomas says, but with his thick English accent he's a little hard to understand. His blue eyes sparkle and the wrinkles around his eyes bunch up whenever he smiles. He's dressed formally and has his grey hair slicked back.

He puts his aged hand out for a handshake. Smiling at his manners, I give him a firm handshake. I haven't seen this man for five years, and boy did I miss him.

"Hello Grandpa Thomas. It's so nice to see you again! Mother, Alex, Echo, and Pyra should be here in a bit. They're just checking their passport stuff one more time," I inform him.

The bright sunlight reflects off the white airport grounds, making it painful to look just about anywhere. Grandpa Thomas takes my luggage and disappears into his private airplane. I decide to follow him onto the plane and wait there for my family. The plane is white and medium-sized. The inside is neatly decorated, and I remember from past experiences that it's very comfortable. I find a random seat and relax into its fluffy structure. I let my eyes close as the warm sun streams in from the window and onto my face. I let out a content sigh.

"Are you comfortable, Saphira?" I hear Grandpa Thomas ask. I nod, too tired to say a single word. He chuckles, still moving around the plane.

"So how are you holding up? Doing alright?" He questions, and I know what he's referring to. I open my eyes to see him giving me his undivided attention. His gaze falls to the gold chain around my neck. That's all you can see of my necklace, the rest is tucked underneath my shawl. Like it always is. A knowing look passes over his eyes.

It seems like he's about to say something else, but that's when the sound of my sisters' giggles reaches our ears. I sincerely hope that this isn't what I'm going to have to listen to the whole trip to England. Grandpa Thomas exits the plane to go and greet them. I fall asleep to the sound of my family chatting.

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"Mother, while you are busy unpacking can Pyra and I go look around at the shops?" Echo asks leaning against the fancy hotel room's kitchen counter. She's in a high wasted Jean shorts and a denim jacket. Beside her is Pyra, in black heels and a romper. Mother kneels next to a lower cabinet and starts unpacking food. I sit on a kitchen stool texting Liz back at home.

Mother stops unpacking for a second considering Echo's idea.

"Only if you bring Alexander and Saphira," she answers nodding at her own idea. She continues to unpack. Hold up a second, did she just bring me into this?

"What? No no no no no no no no no no. I do not want to go shopping with them again. You can count me out," I say, setting my phone down. I glare at mother. No way is that happening again.

"Saphira, there is this really cool bookstore. It's humongous and I'll give you fifty bucks to buy some books. I mean thirty-four pounds," Mother announces, grabbing my attention. I'm a sucker when it comes to books. And besides, Alex can point out some good books to read.

"Alright," I say, giving in. She knows my weakness.

"Great! I'll go get Alex!" Echo squeals, bounding away to go find him. Pyra follows with her clicking heels, clicking every time her feet hit the floor.

"Here you go Saphira. You guys be careful and make sure to keep each other safe. It's a big city," Mother warns me, handing me some money. I fight an eye roll and stare straight into Mother's brown eyes.

"We'll be fine," I say. Then, I turn to go find my siblings.

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The sun starts setting as Alex and I walk out of a charming bookstore. We're headed to meet back up with my sisters in Lokewood Square. Im holding four new books by my favorite author. I can't wait to start reading them!

My mind drifts back home. Christmas break has now officially started. Christmas is on Thursday, and we'll be back before then. Today's Monday, and we leave on Wednesday. Tuesday is the masquerade ball. Joy. I used to love the ball. But that was before Father died. The only homework I received was an essay for L.A. Of course Ms. Lily would make us write an essay over break, because why not?

A book falls from my arms and thuds to the sidewalk. Alex immediately scoops it up and hands it back to me, giving me an amused look.

"It just dropped," I explain.

"Yeah, I could tell," he replies, almost smiling. I elbow him in the stomach before I continue walking.

I stare at the ancient buildings as we pass them. They look so old, so beautiful like they just came out of a fairytale. Pointy towers and old rugged bricks. I turn my head to look across the street, but as I do I see a face. A face that makes me freeze in my spot. A face that makes my heart pick up a little speed.

What in the world is he doing here?