The Broken Raven - A Paradox Of Two Worlds Series Book 1

Chapter 52 - Raven

I'm sitting on top of my bag outside as I wait for them. Around me, the snow is falling gently. I was aware that what we had would burn up. Was the anguish worthwhile? Yes, because I still love him at the end of the day. I turn to look when I hear Clay's car making a low roar. My heart briefly stops before I see Logan driving, with Brie following closely in his car. Relief washes over me as I see them pull up. I quickly grab my bag and walk toward them as they both step out of the vehicles. As I approach, I see the concern etched on Logan's face. "Are you okay?" he asks, his eyes scanning me for any signs of distress. I force a smile and nod, silently thanking him for his concern.

"Hey, here." Brie passes me Logan's car keys.

"What?"

"Just take my car." He says as he puts my bags in the back.

"Are you sure? I'll be gone for the whole school break."

"Yes, you need time away from this town, and I get that. So get in and drive. We will see you when you get back." He hugs me, and Brie joins.

"Thank you, guys." I say before whispering. "Take care of him for me." They both nod.

I enter, say goodbye, and then I begin to drive. I turn on the radio and cruise home as music plays through the speakers. Drifting peacefully into the breeze. My inspiration while driving comes from the road. I'm taken in by the scene. I amplify the music and experience emotions I've never experienced before. I reject the regrets of the past and the dashed hopes. But in some way, I genuinely miss him. What happens will only become known with time.

⁂

I get to my aunt's house three hours later. I step out of the car and stretch my legs and arms. I walk into the house with my bags. My nose is filled with the aroma of gingerbread, and I am at ease.

"Hello?" I ask out loud.

"Raven, dear?" Surprised to hear me.

"I'm home for a bit, if that's okay?"

"Oh, dear, of course, it's okay." She hugs me. I head up to my childhood bedroom and place my bags down. I take out my phone and text Brie.

Hey, I've arrived. Tell Logan thank you again.

I will, love you and be safe.

Love you too, I reply.

I head to the kitchen, searching for something to eat. I finally settle on a bowl of cereal, and then head to the couch. "I'm glad you're home, Raven, but I know you. What happened?" Aunt Lia questions me.

"It's a long story." I sigh.

"Is it about a boy?" I choke and spit out my food.

"I'll take that as a yes, so tell me what happened." She sits there, knitting away.

Something in me is urging me not to reveal Clay's vampire status or the existence of my supernatural abilities to her. I therefore give her a filtered account of what took place.

"Well, I don't think you need to be attached to someone. You're young. Don't worry about this Clay boy or anyone else."

Okay, it's not what I was anticipating. After saying goodnight, I retire to my room. I look through all the pictures of Clay and I together while I'm lying there. Knowing that I won't ever feel his arms around me again makes my heart hurt. I pray that he will forgive me as I raise an anxious gaze to the ceiling. I need him safe and far away from anything that is heading our way. My phone vibrates, and I look at the screen.

I know you want nothing to do with me, but you need to know that whether we are together or not, I will always be here for you. I love you, Ray, don't ever forget that. I read the message and tears stream down my face as I read Clay's words.

⁂

Over the course of the week, I notice Aunt Lia is very secretive and hangs up the phone when I enter the room. She also whispers during her phone calls and leaves the room when the phone rings. After five days, I find that I don't feel at ease being here, and I'm not sure why. The fact that I've been hiding my tattoos from her the entire time by donning Clay's oversized sweater doesn't help. I don't trust her.

I pack my bags and tell Aunt Lia a little white lie about leaving all my books behind and having to study. Thankfully, she believes me. She hugs me goodbye, and I hit the road.

⁂

I'm about an hour away from Cladwell when Logan's car starts to make noises, and the engine starts to smoke.

"Shit!" I hit the steering wheel. I pull over on the side of the road, and turn off the engine. I get out and take one of my shirts out of my bag so I don't burn my hand. I pop the hood, wrapping the shirt around my palm; I start looking around. I finally take a quick look under the car.

"Great, a cracked radiator, just what I needed," I say to myself. The snow falls all around me, and I'm stranded on the side of the road. I close the hood, get back in the car, and call Brie.

"Hey, so Logan's car broke down. I took a look. I think it's a cracked radiator, and I'm stuck on the side of the road."

"Where are you?"

"About an hour away from Cladwell," I tell her.

"Okay, we're on our way with a tow truck." 

"Okay, bye.

I hang up. "I hope Logan has insurance for this kind of thing," I mutter to myself. I step out and dig through my bag in the trunk, pulling out Clay's fleece lined hoodie. I throw it on to keep myself warm before stepping back into the car and wait while leaning back. As more time goes by, I can make out the tow truck in the distance, but I didn't notice Clay driving in front of him. My breathing gets a little faster, and my heart stops. He pulls up behind me, and I immediately gather my composure.

Fantastic!