The Left Behinds

Chapter 4

I feel numb. I do not remember the exact moment the news hit me that Claire had died. My ears just kept ringing, leaving me unaware of the deafening scream that had escaped my lips. As my legs began to buckle, I collapsed to the floor of the chapel. The scream that left me was one of raw pain. The stoic, peaceful wall that I had built up around my heart and emotions had tumbled down. I remember when Raphael wrapped me in his arms, sinking to the floor with me, shielding my face and screams away from the faces of pity from the others.

I struggled to gain a breath as the tears fell around me. Raphael clenched me against his chest as I sobbed the lost of my dear friend and sister. She was the one that brought me up. What will happen now without her consistent guidance and support? Tears streamed down my cheeks as I sank into a state of complete vulnerability.

Wide eyed, I look around the dark, unfamilar room. My eyes blinking slowly, still burning and swollen from my tears. I lay in a large bed, the thick duvet a fresh, royal blue. I look over and a smooth, wooden desk sat near the window. Maps are scattered all across it.

"I thought you would feel more comfortable here instead of the dormitory."

I turn and see Raphael sitting in a grey armchair. I had never seen him dressed so casuall. He wore simple black trousers and a loose, long sleeved undershirt with the top button peeking open to give a glimpse of his tan chest. He watches me as I watch him. He gracefully closes the book in his hands and sets it on top of the pile of maps on the desk. He sits next to me on the bed. Words are not exchanged. Nothing had to be said as I slowly begin to unravel. My lips start to tremble as a few tears leak from my swollen eyes. I place my head down and wrap my arms around my chest, slowly rocking myself as the pain begins to take control of me again.

He place his arms around me, settling my head on his chest as I cry my heart out in despair.

"I hate to see you like this." He tilts my chin up to him, searching my doe, dark brown eyes. He touches my forehead lightly with his fingertips. Haze started to cloud my mind.

"I think it is time you get some rest," He whispers as my eyes started to drift off to a deep sleep.

I awaken with my temples throbbing. My throat aches for hydration. I squint my eyes as light shines through the window. I turn and notice a small tray of sweet bread and tea sitting by the bedside. I quickly swallow the bread and chased it down with the hot tea, stinging my dry throat as it slides down.

"You must have been hungry." Raphael walks in the door, wearing his regular black trench coat and carrying some papers with him. He quickly puts them on the desk.

"She was in my dreams." I whisper. Raphael turn towards me, curiousity crossing his face. "It was strange. It was, like, I was there but I was not supposed to be there."

Raphael look down, his eyebrows creasing together. "What do you mean?" He sits next to me on the bed as I piece together my dream.

 I was standing on a luxurious high balcony. I looked over and gasped by the incredibe height that I stood at. The blue waves crashed together, creeping up on to the white sand. Then I heard her voice. Claire?

"Lyla, I will not let you take her." I never heard Claire sound so tense. I peeked inside the foyer, and there she stood. She faced away from me in a wide stance as she word a floor length royal blue gown. Who was she talking to? I peeked a little closer and froze, my jaw slack by the sight before me.

There she was again. The woman in white. Her pale skin coinciding with her white, form fitting lacy dress. Her slim limbs moved so fluid and gracefully as she walked. She giggled and sighed.