An Undying Friendship: The Birthday Surprise

Chapter 1: Lonely

Snow gently descended from pale gray clouds, just starting to coat the ground in a white blanket. Windows in almost every house fogged up from the frigid temperatures outside meeting with the warm air inside. It seemed as though winter had an unrelenting hold on Sevier County nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Most people and families were bundled or cuddled up in their living rooms watching a movie or playing a game but not me. I was stuck here since I wasn't able to drive yet. I hated every second of having to live alone, but it was for the best. It was either this or take the risk of my family getting killed by our enemies. I knew for a fact that I didn't want that to happen so I settled for living a lonely life. Sure I go out and do things from time to time; however, I miss my family. I have two older sisters, Jessica and Samantha. Sam is the oldest and Jess is the middle. We are super close, unlike most siblings. It's hard when you see normal siblings walking side-by-side as if they don't have a care in the world. I would give absolutely anything just to take one walk with my sisters again. Living apart from them is incredibly hard and I'm still not sure how I've lasted two whole years. Probably because my family is too stubborn to actually listen to reason. We do listen from time to time, just not for this. They listen to the point that we live seemingly separate lives, but still meet up for important things like birthdays or Christmas. I wish that I at least had a friend that lives with me, so this house wouldn't be so lonely. Plus it's snowing, which makes it that much harder. Me and my sisters used to play out in the snow from nine in the morning till the snow melted or Mom called us in. It was so much fun. Those were the good ole days. I said to myself, making a small laugh escape my mouth. I heard my phone vibrate, but I didn't feel like getting up to see what or who it was. Just as I went to stand up because I was hungry, a knock sounded on the door. I quickly looked out the window hoping to spot a black Ford Explorer, which meant my parents had come to see me. All I saw was a red SUV with a California license plate. California? That's a long way from Tennessee, last I checked. I decided not to pay much attention to it, instead just went to open the door. When I opened it, I saw a petite, about the height of my mother but she had brown eyes and black hair. My mom had light brown hair mixed with a bit of black and hazel eyes, not brown. Then I noticed that she seemed scared or hesitant. Poor girl. I felt bad that she felt scared or nervous. I'm sure I'll be able to help her. I took a deep breath before opening the door, greeting "Hello! Do you need any help?"

I seemed to startle her, but she proceeded to respond, "Hello. Yes I do. You see this winter storm..."

"Hold up, would you like to come in and sit down to warm up a bit before going back outside?" I interrupted her, feeling bad soon after.

She quickly took the invitation, which allowed me to lead her to the living room where we sat down to chat a bit. I motioned for her to continue what she was going to say; however, she seemed hesitant. Once she had figured out what she was going to say, she repeated, "There's a winter storm that's going to head toward here, which is preventing us from going home."

"Okay" I kept my voice calm as she paused before continuing, "Me and my family need a place to stay. We'll leave as soon as the storm passes."

I thought about what she said. If there really was a storm coming, my family might not be able to come on my birthday. My heart started to pound as I closed my eyes to take a deep breath. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it wouldn't be as lonely if they stayed. Not only would it help me not be as lonely, it would also be safer. They could help if the power were to go out. I smiled softly and responded, "Of course! How many are there with you?"

"Only three. Me, my husband, and my brother-in-law."

I nodded before I asked, "Do you want to go get them?"

"Sure!" She had gained a happier countenance and leaped to her feet. She quickly walked to the door to retrieve her family. My phone rang and I dashed to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hey Carina! Is everything okay?"

"Yes. Hey how's Mom?"

"She's missing you. Would you want us to come over on Friday?"

I didn't hesitate to respond with a yes. My heart overfilled with joy as we hung up just as my guest and her family walked into the door. A smile was burned onto my face as I suddenly felt intimidated when I saw her family. The guy standing next to her was tall with dark blonde hair. His blue eyes pierced my mind and I tried to shake it off; however, I couldn't get rid of it. Then the other guy was more petite and had black hair. He watched me with narrowed eyes as if he didn't trust me. I greeted, "Hello. Welcome to my humble home."

"Big house for one person. Don't ya think?" the black-haired guy said, narrowing his eyes with scorn. His brother elbowed him; however, I answered his question, "It's alright. I have two bedrooms but it's completely fine."

He didn't counter that as the girl said, "What's your name?"

"Carina."

"That's such a pretty name! I'm Kristin and this is my husband Scott."

He reached his hand forward and I shook it politely. Then he said, "Nice to meet you, Carina. Thank you so much for allowing us to stay. I don't know what we would've done if you didn't allow us to stay with you during this storm."

I smiled and replied, "It's nothing."

"That's Micheal, he's my brother," Scott introduced, shooting his brother to look and act polite and nice. The guy didn't listen and didn't extend his hand to shake mine. I allowed them to get settled in, while I picked up my phone and stared at it. Should I call her to ask how the roads are? I wondered as I looked up. Micheal didn't trust me and I didn't want to put them in danger. I dialed the number and it rang. My heart was pounding as I waited and waited for someone to answer. It went to voicemail; however, I tried again. This time it answered. "Hey Carrie! What's up? Is something wrong?"

"No, Sam. I was just wondering how the roads were this morning? Are they clear?"

"Yes, just if you drive, be careful walking in the parking lot. There's patches of ice."

"Okay, thanks! Love you."

"I love you too, Car. See ya in a bit then, if you're coming."

We hung up and I jumped when I heard a voice say, "What are you scheming?"

I just froze and felt my heart drop. Was that Mark? Or Brian? "Carina?"

When I turned, I saw Kristin standing with a worried look on her face. I looked around and didn't see anyone else standing in my living room. She calmly walked over to me and put her hand on my shoulder. "Is everything okay?"

"Did someone say something?" My voice shook as I glanced around nervously just as Scott and Micheal came into the living room. Suddenly, I stepped backwards as if I was thinking they were two men I hoped never to see again. Kristin repeated herself, "Is everything okay, sweetie?"

Her voice was soft as I shook my head and realized that everything was fine. From the look that Micheal gave me, I just nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm fine. I have a place that I would love to take you guys too."

And to see if my sister will come home with me. This was part of my plan to get my oldest sister with me. If my guests asked, maybe she'll actually agree. Micheal said, "Is it safe to travel there"

"Don't, Mike. She wouldn't hurt us." His brother countered and motioned for us to leave; however, I held up my hands and announced, "I need to go change clothes real quick. I promise that I'll be quick!"

I disappeared quickly to my room and flopped onto the bed. A hand wrapped around my throat and I tried to scream for help; however, no one could hear my screams. I was left winded and shakily got my clothes on. Something told me that those men would attack one day, and I would almost die.