Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 2~

~Raelyn~
 
~August 15th, 2021~
 
Years flew by, and Dad never returned home. It is now 2021, and he is still not home. Hope was lost that he would return as the war worsened. So many lives were lost. I'm 22 years old, and Isa is 16 and in her junior year of high school. Nightly, houses were blown up and searched. 
 
It's present day now, and I am currently roaming the abandoned streets of London with my St. Bernard, Athena. As we roam the streets, I think about all that's happened and these last years since I was seven years old. I think about how much things have changed. 
 
The streets are eerily quiet, the remnants of a once-bustling city now cloaked in a shroud of desolation. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows that stretch across the cracked pavement. Athena pads beside me, her large, comforting presence a welcome companion in this ghost town. I keep my guard up, my senses heightened for any sign of danger. Our house, miraculously, is still in one piece, a small sanctuary amidst the chaos.
 
As we walk, my mind drifts back to the letter we received all those years ago. I can still remember the hope that surged through us, the belief that Dad would come home soon. But as the years passed and the war only grew worse, that hope faded. Mom did her best to keep our spirits up, but even she couldn't hide the pain in her eyes.
 
Isa and I grew up fast. The war forced us to. We learned to fend for ourselves, to protect each other. I became the protector, the one who made sure we had food and stayed safe. Isa, despite everything, managed to keep her innocence. She still believes Dad will come home one day. I wish I could share her optimism, but after all these years, it's hard to hold onto hope.
 
The streets are a dangerous place now. Every night, houses are searched, and explosions are a common occurrence. We've learned to navigate the dangers, to avoid the areas where the fighting is fiercest. But it's a constant struggle, a never-ending fight for survival.
 
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the city in a deep orange glow, I feel a pang of sadness. This isn't the life we were meant to have. We should be worrying about school, friends, and our future. Instead, we worry about making it through another day.
 
"Come on, we should head back before it gets too dark." I said calling Athena. She began to bark, spinning around in circles. "Yes, I know you're having fun, but we must get back before the sun sets, come along now, let's go."
 
Athena grumbled and then followed me through the streets. After walking for a few minutes Athena spotted hopscotch on the ground and barked excitedly.  I chuckled. "We have no time for games silly dog, we have to get back home to Isa"!
 
A few moments later, the sirens began to screech, filling my ears with discomfort. I gasped putting my hands over my ears as I turned to Athena. "Oh my gosh, quick Athena hurry." I said to her panicked as we both started running.
 
~Brielle~
 
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I led Isabella through the wooded area behind our house as my dress flowed in the wind. The bomb shelter was hidden well, looking like a simple shed with metal painting and straw covering the top. I could feel Isabella's hand trembling in mine as we approached the door.
 
"Mom, where's Raelyn?" Isabella's voice was filled with worry, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.
 
"Everything is fine, sweetheart," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "She'll be home shortly. She just went exploring with Athena."
 
"But she should be back by now," Isabella insisted, her grip tightening on my hand.
 
I didn't have an answer for that. My heart was racing, and I was just as worried as she was. But I couldn't let her see that. "Let's get inside the shelter, okay? We'll be safe there."

We quickly entered the shelter, and I shut the door behind us, securing it tightly. The small space was dimly lit, but we had everything we needed to stay safe. I quickly set up our small living area, spreading blankets on the floor.
 
Isabella sat down, wrapping a blanket around herself. "Mom, what if something happened to her and Athena?"
 
I knelt beside her, pulling her into a hug. "Isabella, listen to me. Raelyn is smart and strong. She knows how to take care of herself and Athena. She's going to be fine."
 
"But what if she doesn't come back?" Isabella's voice broke, and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.
 
"Hey, hey," I said softly, brushing a tear away from her cheek. "Raelyn will come back. We just have to be patient and trust that she'll find her way home. Right now, we need to stay calm and safe in here."
 
Isabella nodded, but I could see that she was still scared. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. "We're going to get through this, I promise. We're strong, and we're together. That's what matters."
 
She leaned into me, and I could feel her starting to relax, just a little. "I love you, Mom," she whispered.
 
"I love you too, Isabella," I replied, kissing the top of her head. "And I love your sister and Athena. We'll all be together again soon. Just hold on to that, okay?"
 
Isabella nodded again, and I could see a small glimmer of hope in her eyes. We sat there in the shelter, huddled in blankets.
 
~Raelyn~
 
"Come on, Athena, we need to move!" I urged, my heart pounding in my chest. We broke into a run, the sound of our footsteps drowned out by the wailing sirens. Athena stayed close by my side, her large paws thudding against the pavement.
 
We had gotten lost in the maze of streets, our earlier chatter about which way to go now seeming foolish. Panic set in as we tried to find our way back, the familiar landmarks disappearing into the shadows. 
 
Then, through the chaos, I spotted a familiar alleyway. Relief washed over me as we sprinted towards it, hoping it would lead us home.
 
But as we turned the corner, I saw something that made my blood run cold. A small boy was being cornered by a strange man; his face twisted in anger. Without thinking, I ran towards them, my instincts taking over. I kicked the man in the face, my foot connecting with a sickening thud.
 
"Get the hell away from him!" I screamed, my voice shaking with fear and anger. The man staggered back, but he didn't leave. Instead, he glared at me, his eyes filled with malice.
 
"You little bitch," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. He took a step towards me, and I felt a surge of panic.
 
I knew I had to act fast.
 
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my pepper spray, aiming it at his face. "Stay back!" I warned, my hand trembling. When he didn't listen, I sprayed him, the mist hitting him square in the eyes. He screamed in pain, clutching his face.
 
"You'll regret this!" he yelled, but I didn't care. I kicked him one more time in the head, and he finally ran off, disappearing into the darkness like smoke.
 
I turned to the little boy who had tears streaming down his face, "Are you alright sweetheart?" My voice was barely above a whisper, my words trembling as much as the hands I extended towards him. 
 
He looked up at me, those oceanic eyes brimming with a mixture of fear and relief.  "I... I think so, thank you for saving me."
 
As my gaze fell upon him huddled in the alleyway under rubble, my breath caught in my throat. His raven-black hair, a stark contrast against the pallor of his skin, made even more pronounced by the moon's soft glow. 
 
His big blue eyes were wide with shock, reflecting the chaos of the night. The pink flush on his cheeks served as a stark reminder of his fear.
 
I knelt beside him, my protective instincts flaring like a fierce flame as I took in his disheveled appearance. It was as though I could physically feel the tremors that racked his frame, and without a second thought, I picked him up out of the rubbish and moved him closer to me.
 
"You're safe now. I've got you," I murmured, my voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.
 
In that moment, with this little boy's head resting against my shoulder, I felt a fierce protectiveness I'd never known before. It was sweet and heartbreaking all at once—the desire to shield him from the world's shadows, to ensure that he will be safe from the treachery of the world. I held him close to take a breath, a silent vow whispered between us, a promise of safety in her embrace.
 
We sat in the alley way as I looked at him, "What's your name love"? I asked him. "Blake. What's yours?" 
 
"I'm Raelyn," I said with a warm smile.
 
"Nice to meet you, Raelyn." He said as he smiled. "Would you like me to take you home"? I asked. "No, that's ok, I can make it from here." Blake said sadly.
 
I looked at him confused. "Blake? What is it"? Blake began to bawl his eyes out like he was being sent to join a cult.
 
I panicked and picked Blake up and ran to hide under what was left of a house.
 
I sat Blake down who was still crying his eyes out.  I put my finger under his chin, "What's the matter love"? I asked concerned.
 
Blake began to speak as he was hyperventilating uncontrollably. "they're dead, they're not coming back "! He forced himself into my shoulder and cried.
 
I looked up completely shocked and disgusted. "I'm so sorry Blake, when did this happen"?
 
Blake looked up at me with bloodshot red eyes, "When did this happen"? Blake sniffled. "Not that long ago, a week ago maybe...I've been trying to hide from them, but they keep finding me, I miss them so much." He wrapped his arms around my waist and cried into my chest.
 
I let a tear trickle out from my eye as I softly stroked his hair. "I'm so sorry Blake...I'm so sorry."
 
Blake sniffled as he looked back up at me.  "It's ok. You didn't know Raelyn."  I looked at Blake and smiled. I knew what I had to do; I couldn't live knowing that he would be out there alone with no one to look out for him.
 
"Blake, would you like to come to stay with me, I can't, and I refuse to leave you alone out here, it's just too dangerous." I said to Blake.
 
"What, Raelyn, I don't wanna be a bother."
 
"Nonsense, I insist. I'm not taking no for an answer."    
 
"Are you sure? Will your parents be ok with me being there"?
 
"My dad's not around, my mom would love to have you, now come on we need to get back out there before the raids pick back up." Blake sighed.
 
"Ok...let's go." I picked Blake up and started running back home.
 
~Brielle~
 
The sounds of people bursting and blowing up houses was unbearable. Isa shivered in the corner of the room, wrapped in a blanket.
 
"Mom, I'm scared...." Isa said traumatized.
 
"I know...I'm sorry. I spoke sadly.
 
~Raelyn~
 
Suddenly I came bursting through the door with Athena. I slammed it back and barricaded my body against it as I fell to the ground from exhaustion holding Blake in my arms.
 
"Raelyn"! Isabella said in relief. My mom rushed over and squeezed me with a big bear hug in relief.
 
"Oh, are you alright darling"? She asked worriedly.
 
"Don't worry mom, I'm perfectly fine, and so is Athena."
 
"That's good to hear." She looked behind me to see Blake in the doorway playing with Athena.

"Raelyn, who's that little boy"? My mom asked concerned.
 
I walked over to Blake and picked him up.  "This is Blake. I found him when I was coming back home. wolves...killed his parents."
 
My mom gasped. I sighed. "Can he stay with us..."?
 
"Raelyn." My mom said sternly. "If he stays with us, he is your responsibility, he is yours to take care of."
 
I sighed. "Of course, mom, I'll take care of him like he's my own...I promise." I said bringing Blake closer to me.
 
"Good, well then, how about we get back into the house, we need to get sleep anyways."
 
Isabella rolled her eyes, "Ugh, it's not like I'm gonna be able to sleep anyways."  I rolled my eyes. "Isa, listen to mom, it's late, and news flash you bloke, none of us are sleeping."
 
Isabella looked at me and said with a face of disappointment, "You used to be fun"! I responded by sticking my tongue out back at her.
 
A few minutes later we began to walk back into the house. Isabella went ahead and went upstairs to her room for bed. I was holding onto Blake's small hand as we began to walk upstairs.
 
"Mom, why are dhampirs frowned upon?" She smiled, "Well, They're-"
 
Suddenly the house phone started to ring, she looked over her shoulder nervously. She looked at me with concerned eyes, then cleared her throat.
 
"Uh, I'll be up in just a minute, I have to take this." She said as she started heading back down the stairs.
 
I gently cradled Blake in my arms as I looked at my mother concerned.
 
"Go on I'll be right there." She said reassuring me as she walked down the stairs to the bottom of the stairs.
 
"Come on little one." I said walking upstairs with Blake in my arms.
 
I walked upstairs to check on Isabella. I poked my head in to see her sleeping soundly in her princess-like bed. Her dark brown hair was draped over her round face as her chest rose and fell.
 
"Good night, Isa."
 
I went to the guest room and shut the door. I had given Blake a bath and changed him into some pajamas, which consisted of a small black sweatshirt I had had from when I was younger. It fit him perfectly. I proceeded to set him on the bed and went to my room to change into my pajamas. I chose a silk pajama short set and I put my copper waves into a ponytail.
 
"Raelyn, are you gonna come sleep with me"? Blake asked as I walked into the room.
 
"Yes, little one, I'll be right there. I then proceeded to get into get into bed with Blake.
 
"Raelyn, can you cuddle me"? I smiled and nodded. Blake then moved into my chest and snuggled me. I chuckled. "You comfy little one"? Blake nodded. "You want me to sing to you"? I asked in a sweet voice. Blake nodded.
 
I started humming and within seconds Blake was passed out. I smiled and kissed his forehead. I put my chin on his head and slowly fell asleep.
 
~Brielle~
 
The phone's ring echoed through the halls, a foreboding sound that seemed to signal change. With a heart already heavy with missing pieces, felt a chill as I lifted the receiver. "Hello, is this Brie?"
 
"Alice," the voice on the other end was all too familiar, laced with the weight of unspoken things. "Brie I'm so sorry, It's about—"
 
My mind raced to Everett, my beloved, whose absence was a constant ache. "Is it Everett? Has something—"
 
"No, my dear, it's Raelyn," Alice interrupted, her tone gentle yet firm. "She must leave for West Creek University in California... tomorrow."
 
"California?" My voice broke, the distance unfathomable. "But... Why? We've been so careful."
 
Alice sighed, the sound carrying years of secrets. "It's what she is. If the wrong people learn of it..."
 
I felt my knees buckle, seeking the nearest bench for support. "I thought we had more time," I whispered, the blanket on my legs a poor comfort.
 
"I know, but we must protect her from those who seek to destroy such things," Alice explained, her words a salve and a sorrow.
 
"How could this happen?" Tears streamed down my cheeks, each one a memory of Raelyn's laughter, now to be silenced by the distance.
 
"It's for her safety, Brielle. You understand, don't you?" Alice's question was a plea for acceptance.
 
Through my sobs, I nodded, though Alice couldn't see. "I understand," I managed to say, my heart splintering for my daughter, for the life we knew.
 
I sobbed into my knees, the curse's weight now a tangible force, pushing my daughter across an ocean, away from the remnants of a family once whole.
 
Alice's voice was a soft balm trying to soothe an irreparable wound. "Brielle, dear, listen to me. Everything will be alright."
 
"Alright?" My voice was a mix of disbelief and sorrow. "How can it be alright when I'm sending my child into the unknown if people discover that she's half vampire...? What will we do?"
 
"It will all work out... and she won't be alone," Alice assured me. "She'll meet wonderful people at West Creek. California is full of opportunities, new experiences."
 
"New experiences," I repeated hollowly, the words tasting bitter. "None of that matters if she's not safe—if she's not with me and Isa."
 
"She will be safe, that's the whole point of this," Alice said firmly. "And she's strong, like you. She'll thrive there, you must believe that."
 
My grip on the phone tightened, my lifeline to a friend trying to paint hope on a canvas of despair. "How can I believe when every part of me is screaming to hold her close?"
 
"Because you're her mother," Alice replied, her voice unwavering. "And you'll do what's necessary to protect her, even if it means enduring this pain."
 
I closed my eyes, tears slipping down my cheeks. "I just wish... I wish it didn't have to be this way."
 
"We all wish that," Alice conceded. "But life has a way of challenging us with the unexpected. Trust in her, trust in the life you've prepared her for."
 
The silence that followed was filled with unspoken understanding, the bond of mothers, of women who knew the cost of keeping their children safe in a world that often didn't make sense.
 
I finally spoke, my voice a mere whisper. "I'll trust. For Raelyn, I'll be strong." My resolve was a fragile thing, threatened by the vast distance that would soon separate me from my daughter. But it was there, a flickering flame in the dark, refusing to be extinguished.
 
"It'll be ok love, have a good night." Alice spoke, "yes, good night, Alice."
 
My hand trembled as I ended the call, the finality of the click echoing in the room like a closing chapter. I let the phone slip from my fingers, its impact with the bench muffled, insignificant compared to the weight in my heart.
 
Life, as I knew it, was about to change drastically. The house would be quieter without Raelyn's laughter echoing off the walls, without her endless stories about her day, without her presence that brightened even the darkest corners. I knew it was the right thing to do, to send her away to safety, but that knowledge did nothing to ease the ache.
 
I wrapped my arms around myself, a poor substitute for the hugs I'd miss. It was going to be awful, I thought, every day a reminder of the void where Raelyn should be. But this was the sacrifice I had to make, the act of a mother protecting my daughter at all costs.
 
With a heavy heart, I looked around, each object in the house a testament to Raelyn's existence there. Soon, these would be just memories, tangible pieces of a life temporarily put on pause. I sighed, a silent prayer escaping my lips, hoping for a future where I could hold my daughter again, without fear, without danger, simply with love.
 
~Raelyn~
 
The moonlight spilled into the guest room, casting a soft glow over Blake's peaceful face as he slept. I was drifting off next to him when a gentle tap on my shoulder startled me awake. It was Mom, her face etched with worry.
 
"Raelyn, sweetheart, I need you to come to your room. We need to talk," she whispered, trying not to wake Blake.
 
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I followed her, feeling a knot of apprehension forming in my stomach. Once we were in my room, she closed the door and took a deep breath.
 
"Raelyn, this isn't easy for me to say, but... you and Blake are being sent away to California," she began, her voice trembling slightly.
 
"What? Why?!" I was wide awake now, my heart racing.
 
"The situation here has become too dangerous, and the elders believe you'll be safer there," she continued, avoiding my gaze.
 
I felt a surge of anger. "How could you let this happen? How could you do this? You're supposed to protect me from this happening!" I screamed, my voice cracking.
 
"Raelyn, it's the elders, it's because what you are, I have no choice. Please my lo-" Mom reached out to me, trying to soothe me, but I was inconsolable.
 
"No! Get away from me!" I cried, tears streaming down my face. "why is me being half vampire such a big deal!?"
 
"Because if the wrong people snuff it out, you could be killed! You have no idea what those monsters are capable of."
 
Suddenly, Isa burst into the room, her eyes fiery with anger. "What's all this noise about?" she snapped.
 
"Shut up and go back to your room, Isabella! This doesn't involve you!" I yelled back, my emotions boiling over.
 
In an instant, we were at each other's throats, hurling insults and curses with reckless abandon. Isa's hand flew up and slapped me hard across the face, the sound echoing in the room.
 
"You're such a bitch and you are absolutely agonizing to be around, it's no wonder ben left you!" she shouted.
 
"How dare you, at least I have a chance!" I retorted, my cheek burning from the impact.
 
We continued to exchange venomous words, neither willing to back down. Mom watched, her face a mask of disgust and sorrow at the scene unfolding before her.
 
This was a family tearing itself apart at the seams, a tragedy of love and protection twisted into anger and resentment. And all I could think was how everything I knew was being ripped away from me, leaving nothing but the bitter taste of betrayal and the stinging pain on my cheek.
 
Caught in the tempest of our quarrel, Isa and I barely noticed that Mom had left the room, her steps heavy with the weight of our fractured bonds. The air was thick with our shared frustration, every word we exchanged like fuel to an ever-growing fire.
 
"You just love playing the victim, don't you, Raelyn? Always the innocent one in your perfect little world!" Isa accused, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
 
"I'm not pretending anything! Can't you see I'm hurt by this? Or is that just beyond you?" I shot back, my heart aching with every syllable. "Hurt by what exactly Raelyn?! What other problems are you forcing on mom?!"
 
The room seemed to shrink with the intensity of our argument, the walls echoing our raised voices. It was a dance we knew all too well, a dance of sisters locked in a rivalry that neither of us truly wanted.
 
"Enough, Isa!" I pleaded, my resolve crumbling. "I can't deal with this right now. Not on top of everything else."
 
Isa's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of regret in her eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced once more by the hard mask of defiance.
 
"I would tell you but maybe you're just too incompetent to comprehend what I'm telling you."
 
We stood there, a mere breath apart, the silence between us as deafening as our shouts had been. In that silence lay the truth of our pain, the unspoken love that lay, dad's absence. It was taking a toll on both of us. 
 
But neither of us was ready to acknowledge it, not yet. So, we stood, two sisters at an impasse, our hearts heavy with words left unsaid. Our words were like daggers, sharp and relentless, each one aimed to wound deeper than the last.
 
"You're so self-absorbed, Raelyn! You think you're the only one with problems?" Isa's voice was a whip, lashing out with bitter resentment.
 
"And you're blind, Isa! Blind to anyone's feelings but your own!" I retorted, my voice rising in anger.
 
"Feelings? Please, you're just overreacting as usual. Dramatic ass hoe!" she scoffed, her eyes flashing crimson red.
 
"Overreacting? You're impossible to talk to! You never listen, you never even try to understand!" I was shouting now, my control slipping away.
 
"Understand? Ha! Look who's talking about understanding. When have you ever understood me, huh?" Isa was practically sneering, her every word a provocation.
 
"I've tried, Isa, I was 16 once, I get you! But you push everyone away with your fucking attitude!" I was panting, the emotional exertion taking its toll.
 
"My attitude? Wow, Raelyn, just wow. You're one to talk about attitude," she shot back, her voice dripping with venom.
 
"Isa, just stop! Just stop and listen to yourself!" I was nearly begging now, desperate for a ceasefire.
 
"Listen to myself? Why? So, I can be more like you? No thanks, I'd rather be real than fake!" Isa's retort was cruel, intended to cut deep.
 
"Fake? You think I'm fake?" I could feel the sting of tears, but I fought them back fiercely.
 
"Yes, fake! It's no wonder that dad left, he would probably want to be anywhere else in the world than with you!" Isa's accusation was a slap in the face, and I flinched visibly as my eyes watered. "How could you be so cruel, you never even met him." Isa rolled her eyes.
 
The tension in the room was a live wire, crackling with the energy of our heated exchange. I could feel the weight of the words I was about to unleash, heavy on my tongue.
 
"You really wanna know why I'm so angry Isa? Because I'm getting sent away to fucking California!" My voice was a roar, all the pent-up frustration and hurt pouring out.
 
"But I'm sure you wouldn't mind that, would you? So, you don't have to deal with me or my shit anymore!"
 
The room fell silent, the echo of my confession hanging between us like a verdict. I watched Isa's face for a reaction, my chest heaving with shaky breaths, waiting for the fallout of my unveiled truth.
 
Isa's face drained of color, her usual composure slipping away as she watched me crumble before her, I fell to my knees, my sobs echoing off the walls, my body shaking with the force of my grief.
 
"Raelyn, I... I'm so sorry," Isa stammered, dropping to the floor beside her. 
 
She reached out, pulling me into her arms, her own voice trembling. "I had no idea. I didn't mean any of it, Raelyn. I was just angry... Why? Why is this happening?"
 
I clung to her, my tears soaking into her shirt. "It's because of what I am, Isa. Mom won't tell me why I'm in danger. She got a call from the elder saying I must be shipped off to West Creek University in Los Angeles. She's kept why I'm in danger a secret, since I was young... before you were even born. That's why she's so protective of me."
 
Isa's heart ached as she held me tighter, her own eyes now brimming with tears. "I can't believe this is your last night here. In this house. In London."
 
"I'm so sorry, Isa," I whispered, my voice muffled against my pillow.
 
"For what?" she asked softly, confusion lacing her words.
 
"For everything. For the rest of the night," I said, my voice barely audible.
 
Isa didn't let go. We stayed there, on the floor, holding each other close, the weight of our shared sorrow anchoring us to the spot. Eventually, we moved to my bed, lying in each other's arms, cherishing the bittersweet moments of our last night together in the city that had seen us grow up.
 
"I'll miss you more than you'll ever know," Isa murmured as sleep began to claim us.
 
"No matter where I am, you'll always be with me, Isa. I love you, sis," Isa sniffled as she lay on my chest. "I love you too Raelyn."
 
~
 
The night before my departure was one of the hardest nights of my life. Isa and I had spent hours packing up a few boxes of sentimental things. As we sifted through old family pictures, the memories came flooding back. 
 
Each photograph told a story—our dad holding me when  I was little, family vacations, birthdays, Isa was born after my dad had left for the war. He had chosen her name for her, I found a few of my old childhood toys, worn but still holding a special place in my heart. It was almost unbearable to pack them away, knowing I might never see them again.
 
Isa tried to keep a brave face, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. "Raelyn, do you really have to go?" she asked, her voice trembling.
 
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. "I don't have a choice, Isa. It's for our safety. For Blake's safety."
 
Blake was confused and scared. At just six years old, he didn't fully understand why we had to leave. "Why are we moving, Raelyn?" he asked, clutching onto a stuffed animal of mine that I gave him.
 
I knelt to his level and tried to smile. "We're going on a little adventure, Blake. A new start in Los Angeles. It'll be exciting, I promise."
 
"But I like it here. I don't wanna leave" he said, tears formed in his eyes.
 
"I know I'm sorry Blake." I said as I pulled him up for a tight hug as he cried into my chest.