Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 32~

~Emily~

~Sunday March 31st~

I woke up with a dull ache in my lower back, a familiar precursor to my monthly visitor.

Groaning, I rolled over and buried my face in the pillow, hoping the world would just disappear for a few more minutes. But the insistent chirping of my phone was having none of it. With a sigh, I reached over and fumbled for it, squinting at the bright screen. It was Isa, of course.

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" her voice practically vibrated through the phone. "Last day of freedom before school starts! We've got a carnival to conquer!"

I groaned again, but the thought of a day filled with sugary treats and mindless fun was starting to sound appealing. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My stomach looked...off.

There was a slight curve, like a tiny bump, just below my belly button. I blinked, then rubbed my eyes, thinking I was seeing things. But it was still there. I turned to the side, rubbing my stomach.

Oh my god...

"Isa," I called out, my voice laced with confusion. "Come here, quick."

She burst into the room, her wild brown waves bouncing. "What's up? Did you find a unicorn?"

I pointed at my stomach. "Look at this."

She tilted her head, examining me critically. "You look like you swallowed a basketball."

I rolled my eyes. "Gee... thanks dude...I think I'm just bloated or something."

Isa snorted. "You're probably just PMSing. You always get weird when Aunt Flo is about to visit."

I sighed. It was probably just that. I mean, I was half-vampire so I did experience most human ailments that women do, including the horrors of menstruation. But there was still that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. I shrugged it off and got dressed, opting for a pair of my favorite baggy jeans and off the shoulder, tight fitting, black top.

Isa, on the other hand, went for a more...colorful approach, sporting a bright pink ruffled T-shirt and ripped jeans. We both threw our hair up into half-up, half-down styles and headed out the door.

The rest of the crew was waiting for us in the driveway, a motley crew of laughter and chaos.

Colby, was leaning against his car, a smirk playing on his lips. Jake and Corey were engaged in a heated debate about the best rollercoaster, while Katrina, Devyn, and Tara were busy taking selfies.

We piled into Colby and Katrina cars, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. As we drove, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. But I pushed it to the back of my mind, focusing on the anticipation of the carnival. After all, it was supposed to be a day of fun and carefree enjoyment.

~

As we walked through the colorful carnival grounds, the aroma of cotton candy and the sound of laughter filled the air. I couldn't help but notice a slight sense of nausea creeping in, but I brushed it off, determined to enjoy every moment with my sister. Isa tugged at my arm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Come on, Rae! Let's go on all the rides and play all the games. It's our last day, and we have to make it count!" I grinned, pushing aside my uneasiness.

"You're right, Isa. Let's do it all!" At the concessions stand, we indulged in all our favorite carnival treats. Isa's eyes widened as she bit into a funnel cake, powdered sugar dusting her cheeks.

"Mm, this is pure bliss! I'm going to miss all these tastes.

I nodded, my heart feeling heavy. "I'll miss this too, Isa. But we'll always have these memories to cherish." We wandered through the carnival, trying our hands at various games, and winning stuffed animals.