She's Ethereal

Chapter 1-On Their Lonesome

"Raine, are you sure this is the best idea?" their mother asked with a concerned tone as she watched them continue to pack boxes.

"Yes, Mom, I'm completely sure," they replied with a light chuckle while grabbing packing tape to seal up another box.

They had made the bold decision to move to New York City in pursuit of Raine's dream; a professional music career.

What better place than the city that never sleeps?

“New York is huge; I just don’t want you getting lost,” Tracy admitted softly. Deep down, she also struggled with letting her child move so far away.

Her own feelings were hard for her to voice.

Raine turned back toward their mom standing by the front door and reassured her gently. “Don’t worry! Darius lives there too,” they explained confidently. “He said he’d help me out whenever I need it.”

Tracy pressed her lips together tightly before releasing an exasperated sigh. "If moving really is what you need... then I'll support you," she finally conceded, knowing how tough things had been for Raine over these past few years. 

"I just don't want you making a rash decision because of.. " she paused, unsure to bring it up.

That glowing woman that left their life has been a sensitive topic for a very long time now. She didn't want to make them upset.

"I know" they sighed.

Tracy didn't want Raine to make a rash decision over a breakup that happened 4 years ago.

"It's—it's not about her," they bit out, even though living in the same apartment shared with her was a constant ache.

Every corner still held fragments of their presence. Raine had to buy a new bed because the lingering scent of her favorite perfume on that side made sleep impossible.

Years filled with sleepless nights and endless love ballads echoed memories tied to her name.

Raine kept their head down, trying hard to pretend it didn’t bother them anymore.

But it did.

"I believe you," Tracy assured softly, sensing the turmoil beneath Raine's facade.

Finally finishing packing up their belongings for tomorrow’s move to the big city felt like both an escape and a farewell.

"I promise I'll call you when I get there,” they said with bittersweet determination etched across their face.

Tracy smacked her lips playfully before pulling Raine into a tight embrace. “Rainey, I'm going to miss you so much!” she whined lightly but affectionately.

As Raine returned the warm hug, a soft chuckle escaped from their lips. "I'm gonna miss you too, Mom," they said affectionately.

Tracy released her child and couldn't help but notice the hint of hurt still lingering in Raine's eyes.

She knew that Eda was like the daughter she never had, and despite feeling a tinge of sadness at their departure, Tracy could never bring herself to hate Eda for it.

Never once did Tracy imagine that they would ever leave her side. And yet here they were, preparing to venture into the city without any explanation as to why.

Despite this unspoken question weighing on her mind, Tracy chose not to pry further.

"Raine, I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for in the city," Tracy gushed with genuine warmth as she ruffled their hair affectionately with her hand.