The Saviors

Chapter 1

       February 11
       I can't believe it. My mom died today.
       I woke up knowing that it would probably happen today, but I just couldn't accept it. I ran to her room first thing. I needed to know that she was alright. She sat up in bed when I got there.
       "Isla," she said, sounding vaguely amused. "You can't stay with me all day, honey."
       "I can try," I replied stubbornly. "You're not leaving without me here."
"Isla, go outside. Take care of the kids. You know that Ava and Ian left Tempest with you so you could take care of her. You can't leave them all alone."
       "Alright mom," I said finally. "But I'm coming to check on you every ten minutes."
       She sighed. "Whatever makes you happy Isla."
       I kissed her on the cheek and walked hesitantly out of the room. Leaving her alone with dad, who was being even more stubborn about not leaving her than me.
       I headed downstairs to find Daniel, who immediately looked up at me and opened his arms. I gratefully pulled myself into them.
       "Declan told me about your mom," he said softly so that Tempest, Henry, and Toben wouldn't hear. "I just want you to remember that I'm here for you."
"Thanks," I replied. "Sometimes I swear I don't deserve you."
"You know we're perfect for each other Isla," he whispered. "Don't you ever forget that."
"I know," I told him, then turned to the kids, who were finished eating breakfast and were looking at me expectantly. "You guys want to go over to see Esther?"
"Can we mommy?" asked now 5-year-old Toben.
"Sure you can," I told him, ruffling his hair. "I know she feels like your family too. You guys head over with Daniel, okay?"
"Okay mommy."
After we had said our goodbyes, I headed up to my room. I was rereading To Kill a Mockingbird. After what was probably about 30 minutes I was about to go check on mom again when I heard dad yelling for me.
       "Isla! Isla I need you!"
       I ran to my parents room still holding my book in my hand. My mom was coughing again and I knew somehow that this coughing fit would be the last one. My dad beckoned me over.
       "Mom?" I asked, feeling like I was a scared little kid again.
       "To Kill a Mockingbird?" she asked, after the coughing subsided. "Reading that again?"
       "You know how much I love this book mom," I replied. "Surely it's not that surprising."
       "No, you're right. It's not. Listen Isla, I asked your dad to call you here because O don't have much time left. I need to say goodbye to you before I go."
       "Don't say that mom," I told her, tears coming to my eyes. "You're going to be fine."
       "No, honey. I'm not," she replied gently.
       "But you can't leave yet," I pleaded with her. "I can't live without you."
       "Isla, you are the most wonderful, strongest, and most brilliant girl. You'll manage without me."
       "Tiger lily," my dad said gently. "It's time to say goodbye."
       I hugged my mom tight. "Mom," I told her. "I love you more than words, I just want you to know that even when you are gone, I will never quit loving you. Not ever."
       "I know honey. I know." Then, with my arms wrapped tightly around her, and my dad's hand in hers, my mother drew her final breath, and I finally allowed myself to cry.

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A/N
I hoped you liked the chapter. Sorry it was so sad. :'(
Continue reading to find out what happens to Isla next!
Thanks for reading,
Heather