The Protector

I woke as Layla lifted my blankets to get in bed beside me, i jumped at the loud clap of thunder and didnt question her as she clambered in and settled.It was a strange night, and the rain pelted againsed the windows as if trying to break inside. The wind echoed deadly whispers and whistles that creep down your very spine, and the thunder. The thunder and lightening flashed brightly through the window, crackling micheviously, making such a noise i swore i would strike us if we dared move form my bed.

Layla quivered beside me.My little sister by only  ten minutes is normally quiet and easily scared, She jumps beside me as the lightening claps menacingly. I reach out and hold her hand, it felt so small in mine, i guess its just because i feel a fierce need to protect her, always.

The storm picks up suddenly, this one is worse than any other we've had in west Virginia and my sister whimpers, clutching me.

"shh, its okay Layla, nana will come soon hold on" i muttered to her, trying to be reasuring.

why isnt she here yet? i worried to myself. She knows how we hate storms, oh no! i thought has something happened to nana?!

"Keaira, i have this weird feeling.." Layla said, i felt my stomach knot. Layla always feels when somethings not right, like just before our parents were murdered, i always trusted her judgement since.

"Girls?" nana says softly, as we squeal in fright.

"oh nana! you musnt sneak!" i exclaimed with a sign of relief,

maybe Layla's wrong? i thought to myself were all safe here with nana.

I closed my eyes when Layla joined the hug, nana may look old but her hold was always strong and firm but also gentle.

Just then i swear i heard a noise outside, and a shadow flash by the window.. Oh Keaira stop it, you will scare yourself! my mind scolded. But i kept my eyes open and watched the window,

There is was again! a noise like a twig snapping, thats because it was a twig snapping idiot!

My mind battled againsed itself as i continued to hear noises moving around the outside of the house,

should i tell nana? i thought, no you'll only scare Layla suck it up, live up to your name little dark one. I felt instantly safer as my mind reminded me of what my meant being called 'little dark one' made me feel stronger, Layla's name meant 'dark beauty'. Yes i was jealous of this! but it doesnt matter, im the protector!.

Just when i was about to tell nana about the strange noises someone knocked at the door.

How strange i thought, its deffinately late why is someone coming to the house now?

My mind flashed back to the night of my parents murder, simililar to this one. There was a storm that night too, thats when a thought occured to me as nana left to answer the door. What if they've found us again? my stomach knotted again and my heart clenched as i hurriedly shooed my sister into the back of the closet.

"Keaira, what a-"

"no Layla listen" i whispered urgently, " stay in hear and dont make a sound, dont come out until i get you clear?!" i pressed. I could hear nana hobbling down the long hallway, she was nearly at the door.

"yes Kiaira but-"

"no!, stay here, no matter what happens, i love you" i whispered as i  kissed her cheek and shut the door.

Then i ran, around the beds, the toys on the floor,- "nana!" i cried " dont open the door!" , out of the room down the carpeted hallway, i stumbeld and fell.