Imaginary friends

20. Hide Away.

After packing whatever I could manage in the large yet sturdy suitcase I wrote a small, simple note on the fridge.

'Urgent family business. Going on a holiday, be back soon. Jezz c:' 

I understand that It's not safe here but I can't help but feel betrayed by Kilorn. As soon as he appeared in my life I have been slowly ripped away from the things I love most, and Pushed into a loving things in a world not of my own.

Kilorn watched me write the note quietly, my hands tremble with emotion at the realization that I would most likely not see Taylah for a very long time. She was like a sister to me and I loved her dearly.

Once I grab my suitcase and a warm coat Kilorn placed his hands on my shoulders as my welcoming home fades away and is replaced by a dark, rainy and deserted street. I look around taking in my surroundings, We were in some part of a city. Downtown. By the looks of the trashed road and lack of people as well as the metallic smell of cars and oil, I knew that this place was not a nice neighborhood. The street light flickered at our sudden arrival. 

Kilorn guides me over to a small, narrow shop. 

'Stella's mighty magical shop' Was written on the window. Red velvety curtains covered the window stopping me from peering inside, but the faint glow of lights indicateted that the shop was in use.

Kilorn walks over and raps on the door swiftly. Moments later the door opens to a short old woman who I presume is Stella. She was smaller than me by a head, slightly hunched over with grey hair pinned back into a neat bun. She leant on a walking stick with a purple handle in the shape of a lion's head. Stella looked up at Kilorn with remarkable eyes, one eye was a warm hazel were the other was a faded blue. She eyed him curiously before grunting and walking away with Kilorn close behind.

"I never thought that I would see you here again." She huffed her voice withered and croaky. 

"Me either to be honest." Kilorn grumbled as he takes my suitcase from me. 

The shop was small but filled to the brim with cabinets full of trinkets, pictures and other strange objects. A table with cards and a glass ball stood clear in the middle of the narrow shop. 

Stella walked to a door at the side of the shop. She took out a large collection of old keys and searched through until finding the one. She unlocked the door, opening it for us. Kilorn walks in without hesitation with me stumbling closely behind. The door led into a hall with a narrow staircase and multiple doors that led into other rooms much like Zedar's house. 

"This is Jes-" 

"Yes, Yes I know." she said as she looks up to eye me suspiciously. Her faded blue eye glowed slightly under the warm light.

"Well, Lucky you. I have one room left. You will stay upstairs. First door to the right. No funny business." She said sharply as she pointed up the narrow staircase. 

"Thank you Stella." Kilorn replies. She only grumbles a short reply before waddling away. I stare in confusion at the strange old lady as she shuts the door, locking us in the strange place. 

"She'll warm up." He chuckles as he lift the suitcase up the stairs. As we walk up the stairs I notice the odd photos hanging on the walls. Most are Stello standing with all these different people and creatures.

I realize then that we were in some kind of hotel.

The room was small completed with one bed, a couch, a cracked tv and even a tiny bathroom. Kilorn placed the suitcase next to the bed before crashing on the couch. It looked as if I had been abandoned for ten years. The constant patter of rain against the window pain was the only sound in the small dusty room. I giggle to myself when I picture there being dust on the dust mites. 

I walk into the bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. Though the bruises and dirt is gone I'm left with dark circles under my eyes, dripping wet hair and cracked lips. In attempt to feel and look better I wash my face in the small sink and brush my hair wit my fingers. I tell myself that everything is going to be fine, but no matter what I say I can't stop the sick feeling in my somack.

Kilorn leans against the bathroom door. He looks at me sadly. Even he knows that things aren't going to be fine, and he's usually the one who drives the optimist train. 

"Are you alright?" He asks quietly. I look at him for a long moment.

"Not really. No." I reply before walking past him and curling up on the small uncomfortable bed. I miss my heavy blankets, Fluffy pillows and soft mattress. The bed dips with weight as he sits on the end.

"I'm sorry Jess. I know that It's hard on you, but You need to stay safe-"

"Why? why me? I'm so sick of this wild goose chase. I just want to live a normal life." I yell out, my eyes begin to blur. "When will this madness end?" I ask my voice cracking as a tear slipped down my face, seeping into the thin pillow. 

The pain in my chest set in causing me to curl up even more. After hesitation Kilorn laid down beside me. His large frame hanging off of the end of the small bed. He wrapped his arms around my small body and pulled me in. He held me close as I give in letting the warm tears slip down my face, I silently cried in his arms. 

"Jessica. You are more important than you think and I will go to any extent to keep you safe. That's my job." He whispered. I begin to tremble as he held me close. 

I couldn't speak because I thought that I would shatter in his arms. My tears soaked his already damp shirt. After crying quietly in his arms my energy seeped away as I let myself fall into a light sleep. My lullaby is the gentle pulse of the bracelet against my wrist and the pitter patter of rain against the musty window pain.