The Haven

Chapter 16

My body couldn't feel more frozen in place. I clutch the soft blankets covering me as I stare at the wood wall of our cabin. My mind is wrapped around the suspence of waiting for tomorrow, the day I have to escape. Without moving a muscle, one thought can't seem to escape my head. Raven. What do I do with him? Do I bring him or leave him here with his 'precious Bri'. If I do leave him, I would never be able to forgive myself. Especially if he got hurt, or worse. The cabin walls close in on me and I suffocate in my constant worry. I need to stop worrying and be brave. I dont know why I can't just forget about Raven, especially after him finding Bri. It still hurt thinking about it. I steer clear of them at all times and avoid any possible attempt at a conversation. I talked to Brianna once, and her words still burned in my memory.

***

"Aaliyah." I stop punching the punching bag and turn to see Bri herself standing there with her arms crossed. 

Her hair is in a casual braid, resting on her shoulder. Scoff. The bright colored jacket she has on and her yellow sandals make her seem like a cheerful and bubbly person. Scoff. At least I know better than to fall for her portrayal of kindness.

"What." My voice is harsh and annoyed, matching the furry brewing inside. I want her to go away, the last thing I want to do is talk to her. 

"Stay away from Raven. I love him, he loves me. Don't even try to get in the way, you have no idea what we have for each other." She couldn't be more wrong. I thought, then immediately shook the thought from my head. 

"Go away Brianna, and don't worry about me, you can go ahead and have him." I said, as if he meant nothing to me. I knew full well that wasn't the truth.

I wanted so bad to tell her to back off and open her eyes to see that what we have for each other is more than anything she would understand. I couldn't say that though, then I would be lying. I know I love him, but he obviously doesn't love me back. Raven is for Bri and River is for me. That's it, that's how it is supposed to be.

If only I didnt feel like I was making a mistake.

***

That was about four days ago. Since then, I have been convincing myself with the fact Raven doesn't want me. I was only a replacement. I know what I have to do, but it still feels so wrong. I'm going to leave Raven here to live with Bri.

You're not doing him a favor, you know.

I ignore the voice and force myslef into a more upset form of sleep.

***

The sun's harsh rays beat down on me, making me squint my eyes. Reluctanly, I pull myself out of bed and take a moment to stretch my tired body.

Today is the day. The day I go home.

In the corner of the cabin is my navy blue bag already packed with my belongings. I pull on my worn convers and sling the bag over my shoulder. Cautiously, I peer out of the cabin door and step out. The early morning glow of the sun lights everything in a calm orange, making me melt inside.

I take another quick scan of my surroundings to be sure no one will notice or follow me. My eyes land on Raven, and I can't summon enough courage to walk away, so I just stare. He is sitting on top of his cabin a ways away with his body facing toward the rising sun. His hair is ruffled in a messy bed head that he wore very well. I wanted so bad to tangle my fingers in his black hair, but I can't. I need to leave. Before I can hold it back, a silent tear rolls down my cheek.

"I'm so sorry Raven." I whisper so quietly, only I can hear. I couldn't be sure, but I swear I saw him let out a tear of his own.

I quickly turn away before I accept the urge to go hug and comfort Raven. Instead, I make my way behind the cabins till I find my father standing behind cabin 36, just like he said.

"Thank God you made it, we have to hurry." He whispers and I nod.

He pulls out a key from his jacket and inserts it into a key hole in the wall that surrounds the Blaze. It opens and we both step inside a shady hall only lit by dim lights dangling from the ceiling.

If you don't bring Raven, you may never see him again.

It would be better for him. He has Bri. He has what he wants now.

After the mind transitions, he's never going to be the same. If you leave him, this isn't just goodbye. It's goodbye forever.

More silent tears stream down my cheeks as I struggle to hold them back. Then I guess this is it for Raven and I. Goodbye forever. Goodbye to our forever.

I follow my father down the halls and go further and further from the door to the Blaze. Further from Raven.

At the end of the hall we come to another door, and my father pulls out another silver key. The door opens to a beach, the outside of the Blaze.

"Alright, be safe, I love you." My dad says as I step onto the white sand.

"Come with me, please." He contemplates the decision for a minute before nodding and stepping outside onto the sand.

"How will I get to where your camp is?" He asks.

I know he doesn't have a gift since he was a member of the Haven and Blaze staff. I have my wings, and I know they made me a lot stronger to. Maybe I can fly with him on my back?

"Hop on my back." I say as my wings fold out.

His eyes grow wide as he stares at my wings.

"I thought you had the power of invisibility?!" He questions, shocked.

"Apparently I have seven. I don't know what they all are yet though."

"The Extra," he mumbles, "It worked."

He climbs onto my back, and I am surprised at how light it actually was to carry him. With a giant leap, I flap my wings and send us zooming toward the endless blue sky.

This is it, goodbye Raven.