Eternal Mystery | ON HIATUS!

Chapter 1: Truth & Gone

13 years it's been since I last saw my parents. I've been living with my Aunt Charlotte since they suddenly disappeared out of the blue. No trace of them. My name is Alayah Kennedy and I want answers.

Why has my Aunt been leaving for long periods of time since a little after I turned 13? What is she keeping from me? Who is she seeing? Those are the questions I want to be answered and I'm going to get them, today.

I was sitting on the couch, waiting for Aunt Charlotte to return from wherever she had gone to, I think she went to the store, but after a while, I tuned her out. While I was waiting I was reading a book. A book transports me to a whole new place, where new things can be discovered and love can be found.

I've always enjoyed reading, it helps me forget all the worries that I have and opens up and adventure waiting to happen.

As I heard the front door swing open I bolted from the couch and went to help my Aunt Charlotte. "Leah, I have something to tell you." She said as she sat the bags down on the dining table.

I looked at her confused, but not really surprised. "What is it?" I asked, waiting for her response.

"I'll be out of town for the next few days, 5 days tops." She said as she began to stock the fridge.

"Like that's anything new," I muttered under my breath, but Charlotte caught me.

"What did you just say, girl?"

"Nothing." I quickly responded and began to help put up groceries. "So where are you going this time?" I asked.

"Don't worry about it. Just a business trip." She said waving off the answer.

Soon all the groceries were put away. "When do you leave?" I asked curiously. Maybe this is my chance to follow her and see where she is really going.

Maybe then I can get some answers. "Tonight." She said simply.

Nothing new like I said. "Well, you better get packing I guess," I told her as I returned to the book I was reading.

"Alayah." Charlotte began. She never used my real name unless she meant business.

"Yes?" I said putting the book aside.

"Are you okay with this? With me leaving you all the time like this?" She asked wanting to know the truth.

Ha, like I was going to give her the satisfaction of thinking pity to me about her leaving. "Yes, Aunt Char. I'm totally okay with it. I can take care of myself." I told her.

All she did was nod her head and left to pack her bags. I will find out answers, now or never. I left a note on the counter telling Charlotte where I would be, the woods, like always.

One of my favorite places to go, days like today, I just want to run away, but others I go and read a book, listening to the sounds of nature all around me.

I slipped on a pair of black converse before going out of the house and to the woods at the back of the property. Aunt Charlotte doesn't mind that I go out here, as soon as I'm back before she leaves anyway.

I sent my time walking and thinking about what I'm going to do. "Okay, so I assume that she is leaving by 6 or 7, depending on when she has to get to the hotel by," I said thinking out loud. As of right now I was walking back and forth on a fallen tree, trying to test my balance and I have to say, I'm pretty good at this.

I'm interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone. I pull out my phone and see that it's Aunt Char. calling me. I quickly tapped the answer button and pulled the phone up to my ear.