The Elucaen Curse

Ch. 7

The days that led up to my trip to Anglia passed like a blur and before I knew it, it was the day of my departure. Departure from America, departure from the human world, and most importantly, it was the day I was departed from my family.

I woke just in time the alarm gave off an earsplitting screech. Last night's lack of sleep was nothing compared to the previous nights, yet it still bestowed me with eye bags all the same. As shadows danced amongst the walls of the room, I glanced outside the stainless glass window and was greeted with the sun's early light; it was barely dawn.

Once I recalled the events of the past few days, I started to bury my head under the feathery pillow. Mom gave off a suggestion that Ara should be informed of my upcoming trip to 'Europe', but seeing as how she was unaware of our failing friendship, I decided to inform her about our falling out. She didn't take it well.

Before we drifted apart, Ara was, more or less, considered a part of our family. My family was like her second family, and vice versa. I did put that into consideration when I pondered on the decision of whether or not I should tell her about the trip, but I came to the conclusion that it still wouldn't have made a difference. Nothing would change even if she knew. Yet it did.

As I stood facing Ara a day later due to my mother's pestering, I announced that I was leaving America with the prospect of never returning. But what I did not expect was a hug from the person I would least expected it from. She then apologized and wished me luck, but it was in that moment that I realized how lonely I was, how lonely I would possibly be without my family and my friend, especially in a world that was nothing like what I was used to before.

I gave a deep sigh as my hands and legs sprawled out across the bed. "This year is definitely not my year. Can't believe it's going to be my last ti-"

"Erin Grace Mesineux! Get your butt downstairs to eat breakfast right this instant young lady or else you're going to miss your flight!" Mom called out as her footsteps thumped against the carpeted staircase.

A few moments later, she hovered over me with her arms crossed, an eyebrow raised. "Never mind, please do something about that terrible stench first. And hurry please; we have to get to the airport in the less than two hours," she said, yanking open the curtains in such a manner I was surprised the velvet didn't tore right then and there.

"I'll be down soon; I just need to pack a few more things."

The school only allowed each student to bring along with them a trunk of some sort, and because it was uniform-oriented, it didn't take long before I finalized everything I would need for the school year. After closing the emerald lid with a loud thud, I hurried into the bathroom to get ready.

--

The silence at the dining table was deafening. Not necessarily awkward, but not exactly comfortable either. It was as if everyone knew what was to come, but none refused to acknowledge it.

It certainly didn't help my state of mind that Erik looked like he got punched in the stomach. I was afraid if I offered any form of comfort, the tears that I wished wouldn't fall from my family's eyes would start to drop from mine.

I didn't have much of an appetite either, nudging my food around with the occasional clank of when my fork made contact with the plate.

When I couldn't take the silence any longer, I stood up and as I was ready to dump the dish into the kitchen's sink, a finger on the helm of my sweater stopped me in my tracks.

I swirled around and made eye contact with my brother's now tear-stained eyes while he asked in a quivering voice, "Do you absolutely have to leave, Erin? I'm going to be so lonely at home with no one to talk to."

Behind the façade of an annoying brat, he was still my brother after all. But I did feel a little bad that Mom and Dad decided to only tell him yesterday and not earlier about my departure.

"Come here, you little munchkin. You still have Mom and Dad, and I'll see you again in no time," I informed, though I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince him or myself.

He then rotated his body until it was back in its previous position. "But Dad, why can't we all just go with her to England? Or why can't she just stay here? Wouldn't it be better if our entire family live together?"

My parents simultaneously reached across the table and wrapped our hands in theirs, giving us a reassuring squeeze. "Well, not exactly. Trust me, the last thing we want is to separate Erin, but this is the only way for not just her safety, but ours as well."

Erik nodded, but the frustrated expression on his face said so otherwise.

Mom then swiftly ushered me upstairs by the shoulders once she noticed the time, and not long after, I was lugging the heavy trunk down the stairs. After giving my brother one last hug before he was entrusted in the care of Mrs. Matheson, I took one last look at the house as well.

"Goodbye," I murmured before climbing inside the car.

When we were half way to the airport, Mom turned around from the passenger seat and handed me a sheet of yellow paper.

"This is all the information you will need to get to the school once you arrive in London."

I stared at the words on the sheet, my brows furrowing. "So...just instructions regarding the portals."

"Don't forget your guide to the school," Dad added, glancing at the rear mirror.

"Ah, yes, the mysterious woman. How will I be able to find her?"

"I was just getting to that. You'll know it's her if she is wearing an amber stone necklace; remember, an amber stone necklace," Mom emphasized.

"What if there is another woman wearing a similar necklace?"

She let out a light laugh. "Don't worry, you'll know."

The rest of the car ride soon fell into comfortable silence. Dad drove on as Mom hummed to herself, leaving me to my thoughts of the future. And what it would mean for my family.