The Original: Book 5

Prologue

Swing music echoed throughout the empty house as I finished folding the last of Hope's laundry, placing them neatly in the basket. Exiting the laundry room, I carried the basket up the stairs to Hope's room, which was right across from mine. The walls were a pastel yellow, to mimic the sun shining. There was a white crib against the wall to the left, a rocking chair next to it. I pushed some toys out of my way with my foot as I went over to the dresser, which was directly across from the crib. As I started putting the clothes in the drawers, my phone ran from my back pocket, causing me to jump. "Hello?"

"Ellie, it's me. You need to get out of the house, it's not safe." I froze for a moment before standing up and going over to the window. The yard looked clear. The only thing out there was a starling and it seemed to be looking right at me. "Pack a bag, I'll text you where to meet me."

"Rebekah, what's going on?" I asked, turning away from the window.

"I'll tell you when I see you." Hanging up the phone, I went into my room, pulling a suitcase and a duffel bag from the closet. I threw a bunch of random clothes into the suitcase before going into the bathroom to grab my toothbrush. Zipping up the suitcase, I brought it out to the top of the stairs, then continued on into Hope's room. Once the bag was full of diapers, clothes, and toys, I rushed back out to the stairs, grabbing the suitcase. I didn't bother shutting off the music or locking the door as I made my way out to my car, throwing the bags in the trunk. Taking a deep breath, I looked around once more, seeing the starling now sitting on the fence. Another flew over, joining it. With a small shake of my head, I went around to the driver's seat, getting in and speeding away from the house.