Escape

Out

She knows she's not fully herself when she took a step outside the manor. But her mind can't seem to grasp why she should not go. Instead she let herself get pulled into one of the waiting vehicles.

The group is ready and they start to get into the three cars lined up outside.

Michael got out of the driver seat of a shiny black Ford expedition and came to get her bag. He wore a light green button up shirt that made his eyes even more green. 

She murmured a thank you to him and started to get inside the car when Kristy pulled her into the passenger seat and buckle the seat belt to her before winking and getting into the back.

Resigned she sat with her hands folded in her lap.

Trees blur as they passed by them, past the town and the long bridge that signals the entrance to the place she had spent two weeks to get to.

She blinked and the feeling of dread suddenly came to her. She reached out to grip the car handle, what have she done?

She left the protection of the house. On a clear weather where her scent would linger and she would be easier to track. What if those men happen to scout in this country?

She shook her head, this place is a thousand miles away from home. Seven months since that incident. Three months since her last encounter with the trackers. 

"Something wrong Van?" Michael's voice startled her from her thoughts. 

His worried face came into view. Bryan and Jess were belting into a pop song she doesn't recognize. Kristy was laughing and taking a video of the two. 

"I'm fine." 

"You look pale. Are you feeling sick?" 

She can say yes, Michael will turn the car around and drop her off. Or stay with her and Kristy's birthday plans will be ruined. 

She controlled her breathing, tried to push back on the worry that seemed to swallow her whole.

"I'm fine. Just a little car sick that's all." She lied. Giving him a small smile which he responded with an unconvinced stare.

He pressed a button that rolled the windows in the front down. 

She gasped. "No. Close it! Close it please." she half shouted. 

Michael might have picked up on her panic as he did so right away. 

"If you're car sick fresh air will help." Michael offered, brows tied into a frown. "What is it really. You can tell me Van what are you worried about?" 

Kristy leaned in holding an old video camera "Hey love birds its too early for a fight. Come on smile for the camera." she chirped. 

They both ignored her as they stared at each other before she looked away and focus on the scenery on the window. 

She ended up sharing a room with Santana, one of the residents in the manor. On her few encounters with the girl she had decided she liked her. She's reserved compared to her best friend which made her thankful she was paired with her. 

They are staying in a five star casino hotel where the cousins' rented out the penthouse that showcases a three hundred degree view of the city and the amazing mountain ranges in the north. 

It houses six rooms in total with its very own private pool and Jacuzzi that could accommodate twenty people.

When they reached the floor the food has already been arranged by the pool area, a chef was manning a barbecue and a bartender stands by the pool bar. 

To say everyone was impressed was an understatement. They cheered and hooted and praised how Kristy makes the best parties. 

It made her smile seeing her happy. It's obvious she is well loved and she's sure it's just not because of her magic but because of how she is as a person. 

Michael stands beside her watching his cousin laugh and enjoy with their friends. It shows how much he cares for her. 

When the initial excitement died down they all get to their rooms and changed into fresh clothes. The afternoon sun feels amazing and everybody was encouraged to put on their swim clothes to enjoy the pool and the sun. 

Dressed in her black two piece suit then paired with a simple spaghetti strapped white and purple summer dress both she and Santana went to mingle with the rest of the group. 

The party is now on its full blast, more people had come, more of Kristy's friends from school and others who lives in the city. They are either dancing, swimming or just talking to themselves but everyone seems be enjoying themselves. Music blasts from the speakers and drinks flows nonstop. 

She was talking to Jess and Bryan when she caught a scent. Her head snapped to the direction of the entrance and there he was, a tall golden skinned man, eyes focused on her.