Don't Let Him Get You

Chapter 1

Kiara sat on her bed reading as the grey streaks of light from outside shone in, hitting her legs, and setting the entire room in an eerie glow. The constant patter of rain on the window, her breathing, and the sound of paper upon paper as she flipped through the novel filled the room with sound. The weather matched the changing seasons from warm to bearably cold. The trees changed colour, covering the ground with a sunset of its own as the leaves fell one by one. Kiara scarcely stood to watch the rain create pools in the flower beds below when a knock at the door caused her to jump. She walked to the door and opened it to her grandmother Moira standing on the other side.

"It's time for dinner, come on downstairs." Moira spoke softly as she looked adoringly at her granddaughter. Moira and her husband, Byron, had taken care of Kiara since the age of six, when tragedy claimed the lives of her parents. The three experienced the challenges of life like any other family. They cared for one another, and as Kiara grew, so did her ability to help out.

Kiara and Moira made their way down stairs to the dining room where Byron waited for them. As they ate, Kiara noticed the passing glances between her grandparents, and even at times the stares directed at her. Despite her growing suspicions, Kiara restrained herself and waited for them to speak up. Not soon after Kiara resigned herself to forget the glances, Byron cleared his throat, causing her to look up from her plate. "Kiara, your grandmother and I want to speak with you about a very sensitive matter," he paused to gather his thoughts. He glanced at Moira who in turn urged him to continue, "as you can tell, your grandmother and I are very old; older than dirt some would say. And we love you very much, so this has nothing to do with you, just remember that."

"I love you guys too. Is something wrong?" Kiara felt her throat tighten and her heart beat faster.

Moira spoke up, noticing Kiara was beginning to get short of breath. "Honey, nothing is wrong per say. It's nothing to get too worried about. What your grandfather is trying to tell you, as terrible as he is at saying it, is that because we're old and we need care that can't be provided to us from home. Especially your grandfather," Moira reached out to take Kiara's hand in hers, "your grandfather and I need to move into a care home where we can both receive the medical attention that we need, when we need it."

Kiara had difficulty processing the changes thrown at her. "So, if the two of you move into a care home, where does that leave me?"

Moira's eyes glistened with tears and her voice shook as she spoke. "Oh darling, we don't want to do this to you but it needs to be done. I think it's better for all of us."

Kiara grew frustrated as she noticed that they were avoiding the answer to her question. "Just give me a true, straightforward answer," she whispered softly, trying to hide any hint of frustration in her voice.

With some hesitation Byron answered, "it was decided that it would be best if you were living with your Aunt Lillian and Uncle Ronan."

"Wait. You want me to move back to Port Valeau! Not only is the choice of town itself a bad idea but also the fact that I don't know anyone there! I haven't seen any other relatives in almost twelve years and you expect me to just uproot and change my entire lifestyle?" Kiara exploded, unable to contain any of her frustration. Although she knew it was rational to move in with relatives if her grandparents moved into a care home, she couldn't help but feel rejected.

"We're not forcing you to do anything. It's the only way for you to be with family. We understand your frustration at this moment but hear us out. Your aunt and uncle have no children of their own and will gladly take you in. We already spoke with them about this and even though it is short notice, they're already preparing for your arrival." Moira attempted to diminish Kiara's anger. She wrung her hands, a habit of hers when she knew a tense situation could either be alleviated or make a turn for the worse.