The mystery behind it

It was the first time, I was rebelling against Uncle Tan. I keep reminding myself, I have to get away from that hell, that place, which was once - My home.

"Erika, quick get in the car!", Naomi hurriedly wave her hand to get in.

"Naomi! " I shouted in relief.

"ERIKA! get back here, Right Now!" it was, Uncle Tan, who was yelling and shouting at me.

We were running for our life.

He was chasing after us. When his hands suddenly grabbed me from behind, dragging me inside into the darkness, as the terror, struck me with a thunderbolt leaving my mind completely blank and shattered.

I woke up in a cold sweat and breathing heavily - It wasn't just a dream. I stare at my own hands, it was trembling. Vivid replays of the trauma of two years back of that dreadful night - almost raped, by the only person whom you thought was your family came back haunting.

Uncle tan - A single, bachelor, disguise to be caring. He was the only guardian left, after the sudden disappearance of my parents. The day went dismal and somber for us - siblings. Sean, was so young at that time, he never asked the whereabouts of our parents. As for me, I was being tortured and beaten up by him. I felt numb, I felt like shell. All my feelings - the hurt, shame, anger, guilt, confusion and sadness were all locked away. I thought I can get through this trauma, but now it's back again.

Suddenly my door swung forward to reveal a smiling face.

"Happy 18th birthday, sister!" Sean yelled, nearly deafening me. I was dumbfounded. I hide my trembling hands under my blanket and tried to lighten up the environment.

"Don't you ever think to destroy that pretty cake!" I yelled back, jolted up suddenly from the bed, after looking at the huge cake which was on a verge to get launch anytime on me.

"Gotcha!" Sean said with a huge smile on his face, playing as innocent, the creamy stuff dripping and running down by my face and red cherry popping out from my head. I knew that, he was cheering me up.

"Fine! Then get out, so I can get changed" I said, while shoving him off outside of my room.

I changed myself into a white tank top, and a pair of ripped skinny jeans with light brown boots that reached to my mid ankle.

I swept my dark brown hair into a high ponytail and left a few wispy bits down. Looking at last glance in the mirror, I took my hoodie and took a deep breathe. I need to settle down the things between me and Uncle tan.

Last night, if it wasn't for Mr Gerald, who came back again to check on us. It would have been the same. I felt a Goosebumps - what if Uncle tan pursue us again. He was apprehended and taken away by the officers, for threatening and assaulting. It was shocked to find out that, Mr Gerald, was the sheriff.

"Hurry up, Sister! We'll be late for school!" Sean reminded, waiting for me.

I shrugged off the vicious thoughts. It's time for the new change. Time to go to school.

As I walked down the hallway of Santa Fe high school. The school looks usual, nothing changed, except I can see a new faces in the crowds. I heard some girls giggling over a cute boy, bustling sound of shoes, groups of people laughing out loud and ringing sound of metal bell indicating the start of the class.

I organized my locker and took out my next class book with me. Before I could enter the class, I was hold back by the pair of tiny long hands clinging to my throat. I know who it was.

My nerd friend. Bonnie. She was the first person with similar geeky interests.

"Happy birthday Er!" She said while hugging me tightly.

"Calm down girl, don't kill me please. I can't breathe" I said, pretending to be death.

She rolled her eyes and chuckled.

5'10 inch tall for a girl, wearing those dark glasses, her messy hair like it was not combed for many years. Her tanned skin, making her look even graceful. She was wearing those sweat pants and full shirts which was rolled up till elbows and carrying her favorite books - psychology.

She came next to me and handed me a huge bundle of books from her locker. What the heck. How she even managed to carry this heavy books along with her everytime.

"Need help?" She asked while glancing over my face.

"I feel like carrying a baby elephant! " I blurted out, while forcing my smile, stumbling the balance of the books.

She studied my expression and laughed hysterically at me.

I just rolled my eyes.

She picked her bag, still laughing. While we headed towards our class.

I sat down in my seat and pulled out my world history book. I have to admit, I really like this class. Leaning about the things such as Renaissance period and imperialism really intrigued me.

Miss Clarke had assigned each partner, to hand down the reports on mystery crimes. When the bell rang, I gathered up my things and stuffed them ungracefully into my backpack. I was ready to go already.

"Oh Erika, I have something I need to talk with you. See me in my office?" Miss Clarke said while walking out of the classroom.

It was weird. She never asked anyone to enter in her office.

After finishing my classes. I went straight to the office. I asked Bonnie to stay behind. Before I could knock on. Miss Clarke voice called me.

"Come in"

Is she a vampire? How can she sense my presence.

I saw her desk was full of messy paper clips. I walked up to her desk and watched her open a drawer and pull out a book. She handed it to me. I was confused by her behavior. Why she was giving me the book. I grabbed it.

"I know you're dazed. This book was the present, your mother, asked me to deliver while she was here" she said smiling.

I stood there stunned, by what just happened. Why she knows about my mother? What was the relation between my mom and her? Did she know something about my parents? Why my mom was here, in this school?

She read my expression and chuckled. It's obvious from my face. I was giving her the questioning look. I need an explanation. Before I could open my mouth. The bell ring of the hallway distracted us.

"I know what you wanted to ask. Next time Miss Tan. I need to rush to my class" She just vanished into a thin air while leaving me dumbfounded in her office.

I was sure, my eyes just popped out from the eye socket. I couldn't feel anything. When I came back into my senses. I opened the book again and again. There was an envelope folded nicely, as it was ironed, in a pure white color with a red sealing wax. I looked around for a bit and hurriedly dashed outside.

Reaching at the parking lot, I saw, Sean and Bonnie were standing awkwardly facing to the different direction to each other. Yeah why not, I could understand because, Sean had a huge crush on her for a long time.

Bonnie saw me coming and waved.

"What took you so long?" She asked me while raising the eyebrow looking towards on my puzzled face.

"Later! I need to go home right now" I said hurriedly and jump into the car, while starting the engine. Sean took the rear seat, behind me, totally confused. I waved off Bonnie, saying sorry to her. I saw from the corner of my eyes, she doesn't like it, because she was glaring intensely.

"Is everything fine?" Sean asked worriedly.

I was too focus on road that I didn't heard what he was saying.

"Hey! Are you listening?" Sean demanded loudly.

"Don't worry, I'm fine" I urged.

Rest of the way to home went into silent.

My mind was spinning with confusion. I went straight to my room and searched for the albums I was having in the old stack. There it was. It was the exact photo Miss Clarke was having on her desk. My mom, her and one more person. Who is this third person?

I tear the envelope slowly, and start reading the letter. I can recognize - it was from Mom, written in a beautiful cursive handwriting.

Dear Erika,

If you're reading this letter. It means I'm no longer with you. We're sorry, darling.

Happy birthday my child!

I don't have enough time left, I know you have many questions to ask. Promise me one thing, you will never act rashly, be more patience.

Don't trust to anyone sweetheart.

Keep an eye open.

The reason, why I'm leaving this letter and book, you'll knew it soon.

I can't tell you everything in this letter, you both need to stay alive. Remember one thing - I taught you, You are not alone.

Take care of your brother.

I love you, sweetie.

Mom

I couldn't read anymore because my eyes went blur with flood of tears. I felt a Pain in my chest. I love you Mom. I crawled myself in the corner, and let the pain washed over me.

Meanwhile, I concluded three things -

First, My parents life were in danger when they had came to Santa Fe. What might had happened?

Second, I can't trust to anyone.

And lastly, what was the reason behind all this mystery. I need to find out the truth.

I lay down there and stare at the book -

"The Mystique"

What was hidden in it? I thought to myself. What mother wanted me to know about it?

A sudden buzz, made me, jumped. There was a message from an unknown source.

"Your parents are alive. If you want to know. Come alone. No clever moves,

#46 Attic street."