Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

 Three weeks passed by in a blur and I was living in a world null of color. I was stuck in-between shock and a numb feeling that clung to me like plastic wrap. It was getting a little easier, but I was well aware that it would never be easy.

I was in the bathroom, getting myself ready for the hour and a half drive to Point Reyes, California. I've been having difficulties looking at my reflection in the mirror lately. The fact that nearly every feature I had was almost an exact replica of my mother's was the sweetest torture. It was like honey and poison mixed together in a lethal cocktail. The bitterness coated my tongue like tannin, the sweetness smothered my nearly shriveled heart like syrup.

The one thing I didn't inherit was my mother's cornflower blue eyes. My eyes were a bright green that had a sun-like yellow flare around the pupils. But my hair, my dimpled smile, my olive complexion.. it all belonged to Rebekah.

I let out a deep bone weary sigh then splashed cold water on my face. The liquid didn't have the desired effect. It didn't wash away the grief that stuck to my eyes or cleanse the agony that stained my cheeks in the form of tears.

I ran my hands through my hair and looked over my appearance one more time. I twisted my lips as I looked over my navy blue shirt and plain blue jeans. I decided that

I had done all that I could do as far as being presentable..

"Do you have your things?" Rick asked, downing the rest of his morning coffee when I approached him.

"I do." I jerked my head toward the green and yellow striped suitcase that laid against the lonely brown sofa in Rick's living room.

He was kind enough to take me in for the past few weeks. Rick wasn’t a bad guy, but we were almost strangers despite the five years he spent dating my mother. He didn't have children of his own and he was too quiet and reserved. So we decided together that the best solution for both of us was me going to a boarding school.

Not only did he lack the knowledge of parenting without my mother to guide him, but I was desperate to put distance between myself and this vile town that had taken the woman that had given me life. The only true family I had. Another reason for my choice of leaving was the fact that my mother's killer had yet to be caught and we had no idea if I was a target.

"Did you pack your anxiety medication?"

My cheeks heated with embarrassment. I looked down to my feet disheartened. I never thought I would be that person. The kind of person that would panic at the slightest movement that caught me off guard or chew my nails anxiously till they bled. But that was now my reality.

Not only was I a nervous wreck, but sometimes I felt like I was losing my mind. After seeing that strange smokey figure the night of my mother's murder.. I see things that aren't there. Not all the time but every now and then. Usually dark slithery things or demented demonic faces appearing on even the kindest people I have ever met. Luckily the visions or hallucinations, whichever best describes it, fade as soon as they appear. But there were also the bizarre nightmarish dreams. Sometimes I felt as if I couldn't separate reality from illusion. But I would never tell a soul about it. Not Rick, not the therapist he had forced me into seeing, not even Ryan.

"Yes." I muttered.

Rick slid his hand onto my shoulder, giving it an awkward but gentle squeeze.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes shock comes in different forms, including anxiety." He stated matter of fact.

He pecked the top of my head, but it lacked any real emotion. I couldn't blame him, I felt drained of all emotion myself. At least he was trying to make an effort.

When he pulled away I knew from the look in his eyes that he was going to ask me why Ryan wasn't here. I had told Ryan goodbye a few days ago and asked him not to see me off today.

"I'll text him later. I don't think I could go through with this if he asked me to stay again. I have to get away from here, Rick." My voice took on a note of pleading.

I couldn't bear another, "Are you ok?". It seemed as if that's all anyone could say to me, even Ryan. I also couldn't bear the overwhelming devastation that filled Ryan's eyes when I refused to stay. Rick nodded in understanding, then ushered me out of the door.

Once we were on the road I took in the sight of Rick, remembering each detail of his face. From the thick blonde curls that smothered his head to his chiseled jaw that had sprinkles of grey and blonde stubble. His hands were curled on the steering wheel but I didn't have to look at them to know he chewed his nails down to his nail beds. I sighed heavily.

It would be the last day I would see him for a long time. Hell, I may not see him again, period. I felt a prickle of guilt that I was relieved. It was nothing against Rick or Ryan. I knew I couldn’t erase all of my past, but I could cut some threads of memories loose to create room for a new start along with new memories.

I was unaware that I had fallen asleep until I was awakened by Rick gently jiggling my knee.

He pointed to a sign that said, "Welcome to Point Reyes."

For the first time in almost a month I didn't have to force a smile, I actually felt genuinely pleased. I rolled down the window letting the damp air fill the car. Old fashioned buildings lined each side of the road and mist clung to the air, casting an eery vibe to the small city.

I noted that the atmosphere tasted different than San Francisco. It tasted like fresh rain on a summer day, even though it was now two weeks into October.

The school was a-good-way out of the city limits. We passed through countless trees and patches of greenery before we reached the road that led to it. It was a dirt road, much like the city, it was filled with a thick fog that could have easily been mistaken for the smoke of a fire. I had no doubt in my mind that if it were night time our arrival would be tricky.

The trees on both sides of the road were decorated with green moss, it wrapped around them almost camouflaging the dark blackish-brown bark. The limbs curled in striking patterns that interlocked at over trafficked members. Vines mixed with pale green leaves draped off of the branches like grapes in a vineyard. It looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. A forest I could easily imagine belonging to a world where mystical creatures thrived. It was eerily beautiful. The kind of beauty that both took your breath away and made the atmosphere a little colder with its unknown intentions.

We pulled up to what looked like two large gothic style castles encased by a wrought iron fence. The fence had sharp arrow shaped points on the ends. Ivy crept up both sides of the structures, concealing the cracks in the stone walls, but not enough to hide its age.

Rick retrieved my suitcase out of the trunk of the car and brought it to the iron gate. He typed in a code that he received from the headmistress and we both waited in silence as the large entrance gate swung open with a loud creaking sound.

When Rick wrapped his arms around me he squeezed me tightly.

"I'll miss you. I know your mother would be proud of you." Rick said into my hair. It was the first time his voice cracked with emotion. I blinked rapidly, trying to rid myself of the pesky tears that were gathered inside of them.

"I'll email you." I promised when he let go of me. I stepped back to offer him a warm smile. He nodded somberly, then retreated to his car.

It was a bittersweet goodbye. I was struck with the sudden realization that now, I'd be facing this world all on my own. I swallowed at the thought.