Short stories

New chapter!!

This is the latest chapter of my book Newborn

Chapter 16: Hidden Protector pt 1

 

Awkward. That’s the word. Awkwardness hung in the air of the library as the brothers spoke in hushed tones while I sat by the fire wrapped in a blanket, day dreaming.

 

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“Mummy, mummy!” A childish giggle escaped my 6 year old self. I heard her chuckle as she brought me up and rested me on her hip.

“And what have you got there?” She asked, pointing to my closed fist. I opened it and there resting on my palm was a pendant, missing it’s chain.

“I found it in the tree Mum,” I spoke fast and high-pitched. Her eyes widened as she slapped my hand. The pendant fell to the wood floor and she put me down.

“Go get cleaned up! Wash your hands and find your dress, we’re going to Elsie’s.” She rushed and shooed me off upstairs. At the top I turned to see my mother bending down to pick up the pendant, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

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“Leyah, Leyah?” I flinched as a large hand grasped my forearm, jolting me awake. Warmth spread through me and I looked up to see Lucas’ eyes worriedly searching my face. I heard a bang and turned my head to the doorway. One of the servant girls lay motionless, the silver tray and snacks surrounding her.

 

My face drained of all color and my skin turned icy. I felt hot tears dripping down my face as Lucas tried to calm me down. His words weren’t registering, they were just blurring, as I stayed my focus on the dead girl in our doorway. The one that I had just killed.

 

Black spots started to fill my vision as it became hazy and I drifted into a soft sleep.

 

*******

 

“Lucas! It’s been three days! We have to find out what happened. Your brother has already passed out from hunger and exhaustion and I know you’re close to it. Don’t be stupid.” Someone was whisper-yelling in a gravelly voice. Three days? What is he talking about?

 

I heard shuffling and warmth spread through my fingertips. My nose was tickled with hair as I felt someone lean into my ear.

 

“Please Leyah. If you can hear me, just show me you’re okay. This is draining me.” His voice was hushed and strained and filled with pain. My heart hurt at the sound and I tried to move my fingers, open my eyes, anything. But I couldn’t.

 

Lucas sighed and slowly got up. I heard him agree with the stranger and their steps were getting further away until I heard the door close quietly. My heartbeat quickened as I tried desperately to get my body to respond to my brain. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I sighed and gave up, submitting to the darkness that enveloped me. Swallowing me whole. I felt the current of sleep sweep me under and I was swarmed with images.

 

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{Written in Lucas’ Point Of View}