Inevitable

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Inevitable // Chapter 1
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Haille Calista

Some may know the story of a young woman named Haille Calista who was forced to meet her inevitable fate as the balancing force of good and evil. The story truly begin as the morning sunbeams reflected brightly off the clear jewel that hangs around her slim neck. Her eyes snap open dancing frantically around as she surveils her surroundings. In a soft echo, assuming just the lingering effect of her dream, she hears her name being called repeatedly like a broken record. Slowly, she comes to a realization that it is her adoptive mother's, Cara Devine, soft voice that is calling her from downstairs.

Haille groans, roll over and bury her face in her pillow hoping to somehow fall back asleep. The futile attempt proved to be useless as Cara's voice still rang throughout their tiny house. Haille could have sworn that Cara was standing in her doorway by how loud her voice sounds in her ears.

***

A thick breath pushes itself past my lips as I swing my legs out of bed. It was the last of my senior days in high school and I want to do nothing more than to just sleep the day away. Luckily for me, Mom insisted that I attend school one last time before I have to face the world and all the responsibilities that awaits as my newly acquired adulthood.

Walking over to my bathroom, I catch my reflection in the mirror. For a second it almosts looks like someone else staring back at me. I run my hand over my face and lazily start my morning routine for school. By the time I finished showering, dressing, and fixing my hair I was surprised to see that I completed everything in less than twenty minutes.

"New record," I whispered to myself, grabbing my phone and bag, and walking out of my room and down the stairs only to find Mom running around the kitchen preparing whatever she's making. Whatever it was, it smelt delicious.

I walk into the kitchen, silently taking a seat at the island being careful not to disturb her. She turns around and jumps, clutching her heart when she sees me. Despite the fact that my presence caught her a bit off guard that still didn't stop her from rushing around the countertop and pulling me into her arms, capturing me in her motherly embrace.

It never ceases to amaze me just how strong this woman is, both mentally and physically, despite her age. She pulls away for a second, just enough to tell me "Happy 18th birthday, Haille." Before crushing me back into her small body.

It's a wonder how she always remembers my birthday, yet I can barely keep up with what day it is.

"Thanks, mom" I say, hugging her back.

She holds me at arms length, hands rested on my shoulders as her eyes run over my face. A proud look settles over her soft features as she stares up at me.

Mom was a bit shorter than me with her standing at 5'2 and I at 5'8. She wears shoulder length chocolate brown hair that matches her large round brown eyes. Her milky skin still smooth and soft. She is unmistakably beautiful for being in her forties.

Unlike Mom, my skin was more of a sun-tanned color, my hair was a wavy midnight black and my eyes were a blue golden-brown color. Not to brag or anything but I happen to be more curvaceous than my mother.

Once, I asked mom where did I get my looks from. I instantly regretted asking as a result of the pained look that splintered across her face. Still, she revealed that I inherited my mother's looks and my father's strong personality. Both who were involved in a fatal accident that claimed their lives. I was tempted to find out if I had any other family members around, but I managed to hold my curiosity at bay. Having Cara in my life was enough.