*11 years later*
RAVEN
The clapping of thunder in the sky awakened me out of another nightmare. Sweat glistened my body as I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Looking at my alarm, I saw that it was 3 am. I let out a groan while looking out my window.
Lightning flashed through the clouds making it look like an extravagant art piece. The stars clustered together in the sky looking like lost souls who had finally returned home.
My mind wondered how I got so lucky to be out of a dangerous situation. Scars littered my body from past events that always haunted my mind. Those days were my past and I didn't need to be reminded.
I was snapped out of my trance by a knocking on the door. I lazily shifted out of my bed to answer the door. As I looked out through the peephole, I was greeted by a vacant hallway.
Deciding that it was just a prank I went back to bed. As I was about to enter my room, another knock stopped me from continuing. I started walking back to the door ready to yell at whoever it was.
Opening the door, I was met with an empty hallway once again. As I was about to close the door, something on the ground caught my attention. There was an envelope on the ground, stained with red liquid stamping it closed.
I stared at it debating whether or not to open it. Concluding that I should open it, I picked it up and closed the door. Going back into my room with the letter, I sat on the bed and started opening it.
As I opened it, I was greeted by a small dead rose. I was starting to get scared. I continued opening the letter and read through it. I finished reading it and placed it on my bed next to me.
I hope you didn't forget me
A.A
Staring at the wall in front of me, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. I could never escape them a second time.
Why was this happening again?
I ignored the feelings that came rushing at me and played back on my pillow. Closing my eyes, I was brought with unwanted visions. Screaming and crying echoed in my mind, creating a very vivid dream.
~~~
The alarm next to me was determined to wake me up. A whimper left me knowing I had to work today. I got up and went to the bathroom to shower and brush my teeth. After I finished, I changed into my uniform and got my bag. I then left and began my route to the bakery.
When I arrived, the manager was at a table, talking to a stranger. He looked like he would snap at any moment. I quickly went behind the counter and started making the orders as the customers piled in.
Work had just finished, so I decided to go home and do my homework. When I got home, I did my homework, ate some snacks, and started watching television.
After about four hours of me watching the tv, I still couldn't sleep. Usually, I would fall asleep watching an episode of my favorite show but I couldn't. I had a gut feeling that something bad was about to happen. I got up and went to bed, successfully I fell asleep.
When I woke up, I felt an arm around me but I didn't dare to move. It could be a kidnapper or a killer for goodness sake. Gathering all my courage, I looked up and was met with my friend, Avianna, smiling at me.
Freak.
"You could have given me a heart attack!" I yelled at her. She just kept on smiling at me, not saying a word. "If you're not going to say anything, I suggest you leave," I said pointing at the door.
"Well, I guess you don't want your present." She grumbled and began to leave. "Why would you give me a present?" I questioned, starting to feel confused.
"Did you forget that today was your birthday?" She asked, making me gasp in surprise. I was so caught up in my work that I hadn't realized it was my birthday.
I jumped up and hugged her. "I would tell you to thank you but I didn't get my present yet." She laughed and gave me a black box.
I opened it and found a dagger. It looked so sharp, sharp enough to cut paper in one stroke. Underneath the dagger, it had a letter. I took it up and started reading it aloud. By the time I finished reading it, I was crying which made avianna cry.
To my friend, raven,
You have been there for me ever since you arrived in my life. You put a smile on my face even in the worst situations. You cheered me up when I was at my worst. You put me first although it was to be the opposite way. You took my punishments just so you wouldn't see me badly hurt.
You cared for me when no one did. You were more of a sister to me than my real sister ever was. To the most incredible person to ever live, I love you.
I wiped my tears and hugged her for the tenth time already. "Thank you," I whispered, letting go of her. "You forgot something." She smiled, pointing at the bottom of the box. I picked it up and it was revealed to be plane tickets.
"Plane tickets?" I quizzed, looking at her then back at the tickets. "Yeah because we're going to Italy." She declared. I glanced at her as if she was joking. "Why?" I inquired.
"Because you, my fair lady, need a vacation." She bowed while doing a courtesy. "I don't need a vacation and I have school tomorrow." I giggled.
"No, you don't. You have summer vacation in a week. Then you'll have all the fun you want." She pleaded. "Okay fine, I'll go. But you better pay for my food." I demanded.
She chuckled and headed to the kitchen. As I laid my head on the pillow, my thoughts raced back to me. Why would Alessandro come back after all these years? What did he want from me now?
The years after I had been around him, I had come to learn that I was related to him. That was before I escaped but what I didn't know was that no matter how much I ran, he always found a way back to me.
I debated in my mind whether or not I should tell avianna about the letter I got from Alessandro. Concluding that it would be best to tell her before anything were to happen to me. I told her.
Let's just say it wasn't the best decision.
~~~
"What exactly did he say?" She inquired, calming down after a few minutes. "He just said he hoped that I didn't forget him," I replied, already fuming at the thought of him coming back.
He ruined my childhood. I wanted what others had. Others had a perfect family, a sibling they could share their problems with, parents who be there with them through thick and thin.
What I grew up with consisted of me seeing blood every day. People were being assaulted and murdered in their cells. Some of them were innocent. I didn't grow up in a loving home. I grew up with cold, vile, and dangerous men. All of whom were in the mafia.
"Don't worry about him. Jax and I will be here to protect you." She expressed, nudging me on my shoulder, a smile plastered on her face.
"You know, they don't call me the world's best assassin for nothing." I chuckled. "No one calls you that." She voiced, raising her eyebrows at me.
"I imagine people saying it, when I'm not looking," I answered, taking a sip of my imaginary tea.
"Yeah, whatever you say." She said, a little smirk appearing on her face. "Jax and I will be here early on Saturday to pick you up, so be ready." She demanded.
"Yes ma'am," I responded, seeing a scowl appear on her face. She then flipped me off and left, mumbling something about getting Sushi.
Leaving me alone once again, the way I have always been.
~~~
What do you guys think Alessandro wants from her again?