"Pens up" said the teacher, and Clara finally took a breath of relief.
Exams are over and her birthday is just a few days aways.
She was excited that she could finally go on vacation with her friends.
After Packing her books into her bag, Clara headed to where her besties were.
Hey guys, how was the exams" she asked, Staring at their faces, Gina had a frown on her face, Raya was smiling while Kyle just stood there expressionless.
She guessed today's papers didn't go as smoothly as they all expected, judging by the look on Gina's face.
"Let's go get some snacks and soda," Clara said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Sure, i really need to chill" Raya said with a smile, she's someone who will never let go of an opportunity to eat.
Raya is a foodie, she would salivate at the mere mention of food or snacks.
They walked to the nearest diner, which wasn't too far off from the school.
The diner was small but very clean. The floor was black and white In check patterns, the tables were white, combined with red chairs and Clara liked the combination.
Raya grabbed the menu first and ordered a burger and soda before passing the menu over to kyle,
Kyle wasn't very talkative, he's the type to talk only when it's necessary and they were already used to his attitude. Sometimes Clara would wonder how they got to be best buddies.
The orders were served quickly, and Raya was more than happy to dig into it.
Taking a bite from the burger, Clara decides to ask Gina how her exams went and why she was frowning earlier.
What's up Gina, how did you papers go"
"Arrgh Please, Don't remind me", she said before taking a sip from her glass of fruit juice,
"Pfft" Raya, who is sitting beside Clara suddenly bursts into laughter.
"Raya, Stop it, that's very rude", Clara said, but Raya continued to laugh which earned her a hard glare from Gina.
Where are you girls going for vacation? Kyle asked .
Mystic falls," Gina informed.
I wasn't talking to you Gina, " Kyle said with an expressionless face and Gina sneered, glaring daggers at him but Kyle could only care less.
Let's Gina fill you in, it was her idea anyway" Clara said
Gina smiled at Clara and then she started to talk about the town, the beach,the climate, the tourists attractions and other unbelievable tales.
Clara couldn't help but roll her eyes at Gina's exaggerations.
After spending her day in school and with her besties, Clara was a little tired.
Remembering how Gina was blabbering about their upcoming trip and all her weird stories, Clara could only nod her head in anticipation. Absent-mindedly, she pulled the door knob and entered the house and walked straight to her bedroom. She didn't even take notice of the familiar presence in the house.
Clara Darling" Her Mom Called from the living room, startling Clara, who was halfway into the stairs.
Clara would never have imagined her mom would be home at this hour, and she didn't even see her car parked outside the house either or maybe she wasn't really paying attention. Clara thought to herself.
Clara!! Her Mom called out again.
"Yes Mom" she replied before walking back to the living room, took a seat beside her mother and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
Sweetie" how are you today ? How was your day? How were your exams, how are your besties, how...?
Mom I'm fine, My exams went well, Kyle, Gina and Raya are cool too. They sent their greetings. Clara cut her off, not wanting to be attacked with more questions, Her mother had become more of a worrywart lately.
Okay if you say so," she replied come have dinner, i made your favorite and Clara nodded
"You are home early today,"Clara said.
"I know right" I took a leave of absence from work, I just wanted to have today for myself, and spend some time with you sweetheart, Her mom explains while dishing out the food and placing it on the dining table. And Gina appreciated it
Taking a look at the simple dishes on the table, Clara's tummy began to rumble. She loved pasta and tomato sauce with roast chicken wings and pineapple juice.
Without wasting time Clara grabbed the cutlery and started to eat, her mom seated opposite her and also started to eat.
She would raise her head and glance at Clara from time to time.
"When will you guys be leaving for vacation"? she asked
"Three day from now, it's just Gina , Raya and I. Kyle won't be able to make it. His grandparents are coming over in two days, so Kyle has to be home to welcome them with the rest of the family".
"I wish I could tag along, but my job won't let me for now,"Her mom said.
"but i could help you pack if you want", she said with a smile.
"No mom, thanks but I will do it myself, I will just pack some things, you don't have to worry". Clara said, her mom nodded and they both continued to eat.
After eating, Clara did the dishes while her mom tidied the dining table. She walked out of the kitchen to see her mom staring out into space.
Mom! Clara called.
Her mom turned to face her, staring deep into her eyes. Unknown emotion playing on her face, emotions that Clara couldn't understand.
Are you thinking about dad? Clara asked.
She Stared at Clara for a moment before taking her hands in her's, they went to take a seat on the sofa.
Clara listen" she said
You will be an adult soon, and things might begin to change but always know that I loved you dearly, and I'm glad to have you as my daughter, she said, but Clara only nodded, a bit confused.
Mom, don't have to worry, as long as you are with me, I love you, And I'm happy to have you as my mother." Clara said.
Her mom smiled, seeing how Clara had failed to understand what she was trying to tell her. Her mom knew things might be difficult for Clara as she turns 18 tomorrow.
She decided to let Clara enjoy the remaining few days in bliss, as the world will soon come crashing down at her.
Clara stayed with her mom in the living room before going to her room to rest for the night.
She took a nice long bath, put on her pajamas before going to bed.
Clara tossed and turned before you finally drifted off to sleep.
Opening her eyes she found herself in this familiar yet unfamiliar dark room.
This time Clara was unable to see those silver eyes she had so longed for, as the stranger was hiding behind the shadows, but she knew he was there, she could feel his presence, the sense of calm and closeness it brought to her.
"Come find me princess, I'm waiting for you but hurry" he said in the same sweet and alluring voice but Clara could sense a hint of sadness in his voice which alarmed her.
"Who are you and where are you? " She asked, finally getting the courage.
She has always wanted to ask this question,she was desperate to know.
But no reply came from him.
Clara started to panic when she noticed he was walking away further into darkness.
Wait up '' she said, trying to hasten her steps and follow him but the moment she walked into the darkness, Clara woke up from her sleep.
She gazed round her room, before a frustrated sigh escaped from her lips.
These dreams are becoming something and a huge distraction. What if these dreams mean something? She ask herself
What could it Mean?
She sighed again, not wanting to dwell on it any more.
Clara gazed at her window, she realized it was dawn.
The morning rays of light were forcing its way through the curtains, and she felt relieved knowing she wouldn't be going back to sleep.
She climbed out of bed and walked to her window. She pulled the curtains to allow the morning light to enter into her room. Then made her way to the bathroom, she wore her house clothes before going downstairs to see her mom,but also surprisingly her friends were there.
She found Gina, Raya and her mom whispering to themselves in the kitchen.