Celestial Royal Sisters - (Guardians of Nirvana)

CHAPTER THREE

Geyserville, Sonoma County, 2 days before the k********g…

Taking in a deep breath, I pull the hoodie low over my head, clenching and unclenching my hands as I hurry down the barely lit sidewalk from the diner where I work.

With the recent rumors circulating town about girls being kidnapped by some group of masked men, I had tried my best to end my shift at the diner early.

Unfortunately for me, Ms Donaldson, my old and sinister boss was present at the restaurant today and there was no way I could leave early like I usually do.

She made me stick around until the last customer left and then made me clean up the entire diner until she was satisfied.

If it hadn’t been for the fact that I needed this money badly, and the fact that no one else is willing to hire the adopted daughter of McGregor, the towns crazy witch, I would have quit a long time ago.

The woman has it out for me, and despite everyone being warned not to venture out late around 11:00 pm, especially girls my age, she refused to let me go until she’s done being the evil b***h she is. Picking up my pace I tried not to flinch and startle at every sound I hear.

The old house Sara and I live in is only a few streets down from the diner, so as long as I rush, I should get home soon. Clearing my thoughts, I start my breathing exercise and feel the tension tightening in my bones slowly wash away when I see my house.

Looking left and right, goosebumps rose on my skin for some unknown reason and I quickly crossed the darkened street and rushed inside.

The smell of incense cedar and lavender filled my nose and immediately, I knew Sara was once again messing around in the basement. Unbeknownst to many, Sara is a talented and passionate artist.

Unfortunately, the galleries in town refuse to showcase her work because they consider her art are “too dark and intense” for their taste. This is why she makes do by selling them online.

I pulled off my sweater and sneakers just as I heard the rush of footsteps come from the open door leading into the basement. Once again, she’s in a state of disarray.

Her greasy blonde hair is in a curtain of tangles because she barely brushes the thing, especially when she’s in one of her “moods”.

Her clothes are wrinkled and worn and I can even spot a few ratty holes that need sewing, she’s starting to smell after many days of not showering and dark circles have formed a permanent residence beneath her eyes.

Her dark brown, almost black eyes blazed in anger upon spotting me and I hesitate for a second, wondering if maybe braving the dark would be better than dealing with her.

But she’s already seen me so there’s no point in leaving. “Why are you so late!” She snapped.

Not answering, I slowly make my way to the fridge. Pulling the door open to see it’s empty, I slam the door close just as a hard slap connected with the back of my head. “I believe I asked a question!”

Gritting my teeth, I try not to react in anger. That just makes her even madder, and no one wants to mess with a mad Sara.

“The diner, Ms Donaldson made me stay behind to clean up.” I say and turn to face her, at 5’8ft I stood taller than most people and that attribute has always rubbed Sara the wrong way.

With her being only 5’5ft, she has to look up at me often and I think my towering height intimidates her. Why, I have no idea?

“That beady old crow, I specifically called her to let you off early!”

Well, that explains a lot.

“I’ve finally had it with that hag, when I’m done with her, she’ll regret defying me.” She hisses, her eyes dilating into dark pools that sends a shiver of fear down my spine.

I have no idea how she does it but, when Sara determines something bad is going to happen to someone, a few days later it always does.

Honestly, I’d believe she’s truly a witch if I didn’t live with her. The woman is the epitome of pure evil. “Can I go to my room now?”

Silence met my question and I slowly glance up to see her staring at me with a blank expression. She frowns, as if confused, but then her confusion is quickly replaced with glee. “Yes, you may, but first I have some important news to share.”

Heading towards the living room, she drops heavily on the worn-out couch and motions for me to come to join her. “I’d said to that old bat to release you early today so you would have enough time to pack and I would have had a better explanation to give you but we’re running out of time and they’ll be here soon.”

“What are you talking about, are we going somewhere?”

“It’s not a we, it’s just you.”

“What are you–”

“Let me talk!” She hissed, her eyes blazing in pure fury, and I immediately shut my mouth.

Taking in a deep breath she looks away before concentrating back on me, her eyes boring into mine. “You know we are in no way related, and I want to leave this insufferable town behind and begin a new spiritual journey with my art. I was going to call social services a month ago to discuss having you back into the system because there’s no way you are coming with me—”

As she says that, there’s a look of distaste on her face as if the mere idea is repulsive to think about. But rather than be offended my mind draws a blank. Go back, to that dreaded place, over my dead body!

“—But something unexpected happened, I got a visit from some strange people who claim to know your family. Now you know I’m not one to believe people easily but they had proof, baby photos and everything. Both men said your family has been searching for you for years and it wasn’t until now that they found you, they’re coming today to take you back and from then on you will be living with them.”

“But… I… this doesn’t remotely make sense to me. I was left on the doorstep of an orphanage, why would they or anyone be looking for me?”

“I don’t know,” She retorts with a look that reads, what are you asking me for? “You can find out once you meet them.”

She stands to leave and I grab her hand out of sheer panic. “You can’t seriously mean to let these people take me, can you?”

“I can and I am. I don’t see why you’re so anxious, from what I could tell these people are rich. You will live a better life with them than the one you will have in the system or my home.”

“B-but Sara-”

“Oh, enough already!” She snarls in anger, throwing her hands in the air in frustration. “My decision has been made, so you can either go pack up your stuff before these people arrive or be prepared to live on the streets starting tomorrow. I’m leaving town come morning and I’m never coming back.”