"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 paper 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 was someone who would never let go of the opportunity to eat.
Raya was 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 was 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 decided to ask Gina how her exams went and why there was a frown on her face before now.
What's up Gina, how did you papers go"
"Arrgh Please, Don't remind me", she said, taking a sip from her glass of fruit juice.
"Pfft" Raya, who was 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. his face expressionless. Gina sneered, glaring daggers at him but Kyle ignored her, acting like he didn't care.
Let Gina fill you in, she planned the vacation." 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.
Recalling how Gina was blabbering about the 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, walking 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 on 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, walking back to the living room, she sat beside her mother and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
Sweetie" how are you today ? How was your day? How was 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 Flora walked into the kitchen and Clara followed her.
"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. Clara smiled, appreciating her mom's presence.
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 sat facing 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, 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"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, you don't have to worry. I will be fine. 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 turn out differently for Clara as she turns 18 tomorrow. she feared the girl might come to hate her if she found out the truth. she wanted to tell her some many times before but she just couldn't bring herself to say it.
She decided to let Clara enjoy the blissful days and when the world comes crashing down, hopefully she would still be here for 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 finally drifting away to Dreamland.
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.
"Princess, I'm waiting for you" 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 followed him but the moment she walked into the darkness, Clara woke up from her sleep.
She gazed around her room. A frustrated sigh escaped from her lips.
These dreams were becoming something and a huge distraction. What if these dreams meant something? She asked herself.
but what could it Mean? and who was he?.
She sighed again, not wanting to dwell on it any longer. she was gradually going insane and maybe she needed to visit a therapist.
Clara gazed at her window and 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 into her room. Then made her way to the bathroom and freshened up. she wore her house clothes before going downstairs to see her mom. Surprisingly her friends were there.
what were they doing here so early in the morning?.
She found Gina, Raya and her mom whispering to themselves in the kitchen.