The engine of Theo’s car rumbled, a low growl that faded into the distance.
Stella waited until the last trace of sound disappeared, a sigh escaping her lips. He’s so thoughtful, she mused, the lingering scent of his cologne a warm, woody blend still clinging to the air.
The polished brass of the doorknob felt cool beneath her fingers as she let herself back into the house.
“STELLA!”
The sharp shout sliced through the quiet, making her jump. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She whirled around, her breath catching in her throat. There, nestled in the passenger seat of Tyros’s sleek, black car, was Flora.
Flora slid out of the car, her face a whirlwind of emotions. “Is that Theo? Why are you here, though?” Her voice was sharp, laced with a nervous energy that Stella found unsettling.
“You should talk to your boyfriend first, Flora!” Stella replied, her voice tight with a mixture of exasperation and concern. She gestured towards Tyros, who stood patiently by the driver’s side, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, a picture of simmering impatience.
Flora nodded curtly, a fleeting flicker of guilt crossing her features before she hurried towards Tyros.
Stella watched, a knot tightening in her stomach.
The way Flora moved, the way she practically vibrated with restless energy, spoke volumes.
Stella shook her head, a low murmur escaping her lips. What a loud woman! she thought, the sound barely audible above the frantic beating of her own heart. The sight of Flora leaning in to kiss Tyros, a passionate, almost desperate kiss, was jarring.
“Bye, honey!” Flora’s voice, though softer now, still held an edge of urgency.
Tyros’s smile was wide, almost painfully bright, a stark contrast to the tension hanging heavy in the air. “Be careful on your journey!” he called after her, his voice a low rumble that barely reached Stella’s ears.
“You can go now, love!” Flora’s voice was breathless, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
Tyros started the engine, the roar a sudden, jarring sound that sliced through the quiet.
Stella watched as Flora waved wildly at the departing car, her arm a blur of motion. “You’re going to break your arm!” Stella exclaimed, her voice laced with concern, grabbing her friend’s arm to stop the frantic waving.
Flora rolled her eyes, her expression a mixture of annoyance and defiance. “You’re overreacting!” she retorted, pulling her arm away with a sharp jerk.
The squeal of tires announced Tyros’s departure. Silence descended, heavy and expectant, before Flora spoke, her voice breaking the stillness. “Where’s your father?” she asked, her voice laced with a casualness that didn’t quite mask her underlying concern. She tossed her bag onto the plush, floral couch, the thud a small, almost insignificant sound in the sudden quiet.
“I don’t know! He just left his car keys,” Stella replied, the words clipped and short. A feeling of unease settled over her, a premonition of something amiss. She headed towards the kitchen, the rhythmic click of her heels on the hardwood floor a counterpoint to the silence that followed her.
The aroma of frying bacon hung heavy in the air, a familiar comfort in the unsettling quiet. “Are you eating alone?” Flora’s voice, softer now, followed her into the kitchen.
Stella nodded, her gaze fixed on the sizzling bacon. “Nothing’s new. Want to eat with me?” She offered, her voice still tinged with the earlier unease.
Flora readily agreed, pulling up a chair beside her. The clatter of plates and cutlery filled the silence, a welcome distraction.
Once breakfast was finished, Flora volunteered to wash the dishes, her movements efficient and purposeful.
“I’ll just prepare my things,” Stella announced, escaping to the sanctuary of her room. The air in her room was thick with the scent of lavender and vanilla, a stark contrast to the lingering bacon smell from the kitchen.
Stella pulled out her worn leather bag, its soft texture familiar and comforting beneath her fingers. She carefully packed the small collection of items Theo had brought a worn paperback, a half-empty tube of his favorite lip balm, a small, smooth stone he’d picked up on their last hike.
Each item held a memory, a tangible link to him. She gathered her essentials, a sense of urgency pushing her forward. The bathroom beckoned, promising a moment of quiet respite. The steam from the hot shower enveloped her, washing away the lingering tension.
Afterward, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and began to dry her hair with a hairdryer, the warm air a soothing balm against her skin.
A sharp rap on the door interrupted her. “Stella!” Flora’s voice, tinged with anxiety, pierced the quiet.
“What are you doing? You can come in!” Stella called back, already sensing a shift in the atmosphere.
The door creaked open, revealing Flora’s worried face.
“Come here,” Stella said, motioning her closer.
Flora entered, her eyes darting around the room. The door clicked shut, sealing them in a shared bubble of concern.
“What if we can’t find her there?” Flora’s question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears.
Stella paused, the hairdryer falling silent. The weight of the question settled upon her, a cold dread creeping into her heart. “I need to find her,” she said, her voice firm, her gaze resolute as she fixed her hair, preparing herself for whatever lay ahead.
With their bags packed and a shared sense of purpose settling over them, Stella and Flora stepped out into the crisp morning air.
Elder Remus’s car, a sturdy, dependable vehicle, waited patiently in the driveway. The cool metal of the car door felt smooth beneath Stella’s fingers as she unlocked it, the faint scent of leather and old wood filling her nostrils. They carefully stowed their bags in the back, the quiet task a brief respite before the journey ahead.
“We can buy coffee on our way, right?” Flora asked, her voice a little breathless, as she secured her last bag.
“Of course, we can do that!” Stella replied, her voice steady, a reassuring counterpoint to Flora’s nervousness.
They slid into the car, the familiar comfort of the worn leather seats a welcome embrace.
Stella fastened her seatbelt, then clicked, a sharp sound in the sudden quiet.
Flora followed suit, her movements mirroring Stella’s.
Stella took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs. A wave of apprehension washed over her, quickly followed by a surge of determination. “Good luck to us!” she said, a small, shaky smile playing on her lips as she met Flora’s gaze.
The engine hummed to life, a comforting sound that broke the silence. As Stella pulled away from the house, the familiar landscape of their land slowly faded behind them, replaced by a panorama of unfamiliar sights and sounds.
Flora’s voice, hushed and awestruck, broke through Stella’s thoughts. “How can she survive alone here?” she whispered, her eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and apprehension as she gazed at the sprawling landscape.
The vastness of the unfamiliar territory seemed to stretch endlessly before them, a stark contrast to the familiar comfort of their home.
Stella’s own heart ached with a mixture of admiration and concern. “Daisha is so brave,” she replied, her voice thick with emotion. “And I envy her,” she added softly, trying to mask the wave of overwhelming feelings that threatened to engulf her. The enormity of Daisha’s solitary existence pressed upon her, a weight she couldn’t fully comprehend.
As they neared the city, a cozy-looking cafe came into view, its inviting aroma drifting towards them on the breeze. “Should we buy coffee now?” Stella asked, her voice tinged with a hint of relief.
Flora nodded eagerly, her eyes reflecting the same relief.
Stella expertly parked the car, the smooth motion a welcome contrast to the chaotic swirl of emotions within her. They stepped out, the cool air a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the car.
As they entered the cafe, a sudden hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to them, their presence a disruption in the otherwise quiet atmosphere.
A wave of whispers and curious glances washed over them as they entered the cafe.
Flora’s voice, barely a breath, broke the sudden silence. “What is happening? Why are they looking at us?” she whispered, her eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and confusion.
The sudden attention felt invasive, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude they’d known.
Stella, ever the pragmatist, offered a reassuring response. “Calm down! We’re new faces here!” she said, her voice steady and calm, a comforting anchor in the swirling sea of unfamiliar stares. She steered them towards the counter, her movements purposeful and confident.
The barista, a young woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, greeted them with a welcoming nod.
As they waited for their drinks, Flora’s earlier apprehension resurfaced. “My gosh! This is so nerve-wracking!” she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Stella, ever the calming presence, offered a reassuring smile. “I told you, just relax, and we’re done,” she said, her gaze drifting towards the window, taking in the bustling city life outside.
A man, his face etched with a friendly curiosity, stopped at their table. The sudden interruption jolted them both.
Flora, startled, blurted out, “Ah! Do you want to say something?”
The man, his smile warm and inviting, responded with a question of his own. “Both of you are new here?” he asked, his gaze shifting between them.
Flora, her nervousness evident, glanced at Stella for guidance.
“Yeah, we just came here today!” Stella replied, her smile genuine and disarming. She met his gaze, her confidence growing with each passing moment.
He leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. “Can I get your names?” he asked, his gaze lingering on Flora for a moment before shifting to Stella.
Flora visibly stammered, her eyes seeking Stella’s reassurance.
Stella, understanding the silent plea, shook her head subtly, diverting the man’s attention back to her.
“And yours too! I want to know your name,” the man added, his voice friendly but persistent.
Stella, with a practiced ease that surprised even herself, responded with a playful invention. “I’m Alice, and she’s Bella!” she announced, extending her hand to the man.
The fabricated names felt liberating, a small rebellion against the overwhelming attention.
“What a nice name, I’m Rob!” the man introduced himself, his smile widening as he took her hand in a firm, friendly handshake.
“Nice to meet you, Rob!” Stella replied, her gaze briefly meeting Flora’s, a silent acknowledgment of their shared experience.
“If you want-” Rob began, his words cut short by a voice calling out from behind the counter.
“Alice George!” the barista’s voice rang out clearly, announcing their order.
Stella, seizing the opportunity to escape the unexpected encounter, stood up abruptly. “That’s our order! We’re going now, Rob!” she announced, a grateful nod to Flora as she steered them away from the table, leaving Rob standing there with a slightly bewildered expression.
They collected their coffees, the warm cups a small comfort in the chilly air.
As they stepped back out into the bustling city street, Flora’s voice, laced with a mixture of surprise and amusement, cut through the surrounding noise. “What the…? Is that your plan?” she asked, her eyebrows raised in playful disbelief.
Stella, a mischievous glint in her eyes, simply nodded, a small, self-satisfied smile playing on her lips. “I’m so witty, right?” she teased, already sliding into the driver’s seat. She took a long sip of her coffee, the warmth spreading through her, before turning the key in the ignition.
The engine hummed to life, a comforting sound amidst the uncertainty of their mission.
As they drove, Flora’s earlier apprehension gave way to a more pressing concern. “Where are we going to start looking for your sister?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
Stella, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, offered a cryptic response. “Your brother told me something,” she said, her voice enigmatic, leaving Flora hanging on her every word.
Flora’s curiosity was piqued. “What did my brother tell you?” she pressed, her voice urgent.
Stella, ever the tease, simply smirked. “It’s a secret!” she replied, the playful smirk widening into a full-blown grin.
Stella drove in silence, the only sound the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic whoosh of the tires on the road. The journey felt both long and short, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension building with each passing moment.
Finally, they arrived at a large, imposing house, half-hidden amidst a small, dense forest. The house exuded an air of quiet mystery, its very presence both intriguing and slightly unsettling.
Flora’s voice, hushed with awe and a touch of disbelief, broke the silence. “She’s here?” she asked, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.
Stella, her expression unreadable, simply offered a noncommittal reply. “Maybe. Let’s see!” she said, already unfastening her seatbelt.
As they stepped out of the car, the crisp air filled their lungs. They cautiously approached the house, their steps soft and measured. A woman emerged from the house, her movements slow and deliberate.
Flora’s voice, barely a whisper, betrayed her surprise. “Dang! Is that Daisha?” she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Stella, her smile radiant, confirmed her suspicions. “Yeah, she is!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with a mixture of relief and excitement. “Let’s go!” She announced, her voice filled with a newfound energy.
They walked towards the house, their steps now brisk and purposeful.
Daisha, seemingly lost in her own world, was busy tending to the garbage cans when they approached. She looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she recognized her sister. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?” She exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Stella, her smile unwavering, offered a playful retort. “You should invite us inside first,” she said, her voice teasing.
Daisha, her expression a mixture of astonishment and amusement, simply shook her head in disbelief. “Come inside!” Her voice, warm and welcoming, broke the spell.
Stella and Flora stepped across the threshold, the transition from the crisp outdoor air to the warm, inviting interior a welcome change.
Stella, her eyes wide with curiosity, immediately began to explore the living room, her gaze sweeping across the room, taking in every detail. The space was cozy and inviting, filled with a comforting warmth that spoke volumes about its inhabitant.
“Have a seat!” Daisha offered, her voice friendly and inviting.
But Stella, captivated by the room’s charm, continued her silent exploration, her movements fluid and almost hypnotic.
Flora, sensing Stella’s distraction, called out to her. “Stella!” she said, her voice a gentle nudge.
But Stella remained absorbed in her silent observation, her gaze flitting from one object to another, each item a silent story waiting to be discovered.
Daisha, her curiosity piqued, approached Stella, her voice laced with a gentle query. “Hey, what are you doing?” she asked, her tone a blend of amusement and concern.
Stella, finally jolted from her silent exploration, turned to face her sister. “I’m just looking around. Nice place, huh!” Stella exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Daisha, her face breaking into a warm smile, responded with a simple, heartfelt agreement. “I know!” she said, her eyes shining with a quiet pride. She gently guided Stella towards the sofa, where Flora patiently waited.
Stella, settling onto the sofa beside Flora, turned her attention back to Daisha. “Are you living alone here?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Before Daisha could respond, she fired another question. “What do you want to eat? Did you have lunch?” She was seemingly unfazed by the barrage of questions, simply deflecting them with a question of her own.
Stella, her patience wearing thin, gently but firmly asserted herself. “You should answer me first, Daisha!” she said, her voice firm but not unkind.
Daisha, rolling her eyes playfully, clearly wasn’t ready to yield to the interrogation.
Flora, sensing the rising tension, leaned in and whispered a gentle reminder to Stella. “Stella,” she said softly.
Stella, startled by the soft whisper, turned to look at her friend. “What?” she asked, her voice a little sharper than intended.
Flora, her expression calm and reassuring, offered a single, calming instruction. “Calm down,” she whispered.
Daisha, sensing the need to de-escalate the situation, announced her intention to fetch some snacks. “I’ll just get some snacks,” she said, escaping to the kitchen, leaving the sisters to their silent conversation.
The moment Daisha left, Flora turned her full attention to Stella, her expression serious and concerned. “Don’t forget that you need to persuade her to go home,” she reminded her, her voice low and urgent.
Stella, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded firmly. “I will never forget that!” she replied, giving Flora a reassuring thumbs-up, her determination evident in her eyes.
–
“Hey, man!”
The casual greeting sliced through the quiet intensity of Tyros’s task. He paused, his movements stiffening as he recognized Brandon’s voice.
The sound of Brandon’s approach was a jarring intrusion on the solitary peace he’d been carving out for himself.
Tyros, his brow furrowed, turned to face his uninvited guest. “You’re here again!” he said, his tone a mixture of annoyance and resignation. He moved to the other side of his car, putting a physical distance between himself and Brandon.
Brandon, oblivious to Tyros’s displeasure, approached with a cheerful disregard for boundaries.
“What are you doing here, huh?” Tyros demanded, his voice sharper now, laced with impatience.
Brandon, his face a mask of playful innocence, countered with a question of his own. “Are you mad because I’m here?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement. He chuckled, the sound grating on Tyros’s already frayed nerves.
“Yeah, give me some time to be alone!” Tyros snapped, his voice tight with frustration. He finished cleaning the car, his movements brisk and efficient, a stark contrast to the casual ease of Brandon’s demeanor.
Brandon, however, was undeterred. “Why are you so moody, huh? Did you fight with Flora?” he pressed, his tone a mixture of curiosity and playful provocation.
Tyros’s glare, sharp and intense, was the only response he received. “No, I’m just tired of your face,” He retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He turned and headed towards the house, his movements purposeful and decisive.
Brandon, ever the persistent pest, followed closely behind, his laughter echoing in the quiet. “Hey, you should entertain me! I’m your guest!” He teased, his voice light and carefree.
Tyros took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. “Fine, what do you want?” He conceded, unlocking the front door.
The house, silent and empty, offered little comfort.
Brandon’s eyes swept across the empty space. “You’re alone?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of surprise.
Tyros nodded, his silence speaking volumes. “My father’s in the woods, and my sister’s at work,” He explained, sinking onto the couch, the plush cushions offering little solace. “So, why are you here again?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Brandon, his patience wearing thin.
Brandon, his playful demeanor momentarily replaced by a serious intensity, shifted the focus back to Tyros’s personal life. “How about Flora?” he asked, his voice low and probing.
Tyros shook his head, his silence a clear indication of his unwillingness to engage. “Just tell me the real reason why you’re here,” He said, his voice firm and direct. “Are you going to ask me about Stella, right?”
The accusation hung heavy in the air, a silent challenge.
Brandon, caught off guard, remained silent for a moment, his playful facade crumbling. “Fine, how is she?” He finally conceded, his voice barely a whisper.
Tyros couldn’t help but laugh, the sound a mixture of amusement and relief. “I thought you didn’t like her?” he teased, his laughter echoing in the quiet room.
Brandon, his playful facade completely gone, grabbed Tyros’s shirt, his grip tight. “Answer my question, dude!” he demanded, his voice urgent.
Tyros, his laughter subsiding, responded with a playful warning. “Easy, man! You’re in my house,” he said, his voice laced with a mixture of amusement and caution.
Brandon, releasing his grip, settled back onto the couch, his earlier playful demeanor replaced by a serious intensity. “So, what now?” he asked, his voice low and expectant.
Tyros, sensing the shift in the dynamics, offered a straightforward answer. “The reason Flora’s not here is because she’s with Stella,” he revealed, his voice steady and calm.
Brandon’s gaze, intense and focused, never left Tyros’s face. “Where are they?” he pressed, his curiosity finally overriding his earlier playful demeanor.
Tyros, a mischievous glint in his eyes, couldn’t resist one last tease. “You’re really curious about her, huh!” he said, his voice laced with amusement.
Brandon, his patience wearing thin, took a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure. “Stop it! Don’t act like a child!” His voice, sharp and impatient, cut through the air, silencing Tyros’s laughter.
The playful banter had abruptly ended, replaced by a sudden surge of anxiety.
“Chill! They went to the city-” Tyros began, his voice laced with a mixture of amusement and concern.
The words “city” hung in the air, triggering an immediate and dramatic reaction from Brandon. “What? City?” he exclaimed, his voice rising in alarm. He sprang from the couch, his movements jerky and agitated.
“Yeah, why?” Tyros asked, his voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to Brandon’s escalating panic.
“It’s so dangerous there!” Brandon exclaimed, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and frustration. His agitated energy was palpable, his movements restless and frantic.
Tyros, his expression serious now, offered a brief explanation. “They want to persuade Daisha to come home,” he said, his voice low and steady.
Brandon, his frustration evident, ran a hand through his hair, his agitation barely contained. “Elder Remus instructed them to go to the city, right?” He asked, his voice still laced with anxiety.
Tyros shook his head, dispelling the assumption. “It was Stella’s decision,” He clarified, his voice firm and unwavering.
Brandon, his face a mask of disbelief, abruptly stormed out of the house.
“Where are you going?” Tyros yelled, his voice echoing in the sudden silence. He followed Brandon into the garage, his steps quick and determined.
Brandon was already in his car, his movements swift and impulsive.
Tyros intercepted him, his hand on the car door, preventing his departure. “Theo told me that he’s going to follow them,” He revealed, his voice a calming counterpoint to Brandon’s escalating anxiety.
The revelation seemed to momentarily halt Brandon’s frantic escape.
“Do you think Theo will let them do that without his guidance?” Tyros added, his voice laced with a hint of reassurance.
Brandon, his gaze intense and focused, glared at Tyros, his earlier panic momentarily subdued. “Yeah, Theo!” He finally conceded, stepping out of the car, his earlier frantic energy replaced by a more subdued intensity. “I almost forgot that my brother exists in her life,” he added, shaking his head, a wry laugh escaping his lips.
“Wow, you’re insane now!” Tyros exclaimed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his voice. He turned and headed back into the house, Brandon following closely behind.
They returned to the living room, the silence heavy with unspoken anxieties. They sank onto the couch, the plush cushions offering little comfort.
Brandon, his voice laced with pessimism, broke the silence. “Nah, Daisha will refuse to go back here,” he said, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Tyros, his feet propped up on the center table, offered a matter-of-fact response. “I already know that, but they want to try to persuade her,” he said, his voice calm and unwavering.
Brandon, his brow furrowed in thought, voiced his lingering concern. “What are they planning?” he asked, his gaze still fixed on the ceiling.
Tyros, a mischievous glint in his eyes, offered a playful suggestion. “Maybe Stella will help you to fix your relationship with her sister,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
Brandon, his face hardening, glared at Tyros. “Nah, she’ll never do that!” he retorted, his voice sharp and dismissive.
Tyros, his smirk widening, simply replied, “Let’s see!”
Their quiet contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, a sudden intrusion that jolted them both.