Love By Deception

Eighteen years ago...

Fiona's POV

The sound of thunder slammed against the roof, killing all the ants that had been seeking shelter. The streets were quieter than usual; no kids playing in the rain, no lovers making out near the field.

The rain fell heavily now, accompanied by lightning. I watched it closely, almost counting the massive drops. My eyes drifted to a car that sped into the compound. I couldn’t see clearly, but it was evident people were stepping out of it.

My door pushed open. It was my mother. It was her birthday, but the look on her face told a different story. "Come here, Gabriella," she called, grabbing my coat from the hanger.

She swiftly packed a good amount of clothes into a box. I watched as she panted, tears streaming down her face.

"What's wrong, Mum?" I heard myself say, tapping her as I spoke.

"Shush," she cautioned, handing the box to me. "Leave through the window."

"But why, Mum?" I cried, holding her tight. "I won’t go anywhere."

She bent down to pull me close, giving me a hug. Something inside told me it was the last hug from my mother, a final goodbye.

"Look," she pulled me away, "a bad group of people are here to send us to the angels up there. You remember the angels I told you about?"