The return of Aunt Anna

I thought I'd be able to sleep easily once we got home since I was so weary, but I couldn't even sleep when I laid down in bed. Every time I think of my mother, it kills me because I don't know if she's okay or if they're even feeding her properly.

It was ten o'clock in the evening when I decided to get some fresh air outside.

"Can't sleep?"

I was startled to hear a voice from the back. I gaze at Stefan who sat beside me. I don’t think that vampires sleep that’s why he’s here.

"Thank you for saving me earlier"

I said because I never had an opportunity to thank him earlier since Clark was there. I owe him big time because he saved me twice already.

“No worries”

I looked at his ocean eyes as I explain to him this thing that in the first place, I shouldn’t be telling him about since I doubt he cares.

"You have to believe that she’s still alive because if you don’t then who will. It’s been 2 months since my brother was abducted until now, I have no news about him but I won’t stop looking until I find him or his body."

because if I lose hope and abandon my search for her, who else will? So, for my mother's sake, I need to be strong.

"You know overthinking doesn’t help. I’m sure they know we are doing our best to find them. We are their hope. "

He said while staring at the sky. I nodded as I agree with him because there is no one else that would save them aside from us, their family.

“Do you usually go to Dominic’s club because it looks like they know you very well”

I changed the subject to lighten the mood since I didn't want to appear gloomy in front of him anymore.

"Well, I used to live here since I was a child"

I was shocked by his statement.

“You were born here?”

My forehead creases as I ask him.

"Nope, I wasn't born here but I did grow up here"

That explains why he knows so much about this place, especially the Madforest, and he can get out of there even when it's dark.

“Well, as for me, I was born here but we moved to Manila when I was two years old because my dad died a few months after I was born and my mom needed to move on and since this place reminded her of my dad, so we left. We came back here when I was already 12 years old.”

I even told Stefan some of my funny memories when I was young and it feels good to remember those things. I was fascinated when I saw Stefan smile because he rarely does that, he looks like he is always serious in life.

“How about you? You told me before that your brother is not a vampire.”

Aren't they biologically siblings just like me and Jensen? I’m curious about his life like how did he become a vampire, his family, and other things.

"How about let's talk about Madiville's history?"

I was caught off guard when he abruptly changed the subject. It's as though he's trying to avoid talking about himself and since we were not that close yet, I can’t force him to open up. I wanted to know more about him so that I’ll know how much I should trust him.

“I’m so over that topic”

We’ve been studying that and I can remember how I studied hard to pass my history class since I’m struggling because I just got transferred here that time.

"This one is different. All that they've been teaching was a lie"

I confront Stefan with a grimace on my face...

"What do you mean?"

"Well let me tell you the truth behind the history of Madiville."

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“Oh, Jensen, you’re up early?”

I said when I noticed Jensen standing in front of the refrigerator where I can only see his back.

“Jensen?"

I approached him because he wasn’t moving nor talking but I was frozen when I suddenly turned to him.

My heart starts to race upon seeing who it is.

“You’re looking for me right then why do you look so shocked?”

The hunter who abducted my mother said. I wanted to ask to shout and ask for help but I can’t bring myself to move, it’s like I’m paralyzed.

I took a step backward as he made a step towards me.

“You should have just stayed quiet”

He gave me a frightening look and then grabbed me in the blink of an eye. tried to resist him, but he was too strong and

I'm having trouble breathing since he's strangling me.

"I won't let you ruin our plans.”

He stabbed me in the stomach and buried it so deeply that I vomited blood.

I can’t die here.

I opened my eyes gasping for air and glanced around, it seems like I’m in my room. I wiped my tears and cautiously felt my stomach to see if there was a mark from a stab but there wasn't. I removed the blanket and stood up to double-check it and I sigh in relief to see that there is no blood or wound. It’s all just a dream but why does it feel like it’s real?

Perhaps this is a result of overthinking. I went to the bathroom to do my daily routine, then dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast.

When I walked into the kitchen, I noticed a familiar figure seated at the dining table.

“Aunt Anna?”

As soon as she turned to face me, I dashed towards her.

"Hey there sweetie"

I hugged her tightly, relieved that she had arrived!

“I’m sorry for what happened and I’m sorry as well for it took me so long to go here”

She caressed my hand as I sat next to her.

“How are you holding up?”, she asked me worriedly.

“I’m fine but that’s not what I want us to talk about. I know you already heard that I can see the hunter’s mark. I dying to know who am I? am I a witch like you too?”

Aunt Anna paused for a moment while staring at me.

“I’m sorry but I’m not in the position to tell you that. Don’t worry you’re not a witch”

Frustration is written all over my face. I removed her hands over mine and closed my eyes firmly while inhaling deeply

"Your mother did everything she could to protect you and I am not in the position to tell you that because I don’t know if it is the right thing to do. You see Celestine, one wrong move here and it messes everything. I’m sorry but you have to trust me on this”

I simply nodded in defeat because, as much as I wanted to argue, I knew that once Aunt Anna said no, it was a no and there was nothing I could do about it.

Jensen entered the dining as well and he went straight to greet Aunt Anna. Jensen took a seat in front of me and began putting food on his plate.

“Celine, I brought your favorite drink”

She brought me a bottle of my favorite juice, which a friend of theirs prepared especially for me because I usually get sick.

“How come you like that? It tastes weird.”

I ignored my brother’s remark and drink my juice.

“By the way, when is mom coming back and why do we have to stay here at the resthouse?”

I dropped the spoon at Jensen’s words.

"Don't worry we will be back soon, there are just things that we need to finish at our house as for your mom, I’m not yet sure because she seems to have a lot of work to do”

Aunt Anna explained calmly while I was confused with what is happening.

“Too bad mom can’t watch me perform at the battle of the bands”

Jensen continued eating while I was staring at Aunt Anna asking for an explanation but she just smiled at me and

continued eating.

What in the world just happened?

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