Obsessed with Darkness

Avalana's POV "Honey are you sure you want this?" My mother's soft voice graced my ears making me sigh for the umpteenth time since my decision. I turned towards her. She was standing near the entrance of my room looking all worried and sad. I patted the place beside me and beckoned her to sit down. "Mom you know this is my dream. It always has been. For once I want to do this. On my own." I said taking her hand in mine. "But the place you are going is too far. What if something happens to you?! What if you get lost there?! What if-" she starts to ramble. "Mom. Take a deep breath." She slowly inhaled and exhaled. "Now look at me." I said squeezing her hands. "Nothing is gonna happen to me. I can do this and we both know it. Don't panic." She sighed loudly and nodded her head. "Are you finished with your packing?" She asked looking around my bedroom which currently looked like a crime scene. "Almost. My clothes are packed. Only my accessories and other things are remaining which I'll finish till the evening. Now where is dad?" I asked. "In our room. He's sulking since morning.” She frowned. I sighed again. "I'll go to him and bring him down for dinner." I said. "You do that. I'll call Ari and Archie." She said and left. I zipped my suitcases and placed them by the wall and went to my parent's room and knocked. "Dad can I come in?" "Yes darling. You don't need to ask you know that. His muffled voice came." I smiled and opened the door and walked in. My dad was sitting on the window seat looking out. "What's wrong?" I asked looking at his passive face. "You know what's wrong baby.” He murmured. "Dad I understand where you coming from but you guys need to understand that I've been living in your shadow for 26 years now. It's more than too late to move out. I wanna do something of my own. I don't want to be in your shadows forever." I frowned and sat on the other end of the seat. "I understand.” He turned to me and smiled. I mirrored it and stood up. "Come on. Mom has called for lunch. They are waiting for us." We both went to kitchen. My younger siblings Ariana and Archer were already seated there and arguing. They are identical twins. People often think that twins are supposed to agree with each other but my siblings were exact opposite. They bickered on every small thing like toddlers. Just like now. I shook my head and sat down beside my mum who was serving everyone. "She'll give it to me I bet. She loves me more boo you." Ari chided very childishly. "Who is giving what to you?" Dad enquired before Archer could retort back. "Big sis's room of course. Now that she's moving out her room will be my painting room." She smirked. "Woah woah woah hold on. Who said I'm giving my room to anyone?!" I raised brow at my siblings who were both looking at me like idiots. "But you are moving out so there will be no use for your room. Someone has to use it. Right mom?" He asked and we all looked at her. "Sweetie agreed she's moving out but her room will remain hers. Whenever she visits us, she can use it. Plus, your sister is going for only 2 years. She is gonna come back." "But...." "No." I said to Ari who pouted. "You guys seem too eager for me to move out. You don't love me" I fake cried on my mom's shoulder. She caressed my hair and glared at two joining the act. "It's not like that sis. We love you of course.” They said in unison. If one thing that creeps me about then is their weird synchronisation. "Yeah right." I scoffed. "Okay children that's enough bantering for today. Now say the prayers and eat your lunch." Dad said a bit sternly making me and mom laugh. We said our graces and had a delicious dinner while talking. No one brought up the subject of me living tomorrow because it was gonna end up in tears and we all knew that. After dinner I returned to my room and finished rest of my packing. I double checked the travel and necessities list. As I was rummaging through my old stuff I came across my secret chest and an evil smirk took over my face. If I'm to leave I'll leave with a blast. Just as I was about to go out my cell phone rang. Amelia's number flashed making me grin. "Hey bitch." She sang making me laugh. "Hello to you too idiot." I grinned like a child. "Everything packed up?" She asked. I looked around my almost empty room and muttered a small yep. "Good. Now get dressed up and be ready in 30 minutes. We are going out." "Wait what?! Hold on. What are you talking about?" I exclaimed. "Lana my darling it's your last day in LA and I'm not about to let you spend it in your home. We are going to meet our college group. I'm not supposed to tell you this but you are my best friend so I'll tell you. So, Oli has arranged a little farewell party for you in not so little club downtown. We are supposed to meet them till 8. So now go and get ready and before refusing know that I'll drag you by your ass if you say no." She finished in one breath. "Fine. I'll get ready. See you." I said and hung up. I looked at chest in my hand and decided to carry my plans later on and kept in in my drawer safely. After a long-needed shower I wore a peach coloured bodycon dress and did my make-up and waited for Amy. Any was what you would call the Queen bee of our high school. She was the biggest b***h to be honest. Back then she slept with almost every hot guy you would find, from nerds to the jocks and football players. She didn't bully anyone but was always rude and way high up on her horses. The only people she was ever nice to was me because we are diaper buddies, Olivia aka Oli because she was Kevin's sister and Kevin her long-term boyfriend. It was a major shocker for everyone when the biggest hoe of Westwood high fell in love with a shy nerdy Kevin. He looked hot no doubt in that but even I couldn't believe that my best friend who scared everyone away managed to score someone like Kevin. Nonetheless they are still going strong even after so many years. I guess they balance each other out as Amy is wild, outgoing and brutally honest while Kevin on other hand is socially awkward, serious and a silent observer. I'm very happy for my best friend that she found her the one and secretly envious because my love life is equal to zero. But I always tell myself that my the one is yet to meet me even though I'm losing hope. "Lanaaaaaaaaa. I'm here let's goooooooo." I heard a loud call followed by incessant loud honks. "This girl is gonna get me get lectured from dad on last day too." I muttered to myself and hurried down before she could scream some more. "Why in the god's name is that girl screaming?!" My dad said coming out of his study. I smiled tightly. "You know how Amelia is dad." I said and started walking out. "And where are you going might I ask? That too in such revealing dress Anna.” He frowned scanning me from head to toe. "My friends have arranged a small farewell for me. I'll be back in night." "Anna go and chan-" "Let her go sweetheart. It's her last night here. Don't Stop here. Ava darling you can go. I'll handle your dad.” My mom said walking out of the kitchen. My dad's frown deepened but I dashed out before he could say anything just as Amy started to honk once again. "f*****g hell Amy, I'm here. Stop harassing the neighbours will ya?" I said and buckled in. "You mean that old hag that lives across the street?" She raised her eyebrows. "Yes" I deadpanned. She scoffed and started the car. "You look edible by the way." She winked making me laugh. I made a sour face at her "Shut up ya hoe." We laughed together and started talking about random s**t. In no time we were in posh part of the LA where elite clubs, luxuries hotels, pubs were located. Amy parked in front of Black Diva; the most luxurious of them all. Rumours were that the club was owned by mafia but that wasn't gonna stop us from having time of our lives. "No way. You know that the waiting list for this club is longer than great Wall of China." I spoke flabbergasted. "I know. But Liam managed to score us a table using his connections." Amy said looking into the mirror and fixing herself. "I don't wanna know what kind of connections that guy has." I muttered looking at the club. But apparently Amy heard it. "You know that the club is rumoured to be owned by mafia right." She asked curiously. "I was just thinking about it. But it's that gonna stop us?!" I asked. "f**k no. Let's go partyyyyyyyy." She hollered. We giggled and got out. To say that the club was exquisite was an understatement. It was f*****g lit. The massive club was a three-floor hexagon. First floor consisted of the dance floor and bar where the ordinary public usually mingled. The second one was VIP area. You needed to go through two step verification process including your physical inspection on spot and your identity inspection. These people didn't take security lightly. Huge scary bouncers were everyone. On the entrance. On each edge of the hexagon overlooking everyone with their hawk like eyes. Hexagon structure was not only beautiful but a smartass idea. The bar counters were huge with at least 5 bartenders on each counter. The whole place was made of glass. Giant sound and ventilation system centred the area making place less claustrophobic. The place was funky yet classy. After being poked by a lady bouncer on the main entrance and then on the second-floor entrance we were finally upstairs in the VIP area. It was quieter than the downstairs. Servers lingered between the tables providing the beverages and snacks. Like downstairs this floor had a huge bar with many many alcohol bottles lines behind the counter. As soon as we reached the table, we were engulfed in a group hug by everyone. "This club is f*****g lit." Amy cheered taking the Martini out of Kevin's hand and chugging it in one go. "Slow down doll you might get migraine." Liam chuckled. She ignored him and called the waitress over to order more drinks. "Drinks on me tonight ladies and gentlemen." Liam exclaimed making Amy happiest person in the club. I shook my head and took a seat between max and Oli. "So, everything packed up?" Max asked sipping his vodka. "Yeah. All set to go. Now it's the waiting game." I said and smiled at him. "I'm gonna miss you so much." Oli murmured sadly. "I'm gonna miss you guys too. But no crying tonight. We will do that tomorrow." I said and picked up my cocktail. "So where are you going exactly?" Max asked. "Milan. You guys know that I have always loved cooking. So, I applied for Milan Culinary Arts School. And luckily I got the admission." "Wow. Italy. That's so amazing gurlll." Oli said excitedly. "I always wanted to visit Italy. It's my dream destination." "Mine too. You are one lucky b***h Ava." Amy said participating in the conversation. "I know. You guys can visit me sometime." I winked. "Of course." Max said. Kevin was silent the whole time. Only speaking when asked questions. But that's just him. The silent one of our group. "And what about your accommodation?" Max asked. "I'll be staying with my cousin Anthony." He lives in Milan too, near my campus luckily." I smiled. "Antony as in Anthony Black?! Your Greek god of a cousin?!" Oli suddenly jerked up with lovey eyes. "Yes." I raised a brow. Olivia had a major crush on Anthony since she saw him once in our home. From that day she had been smitten with him. "Don't even think about it Oli. You know how Anthony is. A manwhore." Amy scowled. "Shut up." Oli said lost in her world of desire. I just chuckled and drank the remaining cocktail. Till the time we were finished partying everyone was wasted except for me and Kevin. My dad would kill me if I showed up drunk so I didn't drink much. Kevin was always the responsible one so he never drank past his limit. Soon we were in Amy's car with Kevin behind the wheel. He stopped the car in front of my porch. It was past 11 and I'm pretty sure my dad was pissed. "See you tomowwww. Lovee yaaa." Amy slurred making me laugh and Kevin frown. "We'll be there at 10 tomorrow. Good night." "Okay. Goodnight Kev. Night Amy." I said and shut the door. Heard a muffled goodnight from my bestie and I went in. I took off my heels and switched to the stealthy mode. House was eerily quiet; I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Usually there was light in porch. But today it was all dark. I crept slowly towards the stairs praying to God that they don't creek. But I guess God wasn't on my side as I took my first step up, I heard a loud creek echo through the house. "Uh oh." I muttered. My dad came out of their room with a scorching glare. I shot him the sweetest smile I could muster praying that he would let me go this time. "What is this, Ava. Have you looked at the time?! It’s almost midnight. God knows how you are gonna live in Florence." He scolded. "Dad. It was one time." I whined. "Yes. One time in this week. What about the previous week? And week before that?" He glared. "That uh I'm sorry." I sighed. "Ava I'm just worried about you." "I know I'm sorry. We were talking and didn't realise it was almost midnight. But I'm sober I promise." I said giving him the puppy eyes. "You know what's best for you darling. You are a grown woman. I won't interfere in your every decision. Just be careful. You will be going to a complete different country." He said worriedly. "Yes dad." I said and hugged him. No matter how older I get I'll always be daddy's little girl at the heart. He hugged me back. "Go get some sleep. Got a big day tomorrow." He said kissing my forehead. I nodded and went to my room. I changed into my pjs and opened the drawer. Now was the perfect time to execute my plan. I went to my siblings’ rooms and set everything up. After setting everything up I to my room grinning and giggling like a devil and went to bed not before setting the alarm for 6 am. As soon as alarm rang, I got up with a smile on my face. Today was the day I was going to take a big step towards my dream. I got ready in record time and went to kitchen to make breakfast for everyone. Soon my mom came down. "Honey I will make breakfast. You go and get ready." She said kissing my head. "Mom I'm ready. Plus, I've checked everything countless times. I want to make breakfast for everyone today as I'll be not here tomorrow." I said timidly. Mom immediately had tears in her eyes. I hugged her. "Don’t cry mom. I haven't gone yet. "I tried to joke. She sniffled and started to help me. Just as I was setting the plates Ari screamed. "Mooooooommmmmmm." Her hysteric voice came. We ran to her room. She was in bathroom making weird noises. I was having hard time stifling my laughter. "How did this happen?" Mom asked horrified after seeing her bloody mouth. Last night I poured powdered blood red food colouring in her toothbrush. The girl never wets it before brushing. Thick dark red foam was dripping out of her mouth and she was close to having a breakdown. And not being able to control anymore I burst out laughing. "Avalana how many times did I tell you to not trouble your siblings like that?!" Mom scolded consoling my baby sister. "I'm....I'm so-sorry mom but their reactions are way too funny ha haha." I rolled on floor. I knew my mom wasn't angry because she was trying to hide her smile. Before she could say anything, we heard an explosion from archer's room. Wet once again ran to his bathroom to see shocked Archer standing in middle with tomato ketchup everywhere. Even the ceiling. He was covered in it. And once again I lost. I laughed till I was crying. "Avaaaaaa I'm going to Kill you." Archie screamed and lunged at me. I ran out still laughing. Ari joined him. We were running around the house like bunch of kids. I bumped into dad near the living room. "Woah there. Slow down." He said supporting me. "Dad she did it again." Ari complained childishly. Dad furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me. I shrugged innocently. "Look at me dad she did this." Archie joined and they both glared at me. "Ava don't do it again." Dad said and I smiled and nodded. "That's it?!" Archie yelped, frustrated. "Kids your sister is leaving today. Be nice." Dad said and ruffled his hair. "Archer you are cleaning the mess in your room." Mom said from behind. Once again, my brother's jaw was on floor. "But she did it!!" He yelled back. "She has packing to do. Clean your bathroom. Go." He just huffed and glared at me. I stuck my tongue out and retired to my room to get ready. Everyone was here. My friends, family to see me off. Despite of me opposing everyone came to airport. It was a big emotional goodbye. "The magazines are in the bag. I've packed few necessary medicines along with extra charger and..." "Mom I know. Chill." I said hugging. She was immediately in tears. "Never thought the day would come when I'll have to see you off." Amy joked crying. "I know." I said and hugged her crying. "Call us every day. And I mean Every. Single. Day. I called Anthony yesterday. He will be waiting for you at the airport. Call as soon as you land. And if there is any problem contact us immediately." Dad said hugging me. "I'll dad. Don't worry." I smiled. Everyone was way too emotional but I understood them. Even my siblings who always joked around were in tears. It was hard to go. For a moment I wanted to stay back with my people but then reminded myself that I'm lucky to have this opportunity and I was not about to let it go. Soon the boarding started. With a one last hug to everyone I started to walk in. I glanced back through the gate and waved one last time. Mom was crying in dad's chest while everyone had solemn look on their face. I gave them a last smile and with a big breath I walked in. Italy here I come.