The Bride Of Lancaster

Chapter 2

Los Angeles CA

In a deep and dense forest, a young woman was running seemingly being chased by something or someone. She kept turning back to see if her relentless pursuers were still chasing her. Her body was covered in dirt and sweat, her eyes filled with fear.

As she was running, she tripped and fell down and the tree vines at her feet seemed to come alive, entangling her feet, hands and coiling around her neck as she struggles desperately to break free. Her eyes widen in terror as the vines started to tighten around her neck, strangling her and no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break free.

The terrifying feeling of being choked to death made her feel like she couldn't fight anymore and that she'll die soon but then she head someone calling her name repeatedly, asking her to wake up.

After a desperate struggle, she finally broke free and woke up panting and gasping for air. Her body drenched in sweat and her eyes filled with fear and dread.

"Sister, are you alright? You were having a nightmare again". Sarai looked at her sister with worried eyes as she quickly went to pour a cup of water for her.

After gulping down the water, it took some time for Nalani to finally calm down her emotions.

"Nala, you feeling better now? Sarai asked. Nalani nodded with a smile.

She has been plagued with these nightmares for many years. Even therapy hasn't been of much help to her.

"Sorry to wake you at this time. I'm okay now so you go back to sleep okay". Seeing her reassuring smile, Sarai agreed and went back to lie on her bed.

"I'll go and check on Mom". She got up and left the room.

She walked quietly into her mom's room and breathe a sigh of relief to find out that she hasn't been disturbed by her but was soundly asleep. She smiled gently seeing her mom's peaceful face. She closed the door and walked to sit behind her working desk.

Since she couldn't sleep then she might as well work on her project. She's a sort after photographer that makes sure to capture stunning and unforgettable moments. Upon switching on her desktop, the lovely wallpaper of her and her boyfriend made her smile foolishly, her eyes filled with love for the man hugging her in the picture. Taking her phone, she quickly send an I miss you text to her boyfriend.

Somewhere far away, in a warehouse, the horrific screams and cries of mercy can be heard coming from a room.Outside the door, a man in suit stood.

The phone he was holding vibrated with a message, it bright light illuminating the man's cold expression. He quickly switched off the phone and shoved it back into his pocket. Soon the screams stopped and silence was all that was felt.

The man took in a deep breath before mustering up the courage to push open the door and enter the room. Inside the room stood a tall young man covered in blood, standing in a daze over the dead body of a man whom had been under immense pain and torture a few hours ago. He looked at the body without expression as though what's he's seeing was not a human but a dog.

"Master, please you need to clean up" He said respectively.

"Hmm" The man coldly nodded and then looked at his blood soaked hands and frowned with disgust. "Disgusting" His voice was deep, sharp and cold, sending shivers down one's spine.

The next morning, the family of three eats breakfast happily. Mom was paralytic and was bound to a wheelchair. Nalani patiently feeds her while Sarai rushes through her meal.

"When is brother in law returning back. I'm waiting for that limited edition bag he promised to get me" Sarai said, her expectant eyes staring at her.

Blushing Nalani smiled but couldn't help scolding her, "How many times have l warned you not to demand for gifts from him. Is that how l taught you? What will he think of our family?"

Pouting, Sarai quickly retorts,"I don't demand for anything from him. He just gives them to me. And its not like he can't afford it. He's so rich that such gifts are trivial. Brother in law loves you so much so making you happy is his top priority. That's why he pampers me too so no matter what you say, I'll shameless keep asking for stuffs"

Nalani could only sigh and shake her head in exasperation."You're incorrigible. And stop calling him brother in law. We're not yet married". Sarai took a slice of bread, added jam and bite into it and then

nonchalantly replied,"So what?. You two will get married sooner or later so calling him brother in law is nothing".

Seeing Nalani not saying anything, she continues with her ranting "My good sister, this is the man of your dreams. He's handsome, super rich and so generous. If you don't marry such a man, you'll surely regret it"

Nalani couldn't help smiling as she eat."You know what, you talk too much. What are you? A bird?"

The two sisters laugh and tease each other. The atmosphere was warm and homely, however none of them noticed the unease and frantic look in their mother's eyes.

Many years ago, she was involved in a fatal accident that left her unable to speak and paralytic. She had to rely on medicine and her family to stay alive until now.

After their meal, Sarai was getting late for school so after bidding farewell to her mom and sister, the high schooler left. After waiting for the caretaker for mom to arrive, Nalani finally left for work.

Although she earns quite a decent amount working as a photographer, it still wasn't enough to cover her family's expenses so she does other part time jobs. She works as a travel guide as well as a model at a wedding gown boutique.