Unchained

Is it the end?

Hayden waited until Devlin had fallen asleep. She had kept her an Ava's bags packed. She knew this was a risk she was taking but it was the only thing she could think of. That was the only thing that could guarantee everyone's safety in her mind. She slipped out of the bed an went down the hall to the room that Ava was sleeping in. They had made it to Lily and Derrick's house around five in the evening. Hayden had made dinner an gave Ava a bath. Soon after Ava was tucked in an ready for bed. Hayden had taken Devlin to bed an they had made love for hours. After making sure that he was not about to wake up, that is when she slipped from the room. She cracked the bedroom door open an slipped in. She softly shook Ava until she opened her eyes. Hey there my big girl. What do you say that we take a little road trip? Hayden said quietly as a tear escaped her right eye. Mommy? It's late, why are we taking a road trip? Where is daddy? Ava whispered. Why are you crying Mommy? Ava added when she sat up and realized that Hayden had a tear running down her cheek. Mommy isn't crying. My right eye just burns a little. I got soap in it when I was taking a shower. Hayden replied as she wiped the tear away. Daddy will be coming later. I want to surprise him? What do you say? You ready? Hayden whispered with a smile on her face. Ava rubbed her eyes. Okay...... I guess. Are we gonna go now? Ava asked. Shhhhhh. Not to loud. We wouldn't want to wake daddy an ruin the surprise. Hayden smiled at her daughter. She felt bad about the lies as the ran out of her mouth. Ava uncovered her legs an stood up. I need to get dressed. Ava said quietly. No it's okay. We can get dressed in the morning. You can go back to sleep in the car. Okay? Hayden whispered. Ava nodded an grabbed her robe off of the dresser an put it on. She slid her house shoes on an grabbed her suitcase out of the corner where she left it. Let's go Mommy. I'm ready. Ava said sleepily. Hayden stood up and quietly took Ava by the hand. They slipped out of the bedroom an down the stairs. Hayden picked up her suitcase and they slipped out of the front door. Hayden made her way down the road towards her house. She needed to get her car without being spotted. She had already told Fane that she needed to get out of the gate later to pick up a surprise for Devlin. He reluctantly agreed but felt wrong for allowing it without talking to Devlin first. Hayden made her way into the garage as quietly as possible. She put her and Ava's bags in the backseat with Ava. She made sure that she had enough money with her so that she wouldn't have to use their joint bank cards an credit cards. She also had her jaw suit money in an account that Devlin had never asked about. She just always assumed that he didn't care about that money. She turned on the car an hit the button for the garage doors to open. They made a loud clanging noise as they lifted an Hayden hoped an prayed it wouldn't wake anyone up. The cars engine purred as she hit the gas slowly to pull out. She took the car out of reverse an put it in drive as she got out into the road in front of her and Devlin's house. The lights were all still off throughout the house. Coast Clear. She thought as she put her foot on the gas an headed for the gate. Right before she pulled up to the gate Theia stepped out in front of her an she slammed on the brakes. She hit the button to roll her window down as Theia walked over to her window. Where do you think you are going? Theia asked with concern on her face. Hayden gave her a sad smile. You know what I must do to keep them safe. I should have done it long ago. I have put so many of them in danger. It is hard to forgive myself. Hayden said as she wiped at the tears falling from her eyes. She looked into the backseat from her rear view mirror. Ava had already fallen back to sleep. I know exactly what you are going through. I mean look at me...living proof. Theia stated. I know you feel you must do this to keep them protected, but, have you ever stopped to think that maybe they love you an Ava an they wouldn't even ever think about you two going away so that they would be safe? Because I think not. I seen it and heard it with my own two eyes an ears. Charlie was ready to lose her husband just so that her niece could live. Just so that you could raise your daughter. So that you and Devlin could raise your daughter together. They all are willing to make sacrifices so that everyone could stay together. But...... here you are, leaving them in the middle of the night. How do you think they are going to feel when they wake up and realize that you and Ava are gone. Without a Goodbye, without telling them. They are all going to be very heart broken Hayden. And you know it. Theia stated sadly. Hayden looked up at Theia. Theia you should know. I do not want them to make sacrifices, I do not want them to lose anyone near and dear to them because of us. Hayden said as she looked into the mirror again at her daughter. Her innocent daughter that had never asked for any of this. She looked into Theia's eyes again. You think I want to do this? You think I haven't thought over an over on what else to do? I have even asked her doctor is he could get rid of her powers so that they wouldn't want her anymore. He said that what I was asking is an impossible task. I am out of options Theia. I love my family an I love my husband, I just do not want anyone dying over this. We almost lost Xavier. There is a poor human recovering in Charlie's house as we speak. You know what is going to happen if she dies? She will turn because they have given her vampire blood to try to heal her. That poor girls life will change forever. Hayden explained as the tears ran freely. Theia looked up at the sky and then looked back down at Hayden. Look, I know that I am not going to be able to persuade you to change your mind, I can see that now. So, I am going with you. Theia said as she walked to the passenger side an got in. Hayden looked at her in stark relief and shock. Soon as Theia buckled her seat belt Hayden smiled at her. Are you sure about this? Hayden asked. Theia smiled back. Oh yeah. I am sure. I do not belong here anyway. She stated matter of factly. Hayden smiled and put the car in drive. Soon as she pulled up to the gate, Fane walked out of the gate shed an walked over to her open window. You ladies heading out to get Devlin's surprise? Fane asked as he leaned down an looked into the car. He seen that Ava was asleep in the backseat and then noticed the luggage. Where are you really going Hayden? Fane asked with anger. Why would you lie to me? Fane said with hurt in his tone. Hayden furrowed her brows. What are you talking about? Ava wouldn't sleep in Lily's house so we thought taking her on a car ride would put her out. As you can see....it worked. Hayden laughed. Fane looked into the backseat again an then back to Hayden. What about the luggage? He asked. Hayden turned an looked into the backseat. Oh... that...That is where we were moving stuff into Lily's. We used the car. I just forgot those two bags. Where else would I be going Fane?. Devlin is still here. I wouldn't leave him like that. I love him. Hayden expressed. Fane looked at her curiously. Okay. I guess you have a point there. I will let you out Hayden. Against my better judgement. But I know Theia will take care of you guys. Theia leaned over. Thanks Fane.  I was just bored an Hayden asked me to go so I thought....... why not? Theia laughed. Hayden looked at Theia with a grateful look. Fane nodded an saluted them as he hit the button to open the gate. Hayden put her foot on the gas an slowly drove forward. Oh an Hayden!!!! Fane yelled an she stopped halfway out of the gate. If you go anywhere that has groceries, can you pick me up some of those chocolate covered cherries. Dena loves those an well, we really haven't had the time to go off the property with the whole Xavier ordeal. Fane asked with a smile. Sure thing Fane. We will be back shortly. Hayden said as she hit the gas a little harder this time. Speeding away from her home. The place she had known an loved for the past six years. A tear escaped her eye again an she wiped at it before Theia could see. So, where are we headed? Theia asked as Hayden sped down the winding back roads. I don't know. Hayden said as she kept her eyes forward. Far away from here, I want to make sure that they live a happy life without all the fear an wondering. Hayden said flatly. Theia nodded an looked ahead. She didn't know where they were headed, she just knew that she had to keep them safe. Specially Ava since they were after her the same way they chased her for her whole life. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them again she could see that the sun was coming up over the horizon. They would all be up soon. She thought to herself. They are all going to be awake and they will never stop looking for them. Theia hadn't seen love like the love that family had for each other in centuries. She knew in her heart that Devlin would not stop looking for his family. Even if it killed him in the process. 

Devlin woke to an empty feeling in chest. He rolled over in bed to see that Hayden had already gotten up. He closed his eyes again trying to go back to sleep. That feeling just would not go away. He sat up in bed and looked around. It was quiet. Too quiet. He thought to himself as he got out of bed and put some joggers on. He threw a T-shirt on an walked down the hall to the room Ava had picked to sleep in. The bed was tousled but she wasn't in her bed. I bet Hayden is making her breakfast or took her outside to play. He thought as he took the stairs two at a time. He reached the bottom of the stairs an realized that it didn't smell like coffee. It had smelled like coffee every morning for the past six years. He ran to the kitchen. No one in there. He ran out the front door an into the yard with no shoes on. He looked around frantically. He couldn't sense them near at all. He took off running down the trail to his house. Still barefoot an in his sweats an T-shirt. He didn't care. He just knew that he had to find them. He realized now what that empty feeling in his chest was when he woke up this morning. Hayden an Ava were gone. Not at their house, not at Lily's house and not outside playing. Gone, like in, gone from the property. His stomach clenched as he feared the worst. HAYDEN!!!!! AVA!!!!!! Devlin yelled when he got into the street in the front of his house. When he got no response he ran across the street an burst through his front door. He ran to their bedroom and no one  was there. When he came back out of the room Lily an Derrick stood at the end of the hallway, a look of concern on both their faces. Have you seen Hayden or Ava? Devlin said as he ran up to them with urgency. No, we haven't..... I thought they were with you at our house. Lily answered an looked up at Derrick. No I haven't seen them either, I figured the same. Derrick replied. When was the last time you seen them? He added. Devlin closed his eyes for a moment. It was last night. We laid down for bed around eleven. We didn't go to sleep right away. We stayed awake until about one this morning. Devlin recalled their passionate love making. He wasn't about to tell them that  though. I fell asleep an I thought Hayden had fallen asleep as well. I vaguely remember her getting out of bed but that is normal. She ususally gets up to go check on Ava and then comes back to bed. Devlin said nervously. His eyes were becoming watery. Devlin? Do you think that your father may have gotten to them? Lily asked cautiously. No, Devlin shook his head. He wouldn't have known where we were. He would have come here first. Devlin stated blandly as he racked his brain for answers. Come on. I'll help you find them. Derrick said as he motioned Devlin to the front door. Devlin followed reluctantly. He looked down at his bare feet. I need to put some shoes on real quick. He stated as he turned an went back to his bedroom. A moment later he came stalking back into the living room with a pair of Nike running shoes on. He glanced at the mirror by the front door an was shocked to see his own reflection. His eyes were red rimmed, his hair a mess an he looked exhausted already. He had just got a full nights sleep an yet he looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks. He blinked a few times an followed Derrick out the front door. I need to talk to Fane. He was on the front gate last night. Devlin said as he turned and headed for the gate. Derrick followed right beside of him. Soon as they reached the gate shed, Alox stepped out. Nessa was sitting in the chair at the desk with her feet propped up playing on her phone. She looked up when Alox stepped out to greet them. She seen the look on Devlin's face an immediately stood up an laid her phone down. Where is Fane? Devlin demanded. Alox looked up at the stairs. He worked the gates until about five in the morning, so my guess.... he is asleep. Alox stated. What's going on? Nessa asked curiously. Have either of you seen Hayden or Ava? Derrick asked. No why? Alox asked. Is everything Okay? he added. No, nothing is alright! I can not find my wife or child! Devlin snapped. Alox looked shocked an Nessa covered her mouth in her own shock. I'll go wake Fane. Alox started up the stairs two at a time. He pounded on Fane's door. Dena answered a moment later rubbing her eyes and blinking against the sun streaming in. Is Fane here? Alox said in a rushed tone. It's very important. Devlin an Derrick are here to see him. Alox added. Yes, he is asleep. I'll wake him. Dena replied as she turned and walked back into their little tower room. No need. I'm up. Fane said before she got to their bed. He jumped up an pulled some clothes on quickly. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes an walked out into the bright sun. He took the stairs two at a time until he reached the bottom. Alox followed close behind. What's up Boss? Fane asked with a yawn. Then Fane noticed the desperate look on his face an he knew immediately what this was about. Have you see Hayden an Ava? Devlin asked. Yes, It was about 4:30a.m, she an Ava, along with Theia asked me to let them off of the property so that they could go shopping. Fane replied. Did they say where they were going? Devlin asked with a little bit of hope. They said that they were going to get a surprise for you. I may have just ruined the surprise but I can tell that you are nervous, so I thought the truth would be better. Fane said as he looked down at the ground. It's Okay Fane. I panicked when I found them gone this morning. I may have over reacted. Devlin said with relief. His wife and child had gone out shopping with Theia. He felt relieved. Wait, what time did you say it was when they left? Derrick asked, bursting Devlin's bubble of relief. It was around 4:30 this morning. Fane answered. There are no stores open that early. Stores don't open until seven or eight around here. Even with the hour travel time to get to town they would still be very early. Why would they leave that early? Derrick stated as he looked around at each of them. I'm not sure, maybe so they could slip out with ruining the surprise for Devlin? Fane suggested. No, I think there is more to this. Derrick said seriously. Devlin pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. I'm gonna go check Lily's to see if they took anything with them. Devlin said softly. Fane cleared his throat as Devlin looked back up at him. They had two suitcases in the backseat. I asked Hayden about them an she told me that you guys used the car to transport the things over to Lily's an that she just had forgotten those in the backseat. Also Ava was in her pj's asleep in the backseat as well. Hayden said she was having trouble getting her to sleep in a new bed an that she thought a car ride would help her sleep. Fane said softly. I am sorry Devlin, if I would have known, I wouldn't have opened the gates. Fane added sincerely. Devlin looked worried. It's fine Fane. This isn't your fault. That is one thing about Hayden, if she has her mind set on something she will do it one way or another. Devlin stated as he turned and headed towards Lily's house. He had his head down. They all felt sorry for him. Derrick nodded at Fane an Alox then to Nessa an turned and followed Devlin. He was gonna help Devlin track them down. At that moment he vowed to himself that he would do whatever needed to be done to help Devlin get his family back. 

Hayden had been driving for five hours now. She briefly glanced over at Theia. She was playing a word game on Hayden's phone. I really should have gotten one of these devices. They really are rather fun. Theia smiled as she continued to play the game. Hayden smiled. We could stop and get you one. You know, if you wanted. Hayden offered. Theia looked over at Hayden. Seriously? You would do that for me? Theia asked softly. Yeah, Why not? Hayden said an glanced at her again. No one has ever offered to get me anything. Ever. Theia stated sadly. Well I like to think that we are friends now. Right? Hayden asked. Theia stopped playing the game an looked at Hayden. Yeah, I guess we are. I have this need an desire to protect your daughter though. I must have you know, she reminds me a lot of myself at her age. She is a bit more witty than I was though. I didn't grow up with the love an support that she has in her life. Theia said sadly. But! I turned out just fine. Theia added. Where are we anyway? She asked when she finally looked at the road that stretched for miles in front of them. I think we just crossed over into South Dakota. We are about to go through Wisconsin. Do you wish to stop for some rest? Hayden asked. Theia pondered that question an looked back at Ava who had fallen back to sleep a few minutes ago. I am fine. If you need some rest I can drive for awhile. Theia offered. I don't need to rest. Hayden stated. I really don't have to sleep, we just sleep as a part of a little normalcy. Hayden said. Theia looked at her curiously. Did you want to become a vampire? She asked as she turned sideways in her seat. Hayden glanced at her and then back to the road. Yes, I made that decision because I love my husband an I didn't want him to have to watch me grow old and die. Hayden replied with her eyes on the road. Then why are you leaving him? I am sure he is awake at this moment in time an he is probably heart broken and confused, mixed with a little panic. Theia stated bluntly. Hayden's eyes grew wide and her hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. Are you trying to talk me into turning around? I did this because I do love him, I love all of them. Sometimes we do things to keep the people we love safe. I know they all resent me an my daughter, even if it is just a little. I know they all want to live normal lives. I know they are better off without us an the baggage that comes with us. I know they are tired of living in fear. I know they are tired of their walls being breached by traitors an threats. I just wanted to eliminate that stress from their lives. Hayden explained as tears escaped her eyes again. She wiped at them with frustration. Theia furrowed her brows. I am trying to do no such thing. I am trying to understand you. I know that they are all going to be hurt an upset that you an Ava are gone. I have never seen a family as close as your family is. I have lived a very long time. The love I see in their eyes when they all look at each of you. The conversations that you all keep. That is a sign of true an devoted love between a group of people. Theia said as she faced forward again. Vampires an Werewolves with Witches an Angels, you guys have made the impossible happen. You guys created your own family an you all love each other unconditionally. You guys have even created Hybrids between Were an Witch an Were an Vamp. There is even a Vamp an Angel. I have never even seen an Angel until I laid my eyes on Amony.  It is truly amazing I never thought that I would see that in my life time. Any of it. Theia added. Hayden looked at her daughter in the rear view mirror. She didn't deserve to be taken from her family. She didn't deserve to be in the middle of any of this. Hayden thought as she looked back at the road. She pulled into the parking lot of a little strip mall an pulled into a parking space. She reached an turned the car off. Theia looked at her with a confused look. Can I see my phone? Hayden said as she ran her hands through her hair. Theia picked the phone up out of the middle console an handed it to her. Hayden looked at it for a moment before taking it from her hands. What are you planning Hayden? Theia asked. Hayden looked at the store in front of her. You said you wanted a phone right? Well you are in luck. Look. Hayden said as she pointed to the cell store in front of them. Theia looked at the store with a smile. For a minute there, I thought you were going to contact your family to let them know where you were. Theia stated. Hayden sighed. I thought about it, but, I think this is still the best thing for all of them. No matter how much I want to turn around. I must continue forward. Hayden said as she looked at Theia. Stay here with Ava. I'll be right back. Hayden said as she got out of the car with her purse an headed into the phone store. She glanced back at Theia before going all the way in. Theia had a smile on her face but she knew the woman was worried for her, she could see it in her eyes. Hayden let the door fall shut an went in to get Theia her first cell phone. She had a empty feeling in her chest an she had a feeling it would stay that way, at least until she seen her soul mate again. She was prepared to feel that for the rest of her life. That was her punishment for leaving everyone behind. She would carry it until the day she died. She thought as she walked up to the counter with a young woman ready to help her. Hello. Welcome to Phone Paradise. How may I help you today? The girl behind the counter said. Yes, I need two new phones please. It doesn't matter what kind. Just give me whatever you think that works the best. Hayden said with a fake smile on her face. Do you want to trade in that phone for an additional ten percent off? The girl asked pointing to the iPhone in Hayden's hand. Sure! Hayden said as she laid her old phone on the counter. I also need a new phone number please. She added as her eyes became watery again. She was going to make it impossible for them to track her, next thing on her to do list. Trade in her beautiful car that Devlin had surprised her with. Her dead heart gave a little thump in her chest at the thought of getting rid of her Mercedes. She just knew that it had to be done. She knew for a fact that there was a tracker on it. A security feature Devlin had told her about incase of theft. She had to get rid of it and she knew a used car lot would trade it for something just as good with no additional cost to her. She smiled as the girl behind the counter took out two new iPhones an proceeded to activate them. Hayden waited patiently as the girl did her job. Here's to a new life. Hayden thought to herself as her heart felt like it was breaking into a million tiny pieces.