The Divinity Saga: Part I

The Message + The Warning

“Rayleigh?” I heard a sweet familiar voice from behind the trees. 

I recognized the voice right away. It was a voice I had been longing to hear since I could remember.

“Mom?” I asked walking towards the darkness.

“No, don’t come any closer. It’s dangerous.” She warned me. 

“I don’t care. Mom where are you?” I cried.

“Rayleigh, stay there!” She yelled as her voice fainted. "Please."

I stood still as I was told. I waited to hear her voice again as tears streamed down my face. 

"Rayleigh." She said from behind me.

“What’s wrong Mom?” I rushed to her side. 

“My sweet angel.” She kissed the top of my head. 

“What’s wrong? What are you afraid of?” I looked up at her.

“You.” I heard a voice say from behind us. 

“Me?” I asked as I turned around to face him still holding on to her.

“Yes, you.” He said to me. 

“I didn’t do anything.” I cried, “Right Mom?” I turned to look at her. 

“Of course not.” She scowled.

“Of course you did, you are the monster she once ran from.” He smiled. 

“Mom what is he talking about?” I stared at her waiting for my answer.

“Nothing Rayleigh.” She grabbed my face. “Don’t listen to him.”

“Yeah Rayleigh don’t listen to me.” The voice said disappearing into the shadows.

“Rayleigh, listen. I don’t have much time.” She wiped the tears from her face.

“Okay.” I nodded.

“I need you to promise me to be careful, can you do that?” She asked squeezing me tight. 

“Yes, but why?” I asked.

“I can’t get into that right now, another time. Just please be careful and remember mommy loves you. Be a good girl.” She said as she tried to push me off of her.  

“I love you Mom.” I held onto her tighter.

“I love you too Rayleigh Annaise. Always and forever. Never lose sight of who you are. No matter if your heart doesn’t beat the same anymore. I know who you are.” She disappeared. 

I fell to the ground and began to cry uncontrollably, it was just me now. Alone with my thoughts that made me cringe and feel sick to my stomach. I started thinking of all the things I’ve done that my mother could possibly be ashamed of.

I woke up to my alarm blaring in my ears. I took my time turning it off. I knew Chrissy wouldn’t have woken up anyway, she snored in my ear all night. 

I headed to the bathroom to take a shower and wash away the shame I felt from my dream.

“Rayleigh.” Nana called my name from downstairs.

 She was like my second alarm clock when I pushed snooze on the real one.

I turned off the shower water and wrapped my robe around my damp body. I walked over to my bathroom mirror and wiped away the fog from my hot shower. 

I walked out the bathroom, and Chrissy was still sleeping. I wanted to take advantage of that. I ran into my closet full speed, grabbed clothes and sat them on my bed.

 “Rayleigh” She yelled again. I never understood why she didn’t use the dozens of intercom’s around the house. 

“Coming” I yelled out my door. 

I walked downstairs in my robe, my hair still wrapped in a towel. 

“Good morning Nana.” I walked into the living room and kissed her cheek. 

“Good morning” She looked away from watching her soaps.

I sat on the couch next to her and waited to see what she wanted. 

“So, I was thinking, we should start cooking early. I want to have an all-day feast with you and the girls. It snowed really bad last night, and I’m sure today will be just as bad.” She looked at me.

“Okay, Atia should be on her way soon. She’s bringing her sister. Is that okay?” I asked her knowing she would say yes. 

“Of course.” She smiled. “The more the merrier.” She tuned back into her episode.

I stared at the TV with her awkwardly. I didn't want to be rude, and excuse myself but I knew Atia was coming over really soon and I wasn't even dressed yet.

Finally Nana muted her TV and I looked over at her.

“Rayleigh,” Nana started, “Can you do me a favor after you get dressed and everything?” She asked in her nice voice. 

“Yes Nana.” I nodded.

“We are out of Cinnamon, butter and cooking oil. Can you please-“ 

“Of course.” I cut her off with a smile.

“Thank you Nina” She patted my leg. 

“Welcome.” I headed for the stairs. 

“Oh, wait one more thing.” She yelled after me. 

“Yes?” I looked over the staircase at her.

“I just wanted to tell you I had a dream about your mom last night. I'm not sure if it was just a message or a warning but she was telling me to watch over you and protect you now more than ever. Do you feel unprotected or unsafe in anyway? You can tell me the truth. It won't hurt my feelings. All I want is you safe." She said looking back up at me. 

I wanted so badly to walk back down the stairs and hug her tight, and tell her all about my dream, but I knew that I would have to explain more than just that. 

“I think you're doing a great job.” I lied completely. I didn’t want to make her sadder than she already was. 

“Thank you baby.” She smiled. 

“Welcome” I continued up the stairs. 

I rushed into my room to get ready, Chrissy was still fast asleep. I released my hair from the towel and slid out of my robe. 

“Take it off.” Chrissy cheered.

“Really?” I said pulling it back over my shoulders.

“I was going to try and scare you like you scared me last night, but then you started to get undressed and I figured what better way to scare you than when you're n***d and off guard. Besides I want to see what my competition is, and what I’m up against.” She teased.

“If you wanted to see me n***d all you had to do was ask.” I teased back.

“No you-“ She stopped as I heard her mouth fill with vomit. 

She got out of bed and ran into my bathroom, she didn’t bother closing the door, she began throwing up loudly.

“Don’t get it on my rug.” I yelled. 

“b***h” She said in between gags. 

I laughed.

I hurried and got dressed while Chrissy was bent over the toilet puking her brains out. 

“I’m going to the store Chrissy.” I yelled from my room. 

“Wait, I want to –“ She couldn’t finish her sentence, she began throwing up again.

“You're staying here, I'll bring you something back.” I promised her. “Atia and Ava will be over soon. So please get ready, make my bed and go downstairs and help Nana cook. Please be a good hostess. I know how forgetful you can be. Don’t forget to like, offer them water or something.” I said pulling my sweater over my head.

She held up a thumbs up and proceeded to vomit. 

“Ew, bye.” I said as I walked out and closed the door behind me. 

“Nana.” I yelled walking down the stairs.

“Yes Rayleigh?” she yelled back from the kitchen. She already started cooking.

“I’m leaving.” I headed towards the front door. “Chrissy’s getting dressed, she will be down soon to help you. Just in case I’m not back when they get here, Atia and her sister Ava will be over in a little too, and they’ll help. I shouldn’t be more than 20 minutes.” I promised. 

“Okay, so it's 7:10 you should be back around 7:30 right?” She asked concerned.

“Yes Nana, no later than 7:40.” I assured her as I walked out the door. 

“Okay. Hurry back, be safe.” She yelled as I slammed the front door shut. 

The streets were covered in snow, and so was my entire front yard. Good thing Nana put snow chains on my cars a month ago. I decided I wanted to drive my Mercedes instead of my SUV, I didn’t feel like plowing it from under the snow. I walked over to our third garage where it was parked and opened the door with my clicker. I walked in and unlocked my car doors.

I drove down the main street, I noticed everyone was speeding, probably trying to get to work because they got called in late or because they wanted to get home to their families after a hard overnight shift. I was in no rush, I watched as the cars sped past me. I made sure that I went under the speed limit, I didn’t want to get into an accident. 

A guy sped past me so fast that my car almost slid off the road. People are so reckless in this weather that they don’t see their lives at stake. 

I pulled up to the grocery store and got out of my car. 

“Hey Rayleigh.” I heard someone shout from a few cars down.

“Hey.” I said turning around not knowing who it was. 

It was Aaron. Aaron and I were never close. Especially now since he treated Chrissy the way that he did. I didn’t want anything to do with him. 

“Have you talked to Chrissy?” He asked running over to me. 

“Of course I have, She’s my best friend.” I said rolling my eyes. 

“Well, how is she?” He asked concerned.

“She’s fine, why wouldn’t she be?” I asked him.

“Well, We broke up. I would think she would be distraught or something.” He said hiding a smile.

“Well, she’s fine.” I said as grabbed a cart and headed into the store. 

“Wait, did she tell you anything?” He asked following beside me. 

I stopped my cart, “Yes, she told me that you said you weren't satisfied anymore. She dedicated her whole life to you, she even gave up cheerleading for you, because you said she didn’t make enough time for you. Even though she went to all your lame a*s games. Just let it go Aaron, You don't deserve her.” I said walking again. 

I walked over to the dairy section, grabbed butter and threw it in my cart.

‘Cinnamon and cooking oil’ I mumbled to myself walking down the condiments aisle. Good thing they were in the same aisle.

“She told you that?” He asked shocked.

“Yes, and I believe my best friend. Goodbye.” I said reaching for the cinnamon on a higher shelf. 

“No, but you don’t understand.” He said as he grabbed it for me.

“Thanks.” I said throwing it in the cart.

“No problem.” He said still by my side. 

“Just hear me out.” He begged.

“I do understand, I just don’t care. So whatever story you have to tell me, save it. I believe Chrissy, she wouldn’t lie to me. You hurt her, therefore I don’t like you.” I said and began to walk away.  “Actually, I never liked you.” I continued to the front of the store. I didn’t want to say that, but I knew it would ensure that he wouldn’t follow me. 

I walked over to self-check out, scanned my things, and walked out. 

I shuffled my feet over to my car, I unlocked my doors, threw the bags in the passenger seat and got in slamming my door behind me. 

“Shit.” I said starting my car. 

I forgot Chrissy’s 7up. Oh well, she would be fine. I wasn’t risking the fact that I’d run into Aaron again. I sped off.

I turned on my radio and listened to the weatherman say the storm would be back no later than tonight.

Chrissy wouldn’t have lied to us right? Not to me at least. I’m her best friend more like her sister. She never lied before why start now? It was just Aaron trying to get in my head about their situation, he probably realized what he lost and wanted her back. 

I pulled up at home, Atia’s car was here. My heart began to race and I began to get nervous as always when she was around. 

I pulled into my driveway and pushed the clicker to open the garage door. I parked my car, grabbed the groceries and got out. 

I walked out of the garage closing the door behind me. 

“Nana, I’m home.” I said walking into the house, hanging my keys on the rack by the door. I smelled cookie dough, and Atia’s presence. 

“We’re In here.” Nana said.

I followed her smell into the kitchen. I peeked around the corner to see what she was doing. Her and Atia were baking cookies, Atia had flour on her nose and chin. 

I giggled as I made myself known. 

“Hi Rayleigh.” Nana said bending over to put a batch of cookies in the oven. 

I sat the groceries on the counter, ran over to Atia and kissed her and quickly ran back within seconds like I never moved. By the time Nana was done putting the cookies in, Atia and I were both red in the face. 

“How was the weather, not too bad I hope?” She asked me.

“No, it was fine. But, I think it said something on the radio about the snowstorm coming back tonight.” I said grabbing a cup from the cabinet and walking over to the fridge. 

“Well, you girls will be safe with me all day. We’ll be eating yummy food, and sitting in the warm toasty house.” She smiled. 

“Sounds perfect” I smiled looking at Atia. 

“Can’t wait” She smiled back.

A day at home with her, was just what I needed. I needed to get what I’ve been feeling off my chest. 

“Let’s start on the roasted chicken.” Nana said walking over to the sink where it was defrosting. 

“Okay, ew. Not exactly my area of expertise. I’ll be back. I need to grab something from upstairs and check on Chrissy.” I said walking out of the kitchen. I just needed an excuse to tell Chrissy something, I needed to feel the relief of telling someone. 

 “Chrissy, I think you were right. I do like her more than I thought.” I said busting through my door.

I forgot Ava was here. I was busted. 

“I mean-“ I stuttered. 

“It’s fine” Ava smiled. “Your secret is safe with me.” 

I walked over to them and sat on the bed. 

“I don’t know, I’m not really an open person. I don’t say my feelings much, I’m really closed off-“ 

“She really is.” Chrissy interrupted. “Sorry continue.” She smiled apologetically. 

“Like I was saying, I’m really closed off. I can’t believe I’m even venting to you guys about this. I don’t vent.” 

“She really doesn’t!” Chrissy interrupted again.

“Seriously?" Ava and I said at the same time.

“Okay, that was the last one I swear!” She promised. 

“But yeah.” I continued, “I don’t know guys, Atia and I never said we liked each other. Yeah we’ve made out a couple times, and there’s obviously chemistry, but what if it's just me that likes her and she just likes making out with people.” I whined. 

“Look Ray, I know my sister. She doesn’t just make out with anyone, emotions have to be attached for her to give that part of herself to someone.” She said smiling. 

“Yeah but, I’m sure she knows I like her. I mean, I know my heartbeat starts pounding in her ears when she comes around.” I said frowning.

“Your heartbeat?” Chrissy asked. 

“I think she means like her heart is racing so fast that she could probably hear it. Right Ray?” Ava said saving me. 

“Yes, exactly!” I agreed. 

“Well, I think you should just tell her. You can tell she likes you, everyone can. I’ve known Ava and Atia for a long time and I never seen her be so openly public with anyone.” Chrissy said smiling. “She’s into you.”

Ava nodded in agreement.

“So what do I do?” I asked as I grabbed my baby blanket and held it to my face.

“Tell her.” Chrissy chanted. 

“No.” Ava disagreed. “Let her tell you, that’s how you’ll really know. If you say it first of course she will say it back and she will mean it, but if she goes to you that means she’s ready to take the next step. I think that's better than you confessing and then not knowing how to move forward.” She explained.

It made sense, but what if she never admitted it to me. 

“That’s just my theory.” Ava said rubbing her fingers through her hair. 

“Well when you put it that way, Ava’s right.” Chrissy agreed. 

“Ava, you are the closest person to her. Are you okay with this?” I asked nervously.

“Of course I am. Atia deserves to be happy and so do you.” She smiled. “Oh, and I looked in your closet and I love your style. If stuff starts to come up missing it wasn’t me” She nudged me. 

“And if you come up missing after, it wasn’t me.” I nudged back. 

“I love you guys, finally the people I love are coming together.” She grabbed us and we all hugged. 

“We love you too.” Ava smiled. 

“Better get back down there.” I groaned. 

I told them I was bringing something back so I decided to just bring my baby blanket down with me. 

“Good luck.” Ava said through the door.

I walked down the stairs. It sounded like I was going to walk in on the end of a conversation.

“Can you keep it a secret? I haven’t told her yet.” I heard Atia whispering to Nana.

“Of course I can.” Nana promised.

I walked into the kitchen with my blanket wrapped around my shoulders.

 “But let’s see if I approve of your cookies that are in the oven” Nana changed the subject. 

I wonder what they were talking about. I wanted to know but she told Nana in confidence, and Nana would never break a promise. No matter who told her and who wanted to know. 

“You brought Cuddles down?” Nana said smiling putting her chicken in the oven.

“Cuddles?” Atia giggled.

“Cuddles is Rayleigh’s baby blanket I knitted for her before she was born. She can’t sleep without him, he’s her comfort object.” She explained. 

“That’s cute.” Atia smiled. 

I felt my cheeks turn pink as I hid him behind my back. 

“You want to know a cute story?” Nana asked Atia. 

“No, she doesn’t.” I said walking over to Nana.

“I do actually.” Atia laughed.

“Whose side are you on?” I said to Atia jokingly. 

“Hers right now, I want to know the story.” She protested.

“Fine, but whatever she tells you is a lie” I warned her laughing.

“One time, Rayleigh was so nervous for a final that she brought him to school with her in her book bag. She was taking the test with one hand, and had her hand in her bag rubbing her cuddles in the other.” She laughed from the memory. 

We all laughed as I grabbed the pie that was on the counter and slid it in the only open oven. The rest were filled with food.

“Look girls, I called in a little help from the Chef’s they’ll be here soon. You don’t have to help me anymore, you’ve done enough. Go relax, show Atia and Ava the theatre room, and watch a scary movie. I had the concession stand fully stocked yesterday for the occasion of the snow storm. Enjoy yourselves.” She insisted.

“Are you sure Nana? We don’t mind.” I lied. 

“I’m positive, now go have some fun. I’ll call you girls down when the food is done.” She promised. 

“Okay Nana.” I said kissing her cheek.

I could hear three happy heartbeats coming up the driveway. 

“They’re here.” I said to Nana. 

A few seconds later we heard a knock at the door. 

“How’d you know that?” She asked shocked.

“I think you’re just getting old Nana” I teased.

The caterers walked through the door and went straight into the kitchen.

“Lets go” I signaled Atia to follow me. 

“So what do you want to do?” I asked as we walked up the stairs.

“Whatever you want to do. You have a home theatre? That’s ridiculous.” She chuckled.

“Yeah, I got it as a present for my 15th birthday.” I smiled. 

I opened my room door and Ava and Chrissy sat in the same spot as when I left them.

“Hey cuties.” Chrissy said smiling.

Ava was laying on her stomach texting on her phone she didn’t even acknowledge us.

We walked over my bed and sat down. I laid in between Chrissy and Ava. 

“What are we doing today?” I asked them.

“Let's play hide and seek” Ava said looking away from her phone. 

“What? No. I’m scared of the dark and of who might be in it.” Chrissy whined. “I just want to know when the food’s going to be done. I’m starving.” 

“Soon.” I teased.

“Lets watch scary movies.” Ava said excitedly.

“Seriously dude? Did you not just hear me?” Chrissy said annoyed.

“Atia what do you think we should do?” I said looking at her. 

“Mm, I'm pretty much up for anything” Atia said.

“How about everyone says what they want to do and we pick what sounds the best?" I suggested.

“Scary movies or hide and seek.” Ava said undecided.

“Facials or Truth or dare.” Chrissy said smiling. 

“Atia?” I looked at her waiting for her answer.

“All of it.” Atia smirked

 “You're right. Let’s just do them all. We’re stuck inside all day might as well have fun right?” I smiled. 

“Okay what’s first?” Chrissy asked. By the sound of her heart, she was already scared.

“I don’t know.” I said confused.

I wanted Atia to answer, I wanted it to be her idea. She was being so quiet today, I wonder what was wrong with her. She seemed a little out of it as if she wasn’t really interested in being here but just came to follow her commitment.

“Let's play hide and seek first.” Atia finally suggested. 

Chrissy looked worried. 

“Just to get the scary stuff over with” Atia added to make her feel better.

“You’re right.” Chrissy said sighing 

“Okay.” I climbed out of bed and stood to my feet. “Every man for themselves?” 

“No, teams!” Chrissy begged.

“Group vote.” I demanded. “Whoever wants to be on teams say I.” 

“I” Ava said smiling.

“I, obviously” Chrissy said rolling her eyes.

“I” Atia said hesitating. 

“I, Guess I’m out voted.” I said walking into my closet.

“What are you doing?” Chrissy asked. 

“Changing into something more comfortable.” I said closing the door halfway.

“Hurry up.” Chrissy said. 

I heard Chrissy’s phone ring, she picked up right away. She was arguing with someone for a moment and then she got quiet. 

I let my hair down and I began to strip, I took off my pull over hoodie and hung it up. I slid off the rest of my clothing and dropped them into the hamper. I reached for a white tank top from my top shelf. I never understood why Maria stocked my clothes so high up knowing I was short.

“Are you peeking?” I heard Ava whisper.

“No.” Atia said embarrassed, her heart began to beat faster. She probably knew I was listening. 

I smiled as I opened my drawer and pulled out a pair of pink and green pajama shorts and slid them on. 

I bent over to gather all my hair and put it in a messy bun. I looked in my mirror at myself contently and walked out. 

“Ready guys?” I asked.

“I gotta go!” Chrissy said rushing off the phone. 

“What was that about?” I asked her concerned.

“Nothing important” She smiled. 

I knew she was lying, but I let it go. I was just going to wait until we were alone to confront her about it, and the comment she said about my mom. We were going to have our face off very soon. 

“Here’s the rules.” I ignored her. “Upstairs only, downstairs is off limits. You can go into any room you want except for the one with the yellow door. I’m not kidding, If I find you in there the game is over.” 

“Okay.” They all agreed.

“Now let’s pick teams.” I rolled my eyes.

“I call Rayleigh” Atia said as she walked over and grabbed my hand.

“I want Ava!” Chrissy grabbed Ava’s hand.

“Let’s play bitches!” I said smiling devilishly. 

“Who’s it first?” Chrissy asked, I could tell she didn’t want it to be her.

“You.” I laughed.

“Seriously?” She asked me.

“Yes. Now you and Ava go count to forty.” I ordered.

“Fine.” She grabbed Ava’s hand and pulled her out the door. 

“You ready to play?” I asked Atia flirtatiously. 

“Yes, let’s go hide.” She said as we walked out hand in hand. 

 “Base is the stairs.” Chrissy yelled from the staircase.

We ran to look for somewhere to hide. 

“In here.” I pulled Atia into my study and closed the door quietly.