The Divinity Saga: Part I

Keys

“I’ll walk you to the waiting room.” A woman approached us. 

“No.” I refused. “I want to wait here.”

“I don’t recommend that, it might be a while. Just come sit in the waiting room – there's a TV, refreshments, and it's just a better environment in general. You don’t want to have to stand here for hours would you?” She smiled at us. 

“Whatever it takes.” I growled. 

“Rayleigh.” Atia locked her hand in mine. 

“Fine.” I sighed. “Lead the way.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “This way ladies.”

We walked into the waiting room and a child movie was on the TV. The drinks were gone, and there was a crying baby. I looked at Atia and rolled my eyes. 

“Yeah, this is a way better environment.” I muttered. 

“Have a seat girls. The doctor will let you know what's going on in a few.” She promised as she walked out. 

I stood there staring at everyone that stared at me. I didn’t want to be in here, I wanted to be waiting where I was. I turned to walk away. 

“No.” Atia grabbed me by my waist, “Stay, please.”

“But-” I whined. 

“Please.” She begged. 

“Fine.” I pouted. 

We sat down in the hard chairs and waited. After 30 minutes the movie ended and everyone got awkwardly quiet. I stared at the little boy who was hitting his mom so he could go play, while the woman across from me scratched her scalp loudly, a man that was next to Atia was smacking on his chips and pushing his crumbs onto the floor. Everything was getting under my skin. I couldn't take it anymore. 

“That’s it.” I said as stormed out of the room. 

I crash ran into a man in a white coat. 

“Whoa.” He said grabbing me. “I’m sorry, Are you okay?” 

It was the anesthesiologist from the other day. The one who couldn't take an obvious hint.

“I’m fine.” I lied. 

“Rayleigh.” Atia rushed to my side. 

“Fine.” I smiled. 

“Are you here for Yulisa?” He smiled down at me. 

“Yes.” I sighed. 

“Weren't you here a couple nights ago with the blonde girl that stole my coffee?” He asked stroking his stubble. 

“Yes.” I chuckled dryly.

“And who is this?” He looked at Atia. 

“My girlfriend.” I said grabbing her hand.

 “I thought the other girl – that kissed you was your girlfriend.” He said confused. 

“Ava?” I said trying to remember. 

“Ava?” Atia looked at me. “Ava kissed you?” 

“Yeah, long story – it was just truth or dare.” I sputtered 

“Wait. You were playing truth or dare in the hospital with Ava and a sketchy doctor?" 

“Whoa, you date sisters?” He said proudly.

“Oh my god.” I said in frustration. “How is my Nana?”

“She is stable-”

“Great, can I see her?” I cut him off. 

“I said she was stable not okay.” He said putting his hand on my shoulder. “This episode prolonged her stay.”

“For how long.” I frowned.

“A couple more weeks.” He sighed, “But I can promise you she will be okay.”

“When can we see her again?” Atia said staring at his hand on my shoulder. 

“A couple days – maybe a week.” He rubbed my shoulder. 

“Days? Week?” I pushed his hand off.

“Unfortunately, that only applies to you.” He looked at me. “Look girls, this is a serious matter. You have one conversation with her and she goes into critical condition that is unacceptable.”

“So you’re blaming Rayleigh?” Atia asked offended. 

“I’m not blaming her per say, I’m just saying we the staff think it's not a good idea for her to come back for a while. You are too emotional.” He said placing his hand back on my shoulder “and that’s understandable but it something she cannot handle right now. Your family is more than welcome to come on your behalf though.” 

“Fine.” I said storming off. 

“Wait.” I heard Atia behind me. 

“Take care.” The doctor yelled after us. 

“Let’s just go.” I said looking for the elevators. 

“Rayleigh, talk to me.” She begged. 

“No.” I cried back, “I want to go home.”

“Okay.” She agreed. “Let's go home.”

We walked into the elevator full of people. We all stood there in silence as we waited for the last floor. Rage filled my body and I wanted to break my diet right here and now. The doors opened to our floor just in time. I stormed out and searched for Atia’s car. She unlocked the doors for me so I could see where we parked from across the lot. I climbed in the passenger's seat and slammed the door. I rested my head on the window.

“Rayleigh.” Atia said as she got into the car. “I’m so sorry.”

I didn’t say anything – I couldn’t I just wrapped my arms around her and started to cry. I couldn't process anything that was happening right now. She held me in her arms until my tears stopped. That’s one thing about Atia – she knew when words were needed and when to just hold me. 

“Let's go home.” I sniffled.

“Okay.” She smiled. “It's going to be okay, I promise.”

“I trust you.” I smiled back. 

“Even if I have to visit her every single day for you. I will.” She promised. 

We pulled out of the parking garage and headed home. My hand in hers we rode in silence. That’s exactly what I needed. I needed silence. A few moments of clarity. A few moments to get my life in perspective and to figure out what I am going to do. She gave me those few moments and the vibe didn’t feel off for a second. I didn't know how she understood me without explanation. I think  it's because I understood her without question. I try my hardest to see life through her eyes so she will never have to feel alone. Her world was so much clearer than mine – I admired her for keeping everything in perspective. 

We walked into the house and the girls weren’t home yet.

“So now what?” I asked confused.

“I guess we should pack some things to take to the safe house.” She said locking the door behind us.

“I guess so.” I forced a smile. “Well, I’ve been living out of my duffle bag, so everything I have is already packed.” 

“If you want you can stay down here while I pack.” She offered. 

“Okay, I’ll be in the lounge.” I smiled as I walked away. “Or the kitchen.” I shouted. 

I stood in the hallway and pulled out my phone. I called Chrissy and waited for her to pick up. 

“Hey Ray.” She said giggling. 

“I don’t mean to interrupt your date, but you have to come home.” I said running my fingers through my hair. 

“Okay, no problem. Can I ask why?”

“Family emergency. I’ll explain when you get here.” 

“Be there in 10.” She said before she hung up.

I shoved my phone into my pocket and I walked into the lounge. I walked over to the movie collection. The choice was easy. I popped in one of my favorite comedies and pushed play. I knew I needed to surround myself with positive things in order for me to stay positive. I decided to cook something while opening previews played. I opened the fridge and grabbed a block of cheese,a tub of butter, and sat it on the counter. I grabbed the bread from the pantry and placed it next to my other items. 

“What are you making?” Atia asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“The best grilled cheese ever.” I said over my shoulder. 

“I don’t know about that – mine are pretty amazing.” She walked over to me. 

“Doubt it.” I laughed, “But to be clear, I’m not doubting that yours are amazing, I’m just saying that mine are better.” 

“Lets see about that.” She said as she grabbed two pieces of bread and cheese and joined me at the stove. 

“Lets make things more interesting.” I smiled “Ava and Chrissy are our judges.” 

“Great, Ava loves my grilled cheeses.” She smirked. 

“And Chrissy loves mine.” I teased.

“Then it’s a fair fight.” She grabbed her spatula and started to cook.

I started to make my grilled cheese nothing out of the ordinary. I waited until the cheese started to melt and opened my top bread. I reached into the sugar container and grabbed a two pinches full. I sprinkled the sugar lightly all around my cheese like Nana taught me. I sprinkled the leftover sugar onto the melted butter in my pan. I flipped my sandwich and smiled. It was perfectly golden brown and the edges were perfectly crisp just how Chrissy liked it. I glanced over at Atia’s sandwich and by the looks she had a fighting chance. I would definitely give her A for presentation. I slid my sandwich onto a plate and cut it in half diagonally. I carefully drizzled my left over butter and sugar onto the sandwich around the edge of the plate. It was a perfect gold to match the sandwich. I ran to the fridge and grabbed the can of whipped cream and placed a small pile on each side of the sandwich. I backed up to admire my masterpiece.

“All done.” Atia smiled, “Ava should be here any minute. I called her and told her to come home.” 

“Chrissy should be here soon too.” I smiled. “But just in case.” I put a top over my sandwich and shoved it in the oven. 

“Now come here.” I pulled her close to me. 

“What could you possibly want?” She smiled. 

“You.” I kissed her. 

We started to kiss passionately as she lifted me onto the countertop. I locked my fingers in her hair as she caressed me. Her hands softly guided up my shirt.

“Uh, that’s a little unsanitary don’t you think?” Chrissy joked interrupting us. 

I jumped down from the counter and looked down at ground. I felt my cheeks flush pink. 

“Hey.” Ava said walking in.

“Ava? When did you get home?” Atia said embarrassed. 

“When Chrissy did.” She smiled “And Chrissy, don’t knock it. Me and Clayton love that position.” Ava laughed. 

“I’m not knocking it, I was just in it.” Chrissy said sitting at the bar.

We all looked at each other and started to laugh. I loved how comfortable we’ve all become with each other. We were forming unbreakable bonds and didn’t even realize it. 

“So what’s the family emergency? Rayleigh is finally getting some?” Chrissy laughed. “Hold on, do I smell what I think I smell?”

“What do you think you smell?” I smirked at Atia. 

“Is it your grilled cheese?” She said smelling the air. 

“Yes.” I smiled. “Actually – me and Atia made a bet.”

“Was this before or after the action started? Oh, Was it during?” Chrissy interrupted.

“My bets on before, that’s probably what led up to the action.” Ava explained “Go on Ray.” 

“You guys are the judges to see whose grilled cheese is better.” I said as I grabbed Atias arms and wrapped them around my body. 

“In all honesty.” She added.

“Bring the plates!” Chrissy ordered in a manly voice. 

“Yes. I’m starved and I love Atia’s grilled cheeses.” Ava groaned happily. “No offense Ray.”

“Non taken.” I said opening the oven and grabbing my tray. 

“No offense Ava, but Rayleigh’s grilled cheeses are like heaven, so creamy, chewy, and moist.” She licked her lips. 

“We’ll see.” Ava smirked. 

Atia placed her sandwich on the bar in front of them. They both grabbed their piece and began eating. I wasn’t nervous. I watched as they enjoyed it. 

“So what do you think?” Atia smiled at them. 

“Still my favorite.” Ava said chewing her last bite.

“It's so good.” Chrissy whined as she licked her fingers. 

“Thank you, thank you.” Atia smirked. 

“My turn.” I placed my plate on the bar competitively. 

“Yes.” Chrissy said excitedly. 

“Is that whipped cream?” Ava asked. 

“Omg yes.” Chrissy smiled “You have to dip it.”

“Okay.” Ava said skeptically. 

I knew that one of them were bound to like mine better. I turned away to wash the dishes while Atia watched them eat. 

“Well.” Ava said after she was done.

“Hmm.” Chrissy added. 

“Well, hmm what?” Atia said anxiously. 

“Okay, I’m just going to come out and say this.” Chrissy started, “Atia has my vote.”

“Ha!” Atia said excitedly. 

“Trader.” I muttered to Chrissy. 

“Not so fast sis.” Ava started “Ray has mine.”

“What?” Atia whined. 

“Ha!” I mocked Atia. 

“I guess it’s a tie then.” She pouted. 

“Aw its okay.” I kissed Atia’s cheek. 

“Whats this emergency?” Chrissy asked seriously. 

“Atia.” I gave her the okay to tell them as I grabbed their plates and slid them into the dishwater. 

“Okay so, we have to leave town for a little while – don’t ask any questions mostly because I don’t have the answers myself. Ava, mom is gone she left on a business trip and took Chrissy’s mom with her. Today we went to see Nana and they basically banned Rayleigh from seeing her.”

“What? Why Rayleigh?” Chrissy said concerned. 

I shrugged and continued to do the dishes.

“Nana had an episode.” Atia started again. “A bad one.”

“What happened?” Ava’s voice shook. 

I could tell she was hurt by the sound of her voice. She had an unusual bond with Nana that no one noticed. It was like they were connected in some way.

“We don’t exactly know, but right now we have to go. So Ava, go upstairs and quickly pack your bag.” She ordered.

“Okay.” Ava said as she ran out of the kitchen. 

“And you Chrissy, we will stop at your house on the way out of town.” Atia promised.

“Okay.” She nodded. “Let me just call Aaron and tell him I’m leaving.”

“Aaron?” I turned around.

“Zach, I said Zach.” Chrissy smiled. 

“Oh.” I said as I dried my hands off.

“Don’t tell him too much.” Atia warned. 

“I won't.” Chrissy promised as she pulled her phone out and walked out of the kitchen.

“Hey, are you okay?” Atia appeared behind me with her arms around my waist.

“I’m fine.” I turned to face her. 

“So where were we?” She kissed me. 

“Well I was on the counter like this.” I said sitting back into position. 

“Oh yeah, I kinda remember now.” She smiled. 

“And you were close like this.” I pulled her body to me. 

“What else?” She pressed her lips to mine. 

“And your hands were right here.” I placed her hands on my body right where she had them. 

“Exactly.” She whispered. 

We kissed again more passionately than the last time. I didn’t want this moment to end but I knew it had to. I tried to fight it but Atia pulled away. 

“We have to stop before Chrissy or Ava walk in again.” She kissed me one more time before pulling me off of the counter. 

“Hey guys.” Chrissy walked in.

“Perfect timing.” Atia giggled. 

“Hi.” I tried to hide my rosy cheeks.

“Ava isn’t down yet?” Chrissy groaned. “I feel like an automatic third wheel whenever she's not around.”

“You are.” I laughed. 

“Ready.” Ava said breathlessly as she rolled her suitcase into the kitchen. “T, Can you get my other two bags from the top of the stairs please.” Ava whined.

“Other two?” Atia asked shocked. 

“Yes, we all know I have a problem with traveling light. Moving on.” She rolled her eyes. 

“Well, I guess we should get going. I’m going to lock up. I’ll meet you guys outside.” Atia disappeared upstairs as we took our bags to the car.

“Is there food there?” Chrissy asked as she put on her seatbelt. 

“Is food all you care about?” I asked looking back at her. 

“No.” She said rudely. “Will there be drinks too?”

“So annoying.” I whispered as I leaned my head against the window.

Atia threw Ava’s bags in the trunk and got in the car. We pulled out of the gate and headed to Chrissy’s house. 

“Keep going straight.” Chrissy said, “Then turn left on Hampton Street, my house is on the left.” 

We pulled up to her house in minutes. I missed Chrissy’s house. It was my second home – my home away from home. I missed the smell, it smelled like vanilla scented candles and sage. My mom and Chrissy’s mom had the same taste in scents. So when I smelled here, I smelled home. 

“Make it quick.” Atia smiled at Chrissy.

“I’ll try.” Chrissy said as she closed her door.

“Ava how was your day?” I asked making conversation. 

“It was – interesting.” She smirked. 

“Interesting like how?” I scrunched my face. 

“Interesting like, I’ll tell you later because my sister is listening type of interesting.” She hinted.

“Gotcha.” I laughed. 

“Ew.” Atia whined. 

“Sorry sis, I tried to be as discreet as possible.” She promised. 

“When did you two get so close?” Atia smiled at me and then at Ava. 

“When you started spending all your time with Stefanie.” Ava teased. 

“Yeah, lets not get started on that one.” I groaned. 

“No, let's start it.” Atia challenged.

“Chrissy’s coming!” Ava pointed out. 

“Why does she have so much stuff?” I whined. 

"Because she's friends with my sister." Atia climbed out of the car to help her.

They struggled to shove her things on top. Mostly because Chrissy was more in the way than she was helping. 

“Finally.” I chuckled. 

“Sorry, I promise everything was a necessity.” She said closing the trunk and climbing into the car. 

Atia started the car and we headed to the freeway.

“Where to?” Atia asked as she placed her GPS on my lap.

 I grabbed the address from my pocket and typed it in her GPS. 

“How far away is it?” Chrissy leaned into the front seat. 

“58 minutes.” I showed her the GPS. 

“Great.” She groaned. “I’ll be in my headphones if you need me.” 

“Me too.” Ava said shoving her headphones into her ears. 

“I guess it's just me and you.” Atia smiled at me. 

“I don’t mind if you don’t.” I smiled back. “Tell me a story about your childhood.” 

“My childhood?” She smirked. 

“Yes.” I nodded.

“Okay well.” She started. 

She told me about how she first learned how to swim and how she first learned she had powers. I watched her eyes light up as she told the story. It was beautiful to see her reconnecting with a memory that once made her so happy. I begged her to tell me more stories, and she obliged. I fell asleep in the middle of a story about her mom taking her to the father daughter dance.