Talia's pov

The terrifying thunder jolted me from my calm sleep. Darcia, on the other hand, couldn't stop listening to it and leaned against the window sill. Vampires, it appears, enjoy this type of weather. I rolled myself to get to the edge of the bed and got up from it. No matter how many times I try to scare Darcia from behind, no success.

I tippy-toed to her and embraced her, locking my hands around her stomach. Her ice-cold hand grabbed mine. She turned them into a fist. She squeezed them tight.

"Missed me?" She asked, tilting her head towards mine.

"Extremely much," I answered with a smile on my face. Her very long raven hair fell to my face. Oh, god, how good they smell like lavender and plums.

There was something so serene about this house and its location. It couldn't be described in words. It was a place you had to experience for yourself.

As a few raindrops fell on me, I realized that soon everything would be resolved. There's nothing to worry about anymore. The inner peace will finally begin. I craved it the most. This place was only the beginning of it. She is the one who makes it utterly complete.

I stretched my hand out of the window so the raindrops could reach it. They felt pretty warm on my skin. But Darcia's cold lips behind my left ear remind me of the cold again.

She brushed her soft lips against my ear and then slowly gave me a kiss behind it. Then her chin rested on top of my head. Our height difference always quite amuses me.

I pulled my hand back to my body, covering Darcia's hand with mine again.

She bore her face into my bed heads hair. "I love you." She quietly said as if she were embarrassed to say it out loud.

I recall how we first became acquainted. It was an unforgettable day. The day that changed everything I knew about our existence.

But her gentleness wasn't there back then. She was the total opposite of it. How come I turned an unmerciful, cold-hearted vampire into the most loving and sweetest one? Yes, she still lacks some knowledge about relationships, yet she understands and learns from her mistakes.

I love her body against mine. Especially, her hands around my waist. I love the feeling of her thin but strong body against mine.

When she's around me or very close to me, I know nothing can happen to me. While she's with me, I'm getting her constant and sincere protection.

Now that there's no one to be afraid of. I can once and for all let my guard down and feel at ease.

Her hand trailed from my waist up to my neck. She gently rearranges my hair to the left side over my shoulder.

Soft kisses landed on my stretched neck as I pulled my head back for her to have more space to kiss. My heart raced faster as I felt her breath on my skin. She continued to shower me with gentle kisses until I finally felt my body and mind completely relax. I moaned into her ear in pleasure. Enjoying every move her cold lips made. Her hands danced around my body, clenching them in some places. Making me yearn for her this instant.

"We-" Darcia paused, distancing her lips from my neck.

"We have to stop for now," she continued, tilting my chin to meet her crimson-red eyes. I know for a fact that deep down, she thirsts for my blood. She just doesn't want to admit it to me.

"Sadly, we have to." I smirked, placing a quick kiss on her cheek.

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

How am I feeling? It's been months since I last saw my sister. Meeting her again brings the last pieces of my happiness to be completed, where they belong.

"I cannot wait to see her!" As I replied, I was almost jumping in delight.

"Let's go then," Darcia stated.

***

The three of us were together in a car on our way to the orphanage. Seeing Darcia behind the wheel brought our memories inside this car again. Who would have thought that seeing her drive would make me like her even more? Her focused gaze was on the road, with one hand on the wheel and the other intertwined with mine. Having my eyes glued to her, I couldn't look away. A gust of wind blew her raven hair as the window was rolled down.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this peaceful moment we're in, but why must I go as well?" Nicoli asked, sitting in the back seat.

I had no idea why he was going with us too. I glanced at Darcia, and a suspicious grin appeared on her face. I wonder what she was up to.

"Stop being ungrateful and enjoy this car ride with us, Nicoli. I know you will enjoy it." Darcia said with a smirk.

Nicoli remained quiet, which was a bit weird. He always fights back and never lets her win any of their arguments. I just hope nothing bad comes out of it.

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I started to pick at the skin around my nails as I saw we were getting closer to the destination. There were numerous trees lining the path, providing shade on a hot summer day. The trees were lush and green, and the branches danced in the light breeze. The sight was beautiful and tranquil, and it seemed to have a calming effect on all of us.

Darcia slowly parked the car in front of the tall black gate that was wide open. I analyzed the whole area, and everything looked the same. I sighed out loud, opening the car door. Darcia was instantly next to the door, holding it fully open for me.

Her other hand stretched out towards me, so I would take it. I took her hand, and she slowly pulled me out of the car seat.

I readjusted my white dress and took a deep breath in. The three of us headed our way inside the gate. Halfway through, Nicoli stopped walking and looked at Darcia. She looked confused for a moment, but then she nodded.

"Talia, we should visit the garden first. That's where we first met." She announced.

Oh, right. I entirely forgot about my stalker, who ended up being Darcia. I nodded with a smile, and we took a turn towards the garden. Oddly, the two of them were behind me, and I was leading the way.

I took slow steps inside the garden, studying the blooming trees and flowers. The smell of freshly cut grass was in the air, and the birds were singing in the trees. Everywhere I looked, I could see the vibrant colors of the plants and the beauty of my favorite garden. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the breeze was softly brushing my face.

I turned my gaze to the bench I liked to sit on and saw her. Stacey's face did not change one bit. She looks exactly the same as when I left this place. A smile formed on her face immediately. She got up and ran towards me, and I did the same thing. We hugged each other tightly, both of us overcome with emotion. Tears filled my eyes as I realized how much I had missed this place and the people in it. We continued to hold each other in a tight embrace for a few moments before finally parting.

"Tali-" She burst out. I just simply nodded and smiled back.

"Are you doing well, Stacey?" I asked in excitement.

"Now that you're here, I am doing amazing!" She stated.

We sat down on the bench, holding each other's hands. I can't express with words how much I have missed my sister. Her blond hair grew within those months, and somehow she looked more mature. We have grown a lot since we last saw each other.

"Uhm, why is she staring at me?" She asked with concern. I turned my head and saw Darcia's eyes peering at our hands. I pulled my hands from Stacey's and gave her a long hug again. I love teasing her.

"There's a lot I have to explain to you," I said in a quiet voice.

"Yeah, I also have a lot of questions." She said.

We pulled away from our hug and headed our way to the front gate.

Darcia and Nicoli had already taken Stacey's suitcase with attached guitar case to it, and were waiting inside the car. As we approached the front of the building, Mr. Elwood was standing on the doorstep.

"Give me a second," I said to Stacey, and she just smiled and pushed me by the shoulder to go talk to him.

I walked a little faster, as I couldn't wait to say all of the things that had been on my mind to him. I stopped before the stairs and looked up at him. He suddenly moved forward and walked down the stairs slowly. Before I could react, he embraced me with his arms around me. I reciprocated.

"I am sorry for how I behaved. You must know you're like a father to me. I was too angry, but now I know my mistakes. You didn't deserve my harsh words. Thank you for everything you have done for me, Mr. Elwood." I spoke.

He hugged me tighter for a split second, then pulled away. "Miss Talia, I wish you nothing but pure happiness. I hope you will always be happy. May all your dreams come true. May all your days be filled with joy and love. May you always find the strength to overcome any obstacle. I will greatly miss you, but it's time to say goodbye for good."

A tear ran down my cheek and then down my chin. He wiped away any tears left near my eyes and gave me a warm smile. I did the same without saying anything back. Because no words were needed at that moment. We understood each other, and for his constant care for me, I will be forever grateful.

I walked back to the front gate, where Stacey was patiently waiting for my arrival. Her suitcase and guitar was already in the car, as Nicoli took care of it. Darcia's gaze never left me. She waited until I talked to her again.

"Get in," she said as she rolled the window down.

"Yes, ma'am," Stacey replied to her before I could. I giggled at her answer, and Darcia's facial expression was priceless to see. I guess she was a bit offended. Maybe her elegant style of fashion gave the impression that she was much older than she actually was. For Darcia, it doesn't matter what type of weather it is. She will always, and I do mean always, wear black clothing.

Darcia opened the door and left the passenger seat then she pointed to the car door, so Stacey would get inside. She immediately sat in the passenger seat. Nicoli afterward switched seats as a driver. I sighed at the current situation.

Darcia's jealousy has not gone away, I guess.

I opened the back door and got inside. Darcia followed instantly. She sat as close to me as she could, and her hand slipped on top of mine. She was looking out of the window as if nothing had happened, but her grip was strong.

"Start the car, Nicoli." She commanded. Her cold attitude has returned. What a fun time for us, right?

Finally, we are returning home.

Darcia's pov

When Nicoli stopped walking and looked at me with a serious look, I knew that her friend was in the garden. I could smell the scent of a human, and I quickly recognized who scent it was.

We let her guide us through the gate until she caught sight of her friend sitting on the bench.

Me and Nicoli stopped walking and just watched them reunite.

Though, when they started to hold each other, tight knots formed inside my chest. Unpleasant, uneasy feeling.

I moved a step forward; however, Nicoli's hand stopped me from continuing.

"Don't interfere, Darciana," he commanded. I knew he was more than serious because he used my full name. So I crossed my arms, staring at the girl who was happily holding Talia's hands.

Perhaps you could say it was my jealousy or possessiveness. Yet, I wouldn't care at all if it was a bad thing.

My personality will not change. Once I have something, I'll never let go of it. And her friend was like a threat to me. Because I had only her, but she had another option.

The first time was Nicoli, who left me, and now I fear she will leave me as well.

The fear of abandonment began.