Chapter 18

Mom and Dad were packing up their suitcases, as per my instructions. Our overnight escape plan was in action, except that I was not included in it now. I would not be leaving with them.

My parents had heard the story of what had happened and agreed with me over the assumption of what was going on. There was all possibility that we were wrongly assuming the worst and were acting in the heat of the moment. But we were ready to take the risk of being proved wrong and ending up being portrayed as fools rather than not acting upon our instincts and later regretting it.

"Are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" asked mom, zipping up her suitcase and giving me a concerned look. "We can help you." 

I shook my head. "I can't risk putting you guys in danger. I promise I'll be fine." 

"You want this to be a revenge for Blake, don't you?" said Dad, placing a hand on my shoulder. 

Something pricked in my heart. 

He knew.

"I don't want you to stop me. I need to do this. I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror again without this choking guilt weighing me down," I said, swallowing the lump in my throat, "I want Blake to rest in peace." 

Dad smiled, squeezing my shoulder. "If this was the only reason, then I would have stopped you and you know that. But you want to do this for Kol, right? You're risking everything for him." 

He knew everything.

I blinked back tears. "I can't just leave him in danger and run away. In a way, I owe him my life." 

"Please be safe," said Mom, coming forward and giving me a tight hug. "I don't want to lose you too." 

My breath hitched. 

I can't make any promises, mom.

A vibration made us break the hug. 

"The cab is here," said mom, wiping away her tears and checking her phone.

I nodded.

"I love you both," I said, "and I'm going to miss you." 

Dad sighed and ruffled my hair. "Take care." 

Mom sniffed and avoided my gaze. 

With their suitcases in tow, both of them headed out of the den and towards the front door. 

I followed them out, consciously snipping at the yearning arising in my heart to go away with them—away from this mess and all these issues.

"Bye, love," said Dad, opening the door, "don't hesitate even for a second if you want to call us."

Mom agreed and gave a small wave of her hand. "Bye, baby. I know you can do this. I'm proud of you." 

I smiled. "Thank you." 

The door closed behind them, leaving me standing in the empty hallway. A piece of my heart was gone with them, leaving a gaping hole behind in its place. 

I want to see you guys again. Soon.

After long minutes had passed, I finally found the strength to go back into the den. 

The bustling place had fallen cold and deadly silent. My chest ached at the hollowness, and I found myself drifting back into random thoughts. 

Will I be able to pull this off? 

I had to pull this off. There were too many lives at stake. I could not fail. I could not afford to fail.