

PROMISE

(THE CURSE)

By AnonYMous

Copyright 2015 AnonYMous

Smashwords edition

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PROLOGUE

The soldier mounts him on scaffold, his legs were bleeding, and they stand him with support. One of them who look chief officer opens the packed scroll, which was court notice for execution and read aloud

"MARCUS LOUIS JOHNSON You has been charged with sins of breaking the laws of higher church by committing adultery and murder of a lord. You have broken the oath of church and disobeying God's laws. For that the court of lords and church decide to give you death penalty"

"Do you have any last wish?" the man wait for his answer, his hand tie back, his legs are tie, his face covered with black cloth. The blood on his clothes showed that he was beaten very badly. The whole town was gathered to witness this event.

It was full moon night but moon was hiding in cloud but its lit fall on ground. The wind was blowing slowly. The place was dark, torch of flames placed on the walls of both sides of court. The execution place is in the middle on its left side there was building where they keep prisoners.

The man waits for his reply but he did not say anything. The officer looked toward a man whose standing under the building. His clothes show that he is a lord; he was in-charge of this execution.

He was backing everyone. His face was covered with long hat, he raised his finger to signal, and the executioner put the rope around his neck and pulls the rod. The man hanged his feet shakes. The men standing heard the voice of breaking bones.

In the crowd a six years old girl run inside the prison as the man hanged. She was crying and running so fast. She reached to the lower dungeon; no one was there to stop her because every guard was watching the event.

She stopped in front of cell, where a girl who looked so injured lying down her head on the bars of the cell. Her face was covered with her red-brown hairs, her white dress have blood spots as she was bleeding lately.

The dungeon was light by fire torches placed at the walls. The girl sits on the ground as her head fall on the bars of the cell. Her cell was in dark.

"They... They kill... Killed... Him aunt... Vic ... Victoria" little girl said as she catching her breath. A teardrop from the girl eye fall on the ground as she put her hand on the rod without raising her head and takes a deep breath.

"Elizabeth... My love, do you love your aunt?" the girl asked.

"Yes aunt very much" little girl said and came close to the cell then start crying.

"Don't cry then... Dear can you do me a favor and in return I will promise you wealth and luxury life" the girl said.

"Yes aunt... I will do what you say" little girl answered.

"Promise me you will do what I ask you to do" the girl asked again.

"Promise aunt" little girl said.

"You need to Move that stone behind you, you will find a box. In that box you find a necklace bring it here" the girl said.

Little girl did as she told her when she find a box. She opens it and in it, there is a necklace, a heart shaped sliver color necklace. It had five curved lines coming towards center of a necklace; in center, there was a hole, which was transparent.

"I find it aunt... What do I do now" little girl ask in innocence, "Put a drop of your blood in the centre of it Elizabeth" the girl said. "But aunt I can't... I am not bleedi... Ouch" before little girl complete her sentence she is cut by the box and she did not understand how she is cut. Little girl drop her blood in the centre of the necklace as soon as her blood drops, the hole turn red.

"Now... Elizabeth listen me carefully when I..." she hesitate then continue "when I die you keep this box very carefully, you and your generations will have great fortune... Tell them my story... Tell them that I suffer too much... Tell them that you promise me... Tell them when a girl born in their family, she will belong to me... Tell them Elizabeth that no one should come between because you promise me... Promise me Elizabeth that you will tell them," the girl said, little girl can feel she was crying as her voice was heavy.

"I... I promise aunt I will" little girl said as she was crying. Suddenly she heard someone coming

"They are coming aunt... They are coming for you... aunt" little girl shouts.

"Run... Hide!!Elizabeth doesn't tell anyone about this, not even your parents," the girl said as she sits straight. "No... Aunt I will not leave you they will kill you too... I will not leave you" little girl hold the bars of the cell. The girl holds her hand then said, "Go... Elizabeth they can't kill me" as little girl heard this she feels calm and run to hide.

Little girl hide behind back wall and put her hand in her mouth. She can see the through the hole in the wall, the guards came in cell and push her outside they cannot get her stand so they grab her arms.

They take her out of the prison building, moon lit fell on her, she raise her head, her hairs sides enough to see her half side of face. She saw the whole crowd for a moment, some people turn to hide their face as if they know her.

Then guard pushes her again to stand her. She again fall over the body of that man who just hanged, and look toward the lord who was not looking at her still backing everyone. They mount her on scaffold, her hands tied behind her back they stand her. Chief Officer takes out another scroll and read it out loud

"Victoria Margaret Elliot Walter you been charged with committing sins by practicing black magic which is a satanic act and helping in murder of a lord for that higher church and court of lords gives you death penalty... Do you have any last wo...?"

Before officer complete, his word he is chocked and falls down. He was groaning in pain because he cannot scream, his face turn red in pain. All the fire torches cool down, suddenly breeze get faster. All the people stand there get terrified when she raises her head and open her red-brown eyes...then a painful scream echoes...
CHAPTER 1

She open her light brown eyes and saw him looking at her smiling "What... What is it?" she asked him in her British accent as she wake up by horn of car pass near to their. She was blushing then realized they are stopped "are we reached there?" she asked sitting straight and looking out of the window.

"No... we are broke down but don't worry I already calls my Uncle he's coming to pick us" said Ryder Jenkins in his smooth charming voice, black hairs which is falling on his forehead, his light-blue eyes staring at hers. His handsome face cut look shows that he is in his early 20's.

They were seating in car parked by the road going towards Seattle, it was bright sunny morning, their car was broke down and it shows that they been travelling for a while.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" she asked. "Because you look so beautiful while you asleep" Ryder said she smile in modesty.

A car stopped in front of their car and a middle-aged man came out of it. He has black hairs and eyes with a moustache on his face. He have white complexion with medium height, he was Ryder's Uncle Eddie Jenkins.

Ryder gets off from his car to hug him, and then Ryder points her to come out of the car. She tie her blonde hair back, her light-brown eyes with white complexion face shows she nervous, she get off the car then smiled and dimple on her face make her more beautiful. Her name is Laura Craft.

She was very young, wearing Gucci tops and blue jeans with sneakers. Her clothes show that, she belongs to very rich family. She was wearing gold chain with red sapphire locket.

Ryder holds her hand and introduces her to his Uncle "Uncle meet Laura and Laura Uncle Eddie... He is my best friend. He's like my dad so close to me" "hello Mr. Jenkins" Laura said then move to shake hands with him.

"Nice to meet you Laura... You are beautiful more than Ryder describes about you," Uncle Eddie said and everyone smile. They reached at home, Laura get off the car and stare Ryder's house when Ryder pointed her.

It was single story small house it's looks shows that it's not been painted for a long time and small garden and garage place, she was thinking about this house and suddenly distracted as someone calls Ryder.

Ryder turn and smile at her, she ran to him then hugs him so tightly "oh Sara... Easy you will break my neck" Ryder said, she push him back then said "shut up you... Idiot you didn't call me for a month, you know I was so worried".

It was Sara Ryder's childhood best friend they grow up in same neighborhood. Her blue eyes shine as she saw Ryder, her black hair fall back with fair complexion her smile makes her more attractive.

They go to the same college, Sara loves Ryder since they were in 8th grade in school but she never dares to tell that to Ryder. Ryder's Uncle knows that but he never says anything to Ryder because he knows that Ryder do not feel about her that way.

She said everything at a time. "Hold it... Sara give me a break! I know... I was kind of busy," Ryder said. His Uncle take their suitcase out of the car, Laura was standing next to car nervous. In excitement, Sara did not see Laura, but when Ryder turns, she saw a young girl standing next to car.

Ryder introduced her to Laura by saying "Sara meet Laura... My girlfriend and Laura meet Sara my best friend. We been friend since we were in 5 grade" Laura moved toward her but Sara was heartbroken she looked Ryder with question eyes, she never thought Ryder fall in love with someone as he was never been with anyone in pass years.

Before she loses herself she looked at Laura then said "I ne... need to... go... I... I have... I will meet you... in University" and she left. Ryder was shocked "she is very moderate person, give her some time. She'll be okay," Ryder said try to cover his feeling.

"C'mon Laura lets go inside" Uncle Eddie said, he know that Laura understand Sara reaction and Ryder needs some time to recover himself. Ryder was surprised by Sara's reaction; he saw something in her eyes something he never notices which makes him so worried. He saw love.

As they enter in house Ryder follow them, he introduced her to his family. They were all waiting for him in hall, when he realizes everyone staring her. He take her to his room told her to relax he will be back. Leave her there then close the door, Laura was confused by the whole situation.

Ryder goes in their garage where his Uncle was waiting for him to give him explanation about Laura "I thought you are mature now... You just call and tell me you are bringing someone to home...you brought Her. She's so young... What were you thinking?" Uncle Eddie shout as Ryder enters.

"I know Uncle... I know she's young... May be too young, but I can't... I can't live without her Uncle... Seriously, I can't I try... I try but I failed... It kills me even to think if she leaves me" Ryder tries to explain his Uncle. He looked outside his house.

Laura was seating on the bed, she haven't put her purse on the table just seating still staring the room. She looked in the mirror, which placed in front of the bed, remembering her big room, her big house in New York, her parents, her father was a famous dentist.

Her Uncles were also very rich; she was the only girl in her whole family that's why her father never left her alone.

She remembers, she sneak out of her home to go in her friend birthday party because her father doesn't allow her to meet normal kids. Her father is Kevin Walter Craft.

CHAPTER 2

Today was Lindsey birthday, she was Laura's best and only friend so don't want to miss her birthday party. She told her mother that she going to sleep early as she feeling tried, then sneak out from her window. Lindsey leaves three blocks away from her house

She reached to the party; she was searching for Lindsey as she was in hurry. There was so crowd in her house music was so loud everyone was having fun. Laura looks everything Laura was wearing yellow stripes frock of Dior and black shoe with bow on it, her hairs were open.

She saw Lindsey near her pool; they hug as they met after a long time. Lindsey was so happy to see her, Laura hand over her gift and said "Happy 18th birthday Lindsey, here's your special gift I email you about"

"Thanks Laura and thank you so much to come lets go inside" Lindsey said and grab her to take her inside "I can't Lindsey, I am sorry daddy will be home soon" Laura said and turn to leave but hit a guy and shout "oh my... I am so..." then freeze to see him. It was Ryder. They look at each other for a while then Lindsey said "Laura he's Ryder, Jamie's friend and Ryder my best friend Laura" Lindsey pointed toward Laura.

"Hi nice to meet you" Ryder said in his charming voice. Laura smile and said "thank you" she was blushing. Ryder was Jamie Wyatt's classmate in university he came with Jamie to meet his family. Lindsey was younger sister of Jamie.

Laura reached home before her father, all the way she was thinking about Ryder. In the morning on the breakfast her father asked her "how is your study going Laura" her father asked, she get nervous because she feels like her father know something "very good daddy" she said.

Then her father looks at her and asked "why did you go to Lindsey house last night?" she was not surprised, because every time she do something her father know it and she never understand how does he knows.

"Sorry daddy... I tell you she's my best friend and I want to go to meet her," Laura said in low voice. Then look at her mother "how many times Laura ... how many times I have to tell you that they are not like us and I don't want you to have their company, when will you understand... if I heard about all of this one more time, you will be home schooled. Do you hear me?" her father said in rude tune. She nods in yes.

She reached school by her car. She studies in New York best private school. She was upset but then saw someone and smile. It was Ryder; he was standing far from her school. It has been a week Laura was so happy she knows that Ryder like her and she really like him.

She told Lindsey about all of this. She was happy too, Laura mother notice that she extraordinary happy.

When she gets off her car today, she was shocked because Ryder was standing so near. He move toward Laura, her heart was pounding so fast when he came near she notice his eyes looks tried, as he hasn't sleep for days.

She knows what Ryder say to her but her heart broke when Ryder said "hey... I'm leaving... I'm here to say goodbye" she looked him with puzzled eyes; they look at each other for a moment. "Ok... goodbye" Ryder said and without turning, he left.

She couldn't understand what happened. Her tears start to fall on her cheeks, she runs her home. She cried all day in her room. Laura's mother do not let her maid take food for Laura, it seem like she already knows what happen.

Jamie feels that Ryder is not feeling well, as he's been drinking too much which make Jamie so worried about him. He knows that there is something Ryder is trying to forget but he can't.

Ryder was lying on his bed unconscious, when Jamie calls his name to wake him up; his eyes have dark circles like, he's not sleeping for a while.

His clothes were rough as if he's not taking bath for days. Jamie was sitting right next to him

"Why are you doing this to yourself Ryder?" Jamie asked. Ryder sweep his hand over his hairs then said "I'm leaving today Jamie" Jamie down his head then again ask him "do you love her?"

Ryder look at him then down his head and said in very low voice "I can't... I just can't... take her out of mind Jamie and I... I can't have her either"

"Why... I mean how's that possible you never meet her, you never take her out. You never kissed her or anything. You don't even know what she feels about you and now I look at you and it seems like you love her for century. What is this Ryder?" Jamie said.

"I don't know that Jamie, I just know that I love her so much and I know that she love me too" Ryder said.

"Then what is the problem propose her already" Jamie said in excitement.

"Are you serious she is 17 and I am 22, she is too young" Ryder said. Jamie feel that Ryder is trying to hide something "there is something else Ryder tell me" Jamie insisted.

Ryder get off from bed and walk toward the window then say "I'm afraid if one day she leave me or say that she don't love me... I can't bear that... I can't live without her, once she came in my life I can't let her go".

_"She won't leave you ever because she love you more than you do to her. Since the day you told her that you are leaving she is her room crying and didn't eat anything" Lindsey said who was listening to them. When Ryder heard her, he told her "can you call her here please... can she come?" Ryder gets so worried after he heard about Laura "yeah she can... only if her mother let her and if her dad is not at home" Lindsey said._

CHAPTER 3

They were standing in Lindsey home, alone in her room looking at each other. Laura's eyes looking at her Ryder, she has so many questions for Ryder and Ryder knows that.

He gathers his strength to say "I... I am sorry... I just don't have courage to say... say you that I" Ryder's head down. Laura's eyes fill with tear it falls on floor, she run and hug Ryder. Ryder grabs her so tight then say "I love you Laura... I love you so much... don't leave me... I can't live without you"

"I love you too Ryder" Laura said, she feels so happy.

"Laura... what happened to you, you didn't get fresh" Ryder asks as he enters in room.

"Yes... I was waiting for you" Laura said putting her back on table. Ryder looks at her then he has a thought and get back to his work.

He take out the towel from cupboard and said "here get fresh... dinner will be ready in half hour"

"What if they don't like me... what if they think I'm not good enough... what will you do?" Laura ask, she looks nervous which makes Ryder laugh

"They are my family Laura, they are not college admission committees so don't worry... you won't get rejected... relax" Ryder said as he put his hand on Laura's shoulder, she move to kiss him.

He move and said "so you like my room". Laura feels it but she didn't show him. "Yes... but where is your closet" Laura asked. Ryder surprised and open a cupboard then said "I don't have closet... but her ... you can put your clothes here" Laura feels that she should not say that to Ryder.

"So get ready... I got something to do... ok?" Ryder said. She nod in yes and Ryder leave. She looks around the room her room was so bigger than it, it didn't have closet or couch. It just has a bed, a cupboard, a mirror and a study table.

She open bathroom and shocked. It was small, it have a washbasin, a toilet and a shower tube at the end. She remembers her big bathroom finely decorated with branded cosmetic. She tuck her head and say "forget that all Laura".

Ryder went in garage where his Uncle was still waiting for him. When he looks at Ryder coming, Ryder said "she's... she's fine"

"Ok... well you suddenly have a thought that she's calling you... but actually she's not... right" Uncle Eddie said.

They were talking before, and then suddenly Ryder has a feeling that Laura is calling him and Ryder run upstairs to her but nothing happens to her. It was the same moment when Laura was remembering how they meet.

"I told you Uncle... I don't know why I love her so much, it just... it just something I can't define" Ryder said covering his face with his hands as he was so confused.

"What happened when her daddy find out... you do know who they are... right" Uncle Eddie asked.

"She'll be 18 in two months then her father can't do anything" Ryder explained to him.

"And if something else happened... you know she's young and... well do you plan something" Uncle Eddie said in broken words.

"Don't worry Uncle, I promised I won't touch her till the right time I don't want her to feel that she just only a girl for me... Uncle I don't like what I did but he... he left me no choice, I really can't live without her" Ryder said looking at his hand.

"So she not just a girl" Uncle Eddie asked, Ryder looks at him and smile. "I just want you to hold yourself, you did the right thing. I am proud of your decision," Uncle Eddie said, as he put his hand on Ryder's shoulder.

CHAPTER 4

Laura was almost ready for dinner; she was wearing channel white top and trousers and jimmy choo white shoes. Her hairs was tie back, she wear sliver earring, and sliver Bvlgari necklace, which was gift from her Uncle on her 16th birthday. Then she wears it off thinking it would be too much.

Ryder enters in room and shocked, he looked at her with wide open eyes. Laura blush as she thought, she look so beautiful. But Ryder stares at her because she was wearing all branded thing, from earrings to shoes.

"How do I look? Do you think they will like me?" Laura asked nervously. "Yeah... but don't you have some... you know normal clothes, I mean it's your home now you don't need to be formal" Ryder said.

"They are my normal clothes, you don't like it. I have all clothes like this, should I wear something else?" Laura asked in her innocence. "No... of course not you... you look beautiful" Ryder said as he smile at her. She looked at him with love.

"So let's go... dinner is ready" Ryder said, breaking the moment. Laura nod and they move downstairs. They enter in the dining room and everyone was shocked when they look her.

Ryder's mother, his aunt, his step-sister and brother, his cousin and Sara they were looking at her. She smiled to them nervously.

"C'mon Laura sit" Ryder's mother said pulling a chair for Laura. Ryder's mother Christie was blonde hair, black eyes middle-aged women, wearing blue check shirt and jeans. She looks very nice to Laura. "Thank you Mrs. Jenkins" Laura said and everyone sits for dinner.

"She's not Mrs. Jenkins, she is Mrs. Turner" Ryder's step-sister Rose Turner said. She was 14 years old; she has golden hairs and eyes. She didn't looks happy to Laura. "Rose" Ryder said as he did not like the way she talk to Laura.

"Its fine... sweet heart my mother was Mrs. Jenkins" Christie said, Laura feels embarrassed but Ryder never told her that he take his mother name. "What are you wearing?" Ryder cousin Mark asked "Chanel... it's my favorite" Laura asked smiling at him as she think he asked about her clothes.

He stare her, then Sara and then they laugh.

"He asked about your cologne" Sara said laughing at her, Ryder can feel Sara doing it on purpose because she is upset with him. His Uncle told him about her condition.

Laura feels little stupid then she says "it's Dior" everyone stop as they starting to stare her. Uncle Eddie who was sitting in the head chair pointed Ryder to control Laura. Ryder's mother puts salad on the table, his aunt Jenny Jenkins was a black hairs and eyes, middle-aged woman. She was looking at Laura as she thinks she saw her before then asked "what is your full name Laura?"

"Laura Margaret cr..." Laura was interrupted by Ryder as he says "Crane... Laura Crane" "and what's your father's job?" Jenny Jenkins asked.

"Dentist... he is a dentist" Laura said, "What is his name?" Jenny Jenkins asked again like she wants to confirm something but before Laura says something Uncle Eddie said "Jen c'mon let the child eat something, don't you see she's hungry. Stop interrogating her for Heaven's sake".

She look at the food on the table and remember her family gathering, her family dine. It was large table for more than a dozen people placed in their huge dining hall, decorated with fancy light. Her Uncles, aunts and all of her cousin were there.

Her father sits on head chair, there are so many varieties of food placed on table Chinese, Italians and local foods and different desserts. She remembers that her father prays before the dinner.

She closed her eyes put her hand together then said in her heart "thank you God for this meal, thank you for the bond in our family be always blessed on like this... amen". Everyone stare at her including Ryder as he don't know that her family prays. Laura opens her eyes and surprised as everyone looking at her then they get back on their eating.

Mark look at her while she's eating, it was the third time Ryder notice him as he sits next to her "you got something to say Mark" Ryder asked in annoying tune. Laura gets attention, she look at Mark.

"Nothing bro... I was just looking at her bracelet, is it silver or platinum" Mark said. "Relax... Ryder not everyone wants high school girlfriend" Sara said as she trying to make Ryder notice of her upset mode by taking side of Mark.

"Since when you taking side of him" Ryder asked in surprise. "Since you..." Sara interrupted by Laura says "its rhodium, my daddy gave it to me when..." she stop to think for a moment then says "on my birthday" "rhodium... it is so rare metal and so expensive" Mark said in surprise and everyone looks at Laura. Ryder and Uncle Eddie gets scared as they think that their secret will reveal, Laura realize that everyone is surprise so she smile and says "of course it is silver... got you"

"She got you boy!! Good one Laura" Uncle Eddie said laughing hiding his nervousness so as everyone laugh.

They all talk about their personal matter at dinner, after dinner Laura feels awkward to stand there so she headed toward her room. Ryder was talking to his mother in private.
CHAPTER 5

"You are not going to eat anything? You haven't eaten anything for 2 days" said Stephanie Craft, blonde hairs, blue eyes, tall and beautiful. She was Laura's mother, she a silent nature person. She said to Kevin Craft in the dining hall, Kevin Craft middle-aged man with black hairs and eyes and French beard on his face. He is the elder son of famous business tycoon Marvin James Craft.

He is a dentist, his younger brother Edwin Craft runs their family business they are renowned in the whole world. "I am fine... did she call yet? Kevin Craft asked anxiously. She looked at him while setting his plate then down her head and says "no... she did not" "I can't believe she did this to us... to me... I mean she has everything in the world here but she leave all of this pleasure for a boy... how could her!" Kevin craft said pushing his plate away.

Stephanie Craft sits on her chair and takes a deep breath then says "we knew that this day will come... one day she has to leave us so why are you upset?" Kevin Craft look at her and takes off his glasses then said "it is not time yet and even if it is, I won't let anything happen to my daughter... understand" he said that and leave.

He move toward Laura room, while Stephanie Craft put down her plate too as she is not hungry. The behavior of Mr. Craft with his wife shows that there was no love between them but some reason that bonds them together.

"Why are we here? I want to go home" Laura asked. Ryder takes her to show an apartment which he take on rent "because we are going to live here" Ryder said putting his arm around her. It's a one room apartment with attach bath and hall with kitchen in the start of the apartment.

It was on ground floor in two story building. She looks at him with surprise.

"And also my university and restaurant are close to this place" Ryder said.

"But you said your Uncle bought that house so you don't have to live in hostel... now what happened?" Laura asked.

Ryder hesitates then moves toward the window to hide his expression from her and says "Laura we need our own space I can't put my family in danger if your father showed up" "but I like there, I like living with your Uncle, aunt and Mark" Laura said move around the room.

Ryder gets angry as he crushed his teeth inside his mouth "they are so friendly and helpful, Aunt Jenny makes so tasty food. Who's going to cook here... and Mark he's so funny and help me unpack my bags and it is too small, I don't like it here I want to go back" Laura said.

Ryder roll his eyes then hold Laura hand and says "Laura we can't live there, we need our own space... our own house. I know it is not too much" he take her face in his hand then continue "and I want you to be brave and bold... I know it is not enough but I promise I will make thing better... soon but I can't done it without your help" "I never live alone Ryder... I" Laura interrupted as Ryder says "you're not alone... I will be always with you" and he hugs her.

"Now you are changing house Ryder" Uncle Eddie said both hand in his jeans pocket looking at the sunset, standing in his house trace. He's very upset with Ryder for leaving the house. He looks at Ryder who is standing next to him, head down facing the floor.

"And the reason is... her?" Uncle Eddie said. "I don't know that she is the reason for it or not Uncle... she likes here but I... I don't" Ryder said in broken words like he want to say something that will hurt his Uncle and he cannot say it.

"I change houses for you Ryder... you know I love you more than mark, how can you do this to Jenny. I mean she care for you more than your own mother for Christ's sake" Uncle Eddie said.

He feels that there is something Ryder is not saying to him so he asks "what is the real problem Ryder... speak up boy!" Ryder looks at him then put all his strength together to say "Uncle she... she talk about Mark since she met him... about how he is funny, she likes his company... I can't stand all of this; I don't know I feel like I'm old".

Ryder face expression shows that he is saying all of this with so much pain. "Mark... Mark is your brother Ryder" Uncle Eddie shouts "for her... you are doubting on Mark" "I know Uncle that's why I don't want to leave a reason to doubt on her... if she stays here I can't concentrate in study or in my job... please try to understand" Ryder said his eyes fill with tears.

Uncle Eddie wants to his hand on his shoulder to calm him but he takes away his hand. He was confused for Ryder that he doing right or wrong.
CHAPTER 6

"What... school" Laura yells when Ryder told her that she gets in school to complete her last year of high school. She get in school because his aunt Jenny, she is teacher in that school.

"Yeah... what's with that reaction, you don't want to study more. I thought you're a smart student" Ryder said as he put her book which brought. "Well because it is in my gene... in my family, even my cousin Grey tops in his school... who didn't concentrate in his studies whole year... so it nothing astonishing about me get good in studies" Laura said as she was sitting on couch in their new house.

Ryder was setting the house while Laura observing him. Ryder knows that Laura never did anything on her own in her house so he did not force her to do anything now but he was showing and telling her how to do it.

"Laura... try to understand it" he came near to her and sit on couch taking her hand in his then continue "you are not normal now... not in your house with your father, now you are my responsibility and... and I don't want you to be ashamed in front of your father that you didn't choose the right guy... I want you to be happy like your mother"

She looks at him with surprised eyes, as she think that "how Ryder sees love between her parents as she never see love between her parents". She remember that her youngest Uncle throw a cruise party on his 21 wedding anniversary.

She remember who much he and her aunt Clarisse love each other so she ask her mother when she's getting ready for party, her mother was helping her "mom can I ask you something" "yes Laura sure" Stephanie Craft said, she was wearing Alexander McQueen's one stripe purple gown with black heels and her hairs tie back. She was wearing white pearls necklace and tops.

"Why you and daddy celebrate you wedding anniversary?" Laura asks in her innocence. Stephanie Craft gets shocked with her question she look in the mirror then without eye contact with Laura she said "you know that your father don't like parties... and me too".

"But mom..." Laura tries to say something but her mother interrupted as she says, "we are getting late Laura... get ready" then leave her alone in the room.

"They were on the cruise, Laura was standing on the edge of cruise staring in water, and suddenly someone call her name. She turns and smiles as she sees her cousin Connor; blue eyes, black hairs and dimple on his cheeks makes Connor so handsome. It was his parent's anniversary. Connor loves Laura so much like his little sister. He was very sensitive about her.

"What are you doing here sister" Connor asks. "Nothing... I was just staring to water... what else I can do?" Laura answered. "So you are getting bored here... well I am too!" Connor said. She looks him surprisingly then asks "why Connor your parents are so lovely... and they really love each other... not everyone's parents love each other" Laura said.

Connor sense that she is upset about something so he change the subject by saying "do you remember I told you about my research on our family... well it get burn"

Laura looks at Connor with wide eyes and says "get burn... what do mean... I mean how it gets burn?" "I don't know... last time I put it my dining table then I look it in my garden burning, you know Laura it was three month work... my college grades depend on it and it all gone" Connor said putting his hand on table as they were sitting on dinner table.

"So it was true Connor... your project gets burn by itself" said Ronald Craft son of Edwin Craft. He was the same age as Connor and in same university. He has black eyes and hairs, which falls on his forehead. He was tall and bold but not a person of good personality.

"Hello Ron ... we were missing you just right now" Connor said try to change the topic. "Of course... you may need my help now to get ready your new project... is that right? Ronald said.

"Oh yes...but you know, you are the least person I ask for help... unlike your brother I really love my studies" Connor said. He was the student of archeology in Oxford University. "Why you always hate me Connor" said Grey Craft, black eyes and blonde hairs. Grey was very proud on his money as he was the elder child of this family.

"I would never do that Grey, you are my brother... pathetic but still my brother" Connor said and Laura smile. "Really Laura... I didn't know that I was a joke" Grey said as he feels his insult. "And Connor why didn't you tell her about your research... that you did on her" Grey said, Laura looks at Connor who was so angry on Grey.

"What about me Connor... what is Grey talking about?" Laura asked. "It's nothing Laura... you know him, he is always talking bullshit" Connor said. "Of course tell her Connor, our little sister has a right to know the secret of her family" Grey said smiling.

"Yes... it is something to think about guys... why Laura is the only girl in our family... and your parents' marriage was the only one that is arranged. My mom told me that grandma force Uncle Kevin to marry Aunt Stephanie. That explain why Uncle Kevin celebrate his wedding anniversary," Ron said, eating his cake.

"No you are wrong Ron ... my parents love each other so much. It just that daddy doesn't like parties but on anniversary day he bought mum very beautiful gifts" Laura said. She lies to make herself clear.

"Enough Ron ... leaves her alone, we know that we are not allowed to talk about our family so change the topic" Connor said. "But you need to think on this Connor" Grey said. Connor looks at Laura then said, "I know Grey... and I did but it get burn... my whole project so I leave it alone".

"Laura... Laura" Laura gets attention when Ryder pushes her as he sees her in deep thoughts. "What happen... you okay" Ryder asked "yes... I am fine" Laura said, as she stables herself. "You are going school tomorrow and I'm not going to hear anything else... ok?" Ryder asked in his charming voice, Laura cannot say anything just smile at him.
CHAPTER 7

"OK... we are here" Ryder said as he stops his car at St. James high school, it was three block away from their house. Laura looks at the school then Ryder who was grabbing her bag from back seat. She was upset for going school she doesn't want to go school but she can't say "no" to Ryder. "Ok... you go straight to Aunt Jenny, she tells you everything about syllabus but make sure she can't see your real name, Uncle told me that she might know who you are and if anyone asks your name is Walter... ok and you will..." Ryder stop as he notice Laura's long face.

He take her hand in his hand then say "Laura you know I love you so much and I can't see you upset like this" "then don't send me away from you... I am fine at home" Laura said impatiently. He takes his face in his hand then said "I am not sending you away... I just don't want your father to think that I destroy your future... I can't be that selfish".

He moves to sit straight, his hand on staring wheel. He holds it so strongly, head down. As Ryder says Laura can feels guilt in his voice "Laura I ... I can't... it was very hard for me to leave you there, even the thought of losing you scared me so much. If I didn't feels hatred in your father eyes for me and if I don't believe that he says no to me always, I will never do such a thing... never takes you away from your home and your family" Ryder grips on wheel gets tied.

"it's not your fault Ryder I can't live without you either and I know daddy will never say yes to you and he never let me out and..." Laura stop as she sees it's not helping Ryder to overcome his guilt. She kisses him on his cheek and get out of the car. Ryder starts the car and leave.

Laura was standing as he leaves, she feels that Ryder has changed since the first time she saw him. His confident, his bold personality which makes Laura impress was fading away. Now there is some guilt between them. She can feel it is not Ryder anymore, there was something that Ryder wants to take out of him but he can't.

Having all of this thought going in her mind, Laura was walking toward main gate of school as all the students. She haven't notice a guy in her way as she was going head down and collide.

"Oh... I am so sorry... I... I did not see you... I'm so really sorry" Laura said panicking. She also didn't notice that guy was looking at her smiling. Then she look around it was public school, students were placing their vehicles in row, some student doing skate-boarding, some girls were backing the wall cheering on something. She never had seen so many students out of the school as she always study in private school, which have strict principles.

That guy notice Laura is thinking so he breaks into by saying "hi... I'm Elton... Elton Gunner" said Black curls hairs, light blue eyes, tall and handsome with fair complexion Elton Gunner.

Laura was surprised by his reaction, she never spoke to stranger before like this but she did not reply to him he again says "and you are".

"Oh... I am Laura... Laura cr... Walter" Laura said in hesitation. "I have to go... I am really sorry for that" Laura continue and then she move but Elton block her way as he says "It's fine... nice to meet you Laura" Elton said. Laura smile and move inside the school, she asks other students about Miss Jenny Jenkins. She goes to the administration where Aunt Jenny gives her class schedule then guides her to her class.

As she enters in her class, she gets astonish by the class environment. The students were sitting on their desks, some throwing paper balls on some students and calling them geeks. Some girls who were cheer leaders gossiping about something.

She scarcely moves toward an empty chair, she take her bag in her in her arms and holds it tightly. And sit in 2nd rows 2nd chair. The class walls contains poster of quotes and science fairs. She looks around, on blackboard cartoon of some teacher's. She was staring the board then get attention as a guy throws a ball to his friend that nearly touches her.

The class was so much noisy. She stables herself and suddenly someone call her "hey... I am Cheryl... you are new here? Why are you so scared? Where you from? You don't looks from here" asked excitedly Cheryl Jones. She was Blue eyes, blonde hairs, cute face and very talkative girl. She was wearing blue jeans and white and yellow top.

Laura looks at her then nervously says "yes... I am from new York". "Ok... so you just move here... is your daddy broke or your parents get divorce... where'd you live now? Cheryl asked again.

"Leave her alone Cheryl... gives her time to breath" said black hairs and eyes, tall and smart Charlotte Coleman. She was the one of cheerleader.

"No... I am fine" Laura said. "See I'm not bothering her" Cheryl said. "Hey... I'm Charlotte and you are sitting on my seat," Charlotte said pointing toward the chair. Cheryl looks at Laura who looks around for another place to sit.

"It's not your place... its Elton's and..." Cheryl interrupted by charlotte as she says, "yeah that makes it mine Cheryl". Laura looks at Cheryl then hold her bag "I am so sorry" Laura said and try to stand.

"Its fine..." everyone get attention. Laura was surprised; as he was the same person, she met outside the school. Elton came close to her then continues, "You can sit here... I'll find another chair" "but Elton..." Charlotte tries to say but Elton interrupted her "I said its fine charlotte". Charlotte moves to sit on her chair, Cheryl smile as Elton insulted her Laura feels very odd as Elton sit next to her as someone was already seated there and then he smile at her.

Class teacher came in class and everyone sits on their chair, "take out your assignment" teacher said in Spanish. Then she notice Laura and ask her "hello I'm Miss Lopez, you are new student... what is your name?" Laura looks at her black curly hairs and black eyes, tall. She was wearing jeans and navy blue full sleeves top.

"I am Laura Walter" Laura said in Spanish. "So you can speak Spanish" Miss Lopez said. "Yes... and six more languages including French, Italian and Chinese" Laura said smiling at her. She feels everyone is looking at her with surprise. "Great... then I expecting you to get straight A in my subject Laura" Miss Lopez said. "Thank you Miss Lopez... I will" Laura said she feels proud in her. "Alright everyone takes out your assignment" Miss Lopez shouts again.

She looks at Cheryl who give her thumbs up, Laura feels happy as she make new friend. At noon when school over Laura was finding Aunt Jenny but someone calls her from back "Laura wait" Elton said as he came close to her "I was trying to talk to you whole day but I guess you have a busy day today" Elton said, holding his bag with one hand and other one in his jeans pocket.

Laura hesitates then said "yes... it was... do you want something" Laura annoyed as Elton stare her then said "no... I just want to ask you, can I drop you?" "No... I can go with my aunt" Laura said "ok... not a problem" Elton said, and Laura leave.

"El man... what are you thinking... you been looking that girl whole day" said Cody Brown Elton's friend. "I don't know man... right now I'm blank page" Elton said taking a deep breath. Cody laughs and put his arms around Elton then says "let's go". They move toward his car.

CHAPTER 8

"So how's your little girlfriend" Sara asked to Ryder, as they were in their college library. Ryder look at her then take a deep breath and says "as usual... why'd you care" "damn right I don't care about her" she hold Ryder hand then continues "I care about you Ryder... look at yourself Ryder, you are doing two shifts then college and then babysitting" Sara was nearly shouted.

"Sara... I am fine and it's none of your business and please don't interfere... I love her" Ryder said with rough tune looking at his book which he was reading. He didn't realize that it would break Sara heart in pieces and tears fill in her eyes.

"And I love you Ryder... more than you do to her and long before I remember" Sara said with heavy voice and leave the library. She leaves Ryder puzzled, he knows that Sara was so sensitive about him but never thought that she is in love with him. Ryder can't move himself as he was so shocked; he sweeps his hand through his hairs. Then takes his book and leave the library.

Laura was all home alone, Ryder was doing two shift and he came in night so after school Laura usually alone in home. She sits on couch near window to spend her time. She hold herself close as she remember "mom can I ask you something" Laura asked her mother as she was placing her books in her shelf.

"Yes... Laura" Stephanie Craft said as doing her work. "Mom... is it true that you marry daddy because grandma told you to" Laura said. Stephanie Craft shocked for a moment then stable herself and continue her work to hide her astonishment "no... that's not true, who told you that" Stephanie Craft said.

"Aunt Anne told Ron that..."Laura gets interrupted by her mother as she says "how many times I told you to place your thing where they belong... what you do without me... I am not always being there to help you" Stephanie Craft shouts, Laura get afraid so she starts placing her stuff by herself. Her mother left her puzzle alone in her room.

The knock on her door bring Laura in reality. She looks at the clock which was showing 10'o clock. She didn't realize that much time pass. She opens the door it was Ryder "hi..." Laura said with smile.

"hey" Ryder said in low tune, she can feels that Ryder was so tried as he doing double jobs "I know you are hungry... sorry there was so traffic and my friends stop me for a drink but it won't happen again" Ryder said so many thing without noticing that Laura is staring at him.

Her eyes get fills with tears because of Ryder's condition. She want all of this to stop, she blame herself for his condition. When Ryder stops, he looks at her and surprised that Laura is crying, a tears drop from her eyes Ryder moves quickly to sweep it.

"I am so sorry Ryder, it all happening because of me... I should never meet you, you were so happy without me. I should leave..." Ryder stops Laura by putting his finger on her lips then smiles "you are the most amazing thing that happens to me... I feel so alive because of you; you make me feel so special. Every time I see you I feel so powerful, all my stress... my all tiredness gone when you smile... your eyes shine is my every day light, when they shine I feel I can win the world... I love you Laura" Ryder said in his charming voice.

He takes her face in his hands, Laura smile there was a moment of silent they look at each other. They kiss each other, but then Ryder realizes it was too much when Laura holds him so tight. He pushes her slowly then said "well... I'm so hungry. Why don't you set the table and I get fresh then we dine together... ok?"

Laura nod and smile as she put her hair strand back to her ear and Ryder move toward bathroom.

CHAPTER 9

"It's been a month and half and you can't find my daughter and that boy" Kevin Craft shouted on police officers who were searching for Laura. He was wearing navy blue pants, white shirt with blue lining under the navy waistcoat and red ascot around his neck. He was standing in his office, his hand in his pants pockets.

"Mr. Craft we told you before we can't find her because we don't have any clue. We tried to search her but it like she doesn't exist... our all report on her was vanished... we have to start all over again" one of the officers said. Local police officers came to meet Mr. Craft about Laura missing.

"And that girl... my daughter's friend I tell you about her... did she tell you about her?" Mr. Craft asked curiously, as he sits on his chair. "No Mr. Craft... we can't get anything from her and we can't pressurize someone... she's just a kid" officer said.

"Do everything you need to do... please just get me my daughter and that boy he kidnap her" Mr. Craft said, his voice get loud. The officers look at each other then said "we will inform you if we find something Mr. Craft" and leave.

Kevin Craft's younger brother Edwin Craft enter in his office, at his home. Mr. Craft was sitting on his chair; his Cuban cigar was light up in his ash tray. He was rubbing his finger in his forehead like he was having a headache. Edwin craft sits on the chair next to his brother.

"Is there any news of her" Edwin craft asked. "No... they still can't find her... or anything about her" Kevin Craft. "Well... there is some news in the media that we are... we are looking for someone... and that, maybe our daught..." Edwin Craft stop as he feels Kevin Craft's sharp eyes looking at him.

"If there are so gossips going around... then silence them Edwin... and I don't think that's a problem for you" Kevin Craft said calmly. "Yes of course brother... but if you stay home all the time and don't go to the hospital then people... will talk... you know" Edwin Craft said. "I am not in my senses Edwin... I can't do anything right now" Kevin Craft said in very low tune.

Edwin Craft look down then think for moment and say "Kevin... do you know she'll be 18 in two weeks... and then you can't do anyth..." "Really Edwin... you think... what can I do now?" Kevin Craft said loudly and stands; he hit his hand on his table.

He sweep his fingers in his hairs, he was trying to control his anger "I know... I know everything in world but I still can't find my daughter" he move toward the window looking outside, it was raining. The rain drops were falling on window. "My only child will be in trouble... even knowing it I can't safe her" Kevin Craft said with tears in his eyes.

"Hey... what are you thinking" Ryder asked as he feels Laura was lost in thought. He was sitting on his couch with his laptop working on his assignment; it was Sunday noon so she was doing her homework.

"Nothing... I just... I am missing my daddy" she take a deep breath "he always help me with my work... it's just" Laura stops as her voice get heavy. Ryder feels so bad for her, he curse himself for her condition.

He put his laptop aside then sits on bed next to Laura "Laura please don't cry... you know I can see you upset" Ryder said sweeping her tears, then take a deep breath and says "you know I try my level best to win your father heart... so he would accept my proposal for you"

"But you remember what your father did when I get invited to your home... how much your father..." Ryder stops talking as he remembers when he insisted to Laura, to let him meet her father but she refused.

"My daddy will never allow me to go outside the house... how he can allow me to go with you" Laura said as they were standing in the central park. It was raining, there was no crowd. They were standing under the hood. In light of street lamp next their hood, the rain drop falling looks like diamond are falling.

"Let me talk to him... I'll convince him Laura, I can do that... please" Ryder said trying to convince Laura.

"He will never listen to you... I can't tell daddy about if I did he will never let me meet you... I can't take a chance to loss you please Ryder let just leave this place... please" Laura insisted, she hold Ryder's hand but he move away to the corner as he was confused.

"You do not understand Laura; I really need to meet him. You know your father is powerful person even if we run he will find us and then what he will do the same thing then and... then what will I do? I can't lose you at any cost... please" Ryder said putting his hand on pillar of hood.

Laura move toward him then says

"he can't do anything, I'll be 18 years old in 2 months Ryder... then I can go anywhere I want... you don't need to worry about him... my cousin Connor will help me... please Ryder... please take me".

"I won't leave like this... I'm not doing a crime for that I need to hide Laura... I love you Laura and I can't do this. I can't just hurt your parents, be selfish... I know when your father meets me he will like me and he will accept my proposal... trust me Laura I got this" Ryder said putting his hand in her shoulder, Laura looks him in surprise.

She knows that her father will never approve Ryder.

Laura smile and Ryder hug her, but in heart she was upset because once her father knows about Ryder he will never let her out of the house.

CHAPTER 10

They were sitting on the dining hall at Laura house. Ryder was all suit up, he was wearing Jamie's black suit. "So what is your name again...?" Kevin craft asked Ryder sits next to him. He put little of some Italian dish, which he never see or know. The table was half filled with dishes Ryder never taste, he was nervous but he calm himself as Kevin Craft asked him again his name.

"It's Ryder... Ryder Jenkins" Ryder said and to make him comfortable he take a pieces of a dish which placed in front of him but suddenly Kevin Craft said "it's a main dish take this for starrer, I can bet you never have a taste of it".

Stephanie Craft who sit on his right look at him then Ryder and then down her head as she heard those word before when she met Kevin Craft first time.

Laura who sits next to her mother, feels so happy to dine with Ryder and her family, she never thought her father would agree to invite Ryder to dinner. But what she did not know is that, Kevin Craft invites him to his home to disgrace him.

"So... Ryder what's your surname? And what's your father job... if he's on job" Kevin craft asked, eating his meal. Kevin Craft who was wearing black pants and white shirt under black lining waist coat, on his wrist a new addition Rolex watch perfectly gel hairs and finely trim French beard and glasses makes him rightful holder of billon dollar property.

Ryder looks at him, he gets angry as he told his name again "Ryder Jenkins..." then down his head and says in low tune "my father... he's dead. He died in the accident".

"Oh my... I'm so sorry for your loss Ryder... and you're mother?" Stephanie Craft said Ryder smile at her, Ryder feels that she didn't belong from higher class.

"Thank you... Mrs. Craft it was long ago... I was too young. And my mother is alive" Ryder said. He looks at Laura as she's smiling at him, it gives him more confident. Kevin Craft was looking all of this but remain quite. When the dine over he calls Ryder in his study

They were setting on couch, which was so comfort and it looks very expensive too. Ryder was nervous, his hands were sweating "so what are you saying about your studies... in which university?" Kevin Craft asked as he light his cigar then look at Ryder with sharp eyes "Seattle University, I am doing business management major" Ryder said calmly.

"Why are you here Ryder?" Kevin Craft said after taking a moment of silence he look Ryder from top to bottom. It was his office also, it was covered with glass door and it was huge room.

At one corner of the room there are shelves in which thousands of books were placed, the whole room was so bright with so many lights. The floor was covered with fine rug. It was so smooth, the room has two door one open in main hall and one open in front of Kevin Craft room. Both doors were made of decorated glass.

Ryder takes a deep breath then gathers his all strength to say "Mr. Craft I... I love your daughter... and I want to marry her" Ryder stops as he sees Kevin Craft face expression change but then he continues "I know sir... I am not in the position to ask this... but I just... I just can't live without her sir... please sir I will prove..." Ryder was talking without realizing that Kevin Craft was looking at him with wide open eyes... he mumble in his mouth "no... that can't be happening... I won't let it".

Suddenly Kevin craft stand and shout on Ryder "how dare you!!... What make you think that I ever allow her to marry you... who are you anyway? If I want marry my daughter to you then I can marry her to any person from street too, what is the big difference between you and him. She is my daughter and do you know what that means... Mr. Jenkins" he moves to the door to tell him to leave.

Ryder feels like his world is going to lost, "I love her so much sir... I know the difference very well but I can't live without her... even having a thought of leaving her kills me... please sir give me a chance to proof myself... please I will make myself eligible to marry her, I promise I will take care of her more than you do... I will make her my world just say yes... please" Ryder said his voice get heavy.

He didn't realize that Laura and her mother were standing on 2nd door listening to Ryder. Laura's eyes fills with tears, she was looking at Ryder without blinking her eyes. Kevin Craft wants to say yes... but he saw the reflection of Laura in his door, for a moment he feel so helpless but then he made a strong decision, he can't let Laura be attach with someone, he turn to look Stephanie Craft.

She understand Kevin Craft's look like she knows what coming to Laura and they can't involve anyone else, she move close to Laura.

Then he look at Ryder in hatred then shout "you can never make yourself eligible for her even if you sold your soul to devil, now get out of my house" he grab his hand and push toward the gate. Laura yell "no... daddy please" Stephanie Craft hold her so strong. She was yelling and crying so loud, when Kevin Craft pushes him to get out and Ryder controlling himself because he didn't want to raise his hand on him.

"Get out now... and if you ever show your face again, I will put you in jail and then your future will be ruined you understand me" "daddy please give him a chance please daddy" Laura shouted. "Stop it Laura... he didn't love and he can never love you. He just wants you for himself why don't you understand... stop crying, you will thank me later" Kevin Craft said.

After listening to this Ryder feels so embarrassment, he wants to stop for Laura but he can't take more insult. His self-esteem hurt so much he look at Laura last time then Mr. Craft who turn his face. Ryder left, leaving Laura crying and screaming his name "Ryder".

CHAPTER 11

"Ryder... Ryder" Laura push Ryder as she notice he was thinking something. Ryder gets attention and look at her then says "I'm so sorry... I just, well let me help you with your assignment" Ryder tries to hide the hatred expression for her father. "You can't... its biology" Laura said with smile".

"Uh... I never like biology... but I do know what heart does" Ryder said a joke to make her laugh. "Why did you take this subject anyway...?" Ryder said looking at the book. Laura look at him then on her notes, she have a sudden thought and she asked "hey Ryder... did you miss your dad... you never take me to his grave" she asked in her innocence without realizing that it would give Ryder so much pain.

She continues to write her assignment, Ryder face expression changes. He take deep breath then said "my father is not dead" Laura shocked, she look at him as he continue "he left my mom when I born... my mom was young and she had me, she love him so much. She can't bear the pain it was killing her inside. Then Ben came in her life, she was coming back to her life. My grandma was looking after me she was happy to see my mom and Ben"

"Ben purpose her and she said yes when my Uncle took me in his family. She moves to other town, I mostly live with my grandma then aunt Jenny came and she love me like her own son. When grandma died I live with my Uncle and then Mark born but aunt never let me feel that I am not her son, they love me more than Mark" Ryder get emotional "they never leave me alone... Uncle Move houses for me so I don't have to live in hostel... he love me so much".

Laura feels so pity for Ryder "so why did you tell my daddy that he is dead" she asked. "My father left when he knows that my mother is pregnant with me... your father already don't like me if I told him that he will never see my face again" Ryder said. Laura down her head, she was agreeing with Ryder.

"Why did he left you... did you ask that to your mother?" Laura asked. "I did... first she cries then she said he want to clean his name. He wants to fulfill a promise that he made to his father and he can't afford us" Ryder said in low tune.

Laura put her hand on his shoulder then asks "did he ever come back?"

"Yeah... once, when I was five but Uncle stops him on door. I saw him that day, when he look up in my window grandma told me, that he is my dad but grandma didn't like him and she shut the window... after that I never saw him or heard about him again" Ryder stop.

"What is his name?" Laura asks

"I don't know... grandma never told me and Uncle don't like to talk about him... and asking mom about him, just make her sad" Ryder said then for moment he says

"But when he came to meet me... I heard Uncle yells on him as he tried to come in STOP NICK... that's how I know that his name is Nick... that's it" Ryder said helplessly.

Laura holds his hand then said "I am so sorry Ryder".

Ryder smiles at her and takes her face in his hand then said "its fine... I don't care about him anymore... as long as you are with me" they both smile and Ryder help her in her assignment.
CHAPTER 12

"Hey... Laura good morning" Elton said, they were standing at the school entrance. "Good morning Elton" Laura said and tried to move but Elton asks her again "so... you liked our school" Laura look at him then said "yes... I do" "and the student... I mean your classmate" Elton said smiling, Elton has a flirtatious nature.

"Yes... I do make new friends" Laura said and tries to move but he again block her way and asks "well... what are you doing in the evening... I can show you the town if you want" Laura get nervous no one has ever talk to her like this "thank you... but I have plans" Laura said and move quickly. Elton smile as he can feel that he make her nervous.

Charlotte who was standing in the school ground see all of this, she love Elton and she can feel his inclination toward Laura, she was angry with her.

"Laura did you complete the assignment... man I can't complete it, will you help please or Mr. Carter will kill me this time" Cheryl shout as Laura enter in the class but when she feels that Laura is frightened she ask "hey you okay... what happen? You look like you seen a ghost or something?" "Yes... I am okay... just in little hurry, I thought the class is started" Laura lied. She wants to hide her encounter with Elton form everyone.

Laura notice Elton was staring her whole period, she decide to spend her rest of day in library as she was sure that Elton will not bother her there.

As the class over, she waited for Elton to leave the class as she was pretending to talk to Cheryl but her mind was still on Elton. When he left, she tries to move but Charlotte block her way and asked "why are you talking to Elton... Laura?" Laura was astonished by her sudden reaction then she tried to say something but Charlotte yells "don't you dare to lie to me Laura... I see you both talking at the hall, was he asking you out?"

Charlotte get emotional, she grabs her so strongly. Cheryl who was so surprised by everything, handled the whole situation by saying "Charlotte, Elton was asking her to complete his assignment" Charlotte leave Laura and turn toward Cheryl then asked "how do you know that".

"She told me that and also Elton asked me too that is it okay...if he asks her help him? Right Laura" Cheryl said putting her arm around Laura.

"Is it true Laura" Charlotte asks, looking at her with sharp eyes. Laura looks at Cheryl then nod in yes. Laura was so sensitive; she never talks roughly with someone. She can't say anything to someone if other person is shouting on her; she was so fragile and simple.

Charlotte realizes her mistake and says "I'm sorry Laura; I just... just get so sensitive when it comes to Elton. I know you are not that kind of girl... but you know we girls... we can't think anything when it comes to love right". Charlotte left the class.

Cheryl and Laura were sitting in class, Laura looking at the floor and Cheryl was looking at her which Laura notice so she gather her all strength then says "I don't know what happen, he stop me then start saying thing... I tried to move but he was blocking my way... I never look him like that, he was asking..." Laura stops.

"I know Laura... El like you since the first day he saw you, he stare you in the class all the time" Cheryl said, then she take a moment to say "do you like him too?"

Laura looks her with wide open eyes then suddenly said "no... I don't, I never looked him like that... why do you say that?"

"I'm sorry Laura... it's just that El is so handsome, he's hard to ignore you know. Charlotte and Elton used to be very popular couple of our school, they look so good together. You know she's is head cheer leader and El is a captain of football team then El breakup with her because she's getting so possessive about him Since then she's been fighting with every girl she see with Elton and now no girl in our school can date with Elton. Elton don't like her but he didn't realize that Charlotte love him so much, it's so hard for Charlotte... hope you understand, she not that bad" Cheryl said as they were walking toward the cafeteria and she's telling about Charlotte and Elton.

"I didn't know Charlotte love Elton" Laura said sitting in the cafeteria. "Yeah... El told her in public that he don't love her so she she's not talking to him in public, but she still love him so much" Cheryl said eating her lunch.

"He is a bad person... I feel that when I first met him, that's the reason I never liked him" she take a moment then says "do you think if we love someone, that person don't care about us like we do"

"no girl... its El... he can't love anyone and Charlotte is so stupid to fall for him, even knowing that he can never love her like she do to him" Cheryl said with her mouth full with sandwich.

Laura think about her and Ryder, she wants to tell that to Cheryl but she didn't tell anything as she think that "maybe Cheryl take him in wrong image.

CHAPTER 13

Laura was standing in her bedroom, she take her cell phone from her jeans pocket and take a deep breath. She dial a number and said "hey Connor, its Laura... how are you?"

"Laura... Laura is that really you? Where are you? How are you? Are you okay? When did you leave the house... who's that guy you leave with... did he kidnap you?" Connor shout as he heard Laura voice, he was so worried about her, since she left the house. He heard his father and Uncle that she left the house for some guy.

"Hold yourself Connor, I am fine and safe. And he's not a guy he's my boyfriend" Laura said. "What... who is he... and you Are telling me all of this now" Connor shout again.

"His name is Ryder... and please stop shocking on everything I say" Laura said. "Fine tells me everything in details... where is you and who is this Ryder" Connor said.

"No... first promise that you won't tell that to daddy" Laura asked. "Fine... I promise I won't say anything to Uncle... now tell me" Connor said. Then Laura tell him everything from the day she met to Ryder till the day he insisted to meet her father.

"I told him so many times that daddy will never agree with him... nut he keep forcing me to talk to him, and I never thought that daddy invite him to dinner to insult him Connor... you never thought what daddy says to him... I can never think that. And when daddy did that I don't have any choice left but to leave the house. I can't live without him Connor" Laura said. There was a moment of silence.

"Does Ryder love you as much as you love him?" Connor asked. He was so concerned about her because Laura was his only sister. He gets so worried about her when his father told him that police can't trace her and every evidence they gather is useless for the search.

"Of course he love me so much Connor... I can't describe that to you, he rented a new house for me. He is doing double jobs but he won't say a thing to me... he never complain about anything, he gets very tried in night but he never said that... just smile to me every time I ask him about his health..." Laura said so many things about Ryder in her excitement.

Connor can feel happiness in Laura's voice "I know that you will call me soon... dad told me that if you call me I tell him" Laura get shocked then get normal when Connor said "relaxed Laura I won't tell anyone about your call... not even Uncle Kevin"

Laura smile then take a deep breath to says "how is mum and daddy" Connor take a moment then said "they will be fine... right now they are not going out of the house... not talking to anyone, it's like they cut off with world socially... but you don't need to be worry, they will be fine when they know you are so happy with Ryder"

Laura down her head, like she was agreed with Connor. "Is there something you want to tell me Laura" Connor asked as he feels that Laura tries to say something to him.

"Yes Connor... but I don't, well" Laura sits on the couch then continue "Connor do you think Ryder will love me no matter what happens... even I have something or something happened to me"

Connor was surprised by her question, but then he realize why she asked that "Laura if you say, that he never blames you for his pain and trouble and Smile every time you ask... so yes he does love you, no matter what happens to you. He cares about you Laura, he will never leave you and why anything would happen to you... you are smart and beautiful" Connor said.

"But Grey said that, there is something wrong with me and..." Laura interrupted by Connor as he says "please Laura for heaven's sake... you listen to Grey, he never care about his own work, how can he tells anything about you Laura... nothing happens to you okay".

Laura gets relax as she believes in Connor is right "okay Connor and thanks. You always help me when I get in trouble" Laura said smiling. "Well that's what big brothers do... aren't they?" Connor said.

CHAPTER 14

"Hey Laura wait up" Elton calls Laura from her back as she was entraining in the school but she ignore, pretend like she didn't hear him. "I call you like 3 times, why didn't you hear me... is everything okay?" Elton asks standing in front of her.

"Yes... everything is fine, it's just that I am in hurry" Laura said in rude tune and tried to move but Elton blocks her way. All the student were going to their classes, so there was crowd in the school hall way but on one was noticing them.

"Why are you so rude with me Laura... did I something wrong?" Elton asked. He gets worried as Laura was not looking at him.

"I don't know what are you saying... why are you keep asking me that. I am getting late for the class please move" Laura said. "Fine... but we study in the class and I think we have time" Elton said and moves away from her, she quickly leaves for the class.

Laura was getting so scared with Elton behavior, she can't concentrate on her lectures during class, and she gets distract by Elton who was keeps staring her.

Elton was getting angry as Laura ignoring him too much, he never get that kind of reaction before from any girl. After the class he knows that Laura will go to the library to avoid him so he decides to go library to talk to her.

In the library there was so few student, Laura was taking her book out of the racks, suddenly Elton enter in it. They were in the same row alone. Laura was so surprised to see him there.

"Why are you avoiding me Laura?" Elton asked. He was wearing blue cardigan, over white T-shirt and blue jeans with sneakers. He was wearing beg on his back, his hands were in his pocket.

"I am not avoiding you... I am busy in my studies, why can't you see this" Laura said in low voice. "Why can't you see this change in me Laura" Elton said a little louder, as he gets emotional. He moves toward her, Laura gets nervous. She can't decide whether she pushes and pass away or call someone.

Elton can feel she's getting nervous so he move close to her "I don't see anything... please move Elton, I don't want anyone to see us here" Laura said nervously, she tried to pass him, but he put his hand on side shelf to block her way.

"I don't care if anyone sees us Laura I like you and I... I tried to say this for a long time but you weren't listening to me" he moves to hold her hand.

Laura eyes were wide open, she has cold feet. She never expect someone can do this to her. The school she study before, no one ever dare to talk to her as everyone knows her family and now a guy was holding her hand in a place where she was alone.

Her heart beating so fast, she gets the cold feet. She wasn't hearing anything Elton says but when he moves to kiss her, she push him and runs. She gets so frightened that she leaves the school and runs home.

She closes her house door and locks it, then sits on the couch. She sweep her hand over her face and realizes that she's sweating like she is standing under the sun.

She calls Ryder thrice times nut he was not picking up her calls. It was ten fifteen on the clock she was still sitting on the couch, she hasn't been move a bit. She calls Ryder thirty times.

She heard the door unlocks and Ryder enters, she get off the couch her eyes were red because of continuously crying and stand in front of Ryder, who was putting his bag down.

"Where were you Ryder...? I've call you like hundred times" Laura shout. "I'm sorry Laura I was..." Ryder stop as he sees her, then hold her and asked "what... what happened Laura... are you okay, why are you crying" Laura hugs him and start crying, Ryder gets tense.

"I am... not going... to school now... ok!" Laura said crying. "Why... something happen in school Laura... I've hold you before that you have to go school" Ryder said try to calm her down.

"No... please Ryder I don't wants to go there... please" Laura insisted. "I can't do anything Laura... if you don't tell me the problem" Ryder said. Laura wants to tell him everything about Elton, she wants to tell him about what happened today but when she sees the tiredness on Ryder's face she control herself.

"Tell me Laura... did someone say something to you?" Ryder asked again as he sweeps her tears. "No... It's just that I miss you so much and you don't call me in school".

Ryder smile at her then says "really... I miss you too but that not a valid reason to quits school... don't you think" Laura nod in yes. Ryder was so tried but he still has his charming smile on his face.

"Now... if you give me a big smile I will tell you good news" Ryder said, Laura looks at him and smile. "That's nice... well the good news is I have a special gift for your birthday so you have to super excited about your birthday" Ryder said.

He hugs her "ok" Laura said as she has a feeling that after her birthday everything will be fine. She promised that after she'll turn 18 she will tell Elton who is she.
CHAPTER 15

"Laura... where were you girl, why did you run away yesterday?" Cheryl asked as Laura enters in the class room. "Nowhere... I got something to do, so what's the matter, why are you asking me like that" Laura said when she feels Cheryl was confused.

"Nothing... It's just that Simon told everyone that he saw you and Elton in library... together, Charlotte is very angry right now. You're best that you avoid her today... okay" Cheryl said.

Laura think for a moment then said "no... I need to talk to her right now... where is she" Laura asked impatiently. "What... are you crazy Laura" Cheryl shouts.

"Please Cheryl tell me now" Laura insisted. "Uh... why do I have a feeling that you're going to say that... she's in gym, but don't blame me if she says anything ok" Cheryl said grabbing her bags as they walk toward the gym.

They enter in the gym, where Charlotte was stretching herself, as she saw them coming she shout on Laura "I told you Walter to stay away from him but you didn't listen" she looks right in Laura eyes, she was so upset.

"I was stay away from him Charlotte, it's not what you are thinking" Laura tried to explain. "Stop telling lies Laura... I know he propose you and I will never forgive you, I really thought you were my friend" Charlotte said loudly, Laura feels that she has done something terrible.

She gets emotional when she heard Charlotte "I can't love him Charlotte, because I already love someone... I have a boyfriend and I live with him" Laura said but then she realizes she shouldn't need to say that.

"You live with your boyfriend" one of the cheer leader said. "And your parents..." other one asked. "Why didn't you tell me before? Who is he... is he handsome" Cheryl asked, as she hold her hand.

They surround her, asking everything about her love story. "Yeah... tell us, who is he?" Charlotte asked anxiously. Laura feels her importance between them.

"So guys do it... wow" Cheryl said on the way to their home. "Did how many times I need to tell you that" Laura shouted. She was happy , for the first time she feel everybody know her and like her company as she make so many new friend today.

"So what's your birthday plans... you think he will give you surprise" Cheryl asked excitedly " Laura smile at her then said "Of course... he told me that he will give me a big surprise... tomorrow will be my best night.

"Tomorrow she'll be 18... God I can't do anything to safe my child"  
Kevin Craft said. He goes round and round in his office as he was stress. "What happens is already written we can't do anything to change it" Stephanie Craft said as she put his coffee mug on his table.

"How can you say that so easily" Kevin Craft said looking at her. "You know better how... I did see that so many times, the future she is holding and there is nothing you can do to change her destiny" Stephanie Craft said without looking at him which makes him angrier.

She move to leave but he grab her from her shoulder, which was surprise for her and pull close to him then said "what kind of mother are you woman... you don't care about your own daughter". She gets angry when she heard him, she said "mother... when you let me be her mother. I was just her protector... care taker! I was just here to see if she's fine or not. Since the day she born, not for a moment you let me be her mother Mr. Craft".

He leaves her, looking at the floor like he knows that she's saying truth. She moves to leave the room but then turn and says "if you want me to be her mother then I can tell you she's very happy with that boy and nothing more" she looks him for a moment then leave.

Kevin Craft who were so fill with rage that he through his computer on the floor.

CHAPTER 16

She was so excited for today, she decorated the whole house.

Today was a weekend so she didn't go to school but all her new friend text her to wish her even Connor call her to wish. She knew that Ryder will surprise her today.

He gone on his job but he promises that he will come early today. It was 9'o clock, she was all dressed up. She set the table; there was cake and her favorite Italian dish in dinner. She was wearing Chanel's black dress with silver lining on it and black heels.

Her hairs tie on her back, her hairs strand falls on left side of her forehead. She was wearing sliver earring, she look herself in mirror when she heard the opening of door she look so beautiful.

Ryder enter in house and stand still as he looks around the house then he look at Laura who was standing at the corner, he stare her for a moment, then realizes he has something to give her.

They were sitting on the couch, the cake was light up with candle placed on the table in front of them. Ryder takes off his jacket then said "Laura... I have something for you" then he takes out the box from his pocket and open it. It was a silver curl shaped ring; Laura was not surprised as some part of her knows that Ryder was going to purpose her tonight.

There was a silence between them. The whole house was in dark just the light of candle was enough for them to see in each other eyes He hold her hand, then said "Laura Margaret Craft will you honor me to spend your whole life with me

To be with me in my fall... in my victory

In my every happiness and my every misery

Because I want you till my last breathe...

You are my treasure... and my precious memory

Will you marry me?" Laura smile, her heart beating so fast, she can't say anything as Ryder looks at her. She takes a deep breath then says "yes... I do".

He gives her the ring which looks more beautiful in her hand. Ryder take her hand then said "I know it's not much but I ..." he stop as Laura kissed her, she knows that Ryder won't say no tonight.

But Ryder pushes her away slowly and says "there is something else Laura" he sits straight then continues

"I know you expect so many things tonight and I want... Laura you remember your father told you that I want you just to have you... but it's not true".

"I know Ryder... that you love me... please I told before don't think like that" Laura said try to comfort him.

"No... Laura you don't understand this is not right I don't want all of this... trust me. I want it officially, I hate myself each day that why I did that... I am not like this I never have any guilt... any regret in my life. I never break any laws in my life but I did it... when it comes to my heart... how your parents feel about me is right... I don't want this happens to my daughter too" Laura down her head.

"So I promise myself that, when I make eligible myself enough for you I will ask for your hand again from your father... it's sound so stupid... I know but Laura it's for my own prestige. I was so hurt when your father insulted me, if it didn't kill me to let you go... I will do that. Please Laura will you be with me in my decision I won't let you down please" Ryder said and hold her hand.

"I will always be with you Ryder... in your every decision... I promise" Laura said putting her head on Ryder's shoulder.

She wake up in the morning, they were lying in bed. Her head was on Ryder's shoulder, she saw him then kiss him on his cheek but he didn't move as Ryder was a good sleeper.

There was light rays of sunlight came in room passing through the curtain from a window, she sits then yawn then she look at the clock which was showing 6 30 and look at her bracelet. She wears it off last night because it broke and she can't understand how.

She moved to the bathroom, she was standing in front of mirror. She was wearing Ryder's blue T-shirt and pink shorts, her hairs fall down and she was bare-foot. She open the tabs and wash her face, she was looking in the mirror. She was happy as she looks at her engagement ring.

Her image in the mirror start to change, the background starting to get black, her clothes turn white but her head was still down. Her hairs turn red curly hairs, and then the image of the girl in the mirror raises her head.

She has a pale face and scar on it, she have red- brown eyes which looking straight to Laura. Laura was looking at the ring and remembering the moment when Ryder propose her but then she feels someone is looking at her, she raise her head. Her eyes wide open, looking at the mirror, she get so scared that she can't scream. Her throat gets dry, she wants to move but her body can't feel the ground.

She covers her face with her hands as the girl in the mirror scream.
CHAPTER 17

Ryder gets off the bed as he heard the scream, he get panicked. He calls Laura name, he was not in his conscious as he get hit his foot with corner of the bed. He moves toward the bathroom, where Laura was standing backing the mirror, covering her face with her hands.

She was sweating because of fear, her legs were shaking. She gets scared when Ryder touch her but when she sees its Ryder she hugs him so strong. "What... what happen Laura" Ryder asked, he was wearing his white shirt and black pajamas. He feels that Laura hands are cold; her body is shaking which makes him more curious.

He asks her again and again, but she still holds him so strong without saying anything. She tried to say something but she can't because of fear, her voice can't get out of her mouth.

Ryder helps her to sits on the bed, and then gets a glass of water for her. When she gets relaxed Ryder asks again "are you okay... now tell me what happened in there?" Laura look at him then gather her strength.

"There... there was... something i... someone... in the... mirror... she... she was ... so scary" Laura shutter. Ryder look her for a moment in disbelieve then said "you mean you saw some woman in our mirror".

"She... she was... not woman... she was something... else" Laura said try to explain. Ryder look at the floor then at her "you know that's why I told you to not to watch movies before bed because then you get nightmare "Ryder said putting the glass on the table.

Laura gets angry, she standup and said "she was real... she was not a nightmare... I swear Ryder" her get fill with tears. "ok... ok fine... she's gone now... calm down... it's over" Ryder said try to calm her down, he put his hand on his shoulder "now... can you make me a cup of coffee for me and dressed up for school... just forget what happened ok" Ryder said as he take her face in his hands.

Laura calm herself, she down her head as she thought "may be Ryder was right... it was just a dream" Ryder was in the bathroom, Laura was making coffee for both, she put the cups on the table then go back in the kitchen to take the bread.

But when she turns, she was shocked her eyes were wide open. Her hands were shaking as she saw cups were floating in the air like someone is holding them but she can't see. Her feet get freeze she can't move from her place, cups were moving toward her. Ryder opens the bathroom door and the cups fall and crushed in front of her.

Ryder turn and shout "Laura... what did you... careful" he came close to the kitchen then said "great... that was my favorite mug" then he looks at Laura who was standing still holding the bread plate.

"Laura... Laura" Ryder calls her name. "Oh... did you... did you see... Ryder" Laura said suddenly like she wakes up from dream. "Yes... you broke my favorite mug... its ok" Ryder said putting his towel on chair.

"No... she... she... they were in the air... then move... toward and fall" Laura said still holding the plate. Ryder look at her with wide open eyes then said "ok... Laura I get it, you still sleepy... you can't get full sleep, it's fine stay home... get some sleep" Ryder said while picking up the broken pieces of cups.

"I am not laying Ryder... there was something" Laura insisted. "Fine... now can you pass my bag ...I am getting late" Ryder said wearing his jacket. Laura feels that Ryder don't believe her but she can feel someone is with her all the time.

CHAPTER 18

"She found her... she's with her" Stephanie Craft shouts as she enter in dining hall where Kevin Craft was having his dinner, he get attention when he sees that she was scared and so worried.

"I am scared, I did everything that she couldn't find Laura but she found her, now Laura can sees her" Stephanie Craft said. Kevin Craft stand and move toward as she starts crying "you can stop her... I know you can, mother taught you something to get Laura away from her" he asked curiously, he sweeps his hand through hairs.

"Yes... Margaret gives me two stones, one is in her bracelet... oh my God... she takes off her bracelet... she takes off her bracelet Kevin" Stephanie Craft yells and falls on Kevin Craft's arms. He holds her strong as she was crying. He look up and says "God... safe our daughter"

It's been a week; Laura was seeing that ghost again and again. In home she sees things are moving, and then fall in front of her when Ryder was near and Ryder blames her.

He feels that Laura was changing, but he didn't say anything to her. Sometimes Laura clothes have blood spot all over them but when she shows them to Ryder they were gone before he can sees them.

When she opens light, they fluctuate but when Ryder's home nothing happens. Laura told him about these incidents but every time he denied them. Laura starting to hear voice like someone is crying, when they were sleeping in bed, she feels someone staring them from corner. She look closely to see and saw two red eyes, she quickly close her eyes and move toward Ryder but she can't sleep whole night because of fear, it been happening for three days,

"It's broke Ryder... why can't it repaired?" Laura asked. The day she wear off the bracelet, which was given to her by her father it get broke and it's stone is misplaced, Laura don't know how all this happens.

"Laura, I told you they say... they can't repair it because the stone is missed and they don't have any stone like that" Ryder said doing his assignment on his laptop.

"Stone... why don't they have a stone like that, I am sure if we go to the real owner they have it, these local can't have it" Laura said putting the bracelet in the box.

"Yeah... maybe, it was rear as you are..." Ryder said looking at her, she smile then look at the bracelet and said "my daddy give it to me... the day my grandma died... he told me to never take it off... that's why it was made of very rear metal, because it was my grandma and my grandma was my closest person"

Ryder looks at her, she looks tried as her eyes gets dark circles. He thought that maybe her hallucination, is because she really missing her family. He takes a deep breath then get back to his work.

CHAPTER 19

She was in her class, listening to the lecture on Shakespeare's play. She hasn't been sleeping for four days, she was feeling tried but she can't tell Ryder. He was busy in his exams and it makes him more worry.

She was writing the lecture, her eyes was getting heavy and slowly everything in her surround fading, her eyes closed as her fall in sleep. She raises her head as she feels something strange and shocked as she was standing in the dungeon.

She never saw a place like this before, she don't know what is happening. She looks around then sees there was a cell in front of her. She move toward the cell was lighted by torches placed on the wall.

It was a small place, she gets trouble in breathing and she was sweating as there was no passage for air. The cell was dark; she can't see what is inside of it.

She feels someone is sitting in the corner in white dress her head down facing the ground, she was backing the wall. "Hello... who are you... where ...am I?" Laura calls her. Her throat get dry, she was so thirsty.

Laura notices she didn't reply, so she calls her again "excuse me... are you listening to me... I want to go home, please tell me what is this place... are you listening".

Her hairs falls on her face, slowly she raise her head then open her eyes. Laura was shocked to see, it was her own image as it was looking at Laura. She stands slowly on her feet which were bleeding.

But suddenly she started to change, she get scar on her face, her face changes to pale white. Laura move backward slowly as she gets scared. But stop as she feels that the door is locked, she was trapped.

Laura was so scared, her heart beating so fast she feel that it will break her chest. She was moving toward Laura, she came so close to her then Laura sees right in her eyes which change to black complete.

She yells as she feels pain in her hand which was unbearable for her. Her scream was so loud that everyone gets shocked. "What happened to you Laura" teacher asked Laura wake up from her dream, she was in her class.

"Oh... Laura sees a dream and get scared" Charlotte said and everybody in class laugh But Laura knows it was not a dream.

After the class she go to the washroom and wash her face twice time, then feel her left hand was burning when she looks it has nails marks.

Laura never have large nails, her mother always cut them when it grows so she never have a habit of large nails. She realize that she scream because that girl scratch her.

She ran home but not hers; she goes straight to Ryder's Uncle home and call Ryder there. She was as scared with that house as she feels her there. Ryder came home with Sara as she also wants to know what happened when Uncle Eddie calls Ryder.

"What happens Laura" Ryder asked as he enters in lounge. "She was real Ryder... she came in my dream again, in school... she's been following me Ryder... she will kill me" Laura shout holding Ryder's hand, she was crying.

"She... she who?" Sara asked looking at Ryder. "Nothing... it's no one... Laura having nightmare, maybe she saw some horror movie and it stuck in her mind" Ryder said to Sara.

Laura look at him, she was shocked that Ryder is not taking her condition seriously. "Those are not nightmare Ryder... I see her in reality, she touch me and you want to know how... look at this" Laura said and show her hand to everybody. She was looking at Ryder, he look at the hand then at her with surprise eyes and asks "and what are you showing to me".

Laura get confused, she said "this ma..." she stop as she sees her hand was clear there were no nails marks. "It was there Ryder... I swear... I" she stops as Ryder hold her hand, then said to Uncle Eddie "she's weak... she's home sick, I guess... I'm taking her home"

"Ok" Uncle Eddie said looking at Aunt Jenny with confusing eyes. "Weak... or sick" Sara said smiling at Ryder.

CHAPTER 20

"I swear... she was real Ryder... I promise, she's real" Laura said, she was lying on the bed. Ryder sits next to her, he hold her hand then said "its fine Laura... I believe you... I do, you are right now... take this pill. It makes you feel better ok?" Ryder gives sleeping pill to Laura.

"But..." Laura try to say something but Ryder interrupted "please Laura don't say anything you need it" Ryder insisted. Laura takes the pill with water than lay on the bed. Ryder sweeps his hand through her hairs as she falls in sleep.

She wake up in late morning, but she was feeling better. When she gets off the bed she found Ryder's letter for her. She missed the school today; her exams were near so she has to study hard.

She washed her mouth, then move toward kitchen for breakfast. Ryder already made her breakfast. While she was eating it, she remembers her grandma's big room, her relaxing chair, and her grandma pass most of her time on that chair.

Laura was four year old, she was listening that her parents were fighting so she moved toward her grandma's room. She opens the door and sees that her grandma was swinging on her chair while reading the book.

Laura move softly inside the room, taking little steps "come near to me Laura" her grandma said without looking at her. "How do you know it was me grandma?" Laura asked.

"I can smell your fragrance my child" her grandma said putting down the book, black hairs which have some white hairs, blue eyes and soft voice, her grandma looks so kind from her face. Her grandma name was Margaret Elsa Weinstein Craft.

She puts her glasses on her side table then asks "do you want to hear a story Laura" Laura smile and said "yes grandma... I do. She grabs her then sit on her grandma lap.

"Ok... once upon a time there was this girl who fell in love with a nice boy, he loves her with his heart and he can't live without her. But her parent don't approve the boy so they run away from the world but then one day something happened to that girl... something got her and because of it, she was living in the fear. The boy never trusts her, she gets hurt by it again and again, it wants her to do something for it but she refused. One day it got the boy, the girl never wants to hurt the boy but it was hurting the boy so much and the girl gets weak and says..." her grandma stop.

"What happened grandma, why do you stop...?" Laura asked. But she didn't answer to her, she shake her arms to ask her "tell me grandma... what did the girl said to it... tell me".

Laura's cell phone rings and she get in her senses. She moves toward the table where her phone was placed, she was expecting Ryder but it was Elton.

"Hello" Laura said as soon she picks up the phone. "Hey... its Elton... you didn't came to school today" he said. Laura was surprised by his call but she didn't show him. "Yes... I am sick, I will come tomorrow".

"Ok... did you complete Miss Rosie assignment" Elton asked. "Yes I did" Laura said. "Great... can you help me with it you know I'm not good in zoology" "fine... when I come to school you can ask to me" Laura said and try to cut off the call but Elton suddenly said "no... I mean I need it today actually... can I come to your house... its urgent please Laura" Laura can't say no to him as he was insisting.

"Ok... you can come... I will text you the address" Laura said.
CHAPTER 21

Elton was at her door step, he knocks the door and Laura opens it. "Hi... how are you... here" Elton said giving her the flowers.

"I am fine... thanks, you don't need to bring these" Laura said as she takes those flowers. "Oh... please Laura, you were sick and these flowers says... get well soon" Elton said move inside the house.

"So... here you live with you're... your boyfriend" Elton said while looking at the picture of them. "Yes... we live here, I make you a copy of my assignment in this... it will help you" "oh thanks... can I stay for a while..." Elton asked. "No... I mean yes... you can".

"Can I have a cup of coffee" Elton asked. "Yes..." Laura said and move towards the kitchen. Elton smile and sit on the bed, he was not sincere in his thoughts. He was here for a purpose, he was so angry after Laura's rejection to him. When he knows about her boyfriend from Charlotte he plans to destroy her love life.

When he see she is busy in making coffee, he suddenly shout "oh my God... what is it" and disperse the whole bed sheet from up to down. He was keep shouting "look Laura... what is it?"

"What is it?" Laura asked intentionally. "I don't know but I just saw something moving over the bed" Elton lied. He doesn't know that Laura was seeing thing, his plans was to stay with Laura till Ryder came home and see the dispersed bed.

Laura believe him, she thought "maybe he saw her or something moving over the bed... Ryder will believe him when he told him, that he saw something moving and then Ryder will believe me that I am not sick"

"Oh my God... it scared the shit out of me...man, I need to go bathroom... where is the bathroom" Elton said. Laura pointed him the bathroom, he takes off his jacket and through it toward the couch.

Laura was scared and didn't realize that Ryder was coming home soon today.

"So now she's going crazy... and you still love her" Sara said to Ryder as they were working in the restaurant. "What do you mean by that Sara... she's not crazy... just stressed because she is missing her family" Ryder said attending a costumer at the counter.

"Missing her family... then why she left them on the first place" Sara shouts. "Because of me... and please calm yourself, you're going to get us fired... and I need this job" Ryder said softly and moves toward the kitchen.

She blocks his way and came close to Ryder. She hold his hand and said "why are you doing this Ryder... you know I love you so much, I can't see you suffering like this" Sara voice get heavy.

"Sara... please I told you before... you are my best friend and YOU WILL remain my friend... please don't force me to end this relationship between us... because it will hurt me too" Ryder said as he take back his hand and moves toward his work.

Sara feels so embarrassment that moment, he hit her hand on the fridge, her tears fall on her cheeks but she looks at the mirror to clear her face. That moment she hates Laura so much that she can kill her.

When she moves away from the mirror, someone else appear in the mirror. That girl with red hairs, black eyes, pale face with scars in white dress...

CHAPTER 22

Ryder took off early, he want to surprise Laura. He was planning for long time to spend some time with Laura; he thinks that it will make her feel better. He parks his car, then move toward his apartment. First, he thought to knock the door but then he take out the spare key and open the door.

Ryder gets surprised when he sees Laura and a guy sitting on the bed, his hand in Laura's hand. Laura gets shocked by surprise entry of Ryder as she wasn't expecting him. Ryder enters in the room then takes off his bag looking at the Elton.

"Ryder... this is Elton" Laura said. She didn't know how many thought were surrounding Ryder's mind. "Hey... nice to meet you Ryder... I was here to see Laura" Elton said. He never thought Ryder will come that soon, he was getting nervous when he sees Ryder's expression.

"Hey... Elton, you are Laura's classmate... funny, she never mentions you like that" Ryder said looking at him. He notice the dispersed bed sheet, open bathroom and Elton's jacket on the couch then looks at Laura.

Elton thinks that his work is done here then he said "ok... Laura... sees you at school" and move to leave but Laura calls him "but Elton you..." "You leave your jacket" before Laura complete her sentence Ryder interrupted her. He doesn't want to see Elton in his home any more.

Laura was surprise by Ryder behavior, but she wants to tell him that Elton sees her too. She remains quite when Ryder interrupted her. Elton runs to grab his jacket then leave.

Ryder and Laura was alone in room, there was only silent between them. Ryder was continuously looking at Laura. "He... he was here for my zoology notes Ryder... and you know he saw..." Laura interrupted by Ryder as he says "notes... aren't it too late to go someone home... don't you think Laura".

Ryder was so serious, which make Laura nervous "he saw something Ryder... he supposed to leave but he saw something, I was... making coffee for him and then..." Laura interrupted by Ryder as he shouts "coffee... you were making coffee for him seriously Laura...you said that you hate that guy because he don't care about your friend's feeling and now... you are making coffee for him"

He sits on the couch as he was tried "I don't know Laura... I am tried, I thought I could spend some time with you so I took off early... but I came home and I find him sitting on my bed... with his hand in my girlfriend hands... what I should think of that".

Laura gets emotional her eyes fill with tears. She never thought that Ryder would doubt on her. She was just trying to calm Elton as she believes he saw her too. She never wants to hurt Ryder, she was feeling so bad.

She sits on her knees in front of Ryder then said "believe me Ryder... I was just calming him... he saw her too and he was so scar..."

"Shut up Laura... saw who.... Your imaginary girl in white dress, I am so sick of all that bullshit" Ryder yell, he push her back as he stand then continue "first me, then my family and then your classmate we all going to think that you are losing your mind Laura... who is she?"

Laura was shocked, Ryder never talk to her in that tune. She was so fragile that she can't bear it, she stand to move toward him "you don't believe... you... you think I am hallucinating... I told you... she stare us whole night" Laura said crying. "Stop it Laura... I don't see anyone... for God's sake JUST STOP... Laura I left my home, my family... I work like a machine and I didn't expect anything from you... all I want from you is to be normal".

He grabs her from her shoulder, so tight and moves close to her "you just making me believe that I am living with a crazy girl... Sara... Sara was right you are depressed". Laura was continuously crying.

"I want you to be normal ok... but if you keep going on like this then I will be crazy too if I live you" he push her back so had that she fall on the floor then Ryder shout "I am leaving". She yells his name but before he could hear he shut the door so hard and left for bar".

CHAPTER 23

Sara reached her home soon, she was upset with Ryder and now she hates Laura more and more. She gets fresh and sits on her bed with her laptop.

She was doing her assignment, her cell phone rings. She thought it would be Ryder, so she pick up the phone without looking who is calling "I know you will call me" Sara said in excitement.

"Really how do you know" Mark said, it was Mark who call her. "Oh... it's you, what's the matter Mark" Sara said as she gets disappointed. She gets back to the work while listening to Mark.

"Can you tell Ryder to call me...? I really need to ask him something" Mark said.

"If you want to talk to Ryder... call him idiot" Sara said, as she get annoyed by Mark's call. "I call him genius... but he's not picking up my calls and Laura's cell is off" Mark said.

"So what's that important thing you want to ask to him" Sara asked. "I want to ask him in private" Mark said. "Ok... so tell me, maybe he doesn't want to talk to you" Sara said smiling.

"It's not like that... it's something I want to confirm... well do you know Laura's surname" Mark said. When Sara heard Laura's name she yell "why... are you writing a book on her".

"No... I... I just want to confirm" Mark said in low tune. "And why on earth you care... who is she" Sara said loudly. "Ryder said that her name is Laura Crane... but I have this note book which I found in Ryder's bedroom and it say that her name is Laura Craft... so what should I do, personally give it to her or what" Mark said.

"Through it out of the window... or if not, give it to me... I will burn it by myself" Sara shouts. "Ok... fine I will ask Ryder by myself... geez bye" Mark said, Sara off her cell and threw it away.

She get back her work, but suddenly she has a thought "why did Ryder lie about her name... there is something Ryder is trying to hide from us... something related to her... she is not what she is trying to show... her clothes... her styles , she is not a normal girl... I got to search her". She Google her name as she write Laura Craft, there was so many result, on the top of list was about Craft industries... then about their history from Marvin Craft to Edwin Craft.

Then she saw about Kevin Craft, as New York's famous dentist. She clicks on his name and his profile came out, she read the whole article but there was no name of Laura in his family. She thought that "maybe Ryder is right about her... but her father was dentist too".

She again type "Craft family history" and then the list shows all the famous Craft family members. Sara was surprised to see that in every generation of Craft family they are very famous and wealthy.

She notices something common in their name, before Marvin Craft name. So she clicks it on their ancestry tree but the site was restricted. She thought "damn it... now what".

It was Connor's research on his family, but when his Uncle Kevin told to stop his research as his original got burn, he restricted the site.

She goes back on the page to see who own the link and sees the name Connor Craft, she thought" maybe I should contact to him... maybe he could help me". Then she click on it and it opens which was little odd for her.

The tree was showing every member, with their pictures. She notices that their name have w. Craft but from Marvin Craft they just write Craft, instead of w. Craft.

She get curious about it and clicks on Marvin Craft father Edward Louis w. Craft. His history opens in front of her, she get more surprise as she read about him and about his name.

CHAPTER 24

Laura was standing alone in the house, in shock as Ryder left her alone. She sits on bed, she couldn't believe that Ryder doubt on her. She was crying suddenly lights fluctuate, then kitchen cabinets open and shut by itself.

She was so tired of this, she put her hand on her ears and shut her so tight and yells "stop it" and it all stops. Then she suddenly have a thought that when she was leaving her home, she take her grandma box which she told her to keep close to herself.

She takes out her suitcase from under the bed, then opens it and takes out the box. It was sliver color embroidery box but it looks very old. She put on the bed and sits next to open it.

As she opens the box, she found something wraps in cloth which looks so rigid and a letter. She opens the letter; it's from her grandma to her. She read the letter which says

"Dear Laura, I know this day will come in your life... and I will not be there to help you, you will found yourself alone but there is something that can help you. I know you want to ask so many questions... honestly I don't know them too my darling...but trust me, you are the only one that can free us from her"

Laura stop as she thought "how grandma could know about her..." then she continue reading.

"Everything you need is in here...a diary of someone you should read, it is in our family for very long time so careful with it... an address and a book of spell. These spells will help you to get safe from witch... take care yourself and take the decision wisely... I will always love you

Your loving grandma"

Laura was crying when she was reading her grandma letter, but when she sees the word WITCH she gets cold feet. She was seeing all this time a witch; her heart was pounding so fast.

She close the letter to her heart and kiss it, they look for the book. She take out the book, it was so ancient. It was so dirty, she cleans it then read it name but it was in Latin she can't read it. She put it away but then it open by itself which makes Laura so scared.

She move slowly to look the book, it shows her a drawing of a circle in star which was closed from all ends and some writing in the block of stars, and a drawing that shows it will keep the witch away.

She look in the box and find a chalk, she feels the fluctuation again. She move toward the centre of the room and push the rug aside which was placed on the floor and start drawing it on the floor.

Her drawing was half complete, the cabinets in her kitchen start shutting so hardly and everything moves from it place. She get still when she sees that a chair rise in air and through toward Laura, it could hit Laura if she didn't move quickly.

She gets afraid so much, the lamp which placed on her bed side table get fused, now the house is fill with so many noises. She can't stand it anymore; it was too much loud that her head hurts. She put her hands on her ears and yells

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME...? LEAVE ME ALONE". Laura heard as she says in multiple voice "you... you belongs to me... you come with me or I will kill everyone you love" Laura turn pale when she feels her so near.

CHAPTER 25

Ryder was in bar sitting on the counter, he was so stressed. He was not drinking but his glass was full. He was staring the glass and thinking about his behavior with Laura, he hates himself for shouting on her as he thought "how could I do this to her... what happened to me... I should trust her more... maybe she was right... its entire my fault". He feels that it was his fault and he should take Laura back to her parents.

He hold the glass so tight as he feel so pain when he thought about leaving her but then he decided that he have to do it for Laura, for her peace... for her happiness. He thought "I will take her back to her home... she's so depressed... and maybe I'm not worthy of her right now... the way I treat her... I can't forgive myself... when I leave her to her home...I will not meet her till her father told me too".

He turn to leave, Sara stop him there. She was going to Ryder's home but in the way she saw Ryder's car at the bar so she stop there as she wants to meet Ryder immediately.

It was one of the town bar, people were sitting on their tables usually aged men the music is playing. Ryder was surprised to saw her, his first thought was "oh my God... did Laura call Uncle... maybe he sends Sara to take me". "Sara you... here, I'm sorry I shouldn't talk to you in that tune" Ryder said.

"I know... but why are you here" Sara said as she knows Ryder is so sensitive, he can't hurt anyone. "Nothing... I am leaving anyway" Ryder said in low tune. "It is because of her... right!! Ryder since the day she came in to your life you can't have a day of peace" Sara said in anger.

"Please Sara... not again... we talked about this... and I am really tried... call it a day and go home" Ryder said and move to leave. Sara realized that he was tried and calms herself, because she don't wants to hurt him but she knows the reason of his this condition so she yells "she's a witch... and you know that". "What... are you completely out of your mind" Ryder shouts.

"I'm not crazy Ryder... you are... because you live with her... you hide that her name was Craft" Sara said loudly. On one was looking at them, only the waitress who was serving the nearby table.

Ryder suddenly grab her from her arms to quite her then says "lower your voice Sara... so what if she's a Craft, it doesn't change anything... it's no big deal... and it doesn't make her witch"

"I'm not saying that her name makes her witch... the name you know... did she ever tell you that her full surname is w. Craft... do you ever ask her that why she is the only girl in her family... why her father never let her go outside the house... do you want to know what W means?" Sara said in low tune.

Ryder look at her with confusing eyes then ask "what does it means?" Sara smile then said "its mean witch... she belongs to witchcraft family... it's her family name, history said they were belongs to witch family that's people call them with this name" Sara tell Ryder everything she research about Laura's family and Ryder get shocked as more he heard to Sara.

"They worships black magic and they trade their children to Satan for wealth and pow..." Sara stop as Ryder yells at her "stop it Sara, where'd you get that bullshit... God... I thought you are a sensible person... a mature person but here I go wrong again about you... I can't believe".

"I am not lying to you Ryder... just think why she is the only girl in her family and you told me that her father won't let any one play with her when she was so young... and... and if you don't believe me ask her... ask her all of this... ask her that why in every generation there is a psychic in her family".

She move toward close to Ryder then said in low tune "ask her that why she didn't tell you that her grandmother was a psychic and... " Ryder looks at her and asks "and...?" "Her mother is a psychic too" she holds Ryder's hand then continue

"Ryder... she's a witch... she's been controlling like a puppet, you know it too... you did things that you can never imagine to do... she don't love you Ryder... I do and I really care about you" Ryder was in shock after knowing about Laura, he wasn't listening to Sara. All he thinks about was Laura.
CHAPTER 26

He reached home as soon as he can, it was pass midnight. The door was unlocked; the whole house was in dark. He open the door slowly and step in inside then call Laura's name

When Laura hear Ryder voice, she came out as she was hiding behind the bed and hug Ryder. She was crying and says "don't ever leave me Ryder... please, she will take me away from you... don't leave me" Ryder feels her body was shaking, he want to hold her too but he remember what Sara told him about her.

He asks Laura in low tune "what is your full name Laura" Laura surprised as she heard him, she move back to look him as she knows that Ryder know her name then why is he asking me that again.

"Laura Margaret Cr... Craft" Laura said sweeping her tears. "And why don't you and your father use w. Craft" Ryder ask as he move towards the bed. Laura was confused about the situation, she don't know that how Ryder knows something so personal about her family.

She said "grandfather change to Craft only... I don't know why... daddy won't allow us to talk about it... how do you know about this" holding her hands together.

Ryder move to open the lamp which was placed at the side table but Laura shouts "it is fuse" for a moment Laura thought that Ryder will believe her now, when he sees the rigid place but her thought shatter when light get on.

When she saw the room, she was so shocked everything was on it place. "Ry... Ryder ...she ...she dest... destroy... everything... destroy ... all th... the house" Laura stammer in shock.

"STOP IT Laura... ENOUGH OF YOUR LIES... you lie about everything... your name, your family... you... why did you never tell me that this 'w' mean WITCH in your name... you belongs to witchcraft family" Ryder yells on Laura, he said everything that came to his mouth.

Laura was so surprised, she moves toward Ryder and says nervously "I didn't know that for sure... Connor told me once and I asked daddy but... but he said that it just stories people made on us... because we are so wealthy".

She tried to hold his hand to calm him down but Ryder move away "oh... yeah!! Your father, he thinks of no one but for himself... I doubt on your family, first time when Jamie friends in the party were talking about your family... but I was complete idiot then because I was in love with you... tell me Laura, why are you the only girl in your family... you tell that remember and why did you never tell me that your mother is a psychic" Ryder yells on her.

Laura gets scared "it is just a profession Ryder... and she's an astrologer... what is wrong with you? Why are you talking to me like this?" Ryder kicks the table as he sweeps his fingers through his hairs and holds it strongly.

The table placed in centre over the rug which was placed in middle. The table fell on the ground and rug move away, then Ryder notice some writing on the floor. Laura heart now beat so fast as Ryder move away the carpet and sees all the drawing she made.

Ryder now completely believes that she's a witch, Laura hands were shaking so she holds them together, and then says "Ryder... I ...I can explain ...this"

"SHUT UP Laura... HOW DARE YOU... WHY... WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME" Ryder shouts as he grabs her from her shoulder so tightly then shouts again

"I trust you... I did everything for YOU!! And you lie to me... you betray me" then push her back.

He moves his hands over his head then said "it makes sense now all of the madness I did was because you cast spell on me... I break my rules for you WITCH... but not anymore, leave my house now" Laura was blank, she don't know what to do she never thought Ryder would say those words.

She grabs his hand then says as she's crying "no... Ryder please... trusts me... I am not... I really love you... I love you so much ...she wants this... she wants to take you away from me".

Ryder thought she's talking about Sara, so he get angry and yells as he push her back

"Liar... back off... she was right from the start if she want it... I should never let you control my life... I was so stupid to think that you love me... but it's not too late, to kick you out of my life... get your stuff and get out of my house".

Ryder move to take her suit case out from under the bed, she was crying as she can't understand what's happening to her. She can't leave Ryder and now she can't live with him either. She doesn't know what to do, but she's sure about one thing and that is she won't leave Ryder so she moves in kitchen.

She takes out the knife and put it on her left wrist; she looks toward Ryder who was continuously saying her so many things. Her tears fall on her cheeks, she looks around then closes her eyes so strong, as she's going to cut her wrist but before she do that light fluctuate again.
CHAPTER 27

Ryder get attention as he sees the fluctuation in light, he looks around and stop as he see Laura try to cut her wrist. "She's coming... she's coming Ryder" Laura shouts as knife drop on the floor from her hand.

She runs toward Ryder then says "we need to leave Ryder... she... she will take me" she hold Ryder hand to leave but he push her back then says "shut up... what are you doing now?".

Laura looks at him then says "it's not me Ryder... it's her... please trust me... she's doing this all... she will kill me Ryder". "Nonsense... like I believe you... I know it's one of your tricks, to stay here right" Ryder said, he confused by the situation.

Laura moves back as she sees that Ryder is not believing on her, she was very dishearten by his reaction "fine... if you think that I am doing all of this then I will kill myself to protect you" Laura said and runs to grab the knife but then suddenly they feels the earth quake and everything moves from its place.

Ryder tries to stable himself. He looks at Laura who falls on the floor. Now he believes that there is something around them. Light fluctuates so fast that most of the bulbs get fuse.

Ryder helps Laura to stand and pull her towards him, he believes her now and he wants to protect her. Laura looks at him, she was scared but now she has Ryder on her side.

Everything rises in air and then fall on the ground, Ryder and Laura runs into corner; Ryder was scared as he was sweating. He can't understand what's happening; he just wants to protect Laura, he can't see anything clearly because of fluctuation. He was holding her so strong and that moment his heartbeat gets high, he gets cold feet, suddenly fast wind is blowing in the room. His eyes were wide when he feels something coming out of the dark.

It was her wearing white dress, her black hairs fall on half side of her face, and her eyes were red. Ryder moves back and she move forward, he can't say anything because of fear when she says in multiple voices "come with me... you belong to me" she points her finger to Laura.

"Who... who are... are you?" Ryder stammers. "I told you... there is someone" Laura said looking at the Ryder then Laura looks at her and yells "I will never come with you... GO AWAY".

"Fine if that what you want..." she said and disappears; suddenly everything gets back to normal. Ryder holds Laura hand then says "we need to leave now... c'mon" they move few steps and Ryder fall on his knees, he was still holding her hand. Laura shouts "Ryder... Ryder are you okay" as Ryder groans in pain.

His grips of her hand gets stronger and Laura starting to feel pain in her wrist "Ryder... Ryder ...what is happening to you, you are hurting me..." Laura said as she can't bear more pain.

Ryder was going through a lot of pain inside of him; he put his hand on floor and scratches with his fingers. Laura falls on her knees as Ryder fall on the floor. She calls his name to wake him but then she feels that he's not Ryder when he raise his head to look at her.

It was her, she possessed Ryder, and Laura can see the same scar on Ryder's face and her black eyes. He was still holding her hand; she was struggling to get realize her hand but he pull her toward him then ask in multiple voices "you will come with me?"

"No... leave me Ryder... what are you doing?" Laura said his grip was so tight. Ryder face turns angry and he push her back so hard that her back hit the wall and she fall on the floor and her nose start to bleed.

Then grab her from her hairs and pull her face close to his then asks "say yes... now" "no... never... even if you kill me" he get so angry that he shout and hit her on her face. She was crying, blood came out of her mouth but he again hit her on her face. She crawl to move away but he grab her then backed the wall and grab her neck.

He was choking her and she was resisting, he rises her up. She can't touch the ground, she try to remove his hand but fails. She looks at him as she it's not Ryder anymore but then she closed her eyes and remembers all her moments with Ryder then yells Ryder name so hard with all her love and pain.

"Ryder" Ryder gets back in his senses as he heard her, he leave her and she fall on the floor. She was chocking as she can't breathe properly. Ryder looks at Laura; he was in shock as he knows that he was beating her. Looking at his hands he said "oh God... what I did... what I did to you?"

Laura tries to stable herself then she crawl toward Ryder to calm him but he get panic as he feel someone is controlling him "I need to leave... I need to go away from you...uh..." Ryder fall on the ground and groans in pain he looks up Laura can see she is trying to possess him but he is fighting her back.

His face turns red she was forcing him down "no... I will never let..." Ryder said but stops as she possesses him, then looking at Laura he said in multiple voices "if you don't say yes... I will kill him".

Then Ryder chock and rises in air so high and fall on the floor. His head and nose bleeding, he again rises then backed the wall and rises up; Laura was crying she covered her mouth with her hands. Ryder falls on the table.

"Uh..." voice came out of the Ryder's mouth. He was very injured and Laura can't take it anymore. Now Ryder rises in air and choke like someone grab him from his neck and pressing it, his legs are shaking. Laura feels like he's going to die.

"Yes... I will do it... I will do whatever you say... please leave him... please" Laura shouts, begging on her knees.

CHAPTER 28

"What did the girl said grandma... tell me" "it is still yet to decide... sweetheart... but" "but... what grandma"

"She has to say yes... Laura... as all the luxury and fame her family has... to pay the price she has to say yes... she's the only one that can free her family from the curse"

Laura remembers that moment with her grandma and she says yes to the witch. She was gone, Ryder lying on the floor. Laura move to see Ryder, his all marks gone his all injuries heal by itself. He was looking fine but he's unconscious, she was sitting next to him. She put her head on Ryder's chest as she was crying.

Morning light came into the room; everything was on their places like nothing happened. She kissed on Ryder's forehead, she doesn't know what happens next but she knows she won't be with Ryder anymore.

She takes him to the hospital. Doctors say that he will be alright and wake up soon. She calls his family and they were coming, she was sitting next to Ryder's bed in the hospital room. She was wearing jeans and red top under brown long coat; her hairs were tie back as pony tail. He was still sleeping, she was staring him as she don't know that when she can see him again.

She holds his hand and kisses it again and again, she was crying continuously. Her bag was pack like she was leaving for somewhere. She looks at her engagement ring then takes out a letter for Ryder; she put it on the side table.

She stand to leave, she wear her bag. She sweeps her tears, Ryder's family was coming and she can't face them so she has to leave before they come. She doesn't know why she's doing this but she has to protect Ryder from anything and for that she can do whatever she has to.

She moves to leave but then stop to look at him one last time. She take a deep breath then remember all the moment with Ryder from the beginning when the first time she met him, a tear drop on the floor and she leave.

She goes to the telephone booth to call her cousin "hey... Connor, it's me Laura..." Laura said. "Laura... hi, what happened... why are you calling from other number... are you okay?" Connor said he was surprised by her sudden call. "Yes I'm fine... I need your help" Laura said controlling her tears "what is it Laura? Tell me" Connor said he get worried as he feels that Laura was crying.

"I need some money and..." she was going to say passport but when she look in bag to take out the address, she find her passport. She was shocked as she knows that her all documents were in her daddy's locker.

"Laura... you still there?" Connor asks, as she was not saying anything. "Yes... Connor I need some money, I need to go somewhere..." Laura said. "Ok... but where are you going... is Ryder going with you too" Connor asks. "No... It's just me" Laura said.

Connor tries to say something but Laura shouts suddenly "Connor... please doesn't ask me anything... I can't answer your any question". Connor take a deep breath then says "fine... you don't need money... your name is your credit card... and if you still money I will tell my manager... and you know my bank... you can take as much as want".

"Thanks Connor... and... can you send me your research you done on our family... I need to read it" Laura said. "I will Laura but you remember it get burn and my computer get virus so it's all data was deleted" Connor said. "Check again Connor... maybe you find it... because I think I know the reason, why it get burn" Laura said then she take a moment and says

"Connor I am leaving here something very important... very important to me... please take care of him... don't let him forget me...okay?" Laura said in heavy voice. Connor understands she's talking about Ryder but before he asks anything she cut the call, Connor was surprised.

She again dial a number, it was her house number. When no one picks up, she records her massage "mom... it's me... I'm fine and... Safe... tell daddy that... that I find the reason that why he was protecting me all these years... I find my purpose mom... tell daddy it's a long journey" she cut the call before Kevin Craft pick it up; he was standing in his hall where the phone was placed.

Stephanie Craft runs in to hall to find Kevin Craft, he looks sad and helpless "it was her... on the phone" Stephanie Craft asks. "Yes... but she is so far from us now..." Kevin Craft said in down voice.

Laura travel towards the airport, she have an address but it was so far from here. She never thought she has to go somewhere so far alone, she was scared but she thought "I have to do it... if I want to see Ryder again... I will be back soon".

Ryder's family and Sara were in hospital, his Uncle, aunt and Mark. Uncle Eddie hasn't told Ryder's mother about his accident. Doctors told Uncle Eddie about his condition. They say that Ryder's has an internal head injury but he's fine.

Ryder wake up in the hospital, and looks around. His family stands all around him. He was feeling dizziness but then he looks at his Uncle and ask "wh... what... happen... where... where... am I?"

"You are fine Ryder...you are in hospital..." Uncle Eddie said putting his hand on Ryder's hand, he blink his eyes to say yes then he look at Sara and smile. Sara was surprised as she thought that Ryder had an accident because of her, but she smile back.

Doctor was checking his report and suddenly Uncle Eddie ask to Ryder "Ryder... where is Laura?" Ryder look at his Uncle with confused eyes then said in weak voice "Laura... who is Laura Uncle?"

Everyone was shocked, they look each other, and then doctor ask to Ryder "hello Ryder... I'm Dr. Spencer... can you tell us what happen to you".

Ryder nod then slowly said to doctor "I was going with my friend... Jamie and we had an accide..." Ryder stop as he have a thought then ask to his Uncle who was in shock "Uncle... is Jamie alright... where is he... we were going to meet his family... in New York".

Uncle Eddie look at the doctor when he says "everyone is fine Ryder... thanks for telling me... now I want you to get relax... okay". Then he turns to Uncle Eddie and says "Mr. Jenkins I'd like to talk to you in private".

Uncle Eddie follow doctor out of the room then doctor says "Mr. Jenkins your nephew have an internal brain injury and because of that he may lost some of his memory... it usually happen when he had a shock or our head hit something very hard... he do looks very fine... but some of his memories are damage".

"Damage? What do mean doctor... his final exams are in a month... and you are saying that he forget everything" Uncle Eddie shouts.

"Mr. Jenkins I can understand... but I can't do anything" doctor said then take a pause for a moment and ask "when did Ryder and his friend accident occur... because you told me that he's been living with his girlfriend".

"He never had an accident... but he went to Jamie hometown with Jamie to meet his family... it's been couple of month and it was fine".

"Well then Mr. Jenkins Ryder's memory go back few months and my advice that you and any member of your family should not tell him about what happen to him in past... unless he remember all of them by himself... it will danger to his health... do you understand Mr. Jenkins?" doctor said putting his hand on Uncle Eddie's shoulder.

Uncle Eddie nod in yes then doctor move to leave but stop like he has something to says "there was a girl with him but she leave so soon... and she tell her name, maybe that's the girl you were asking about to Ryder?" doctor ask. "Yeah... she's his girlfriend but its fine... maybe she goes to her home" Uncle Eddie said then doctor smile and leave.

But Uncle Eddie was worried about her and Ryder's condition; he can't understand what just happen to them.

Behind the glass door Sara heard everything; she knows what she needs to do now. She was in Ryder's room alone as Uncle Eddie and his family left for home. She takes out Laura letter which she hides before anyone can see it. She torn the letter in small pieces, she look at Ryder who was sleeping then take his hand in her hand and say "you are mine now... you are mine Ryder".

Connor was confused, when Laura told him to check the file again. So he went to his house to look for the file even he knows that the file burn in front of his eyes. When he opens the cabinet in which he put all his work, in his room he was so shocked to see the file in fine condition in front of his eyes.

Stephanie Craft was looking at Laura's picture, she was crying. She was sitting in the hall "she's with her now... she's with Laura... I can feel her... I can feel her evilness... Kevin I need to do something... she's not going to leave her Kevin... until she died" Stephanie Craft shout loudly as she scared to something.

Kevin Craft hold her hand try to calm her but before he can say something to her, he heard his name calls. It was Russell Craft, Kevin Craft's youngest brother and Connor's father. He was in hurry and looks so scared.

He enter in hall, he was sweating "What happen to you Russell... is everything alright?" Kevin Craft ask.

Russell Craft take out tissue from his pocket and sweep his sweat on his forehead and eyes then wear his glasses again and look at Stephanie Craft then his brother and then everyone was shocked when he stammeringly said "that... that boy...is... Mar... Marcus John... Johnson's heir..."

To be continue...

Thank you for reading my book. Its next part will be written soon. If you enjoyed it, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review letter addressing me at your favorite retailer? I will respect your opinion.

Thank you AnonYMous

