Dread pools in my stomach as we leave the academy gates and a large black car pulls up in front of us. The car is very similar to a stretched Hummer that we usually use for special occasions in the human realm. I wish this car was taking us to a celebration and not to say goodbye to the person who created me. Six of us pile into the back of the car,
the seats are set out in a rectangle, all facing each other. I sit between Axel and Theo, holding both of their hands. Axel had made a full recovery by the time we woke up this morning, Mason is back to wearing his trademark frown and sits with Luke opposite us. Mr Collinssits alone in a chair on our left and Then keeps eyeing him with suspicion. Luke watches me with concern as we start the journey in silence. It feels like we are going to a funeral, and I guess in a way, we are. Today I will lose my mum. I have no idea how I am going to do this, but I know I have to. She deserves this.
“I don’t know what to say to her,” I admit, breaking the silence in the car.
“Say what you feel you need to,” Mr Collins gives me a sympathetic smile.
“I don’t even know where to start, how do I say goodbye to the only person I’ve known for my whole life?” my voice trembles.
“You don’t have to say goodbye, you can still see her occasionally. She just won’t know who you are,” giving me a small piece of hope.
he says,
I’d chosen a small cottage near the beach for her. She would love it there, she always said she would move us near the beach one day. She used to love creating art before she became unwell, and she said when we moved to the beach she would go out to collect shells every morning to use them in her art.
“I’d like that,” I nod, smiling as I imagine going to the beach one morning to watch as she collects her shells. Maybe I’d make polite conversation with her and ask what she is doing with the shells and she would tell me what she has been making. I could even offer to help collect the shells with her. She wouldn’t know who I am but she’d be free of her mental torture. I’d get to see her beautiful carefree smile again. I’ve missed that smile so much.
“Everything is set up for her, we have her new identity and back story in place so as soon as you’re ready, just give me the nod,” Mr Collins says as we pull up outside a beautiful building. It looks nothing like a psychiatric hospital and exactly like an old English manor house with stunning walled gardens surrounding it. I blow out a breath and nod in understanding
“Let’s get this over with. It’s time to free my mum,” I scoot over in my seat and exit the car. Luke pulls me into a hug and kisses me on top of the head.
“We will be right out here waiting for you,” he says.
“You’re not coming in with me?” I frown.
“We thought you’d probably want some time alone with her,” he explains.
“No,” I shake my head and look at my bonds, “I want her to meet you all, she probably won’t react positively to you but I want her to meet the men I will spend the rest of my life with. I want the experience of introducing you all to my mum. Please let me have that experience with her,”
“Of course,” Theo smiles and takes my hand. The others all agree and we head inside together.
“Miss Banks, it’s so lovely to finally meet you. I’m Doctor Black and I’ve been in charge of your mum’s care, I must say you have a striking resemblance to your mother,” a short man with a kind face and greying hair greets
- me.
“Thank you, how is she today?” Lask as he guides us up the stairs.
+26 BONUS
Chapter 0092
“As feisty as usual,” he chuckles, “I must say I am happy you made the decision you did but she will certainly be missed around here. She is currently in the art room, she is the calmest in there,” he stops outside a door, “are you ready?” he asks and I take a steadying breath before nodding. Mr Black knocks on the door and seconds later a lady of around Mr Black’s age opens the door, she smiles warmly at us all and steps back to allow us in. The room is bright and airy. Painted canvases rest on easels, and the room is heavy with the scent of paint. My mum has her back to us, she is wearing a nightgown and slippers and she lumns as she paints.
“Mum,” I say softly and she freezes, mid–paintstroke.
“No,” she gasps and then spins in her seat to look at me, “Ch no, they found you, I knew they’d find you, they came for your soul Josie, I’m sorry I couldn’t save you,” she begins to weep.
“Mum, I’m fine, I promise,” I rush to her, kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in mine.
“You don’t understand, they’re demons Josie Bean, they know you are one of them and they want to seduce you with their minds,” she grips my hands tightly.
“They’re not demons mum, they are here to help us, they are going to help you,” I smile, trying to calm her.
Watch that one there, the handsome one, he’s very interested in vou, he’s going to use your womb to grow his demon spawn,” she points at Mr Collins.
“Mum, that’s Mr Collins, my headmaster, and he’s a kind man who has helped me so much already, and he’s going to help you too. He’s going to take you home. You’re going to live by the beach mum and collect your shells
face. and then turn them into beautiful art. You’re going to be so happy,” I smile with tears rolling down my
“Will you be coming too?” she blinks, a moment of clarity dear in her eyes. She reaches her hands up to my face and wipes away my tears with a motherly smile.
“Not yet, but I will visit you real soon, I promise,” I rest my head on her lap and she strokes my hair for a moment. Something she used to do often when I was a child
My mum stands from her chair suddenly, making me fall back onto my butt, “I’m not leaving you here, I will stay and protect you from these blue–eyed demons, I won’t let them take your soul. I’m supposed to keep you hidden from them until he comes to collect you,” she shouts, moving to stand in front of me protectively.
“Who is coming to collect me, mum?” I push up to my feet
“The demon that planted you in my womb, he said to keep them away from you,”
Chapter 0083
