I needed to get out. Away. Away from family. Away from friends. Away from her. Hugging my mum while my dad carried the last bag to the car, I kept convincing her that this was the best idea. She wouldn't harm them. She knew she couldn't. So she would follow me instead.

"But what if it wears off?" my mum asked, yet again.

"I've told you so many times in the past two hours mum, you're safe. The spell will protect you as long as I, the creator of the spell, am still living." I replied.

She hesitated.

"But... what if it stops? Oh my god Brystol, what if you die?! And I'll only know when the spell breaks, but then that would be too late. I don't see why the spell can't stretch further so it could protect you as well. Ugh, this is all that...that... DEMON'S fault,"

I winced. She didn't notice. I think.

"Ooo, if I ever get my hands on her, she'll be sorry she ever-"

I put my hands up and cut her off.

"Woah, woah. Mum. Seriously, slow down. I'll be fine. I can't protect myself with the spell because that's just how it works. The whole point of the spell is that I am beyond the barrier otherwise she won't actually follow me and she'll just stay here and nobody wants that. Just ask the people on the news. Yes, she will come here first but then she'll try everywhere else. When she does come, DO NOT speak to her, do you understand? She doesn't know you have a sister and if she finds out then that'll be more people in danger."

My mum nodded.

"I understand. That thing would have to kill me before I told it anything."

I winced again.

"And ease up on the name calling."

She looked at me for a second, sighed and nodded a second time.

"Okay."

"Good."

​

My dad walked past and sort of gave me an awkward side hug. Me and my dad had never had a strong emotional relationship, and it didn't look like it was going to start now.

"Car's all loaded. Crash it and I'll kill you myself. You won't have to worry about an old girlfriend. Instead you'll have to face me. Get it young lady?"

I roll my eyes. As much an emotional connection we don't have, the humor we both share takes its place.

"Yes dad. I'll take extra good care of your beloved car. Don't you worry."

"Oi, don't diss Betsy. She ain't never done anything to you."

The corner of his mouth twitches as he hands over the car keys. We lock eyes and I can see them shimmering.

"Stay safe kiddo."

He pats me on the shoulder and walks back into our house. Their house. Not mine anymore.

​

I look at my mum. She's shaking slightly and gulping back tears. I sigh.

"Here's what's going to happen. I'm going to get into the car and drive to Aunt Laura's. I will not be coming back until I'm certain it's safe. This could be never. Taye will come looking for me here, but seeing as they told her that I'm the target she won't be able to harm you. She will then proceed to look for me which will be hard as I'll continue to move. I need you to be strong. I will ring you from different phones each week so you will still hear from me. Do you understand all of this?"

She took a deep gulp and managed to nod. That's all I needed.

"Okay. I love you mum. Don't miss me too much."

We hugged for the last time and I kissed her cheek. I then forced my body to get into the car. Before I shut the door, my mum yelled something.

"You still love her, don't you?"

I made eye contact for a minute. She understood and nodded again. She waved and went inside.

​

I breathed deeply and started the engine. Yes. Yes I did still love her. But that doesn't matter now.

One last look at my childhood and as soon as I had arrived, I was gone.