FATED TO BE WITH YOU

"Michael, wait up! Mum says we need to come home together."

"I know, Lily, but you need to keep up."

"I'm trying, but you're way too fast. And besides, why didn't Dad pick us up today?"

"Because it's your birthday. Dad is helping Mum at home-I'm sure of it."

"Are you sure? Or is he just in another meeting?"

"I don't know, Lily. But Mum wants us to take the bus home."

"This birthday is going to suck if Dad isn't around."

"You invited your friends, right?"

"I'm not like you, Michael. You have friends. You're smart and cool. But no one wants to be friends with a freak like me."

"That's not true, Lily. And you need to stop saying things that are way beyond your age."

"Way beyond my age? Michael, I'm turning eleven today. I'm not a child anymore. Complaining about not having friends isn't something beyond my age."

I sighed in frustration. Why does she always have to be so sharp? It's always been like this with Lily, and honestly, that's one of the things I love most about her.

"I'm not saying you can't talk about school being tough," I explained, "but sometimes, the way you speak makes me feel like I'm talking to my older sister, not my little one."

"Fine," she huffed. "I'll try to sound my age next time."

I glanced at her, and for the first time today, a smile tugged at my lips. Without a word, I extended my hand toward her. She took it immediately, and warmth filled my chest. She's been the best little sister-I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.

"Want me to carry you like I used to?" I teased, the grin still on my face.

Her eyes widened in horror. "What? Hell no! I'm not seven or eight anymore! Besides, the kids at school already pick on me enough."

"Who cares? And they're not your friends if they pick on you."

"You're right," she murmured.

Without another word, I scooped her up, laughing as she squealed in protest. But she didn't fight it-she never really minded. We played all the way home, the worries of the day momentarily forgotten.

The moment we stepped inside, Mum's warm smile greeted us.

"Hi, sweetie. Happy birthday!"

"Thanks, Mum," Lily beamed. She pecked Mum's cheek before handing over her school bag.

"How was your day at school, dear?"

"It was fine, Mum," she answered, but I caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Not wanting her to dwell on it, Mum distracted her with her favorite cookie and a milkshake. Taking the chance, I asked quietly, "Is Dad joining us for the birthday party?"

"I don't know... He said he would be here, but you know how it is-he never makes it."

"She really wants him here today. She said it doesn't feel like her birthday if Dad isn't around."

"You know how much Lily loves her father. But we'll have to wait and see. Go get ready and come down for some snacks.

I had wanted to invite a few friends, but none of them could make it. Besides, this wasn't really a big gathering-just a small family celebration"

"I get it, Mum. You don't have to explain."

"Did Lily invite anyone?"

"No... She said she doesn't have any friends yet."

Mum sighed, a trace of sadness in her expression. "Don't worry too much. I'm sure she'll come around in time."

"I don't think so, Mum. Most of her classmates pick on her. I'm worried. I'll be leaving high school for college soon. How is she going to cope without me looking out for her?"

Mum's eyes softened with concern. "I don't know, son. I just don't know."

Looking into her sad eyes, I realized this was just as hard for her. My gaze drifted to the dining table, where Lily was happily shoveling cookies into her mouth, completely oblivious to our worries.

"You want some?" she asked, noticing me staring.

I forced a smile. "No, enjoy yourself."

She grinned and kept eating.

Mum touched my shoulder. "Go get ready. We'll wait a little longer for your dad. Lily, come with me-I have a little gift for you upstairs."

As Mum led Lily away, I went up to my room to change.

Lily's POV:

Mum held my hand as we walked to my room. I could still hear Michael and Mum talking before we left, but I didn't want to think about anything else. Today was my birthday, and I just wanted to be happy.

When we got to my room, Mum smiled warmly at me. "I have a little gift for you upstairs," she had said earlier, and now, as she pulled out a carefully wrapped box, excitement bubbled inside me.

I tore off the wrapping paper quickly, gasping when I saw what was inside.

"Oh my God! A blue ball gown! Thank you, Mum!" I hugged her tightly, my heart swelling with happiness.

Mum chuckled, stroking my hair. "I'm glad you love it, sweetie. Now, go take your bath so we can get you ready."

Nodding eagerly, I ran into the bathroom. The warm water soothed me as I imagined myself twirling in my new dress. By the time I stepped out, I was glowing with excitement. I quickly dried off and slipped into the gown, loving how soft the fabric felt against my skin.

Mum smiled as she sat me down to do my hair. Her fingers worked gently, twisting and pinning my curls in place. She had always been good at styling my hair, and today was no different.

"There," she said softly, tilting my chin up. "You look like a princess."

I beamed at her. "Thank you, Mum."

She leaned down and kissed my forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mum."

Mum reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box. "I have one last gift for you. Guess what it is?"

I grinned, my heart racing with excitement. "A tiara to match my dress?"

She chuckled. "Close. It's a necklace." She opened the box, revealing a delicate silver chain with a tiny pendant. "And no matter what happens, you must never lose it, okay?"

Something about the way she said it made me pause. Her voice was calm, but there was an unusual seriousness in her eyes. It made my stomach twist slightly.

Before I could ask her anything, a loud voice interrupted us.

"Mum! Mum!" Michael's voice rang through the hallway before he burst into the room. His face was pale, his eyes wild with something I couldn't quite place.

Mum stood immediately. "What is it, Michael?"

He rushed to her, grabbing her arm as he whispered something I couldn't hear. I frowned, my fingers tightening around the necklace. Whatever they were talking about, it was something serious.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice small.

Mum turned to me briefly, but she didn't answer. Instead, she rushed out of the room, leaving me and Michael behind.

I turned to my brother. "Michael, what's happening?"

"Nothing, Lily. Mum just got a call from work, that's all."

He was lying. I knew he was. Michael never looked me in the eyes when he lied.

Still, I didn't push. "Okay." I twirled in my dress, hoping to lighten the mood. "Are you ready for the party?"

"Oh... about that." He hesitated. "Mum and Dad need a few minutes to talk to some business partners."

My heart leaped. "Dad's back?"

The flicker of hesitation in Michael's eyes made my stomach sink again.

"Yes," he said carefully. "But he brought a few friends over for business. Mum wants us to stay up here until they're done talking."

"Okay... I can't wait to see him!" I grinned, trying to shake off the uneasiness creeping into my chest. I ran my fingers over my dress, then touched the pendant around my neck. "Did you even notice my gown and necklace? Mum gave them to me!"

Michael finally looked at me, forcing a small smile. "They're beautiful. The necklace matches your eyes."

I twirled a bit, letting the fabric flow around me. "Michael... you don't look happy. You look worried. What's wrong?"

He hesitated. "It's nothing, Lily."

I frowned. He was pacing, his body tense. Something was definitely wrong. The silence between us stretched, thick and heavy. Then-

A blood curdling scream echoed from downstairs.

My heart stopped.

"What was that? Was that Mum?" My voice came out as a whisper.

Michael didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the wardrobe.

"Stay in here. Don't come out. No matter what you hear, okay?" His voice was low but urgent.

Fear coiled inside me like a snake. "Michael... I'm scared. What's happening?"

"I don't know, Lily," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "There are strange people downstairs. They're... I don't know. Just stay hidden. I'll come back for you."

Then he was gone, and I was left in the dark, trembling.

Something was terribly, terribly wrong.

Michael left, shutting the wardrobe doors behind me. The space was too small, too tight-I could barely breathe. My knees were pressed to my chest, and the scent of wood mixed with my own sweat filled my nostrils. Time dragged on, stretching into what felt like forever. My heart pounded so loudly I was afraid someone might hear it.

I wanted to stay hidden like Michael told me, but fear and curiosity gnawed at me. I couldn't take it anymore. With shaky hands, I pushed the wardrobe door open and climbed out. My feet barely made a sound as I crept toward the bedroom door, every step feeling heavier with dread.

Slowly, I opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway. My body trembled, but I forced myself to keep going. I had to know what was happening. I had to see.

Reaching the top of the staircase, I gripped the railing and peered down.

Mum and Dad were on their knees, their hands restrained by two men. My breath caught in my throat. A woman I had never seen before sat before them, her posture relaxed, yet there was something menacing about her. And then-my stomach dropped.

Uncle Phillip.

He was standing beside the two men, watching my father struggle. My dad's best friend. Our family's trusted friend. Why was he doing this?

"What is going on?" I whispered under my breath, my fingers digging into the railing.

"Are you not going to tell me where the key is?" the woman asked, her voice smooth but sharp as a blade.

Dad lifted his chin, his expression unwavering. "I don't know what you're talking about. We don't have any keys."

The woman chuckled darkly. "Do you really think I'm going to buy that? Either you provide the key, or your wife will be my next meal."

The moment she said it, one of the men pressed a knife to Mum's throat. My whole body locked up. I wanted to scream, to run to her, but my feet refused to move. My hands trembled violently as I gripped the railing harder. Who were these people? What did they want?

Then, Mum's eyes flickered toward me. She blinked twice.

A signal.

She was telling me not to move. Not to come out.

Tears burned my eyes. I wanted to run to her, but I couldn't disobey her now. My whole body shook with silent sobs-until I felt a hand clamp over my mouth.

Panic surged through me, but then I heard his voice.

"Lily, I told you to stay in the closet," Michael whispered harshly as he pulled me back into his room.

I turned on him immediately, my voice shaking. "Who are those people? What do they want from us?"

Michael's expression was grim. "I don't know, Lily, but Mum said we need to run."

"No!" I shook my head violently. "We are not leaving them behind. Uncle Phillip was holding a knife to Mum's throat! Why? He's Dad's best friend!"

Michael clenched his jaw. "I don't know! But we have to leave now!"

I refused to accept it. "No! I am not leaving them to die!"

Michael grabbed my shoulders, his eyes wet with unshed tears. "They are going to kill us too, don't you get it?" His voice broke, and a single tear slipped down his cheek.

I froze. My strong, brave brother was crying.

But I still couldn't leave. I couldn't. My hands fumbled for the phone, and I quickly dialed 911.

"Lily, I already called them," Michael insisted. "We need to go."

"No!" I shoved him aside and sprinted toward the stairs. My heart pounded as I ran, hoping-praying-I wasn't too late.

But the moment I reached the bottom step, my entire world shattered.

The woman in red had Mum and Dad suspended in the air. But it wasn't just that. It was the way they looked-lifeless. As if something invisible was pulling the life right out of them. Their skin had turned deathly pale, and their lips were drained of color.

It looked like a scene from a horror movie.

But it wasn't.

It was real.

Rage and terror crashed through me. "Let my parents go, you monster!" I screamed, my voice raw with desperation.

The woman's head turned slowly, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "Well, well. Look who we have here. A little cutie pie."

I took a shaky step forward, fists clenched. "What do you want from my parents? Why are you doing this?" I yelled, my voice cracking.

She tilted her head, laughing softly. "She's a brave one. Just like you used to be." Her eyes gleamed as she turned back to Mum.

"Let... her... go," Mum whispered weakly, barely able to lift her head.

The woman sighed, rolling her eyes before smirking. "Do you know your fckng mistake, sister?" she sneered. "Marrying a human."

Sister?

My breath hitched. No. That wasn't possible.

"I'm going to let you watch as I kill your precious daughter."

Before I could process what was happening, her hand shot forward, wrapping around my throat. My feet lifted off the ground, my lungs burning as she squeezed.

I clawed at her hand, kicking, struggling-anything to break free. My vision blurred, my head spinning from the lack of air.

The woman grinned. "Are you scared?" She twisted her face into something almost playful-mocking.

Rage flared inside me. With the last bit of strength I had, I opened my mouth and sank my teeth into her wrist.

She shrieked, dropping me instantly. I hit the ground hard, gasping for air.

"Lily, run!" Mum's voice, weak but urgent, rang out. Then she shoved me backwards -toward the stairs.

"Mum, I can't leave without you; I just can't," I whispered, my voice breaking as I stared at Dad's lifeless body, his eyes empty, his face pale.

"But I am always with you," she said, her breath shaky, her strength fading. Why weren't the police here yet?

"Who are these people?" I asked, desperate for answers.

"That doesn't matter," she said, cupping my cheeks with trembling hands, her warmth barely there. She wiped the tears from my face and pressed something into my palm. "Keep this safe; I trust you. Now go."

"But-"

"Go," she repeated, turning to face the woman in red.

"Wow, isn't this touching? A mother and daughter's final goodbye," the woman taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. She let out a laugh so sharp it made my ears ring.

"I told you to stay in your lane, sister." Mum said to her, rage evident in her voice.

"In my lane?" She scoffed, a smirk spreading across her face. "You brought this on yourself-on your husband, your children. And now, you will pay."

The woman's smile vanished. Her eyes darkened with fury. "You think you have a choice?" she spat. "Phillip, kill her."

A scream built in my throat, but I swallowed it down. I didn't want to leave, but I had to. I turned and ran.

I sprinted upstairs, my heart hammering against my ribs as I searched for Michael. Where was he? My hands trembled as I pushed open his bedroom door.

Empty.

Panic surged through me. I was about to leave when a shadow loomed in the doorway. Uncle Phillip. His usual sweet smile was in place, but now it made my skin crawl.

"Hey, Lily. Happy birthday," he cooed, as if we weren't standing in the middle of a nightmare. "That was quite the show downstairs, don't you think? Your mum and aunt are discussing another surprise. Why don't we go grab some ice cream for everyone?"

Did he really think I was that naive? That I would run into his arms like a toddler promised a treat?

"Do I look like I'm two?" I glared at him, fists clenched. "I'm eleven, not one. Dad trusted you. How could you do this to him? To us?"

His smile twisted into something cruel. "Because your dad was a d*ck." He took a step forward. "Now, you can come with me willingly, or I'll make you."

I backed away, but he followed.

Then, out of nowhere-

CRACK!

Phillip collapsed to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Michael stood behind him, gripping a baseball bat, his breath ragged.

"Lily, we need to go. Now."

I didn't argue. I let Michael grab my hand, and we ran. As he carried me away, my fingers curled around the necklace at my throat. I could still feel the weight of the key in my palm. Mum's voice echoed in my head: Keep it safe.

A burst of heat scorched the night. Our house-our home-was engulfed in flames.

Tears blurred my vision as I buried my face in Michael's chest. "They're gone," I sobbed.

Michael held me tighter. "Lily, listen to me," he murmured, pulling me into the shadows of an abandoned alley. "No matter what happens to me, don't look back. Just run."

My stomach twisted. "No! I'm not leaving you behind. We couldn't even save Mum. Michael, Dad was on the floor. She killed him!" My voice cracked as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.

Michael clenched his jaw, his eyes filled with something I didn't understand.

"Lily, focus," he said. "Mum gave you that key for a reason. She trusts you. You have to be strong." He hesitated, then added, "I might not be able to stay by your side for long."

"No! No!" I shook my head violently, gripping his shirt. "You're not leaving me too!"

Michael sighed and wiped my tears away. "I don't want to, but if we ever get separated, I need you to protect what's inside this bag." He handed me a small, worn satchel, its leather cracked with age. "Promise me."

I hesitated.

"Lily." His voice was firm, his eyes pleading.

"I promise," I whispered.

"Good." He exhaled shakily. "We need to rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for us."

And as the fire raged behind us, I realized our nightmare was only beginning.

I woke up after the worst nightmare, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes darted around, and I found myself inside my room. A wave of unease washed over me. Without wasting a second, I rushed outside to find my mum, but the entire house was eerily silent.

"Mum! Mum!!" I called out, but there was no response.

Swallowing the growing fear, I walked to her room and knocked. No answer. With trembling hands, I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open-only to find an empty room. My breathing grew shallow. Something was wrong.

Panic set in as I ran upstairs to find Michael, but his room was empty too. My chest tightened. Everyone was gone. I was alone.

"Mum! Dad! Michael!" I screamed, my voice breaking as tears blurred my vision.

Then, I heard it-footsteps approaching. My entire body froze. Slowly, I turned around, and there she was-the lady in the red dress. She stood in front of me, laughing like a maniac. The sound of her laughter echoed around me, growing louder and louder until it drowned out everything else.

I gasped, struggling to breathe.

Then suddenly-

"Lily, Lily, wake up."

Michael's voice pulled me back. My eyes shot open, and I found myself trembling. My brother was beside me, holding me in a firm, reassuring hug. I clung to him, trying to steady my breaths.

"It's okay. It's just a dream. Stay with me," he murmured, his voice gentle.

I nodded, waiting for the terror to subside.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" he asked, concern laced in his tone.

I hesitated, but the words spilled out. "In my dream, I couldn't find Mum, Dad, or you. I was all alone and scared." The memory of it sent fresh tears streaming down my face.

Michael tightened his hold on me. "It's okay. I'm not planning on leaving you. You're stuck with me forever."

I buried my face in his shoulder, unwilling to let him go.

Later, we left, searching for a way out of the city. Michael stopped at a convenience store, stocking up our bag with snacks, soft drinks, and water. I gripped his hand tightly, refusing to let go. I couldn't lose him too.

We walked for a while before finally taking a taxi.

Michael's POV

"Tragedy as the family house of Mr. Anthony was set ablaze. According to the investigation by the police, the fire wasn't an accident. So far, two corpses have been found by the police, but they weren't easily recognized, given that..."

I quickly grabbed my headphones and covered Lily's ears before she could hear more of the news. She looked up at me with questioning eyes, but I forced a smile, pretending everything was fine. She was still wearing the same dress from before-we needed to change so we wouldn't draw unnecessary attention.

When we got to the store, Lily stood there, unable to pick anything. I helped her choose a few clothes, making sure they were plain and inconspicuous. After changing, she hesitated, holding onto the dress as if it were the last piece of Mum she had left.

"We have to leave it," I told her firmly. "We'll come back for it later."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she nodded and wiped them away. I felt a pang of guilt, but we didn't have the luxury of holding onto sentimental things right now. Survival was all that mattered.

As we walked down the street, I felt her grip tighten around my hand. Even after changing into casual clothes, we were still drawing attention. Too much attention.

Mostly from men in black suits.

Something wasn't right. The way they watched us, the way they moved-I knew immediately that we were being followed. And from the way Lily stiffened beside me, she knew it too.

I didn't wait to confirm. I grabbed her hand and started running.

At first, she hesitated, confused about why we were running. But then, she saw them. The men were after us.

Damn it. I should have noticed them sooner.

They were after us because of what was inside the backpack I had given Lily. Everything our parents wanted us to keep safe was in there, and these men knew it. And if they caught us...

They wouldn't let us go.

We were outnumbered, and it was only a matter of time before they caught up. I had no choice. I had to get Lily to safety first.

I scanned my surroundings, searching for a place to hide her. Then, I saw it-a school bus packed with children. She could blend in there, stay hidden until I came back for her.

"Lily, I need you to listen to me," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the chaos around us. "You need to get on that school bus and blend in with the students. Don't come out until I come for you, okay?"

"Michael, what are you talking about? We're supposed to stick together, remember?" she argued, panic filling her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Lily, but you have to go."

"I don't want to! I'm not going to leave you behind like we did to Mum and Dad," she cried, shaking her head violently.

Hearing her say that nearly broke me, but I had no choice. If we stayed together, they would catch both of us.

Keeping her safe was my only priority.

With a heavy heart, I pushed her onto the bus, making sure she was seated between the other students. Her tear-filled eyes met mine one last time before I turned and ran.

As long as she was safe, nothing else mattered.

I didn't care if I got hurt. I didn't care if I got killed.

I just couldn't let anything happen to her.

Lily's POV

I watched as Michael ran away, and those men went after him. I was scared and shaking in fear. After a while of sitting and waiting for the school bus to move, I decided that I wasn't going to lose my brother like I did with my parents.

I got up immediately and walked towards the exit, but the door was locked as the driver informed us to all sit down. I stood there, wishing and hoping that Michael would come for me.

I walked back to my seat as I wiped the tears off my face. I looked out the window as I wished that my life would be a little better. I was still considering what my next step would be if Michael didn't come for me when I saw a black car obviously following the school bus.

"Who is that idiot, and why is he following my bus?" The driver lamented before he packed on the other side of the road. I knew immediately I was in trouble. I hid under the seat as I was thinking of an escape plan.

"I am sorry, but we are looking for a child that is not supposed to be on this bus," I heard them say to the driver.

"I am only doing my job, and that is getting the children to school, so kindly come to the school and lay your compliance if you have one," the driver replied.

"Either you let us search the bus or we do it the hard way."

"If I were you guys, I would be on my way since I already called the police. Do you really think you can come here and take any of these kids away?" I peeped my head out to know what was happening, only to see them backing away.

I took a deep breath before I relaxed. When the bus drove into the school compound, all the students exited as they ran into the school. I was confused and scared. I didn't know what to do. I know Michael told me to wait for him, but what if those scary men came back?

I walked around for a while, looking around the school patiently, waiting for Michael, until I saw the same black car again. It was driving towards me. I panicked and ran out of the school compound. I couldn't lose or outrun a car with my little legs.

I knew I was going to get caught if I continued running along the road, so I decided to run into the woods. I ran as fast as my legs could go. I was getting tired every minute and second. I didn't know where I was heading until I ended up on top of a cliff. Down the cliff lies an ocean.

It was a dead end. I was breathing so fast that I could hear the beating of my heart ringing in my ears. I turned around to run back into the woods, but those men in black suits were standing just right there in front of me."Hey little girl, we don't want to hurt you. We are here to help. Your brother told us to come get you, so please step away from the cliff." The one that looked scarier than the rest said.

I knew he was lying; tears ran down my face at the thought of what they had done to Michael. Looking down the cliff, I felt dizzy at the height, but I would rather jump into the ocean than be in the hands of strangers.

Making sure my backpack was tightly locked around me, I jumped. I didn't think of the fact that I hate heights or the fact that I don't swim. I just thought of my mum's voice when she told me that she loved me.

I thought of the things they wanted me to keep safe and made it all that mattered. I just hoped that somehow I would survive this. All I needed was a second chance.