Chapter 1

Here's the start of "Operation: Dissect the story and hope that people can understand it...they don't have to like it, but hope that it makes some sense"

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Chapter 1 - (present day)

      Mickela and Eve were both brought to the world on an unexpected night.  The moon was full and the air was thick.  Drea, the twins’ mother was not due to deliver for over a month.  She had traveled to the south side of Phonola Island in hopes to raise her offspring in a peaceful and serene atmosphere.  The south side was full of splendor, peace and benevolent islanders which was an immense improvement on the living conditions she had subjected herself to.

      For reasons unknown to Drea, the air felt restless; less than inviting.  Through the years, she had embraced her sensitivities and understood the need to find immediate safety.  Something inside her led Drea to a dainty cottage located behind South Phonolas’ Chapel.  She couldn’t help but be drawn in by the cottage as intense energy radiated from the quaint sanctuary. 

      She walked slowly towards the small home; it was an abandoned eclectic building surrounded by beautiful wild flowers, and ivy which had taken over the structure throughout the years.  Drea noticed something very unique, about the cottage.  She could barely take her eyes away from the intriguing sight.  The cottage was encompassed by beautifully hand-crafted, stained glass windows.  The intricate patterns and illuminating colors appeared to be untouched over the years.  Exquisite hues of red, yellow, orange and blue surrounded the abandoned home, beckoning the young women.

      Drea entered through the stained glass door and reluctantly peered inside.  Though the room had not seen a visitor in ages, it felt accommodatingly familiar.  Her senses were attacked from every direction.  The scents battled for attention, both pleasant and stale while she surveyed the room for a comfortable resting place.  

White linens covered the furniture and cobwebs encased the fixtures.  There was work to be done if she intended to stay.  She crossed the room towards what resembled the shape of a couch.  Eager to rest she lifted the linen.  Exposed below was an exquisite daybed sofa.  The wood work white in color was hand carved in what was clearly European artistry.  The cushions evidently worn through the years were of a practical burlap material.  How odd that such a beautiful piece of furniture would be upholstered with such simple fabric.  Drea dusted the couch and opened the stained glass shutters.  Hoping for a cross breeze, she desperately wished to air out her new sanctuary.  Dismissing the dull pain in her stomach as hunger, Drea curled up on her new found resting place taking advantage of the long awaited sleep.

      Drea woke to the sound of crackling wood.  She strained to open her burning eyes.  How long had she slept?  She felt even more tired than before the nap.  Wiping the sleep from her face, she realized a blaze was roaring in the cobblestone fireplace.  It flickered at her violently, waiting for her consciousness.  Shadows dancing around the dark room, violent winds could be heard through the thin walls, threatening to darken its contents.  

Who had started the fire?  Feeling the warmth of the quilt wrapped around her, she realized she was not alone.  Drea’s nerves settled as soon as they surfaced as a calming feeling rushed over her body.  She couldn’t remember the last time she felt such comfort.

      Removing the quilt form her now warm body, Drea placed her bare feet on the cold, hard wood floor.  Steadying herself, she was able to stand.  Making her way across the room to the fireplace made for a serious challenge.  With little resources, the tired woman made a great attempt in keeping herself safe and healthy.  In the midst of trying to find her refuge, she neglected to maintain the basic needs of life; food and water.  One hand on the large mantle, the other supporting herself on the cobblestone wall, Drea stared into the roaring blaze.  She felt herself slowly slipping away.  Fighting pains of starvation and labor, she cringed as she caught a vision in the large mirror above the stone hearth.  Green almond shaped eyes which once had the sparkle of life were now outlined by deep dark circles.  Drea wore these trophies as proof of her long journey and sleepless nights.  Her once luminous pale skin, now dully accessorized by scrapes and bruises were still a beautiful contrast to her bright auburn mane.  Despite the need for a wash, Drea’s locks were unforgettable.  Perfectly pieced waves cascaded down her delicate back into a finished point.  It symbolized her fire.  Her unborn children were draining every last bit of energy and nutrition left inside her fragile body however, she was unwilling to surrender.

      An astonishingly beautiful young girl appeared amongst the shadows.  She had short copper colored hair pinned back in child-like pigtails.  Model-like bone structure framed her extraordinarily pale face and small up turned nose.  Her eyes were deep-set, an exquisite shade of green surrounded by long, seductive lashes.  When she smiled, her tiny lips framed two rows of perfectly white, slightly crooked teeth.  She was an exceptionally thin and statuesque girl, nearly six feet tall.  She stood there, smiling down at Drea.  Her name was Cole.  “Hello Drea”.  Cole said in a throaty voice.  “You know my name?”  Drea was puzzled.  “I know more than you realize Drea.” Cole cocked her head sideways, staring at Drea with a crooked smile.  “I’ve been watching over you for quite some time.  You could say I was chosen to guide and prepare you for what is to come.”

      Drea, overcome with weakness and pain, grabbed her stomach and crumbled to the hard wood floor.