The lack of color brought comfort to my thought-ridden mind. The silence drowned out the noise of reality. The numbness that stretched across my unconscious form encapsulated me so elegantly, my body sinking into the plush material of the sleek silk auburn sheets. Sleep was how I escaped, whether it is in far-fetched dreams or in the still empty blackness behind my heavy lids. If I could remain in this state of rest for the years left in m life, I would not object. It was not that I wished to leave this world I just preferred this one.

"Anastasia…"

I heard my full name being called. It was faint and distant due to my half conscious mind. I forced my eyes to remain shut hoping to fight off the inevitable.

"Anastasia!

Rolling onto my side I grab the pillow and place it over my head hoping to muffle out the harsh woman's voice so I would not have to leave my dark paradise.

"ANASTASIA!"

I violently fling myself out of the bed, "Coming Ma'am!" I call back, repressing the edge in my voice. I quickly smooth out the bed and the skirt of my uniform before hurrying down one the curved marble staircases into the grand foyer.

Once my feet touched the floor I raised my face to meet the one of Misses Abbot. Her stern pale blue, almost grey, eyes met my green ones. Her hair blonde hair was pulled up into a braided up-do, a few graying strands framed her heart shaped face.

"What on earth are you doing up there, dear?" she said in a stern, but soft knowing tone.

"Tending to the master bedroom Madam." I replied politely back.

She sighed, "Please gather the children Mr. Abbot and I have something to share."

I nod pointedly and go off to fulfill her request. A few minutes later the Abbot family was gathered in their not-so-quaint living room. I turned to leave them to their privacy, but Miss Abbot's voice rang through the room.

"This concerns you as well, Anastasia." I turn around exchanging the same confused look with the three other kids in the room.

First there was Thomas, the eldest at 23 years old. He was tall and strong, but leanly built like his father. Short-ish tousled dirty blonde hair sat atop of head nicely. His brown eyes could melt the heart of any weak hearted damsel. He treated me like another younger sister and I considered him a best friend of mine. He was very studious and was home from university for the summer.

There was Charlotte, who was 16, only a year younger than myself. She was quite striking with her perfect golden blonde hair that fell in large curls just past her shoulder blades and her deep blue eyes. She was definitely the splitting image of her mother. However, her bratty attitude and egotistical personality did not settle with my quite well. We never really got along and I rather liked it that way.

Then there was darling little April, the brightest 5 year old I have ever met. Her alabaster skin and platinum blonde hair made her pale blue eyes stand out in a crowd. She was my favorite. Unlike her sister she was quite humble and down to earth. She much rather color than play with the most expensive toy her parent could find. She was simple and sweet; her bubbly laugh always brought a smile to my lips. I loved her as if she were my own baby sister.

"What could possibly include the help, mother?" I heard Charlotte snarkily remark, her sharp southern twang emphasizing each word. I bit the inside of my cheek refraining myself from snapping back.

Misses Abbot ignored her comment about me and continued on with her announcement.

"We, my dears, are going away for the summer."

"Oooo! Do tell where mother! Let me guess, the Bahamas? Aruba? Or somewhere in Europe? Oh Yes, Italy mother! Or-"

Charlotte's excited rant was cut off by Mr. Abbot's hand. "Let your mother finish" he said sternly in his deep voice.

I fought back a smirk as she recoiled, folding in her lips.

Misses Abbot took a deep breath and smiled kindly, "We are going to Virginia."

Everyone, including myself, looked a bit puzzled. However, Charlotte's face was one of sheet horror. Only a stutter could escape her mouth before her mother cut her off.

"Your father and I have close friends there, where we will be discussing business ventures. We have purchased a summer home for our stay. Also, we believe that it would do well for you children to have a change of scenery away from the large estate and cities." She looked right at Charlotte when she said her last statement.

"Where in Virginia are we staying mother?" Thomas asked. I internally swooned at his voice. I mean who wouldn't?

"Mystic Falls" She said. Then continued, "Now go and pack your things, including you Miss Anastasia you will be coming with us…. we leave tomorrow morning"

They all dispersed to do as they were told and I just stood there smiling, choking on a laugh as I heard Charlotte's angered voice echo through the large home, something about not wanting to go to, quote on quote, stinky small town of Mystic Falls.

I for one could not wait to watch this all unfold.