Disclaimer: I do not own American Horror Story. I only own my OC.

A/N: I did not expect to update this story right away but I've just been so inspired lately that I can't stop writing. I had to give you guys this new chapter. Anyways here's the newest chapter. Hope you enjoy the interactions Layla has with the Coven members, especially with Madison. I have to admit it's pretty fun writing her character. She's the mean girl I was afraid of ever crossing paths when in high school but somehow that makes it even more fun to write xD You'll see how Layla's feel about the Hollywood Starlet when reading this chapter. Their "friendship" is for sure gonna be fun to develop as the story goes on.

Also shout out to TheNymphOfTheCherryTree, Jurana Keri, Hpfan, Waterfalls1996, and SkittlezxBabex146 for leaving reviews in the last chapter! You guys have no idea how much those meant to me! :)

"Everyone thinks that a new place or a new identity will jump-start a new life." ― Caroline Leavitt

Chapter 3: Welcome to New Orleans

Layla had never ridden on a train before. She's ridden on bus though. It was kind of impossible not to when she lived in such a huge city like Los Angeles. Before getting her license riding the bus was how she got around the city (when she wasn't riding her bike). However, Layla figured out right away how being on a train felt somewhat the same as if she were on a bus. Except there were two differences. The first was that the seats were much more comfier and the second was the cleanliness. No Metro bus she had ridden on before was that clean.

Except cleanliness didn't really matter at the moment. The train could have been one was the cleanest and the prettiest she's ever ridden but that wouldn't have made a difference. None of that could take away the desolation Layla was feeling. A feeling that hadn't gone away since leaving her home and mother. The dark brown haired girl looked out the window. With doleful eyes she watched the images of the buildings they were passing with such sorrow. Layla sniffled as she wiped at her cheeks. She then slowly moved her gaze down onto the photo she had on her lap. The one that was of her mother and her. Looking at the photo made another a sob escape her.

"What am I going to do now?" Layla asked in a small voice. She was mainly asking this question to herself, so she wasn't expecting someone to actually answer her...but someone did.

"What kind of a question is that?" Myrtle's voice took her by great surprise. She was sitting on the other aisle across from her with the two suited men sitting next to her. It wasn't such a large distance but it certainly made Layla think she wouldn't have been able to hear her. However, the older red haired woman heard her loud and clear, and her response was one of resolute. "You keep your head held up high, silly girl." After she said this she took a drag from the cigarette she had been smoking.

Layla blinked, trying her hardest to compose herself as she now stared at Myrtle. As soon as she made eye contact with her a part of Layla wanted to tell her she probably shouldn't smoke on a train because she'd get in trouble. However, Layla decided against doing this. Who was she to tell her on what not to do? Even if Layla wasn't a huge fan of smoking. Besides, she seriously doubted Myrtle would care if the train attendant called her out for it and told her to put it off. Myrtle seemed like the type of woman who knew how to handle herself in situations like those. Unlike her mother.

Speaking of her mother...

Layla had to hold back the tears that wanted to escape her yet again. "But how?" She asked referring to what Myrtle just said. What she told her was easier said than done. "My mom she―" Layla, however, didn't get to finish that sentence because Myrtle interrupted her rather fervently.

"Failed to recognize the remarkable daughter that she was blessed with having." Myrtle told her without missing a beat. After that she inhaled before exhaling another puff from her cigarette. "That is a fault within her...not yours." She stated as she gave Layla an earnest look. "Always remember that."

Myrtle Snow wasn't always this open with the girls she retrieved for the academy. Not that she had the task of doing this often. There were only three other girls at the academy at the moment. With Layla's arrival it would now be four and hopefully maybe others would join in the up coming months. However, as much as she wanted that it seemed very unlikely. Sadly over the years their kind had been going down in numbers. It had actually been quite the surprise to hear there was another young witch who tapped into her powers. Needless to say when Myrtle got the call from Cordelia, she practically pictured the ecstatic look she had on as well as the relieved one based from the phone call. Just based on knowing there was another sister witch of theirs that had been found before anything terrible happened to her. Unlike with what happened with that blonde Cajun girl who got burned at the stake not that long ago. It was awful just thinking about it.

After learning of Layla's existence, Cordelia immediately sent Myrtle the directions and she was soon on her way. The beauty of magic. Cordelia did tell her that she would need a little more extra time to prepare for Layla's arrival at the academy. Hence why they took the train. Myrtle also figured the extra time would allow the reality of the situation to settle in better for Layla. And by the looks of it, Layla did need the extra time. The teen was still deeply sad that she had to leave her home and mother behind. Not that Myrtle was expecting her to immediately move on as if nothing. Myrtle could sense that Layla Bradshaw was not cold-hearted. Not like a lot of people she had met in her life time. No, the teen was more on the sensitive and reserved side of the spectrum. This brought out a form of protectiveness from inside Myrtle. None of the other girls Myrtle had met at the academy made her feel this way. Myrtle supposed it was because Layla reminded Myrtle of a younger Cordelia when she had been dropped off at the academy. A bird who wasn't yet ready to spread her wings to fly but would learn soon enough.

"So, I'm just supposed to forget my mother and move on?" Layla shakily questioned. Even though her mother and her didn't have a close relationship (they certainly were no Rory and Lorelai Gilmore that's for sure), Katherine Bradshaw was still her mother. How could Layla just forget about her?

Layla's soft voice made Myrtle come out of her thoughts. She once again looked at teen and this time saw the glum expression she had on. Myrtle knew what she would say next would probably not lessen that look she had on, but it needed to be said. Myrtle nodded her head. "If she fails to accept you for who you really are then yes, in do time, because we're survivors and that's what we do." Myrtle said shrugging, yet again taking another drag from her cigarette.

Despite the wise words Myrtle gave her, Layla had to admit that no matter how much she disliked cigarette's Myrtle sure had a way of making smoking look graceful. Layla mentally shook her head, once again feeling the intensity of everything that was happening. She repeated what Myrtle just said and as she did this Myrtle spoke out again catching her attention.

"We are strong women, Layla. That's something I hope you find out for yourself personally during your stay at Miss Robichaux's Academy." Myrtle voiced with passion. She spared the teen another glance before facing forward again in her seat, taking another lazily drag from her cigarette as she did this.

When Myrtle's attention went away from her, Layla glanced down at the photo in her lap again. This time she didn't feel tears want to escape her. However, sadness still remained within her. Even though Myrtle's words were blunt they were the truth, and unfortunately the truth isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Despite the possibility that Layla now faced that her mother would never truly accepting her for what she is, her crying to finally came to an end for the rest of the train ride to New Orleans.

They arrived in New Orleans a lot faster than Layla thought they would. Though in reality anyone else (who hadn't just been told they were a witch and were still dealing with it) would have probably thought the train ride was too long. It took about forty-five hours and forty-two minutes for them to arrive at their destination. Layla always had OCD tendencies when it came to timing. The anticipation of arriving at this mysterious boarding school for young witches got to Layla. She seriously felt like she was about head into Hogwarts or something. Though she made sure to keep that comment to herself. Layla highly doubted Myrtle would have laughed at her attempt at a joke. Her mother sure hadn't. Myrtle, however, wasn't her mother but Layla still kept quiet.

Once the train stopped at the New Orleans train station, Layla went into the bathroom to freshen up and change into a new set of clothes. Myrtle insisted she'd change into something less traveled in. When it came to style, Layla had to say she wasn't the worst. Not that she was some fashionista but she wasn't a complete fashion victim either. Despite the strict rules her father had put in their household growing up, Layla always found ways to express herself when it came to her clothing style. That's why she settled on wearing the dark grey overall casual jumpsuit she owned with a black and white striped t-shirt underneath. She also ended up switching the flats she had been wearing for her used comfortable black Toms instead.

After letting her hair down from the ponytail she had put it in sometime during the train ride, Layla wasn't surprised by the non-messy state it was in. Maybe that had to do with her having naturally wavy and straight hair, or maybe it was because her mother taught her how to handle hair from an early age.

Katherine was a hair dresser and ever since Layla could remember her mother had always stylized her hair. Over the years, Layla learned a few skills and tricks from her mother. At least there was a positive thing Layla could say about her. Anyways, despite her hair not being a mess, Layla still decided to put her hair into a side french braid. She always did prefer to have her hair out of the way if the opportunity provided it.

Layla then exited the bathroom and met up Myrtle and the other two suited albino men again. It didn't take long for Layla to be escorted into another vehicle. This time it was a huge black SUV. Layla didn't need to ask just where they were going once the car took off. She knew exactly where they were driving towards. And due to this, Layla felt her stomach do all sorts of flips. She seriously did not know what to expect. Myrtle and the other two men didn't make a sound, and so in result neither did Layla. The silence though just made her even more nervous. It had been too quiet that she actually let out a gasp when the car finally came to a halt.

They had arrived.

Layla didn't object when she gently prompted to get out of the car by one of the albino men. When stepped out of the car she saw how the other man had taken out her suitcases from the trunk. Her belongings as well as Myrtle and the two suited men now stood by the side walk, seemingly appearing to wait patiently for her to follow over. Layla got the hint by their expressions and cautiously made her way. Her attention was soon diverted onto something else. Something huge and beautiful looking.

The seventeen year old was now standing in front of a black gate. Her gaze though was focused on what resided behind the gate. She was in complete awe as she stared at the huge white house. Layla blinked a few times, surprised. So this was Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Ladies. It sure stood out as its name. Not to mention it was a very beautiful house. That was very much the truth as it was obvious. It looked nothing like Hogwarts. Not that Layla actually thought the school was going to be like that. She was just in awe. Layla had never seen a house that looked so beautiful and open before in person. She'd just seen nice houses like that in TV shows and movies. Her whole life she had lived in a small one story house. A house that only had one bathroom as well. Needless to say this was a real change.

Once Layla finished admiring the house she shifted her gaze towards Myrtle. To her immense shock though Myrtle nor the two suited men were there anymore. Layla's eyes widen in shock. One second they were there and the next...gone. Layla shook her head. She really had to learn to get used to that...but would she? Layla didn't want to dwell on that question any longer and instead focused on something else. Logically she knew she couldn't wait outside forever. Although there was no one there to greet her perhaps she was meant introduce herself first. By knocking on the front door of the school and presenting herself. So that's what she did.

Gathering up her courage and pushing away (yet not entirely successful) the nervousness she was feeling, Layla grabbed her two suitcases. When she got to the front door she was greatly taken back when it opened by itself just when she was about to knock. Despite the door opening by itself, Layla found herself expecting to see someone when the inside view came into her vision. However, adding to her immense shock, there was no one inside. Layla frowned but still made the rash decision of going inside. She closed the front door behind her as she did this.

"Hello?" Layla called out, bemused. "Is anyone here?"

No response.

This muddled her even more.

Layla put her suitcases to the ground and she shyly walked further inside. She hoped to see somebody but to her disappointment there was no on there. It took about a few second more until she finally saw someone...or better yet...until she saw something.

The moment she saw the slim black cat that was in the hallway near to what she assumed was the living room, just relaxing, Layla forgot about seeking anyone else in the house. One look at a cat and she automatically turned into the character of Sebastian from Black Butler. Layla always had been a cat lover. Actually she's always been an animal lover but cats were her favorite kind of animal. Even despite never owning a cat herself. Her father never allowed her to have one and even after he left her mother still said no. Layla's nerves went away and instead all her attention was on the black cat. She smiled. No one could have faulted her for being starry eyed when looking at this animal. They were just too beautiful to be ignored.

"Hi, kitty." Layla cooed as she slowly walked towards it. She made sure to take caution steps because she did not want to scare off this majestic creature. Once close she got on her knees. Luckily the cat hadn't run off and was instead looking at her with interest. She put one of her hands out towards it. "Aw, aren't you an exquisite being, yes you are." She waited patiently for the cat to make the next move. She wanted to establish trust between them.

After she said this it didn't take long for the cat to sniff her hand before letting her fully pet it. Layla beamed when this happened. The feeling of the cat's fur made her want to melt from the cuteness. "What's your name?" She asked out-loud when she didn't see a tag around the cat's neck. Of course she didn't expect a response but she asked anyway. She tilted her head a bit as she continued petting the cat. It's purring of content growing louder and louder. "How funny would it be if your name was Salem?" Layla joked to herself. Indeed that would have been funny as equally weird.

Layla's smile soon fell when the cat meowed before scurrying off. It had been a grumpy meow which really confused Layla. At first she thought she did something wrong but then she felt that something was off. Before she was when able to get up into a full stance, she was severely thrown off when a bag was put over her head. Her scream for help was muffled as she was being dragged to God knows where.

She tried tried fighting off her attackers but it was no match. Just by her thrashing Layla could tell there was more than one person doing this to her. There was a brief pause where all movements stopped from them and Layla tried using this as her opportunity to shake off her attackers again. However, she didn't get far in her counter attack because she was then harshly pushed forward before she heard the slamming of a door behind her.

When Layla felt like she wasn't being man handled anymore, she pulled the bag off her head. After doing this, Layla immediately noticed that she was inside some small closet. Her heart rate escalated because of the terrible old memories that were popping up in her head. It was too small for her liking. Way too small. This freaked her out. The amount of times her father had locked her in their closet because of her "behavior" made her extremely afraid of small places now. She even hated going in elevators. That's how much it traumatized her. Layla knew if she stayed any longer she would have a full blown panic attack.

The seventeen year tried opening the door but it was locked. This distressed her even more. "Let me out, please!" Layla cried out pleadingly. She banged and kicked at the door. However, no one opened the door for her which just added to the panic she was already feeling. "Please!" She shouted as tears now ran down her face. "I-I-can't be in here any longer! Please!" A feeling of guilt, unsureness, and curiosity settle within her. Layla figured these feelings were coming from her attackers. She could hear voices from the other side of the door. Although they were slightly muffled, Layla for the most could understand what they were saying. And based on their voices they were girls. Were these the others girls who attended the school as well?

"Maybe we should..."

"No, not yet."

"Girl, just open the damn door! It sounds like she's about to pass out in there."

Clearly two of the girls were no longer finding this amusing. However, the remaining girl wasn't caving in on ending what Layla was now assuming to be a prank. That didn't lessen her panic even if it was a prank. This wasn't funny to her. She gave the door one last kick resulting in the girls outside to bicker with each other even more. Layla backed away from the door. She wiped at her cheeks removing any tears that were there before she closed her eyes. She began doing what she would always do when her father would lock her inside the closet. She started counting backwards from one hundred. All while this time she pictured being outside of this closet and back into the hallway again. She had reached the number eighty-seven when she heard a surprised gasp coming from in front of her.

"Holy shit, she really can do Transmutation."

Layla immediately opened her eyes once she heard that voice. It sounded way more clearer and she automatically knew why. Opening her eyes she saw that she was no longer inside that small closet but outside in the hallway. This time she was faced with three other girls. Each of them staring at her intently. As Layla looked at them she studied their appearance. Out of the three of them though she only recognized one of them. Madison Montgomery. Needless to say she was shocked to see a teen celebrity here of all people. But low and behold the blonde Hollywood Starlet was the one who felt the least guilt. Layla stared at her with wariness.

"We just wanted to see for ourselves." She nonchalantly said. Based on that, Layla automatically knew she was the one who orchestrated this whole thing. "Besides the unnecessary panicking, I'd say I was impressed. I give it a eight out of ten. It would have been a nine, if not for the annoying crying."

Layla almost glared at her. Unnecessary panicking? Annoying crying? She had been locked in a closet! She had a right to full on panic and to cry.

The shorter dark haired girl that was on the left gave her a bright smile. "Hey, I'm Nan." She said gaining Layla's attention. Based on her thoughts, Nan knew the new girl was contemplating telling Madison off and she decided to step in by introducing herself. The prank had been enough, why add more drama? Besides, she already felt bad enough based on the Layla's thoughts. She had no idea the closet prank would affect her so much.

Layla turned her attention onto her. The anger she felt melted away as she did so. By the looks of it appeared that Nan had some form of down syndrome. That, however, didn't take away the beauty that she saw in her. Layla could tell Nan was naturally kindhearted. Even with the prank that she had been a part in, Layla sensed the guilt Nan had felt. She was genuinely sorry.

The dark skinned girl that was standing a bit farther away from the other two girls gave her a single nod. "Queenie." She simply introduced herself. Based on that response alone Layla could tell she was more on the reserved side. She herself could respect that. Layla though also instantly recognized her voice as the one ordering they should open the door. The unsure feelings had come from her.

That only left the feeling of curiousness and of course that came from...

"Madison Montgomery, but I'm sure you already knew that." The blonde said rather arrogantly causing Queenie to roll her eyes and Nan to shake her head.

Despite her arrogance, Madison had been right.

Layla knew Madison Montgomery. Well, she didn't know her but she's heard of her. Madison was a teen actress. Layla had seen a few of her movies and even TV show appearances. Although recently she noticed how the blonde hadn't done any work. No movies or TV show appearances. Guess now she knew why. Layla had just assumed the tabloids had been right about her being in rehab or something. Madison Montgomery didn't have the best track record in the media even now at the age of eighteen. Although Layla liked a few of her works, she didn't look up to her. Still, it was surreal being in the presence of a celebrity, even an infamous one like Madison Montgomery.

Layla inhaled and exhaled, finding her voice. "Layla." She coughed before finding confidence that she didn't even know was there. "Layla Bradshaw." She was a bit thrown back by the bored expression that was now set on Madison's face.

"We know your name already." Madison coolly said. "Cordelia told us before you arrived today."

Layla became confused. She rubbed her arms, nervously. "Cordelia?" She spoke, unsure.

"Yes. That would be me." Came a new voice. It was older, softer but attained a form of authority. Layla turned towards the direction it came from. The staircase that was in front of them further down the hall. The older woman gave her a smile that made Layla relax. "Cordelia Foxx." She formerly introduced with herself as she walked down the stairs. Once she was close enough she offered her another warm smile. "It's nice to be antiquated with you, Layla. I'm glad you finally made it. We have been waiting for your arrival."

Layla had no difficulty returning the smile as she took in her wardrobe. She was wearing a black and white dress that had floral designs on it. Layla right away felt warmness coming from Cordelia. It was a sense a warmness she hadn't even felt when around her own mother. She also felt the same reassurance when meeting Myrtle. Layla automatically knew just by those feelings that she could trust Cordelia.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Foxx."

A soft melodious laugh filled the air. "Cordelia is just fine." Cordelia gently informed her before looking at Madison and the other girls. Her eyes then caught sight of the closet door that was closed and put the missing pieces together. Her smile faltered as a serious expression took over. "I hope everything is alright here?" She spoke as she mainly addressed this to Madison.

Madison forced a tight smile. "Of course. We were just welcoming our newest student."

"Hmm." Cordelia hummed not believing her for a second. She'd be sure to ask Layla about this later.

"Are you a teacher here?" Layla suddenly asked her. She mainly asked this question because she didn't want Cordelia to further ask about the incident that just happened. Although she hadn't witnessed it, Layla had a feeling she just knew. Layla herself just wanted to forget about it already. She furrowed her eyebrows when she heard a scoff coming from Madison.

"She's the only teacher." Madison snidely told her.

Layla saw the look Cordelia threw Madison before returning her gaze onto her. "I'm the headmistress." Cordelia softly informed her.

"Oh." Layla uttered.

"But I will be the one to help you learn more about your powers as well as help you gain control over them." Cordelia earnestly informed her. "But I'll get into that in further details once you get settled in." She explained to her. "We have an extra room with Madison, but if you're not comfortable to have a roommate yet given your powers we do have an extra room for you to choose."

Layla took a glance at Madison before she made up her decision. There was no way she going to share a room with her after the prank she pulled on her. There was no freakin' way. "I'd like a spare room, please." She could have sworn she saw Madison roll her eyes after saying this. Layla said nothing in response to that.

Cordelia nodded her head. "Alright, Spalding and I will show you to your room. Once you've settled in come back downstairs and meet the rest of us in the living room for Midday Gathering."

"Midday Gathering?" Layla asked, curious.

"It's like therapy." Queenie told her.

Madison looked at Layla harshly again. "Yeah, so be ready to pour out your heart and get all emotional and shit." She sneered at the brunette. Her smirk only grew when she saw Layla shrink back in total shyness. It looked like the new girl was super easy to mess with her. At last there was some form of entertainment. Madison had been bored stuck in a house with just two other girls around her own age. Girls who weren't that much fun to begin with. She needed a new distraction and she had a feeling Layla Bradshaw was just the distraction she needed.

"It's not as bad as you think." Nan said as a way to lessen the nerves she could read on Layla.

Layla sighed at this new set of information. She was not looking forward to that. The reason why was because the seventeen year old wasn't a huge fan of therapy sessions. After her parents divorced and the abuse she went through became public knowledge she was told (more liked forced) to do therapy. Layla didn't want to talk about what she went through. She just wanted to move on and forget the misery her father caused. Although she knew it wouldn't necessarily be like her old therapy sessions the whole part where she talked about herself was something she ever liked doing.

Cordelia ended up asking the girls to wait in the living room as she showed Layla to her new room. Spalding, as Layla had come to find out was the butler the academy had. Layla had never actually met a butler before. She didn't necessarily know what to think about him. Okay...that was a lie. Layla though didn't like saying he was creepy looking...but that was the truth. With his shaggy unkempt grey hair and just eerie demeanor, that didn't help in that department. He also didn't say much...but she'd soon find out why that was. After putting her bags in the room that would be hers now, Cordelia politely dismissed Spalding. It was now just Cordelia and her...but not for long. As Layla had been studying the room her eyes practically sparkled when she saw the cat from earlier come inside.

"Hello again." Layla softly said as the cat approach her. She bent down to reach the cat's height.

Cordelia smiled once more. "Ah, I see you two met already. He has quite the character, doesn't he?"

Layla nodded her head. "Yeah. What's his name?" Layla asked as she gently petted the cat.

"Truth be told he doesn't have a name." Cordelia admitted to her. "He just wandered in here a couple months ago and I didn't have the heart to throw him out." She watched with interest as the cat interacted with her. It wasn't often he did this with any of the other girls. An idea then came to mind.

"Would you like to name him?" Cordelia suggested to Layla.

Layla's eyes widen in surprise as she looked up at her. "Really? Me? I just got here. Wouldn't any of the other girls want that to do that? Or you?"

Cordelia smiled at her bashfulness. "He seems to be quite taken with you. Besides, if the other girls wanted to name him they would have already. And anyways he hasn't been this open with any of the other girls. As for me...I think he just tolerates me because I'm the one that feeds him." She joked causing Layla to smile.

Layla looked at the cat, finding the idea of her actually naming him to be nice. "Well, when I was little I always told myself if I ever got a cat and it was a boy I'd name him Orion. I've always been intrigued with the whole Greek Mythology." She confessed to Cordelia. She softened her expression even more as she looked down towards the cat. "How's that? Do you like the name Orion?"

The cat's increased purring made Layla take that as a yes.

Cordelia continued to bask in the scene before a serious question came to mind. "Layla." She suddenly said gaining the teen's attention. "How much did your mother tell you about being a witch?"

Layla immediately stood up again. She let out a sigh. You mean other than being told it was a burden and that her mother wouldn't have had her if she had known about her abilities? Layla thought to herself. She looked straight into Cordelia's light brown eyes. "She just told me the basic stuff, I suppose." Along with admitting that her grandmother had made horrible mistakes in the past. Something Layla was still very unsure about.

Cordelia nodded her head, taking her reply. "Well, if you have questions, any at all you can always ask me. That's why I'm here. But rest assured I will go over the basics of this academy along with the rules during our Midday Gathering. "

Layla did have a lot of questions to ask but she couldn't really think what to ask at this moment. She just seemed a little to out of place. Her shy exterior did falter a little as she kept talking with Cordelia. Although she had just met the older woman, Layla felt comfortable enough to engage in lighthearted conversation with her. "So do I just point my finger and magic dust comes out?" Layla asked playfully. She couldn't help but try to lighten things up a bit, even despite all the sudden changes she was going through.

Cordelia could sense this and offered her an amused smile. "No, that's not how this works."

Layla laughed sheepishly. "I know...just kidding." Although she felt foolish, the small smile she had was still there. "That's just my comedic side coming out of hiding."

Cordelia gave her another small smile before excusing herself. "I'll let you unpack and when you're ready you can come downstairs."

"Alright." Layla said nodding her head. Before Cordelia left she thanked her again. The older blonde gave her a simple nod and then closed her bedroom door.

Once alone, Layla sat down on her bed. Not long after Orion jumped onto her lap. Layla had no objections to this and right away started gently petting him again, his purring soothing her as much as it could at the moment.

Now that Layla was finally alone she reflected on everything that just happened. She closed her eyes again, exhaling and inhaling. This was her life now. She knew the sooner Layla accepted that the better it would be. Only problem was that she didn't want to accept it. She could make all the jokes she wanted, laugh, and smile but the truth was she just wasn't fully ready yet...but she had to be. She knew that she had to be.

Orion meowing made Layla open her eyes again. She pet him one last time before she stood up from her bed, gently putting him down on the ground again. She then grabbed one of her suitcases and started to unpack her clothes. This being just one of the many steps in the right direction that would lead her into accepting this new life of hers.