*Luna*

Looking over my new name for the fifth time, I didn't know what to say. Something was familiar about this name, though. What was it? "Blair Meyer?"

Liberty smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at me, bouncing on her heels. "I hope you like them. I picked them out." 

After she said that, things started becoming clearer. "What's your say, Amir?" 

He flashed the paper at me with a new small ID. I smiled. "Imran Malik. I wonder where that came from?" He glanced at his cousin, shaking his head. "Malik? As in, the Malik's?" 

I busted out laughing, and so did Faisal. I remembered where the name came from. It was the surname of the woman Amir was arranged for. 

I turned to face to my sister, opening my mouth. "My name is after Blair from Gossip Girl, and the last name is from the author of Twilight Saga—Stephenie Meyer." 

She giggled. "I had to put two good names together, and inspiration hit. Your favorite character in your favorite show, plus the surname of the author you love. Also, Jacob in Twilight imprinting is kind of the same as you and-"

"They aren't the same thing..." both Amir and Faisal said in unison. 

I couldn't help but laugh. They both hated that analogy. I bit my lip and glance down at my picture ID, examining it like it was a science project. It looked exactly like my driver's license, except it had a different state and address on it. Inside the same envelope was my actual ID—Luna Carlyle—and my social security number. 

Gosh, I never thought about starting over in a new town and place. I never thought Amir slash Imran, and I had a future either. I wondered what we would do after we left here. 

"You should check out Sarah's new birth certificate in her envelope," Liberty said, glancing at it. "You will really love it." 

I nodded and then pulled hers up as I glanced at "Imran" while he played with the papers in his hands. It was going to be strange calling him Imran, but I could do it. I slowly opened the sealed letter and pulled out a new Birth Certificate, showing Sarah's new name. 

"Serena Meyer." I snickered. My sister knew me all too well. Serena—Sarah's original name, and it was also from Gossip Girl. "Thank you," I said, sliding the contents back inside. Looking at our papers was about to make me have an identity crisis. 

"So, where did my new first name come from?" Amir asked, facing Faisal. He also had his real identification in his hand, and a passport with his name on it. "I'm just curious at to why you chose this one."  

"I don't know. I thought it would suit you," Faisal replied, smiling widely. "Imran came from our fellow scientist. And Malik... Well, Imran Malik had a nice ring to it." 

Amir's eyes shifted my way. "When Luna and I get married, we're going to use our real names." He smiled my way and elbowed me. "I mean, that's if you still say yes?" 

"You're not seriously proposing to my sister right now, are you?" Liberty asked, her jaw slightly opened. 

He shrugged his shoulder. "One day I will. Right now isn't the right moment." 

"How romantic," Cami murmured, her hands clasped over her chest. 

"Anyway, Amir," Faisal said, plopping down onto a chair. "This week we will switch all your accounts over to the new name. You'll have a new bank, a new set of papers and documents stating that you can stay inside the country. So if you both-" he flashed a huge grin, "take my serum, you can live anywhere you'd like. We each have new identities. We could easily live in close proximity of each other." 

"How did Darren do this?" I asked, totally blown away by the new IDs and fake papers. 

Decker smirked. "Darren had a little help. Among my various attributes and different talents, making a fake ID and passports were easy, plus forging a legal status. Things you learn by working alongside an evil, corrupted doctor." 

I shook my head, laughing softly. Was there anything he wasn't capable of?

Amir placed the envelope under his right arm, smiling at the group. "Thank you. Seriously. Thanks for looking out for us." He looked away before he started getting teary-eyed. "This is a start for us. We can't go back to our previous lives." 

"Nope..." said Ahmed. "But when you both move somewhere else, we'll make sure you have a few lead domes first. It's the only thing that can keep a hunter from detecting you." He pulled out two rings from his pocket and handed each of us one. "These have lead in them. When you wear it, no other Tethered Soul can detect you, nor will any hunter out there. Even I can't feel your aura if you wear them. You'll be protected." 

"I am afraid to ask how you did this," I murmured, placing the silver band on my right third finger. 

"Ever since Amir and I talked at St. Matthew's, I called some of my friends in Mumbai who are tethered souls, and they shipped these babies out here. Luckily, I got them just in time. I wouldn't suggest taking the rings off. Any hunter could be out there. You must keep it on at all times. Bathing. Swimming. Gardening or doing housework." 

"Thanks, Ahmed," I said, giving him a small hug. 

He hugged me back, but then frowned. "I'm afraid we don't have anything for Sarah. We didn't know she was part of us until this morning." 

"That's okay. If she and I are out, she can wear my ring. Protecting her is my biggest concern right now." 

"We both will," Amir said, placing a soft kiss on my temple. "I will protect both of you." I gave him a small smile, thanking the universe again for putting us together. 

All of us stayed in the great room for a short while, mostly catching up and discussing our next step. No one talked about moving to Africa, because Amir and I hadn't talked it over. They all believe we will use the serum Faisal had set aside for us, but I wasn't quite on board with that. Could you blame me? I was a lab rat for weeks. And I have seen firsthand how crazy things get after an experiment happens. I shivered and shook my head. St. Matthew's was the last thing I wanted to reminisce about. 

Mera extended her hand to mine and helped me up, then she guided me around her beautiful and enormous home. I stepped into a bedroom which was almost as big as the gym—Planet Fitness. Then I crossed into a bathroom. It was also huge and spacious with interior, glass walls, and a large hot tub settled in the middle. She mentioned that it was the bathroom for anyone who swam outside in the pool or hot tub. There were a few stalls, like a locker room, and a few sinks along the walls. It was a spacious and beautiful bathroom.  

She then showed me her prayer room, and she tried her best to teach me how Muslim women pray. Honestly, now wasn't the time for me to comprehend anything, because my mind, well, my thoughts were constantly thinking about being discovered. I couldn't help it. I didn't want to ever go back to being experimented on and treated like I was nothing. Amir flew out here for us, and now we all had to go into hiding. We didn't know about Tethered Soul Hunters roaming the planet. We didn't realize-

"Luna?" Mera murmured, waking me from my thoughts. I couldn't believe I was thinking about all these things while I was standing beside her as her body was kneeled down in a prayer pose, showing me how she prayed. I had to get myself together. 

"I'm sorry. My mind was elsewhere."  

She leaned up and stood back on her feet. Laying a hand on my shoulder, she whispered, "Take your time on learning our ways, Luna. You aren't in any rush to understand everything all at once." She laughed softly, and I gazed around the room with Urdu calligraphy on different parts of the walls. "If you don't mind me saying, I can sense how Amir feels about the topic of you wanting to convert to our faith. I don't believe he wants you to." 

I turned to her and smiled, lightly chuckling. "You felt that too. Yeah, he has never pressured me. He would never pressure me. I want to learn. It's me. I should've taken the time to understand Allah and everything else a long time ago. I mean, I'm able to know things through him, but that's like cheating on a test. I rather find out for myself. I rather study and figure things out. We never thought we would be together like this, in this way, all because of the consequences that evolves within our genes." I felt a few tears flowing down my cheek. "I love this man so much. It's real love, and it's not because of our connection, or our pairing. I saw his face in 2012, but I wasn't really looking at him then. I was... I-"

I couldn't hold it in any longer. My heart was pounding so hard at the memory of watching Amir trying to resuscitate Sam that day. It was the most painful thing I'd ever had to witnessed. 

She pulled me into a warm embrace, sensing my sad aura and her hands up and down my body, comforting me. "I know it's a heart-breaking memory for you, but look at the bright side. You can be with your paired partner, and that is a miracle in itself. You were always meant to be together. Nothing can or will change that. And learning our faith would be substantial, helpful, if you will, but converting is totally up to you. Amir will still love you, honor you, and respect you. He adores Sarah, and Sarah adores him." I wiped the tears from my face and stepped back, staring into her eyes.

"Thank you for that reassurance." 

"Luna, some things happen for a reason. You first saw Amir through a camera lense that has now allowed you to be with him many years later. You began your photography studio three months after I opened my restaurant, which both businesses were settled across from each other. And you were placed in a hospital that later helped you meet a new best friend. What you've been through is extraordinary, and you are still striving. A lot of good things came out of a lot of bad things." 

What she said hit my soul. Wise words coming from a beautiful and intelligent woman. I was so grateful for meeting her when I did. 

We made our way around the house with about twenty rooms, and I wondered how many people could stay here all at once. It was like a hotel and big enough for four or five families to vacation here. More rooms were on the second floor than the first, and several small rooms were on the third floor. Gazing around this sprawling home was a sight to see; a dream come true.

Liberty ran up the stairs and spotted us. Then she looped her arm through mine after we walked back downstairs. I noticed Sarah playing a hand game with Cami and Amir. And Faisal was with Decker while they sorted through the luggage. 

We passed through an open kitchen and sunroom when I noticed Raul sitting outside on some steps, messing with his phone. 

"There is so much I want to show you," Liberty said to me. "You'll love this. Just wait."

Mera tossed a smile over her covered shoulder. "Once she stepped inside my home, she stayed out here, trying to show Sarah how to garden, but she stopped and wanted to wait until you showed up. This area is a great place for beginners." 

Filled with curiosity, I walked with them through a doorway that lead outside, back into the humid air, but I ended up standing in a well-kept and cooling backyard. 

"Wow..."

Liberty sidled up on one side of me and smiled my way. "I knew you would love it. Beautiful and peaceful, don't you think?" 

All I could do was gape. Many plants and medium-sized palm trees lined around a lead-embedded privacy wall, creating the perfect place to relax. The space was in a circle shape, with a wide patio and a large grill sitting in the middle. A fire pit and various lounge chairs were seated along the edges. Brightly covered rose bushes lined the bottom part of the wall as the scent of pine and sage was strong. Set in the back of the yard was a medium-sized rectangular pool next to a set of natural stone steps. 

This home was the home you'd see in a Home and Garden magazine. 

"During your stay here, all of you can use the pool or garden. I enjoy gardening out here. It helps to unwind." Mera ran her fingers along a shovel and a brown apron that was hanging on the wall. "That is what the three of us have in common."

"Yeah, and I know we would stay out here a lot." Liberty chuckled as she gazed at the pool. "Plus enjoying the pool. The pool feels nice and warm."

I didn't pay much attention to her comment about the pool. My attention was on the garden on the side. That's what I loved about gardening. It helped me ease my mind. After gazing through everything from the mulch to the small multiple-colored pebbles, I followed Liberty to the second floor, spotting Amir and Faisal in the prayer room with Raul. He and the guys were preparing to pray, and I knew that it was important to him. It was important to me that he didn't stay distracted and connected to God. Besides, hanging out with my sister was something I hadn't done in a long time. My emotions were all over the place. 

One of the bedroom doors was ajar, and I figured that's where Sue must be. "How is she?" I asked Liberty. 

She slowed down, standing next to the wall. "She's all right. They rushed out here so quick, and the time difference is still rough right now." 

"What is she...?" I was going to ask what was she like, but then I clamped my mouth shut. I can have the pleasure to find out later. 

"You wanted to know how she is?" Liberty pondered, but she ended up telling me, anyway. "She seems nice and caring. She smiles a lot and holds onto Darren like something bad will happen any minute. That's her baby. So she's allowed to be clingy." 

We both giggled, and then I stepped around a giant pot packed with small daisies inside. "I just hope this trip wasn't too much for her. I didn't even expect her to be here." 

"I know. We were planning this trip for days now since Faisal told us about formulating an antidote." Liberty and I stopped near a bedroom at the end of the hall. "I hope you understood what I meant earlier about the serum." 

I nodded. "I did. I understand." I quickly threw my hair into a tight ponytail and focused on the room when she opened the door. The bed was big enough to fit all of us and then some, and it was packed with several pillows brushed up against the headboard. "So this would be mine and Sarah's room?

"Huh?" Liberty stared at me, and then she smiled and shook her head. "Oh, sorry. Yeah. For you and Sarah. Or not. She likes to sleep with me most nights. Maybe Amir, perhaps?" A giggle escaped her throat. "Wow. Just recently, you and he discovered..." 

A tiny smile tugged my lips. "My hopes of being with him in the same room were almost non existent. And now we are here. I don't know how he will feel about sleeping in the same room as me. Considering he is reserved, and he has never been with a woman." 

"No way!" Her eyes shot up and her mouth opened wider. "Whoa... I clearly did not know that." 

"I know." I sat on the bed and laid my hand over the mattress, immediately feeling the comfortability of it. "He and I will talk about sleeping arrangements later." 

"But what about the hotel room? You two were alone, right?"

"Yeah, but not like that. We almost got close, but something happened in the middle of it all. I'm not sure how he'd feel about me being his first. This is a lot to process."

"I totally get it." Liberty smiled and threw her hands in the air. "Being in the same room with someone who wasn't used to certain things... is terrifying." I nodded, and exhaled a deep breath. "How did it go last night, though? Did he sleep on the floor or something?"

"No. Ironically, we slept in the same bed together." 

"Okay. Mmm..." 

"Not like that. He was sweet. He comforted me. He was there for me. I freaked out on him, and he didn't separate himself from my craziness. I even heard him praying to Allah for me before I fell asleep. He was a true gentleman, and he always had been. That is why I know I love him, regardless of being paired. He is and always will be in my blood." 

"Wow, Luna, this... this is huge. It's deep. I am so happy for my little sister." She gave me a tight squeeze.  "Let's talk about all this some other time. You've been through a lot in the last few days. I have something to show you."

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she stepped toward the closet and I could see a few outfits from home here. "You grabbed a few of my clothes." 

"I packed some of your jeans, shirts, dresses, undies, and shoes. In the other closet are Sarah's belongings." 

"Thank you. I mean it. I am so thankful for you guys." I brought my hand up to my chest, overwhelmed by her and everyone's support. "I have been dying to wear something different for a few hours now. It would be nice to change into something I missed." Gazing around the room, I spotted another door. "What's beyond there?"

"A big his and hers bathroom. Every room has a bathroom, but you have the biggest. This house is amazing." She took a few clothes off the hangers for Sarah and laid them down on the bed. She was so used to getting Sarah ready. She and Ahmed were wonderful guardians. "I really don't want to leave this place," she said as she ambled to another part of the room, sorting through our belongings.

After being inside this home and the community, even I wanted to live here permanently. "So, what are yours and Ahmed's plan after this?" 

She glanced down and pulled out some small shoes for Sarah. "We honestly don't know. I just want to focus on you, my little niece, and my new brother-in-law." She paused and caught my gaze as I grinned when she called him that. "I swear, you two better get married and give me some Aluna babies. If you don't, I am finding you a real hospital. That man is a catch." 

I softly chuckled. "No argument there." 

"And don't you be worrying over what society will say. You hear me? Because I know how that feels." She exhaled a deep breath and sat down beside me. "When Ahmed and I are out doing stuff, people give us the evil eye. They can't believe my pasty white self is dating someone with a gorgeous, permanent tan." 

I laughed. 

"No... I don't care about them. I will be with Amir whether people like it. His heart and soul are what matters." 

"Mmm. I know." She lifted her head up, and we stared at the open sky window in the ceiling. "You and Amir are destined for one another. You should both get married and stay in this room, praising God for bringing you two together." 

"So, you aren't an Atheist anymore?" 

She took a moment to respond. "I don't know. I mean, Ahmed believes in different spiritual beings, and we are engaged. There isn't anything wrong with adapting to his beliefs and gradually learning about it. Just like you are." She found my hand and squeezed. "Being in an interracial relationship or inter-faith one doesn't always have to be a deal breaker. Like you said before, it's about the heart that counts." I smiled. "But in all seriousness, Amir is hot. And I spell that H-A-W-T." 

I busted out laughing, and no matter how much I tried to stop, I couldn't. Tears started streaming down my cheeks while she watched, perplexed. "What did I say?" 

"Sorry." I wiped my face with the hem of my shirt and twisted my frame her way. "It's just that I'm positive Ahmed wouldn't be pleased to hear that coming from his lady's lips." 

She smirked. "He already knows I think Amir is hot as hell. He doesn't seem to mind." 

"Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable. I am not sharing him with anybody. I almost had to fend Cami off him." 

"What? No way. Well, come to think of it, you probably had to mark your territory a little." 

I laughed. "Not much. Faisal swooped in and charmed the pants off her. So that all worked out well." 

"True." She nodded. "They haven't kept their hands off each other since meeting." 

"Nope. And I am itching to do the same with Amir." 

"Why can't you?" 

"We'll probably have a chat later. He and some of the guys are in the prayer room at the moment," I replied.

"Right. I'm sure both Faisal and Amir felt empty when they didn't pray earlier." 

"They did. Faisal can be funny sometimes, though. Like, I knew how he was through Amir, but he knows how to put a smile on someone's face." 

She grinned my way. "He does. He was telling us some jokes last night. He even mentioned a true story." 

"What?" 

She shrugged. "About how you and Amir couldn't connect to each other in the hospital. So he improvised what the both of you said." I'm sure my face went from pale to bright cherry. She busted out laughing and brought her body up. "Oh my God. You should totally check the mirror. A lobster couldn't compare to how you look now." 

I couldn't believe Faisal told everybody that moment. I couldn't connect to Amir for nothing and he'd come up with silly remarks neither Amir nor I said. Intimate details too. Oh, Lord.

I smacked my hands over my face, grinning underneath my palms, laughing. Faisal and I will have some words later about what should be spoken of. That was embarrassing, but not as embarrassing as the moment we were leaving the motel. I would love to erase that memory from my mind. 

***

All I can say is Liberty and Luna are such cute sisters, right? It was fun writing this chapter, even adding Gossip Girl and Stephenie Meyer in it. Imran Malik is just a random name I thought of and Luna and Sarah's new names meant something. So I wanted them to be unique. I love you, readers! No matter how you read Tethered Souls, you are reading it. At this time, the story will be finished in the 80s, depending if I split large chapters in half. We'll see. There is a huge twist coming up. Trust me. You won't see it coming. And don't be mad at the writer here. It's all part of Aluna's journey. You all are amazing.