Ready to Fly.
Abenna Lavengla, born of Croatian descendants. She was born in Los Angeles, USA, to a family that had already endured more hardship than most could imagine. In 1998, after a violent conflict tore through their hometown, her parents made a desperate choice: to leave everything behind and start over in a foreign land, carrying nothing but hope and the weight of their past. They carried a secret—something they had done that turned an entire community against them. Resentment chased them out of Europe, forcing them to flee in the middle of uncertainty and fear. They eventually landed in Los Angeles, hoping the city’s noise and crowds would bury their past.
Abenna grew up in a public school, blending into hallways filled with kids who had no idea what her family had escaped. Her mother, Mrs. Betty L, worked two jobs—one in the early morning, another late into the night—just to keep the family afloat. Survival became their routine, and Abenna learned early what sacrifice looked like. Her father, Mr. Magnus L, spent years working in factories, taking any job, he could find. With time, determination, and a bit of luck, he finally secured a position at a bank in West Hollywood, Los Angeles—a turning point for the family. Meanwhile, their daughter, Abenna, grew into a smart, vibrant young girl. She was naturally social and warm-hearted; the kind of person who lit up any room she walked into. A true social butterfly, she made friends effortlessly. People were drawn to her, and before long, she became one of the most well-known and well-liked faces in the neighborhood.
Abenna carried a secret she had kept locked inside her heart since she was nine years old. It began with a presence—soft, shifting, and silent—hovering in the corners of her room late at night. At first, she brushed it off as her younger brother, Joel L., sneaking around to scare her. She would shout his name in irritation, and the shadow would instantly vanish. She never mentioned it to anyone. But the visits continued. Then, one night, everything changed. The presence didn’t hide. It revealed itself, fully—no longer a shadow, but a spirit with form, purpose, and a strange calmness. Before she could scream or run, it took her hand and pulled her into a world she had never imagined.
The underworld.
Instead of fire and fear, she found beauty—lands glowing with colors she couldn't name, creatures that felt ancient yet welcoming, and mysteries humming in the air. Naive, curious, and unafraid, the nine-year-old girl followed the spirit willingly. It was there they initiated her into their realm. In that shadowy, enchanted world, Abenna was given a rare gift: the ability to shape-shift into any human or animal she chose. A power no child should ever understand—yet she carried it like a second heartbeat. And she told no one. Not her mother. Not her father. Not even Joel L. Abenna kept the secret buried, letting the world believe she was just a bright, popular girl… while a piece of her belonged somewhere far darker and far more powerful.
Abenna had a sparkling, milk-smooth complexion that made her stand out anywhere she went. Her bright red hair framed her face like a flame—impossible to ignore, unforgettable at first glance. When it came to fashion, she had only one true love: denim. Jeans were her identity. Trousers, shorts, jackets, even gowns—if it was made of denim, Abenna wore it with confidence and style. It became her signature look, the thing people expected to see when she walked by. Abenna had a childish energy that clung to her despite her almost-adult appearance. She was a teenager with the face and body of someone older, yet her spirit was playful, curious, and sometimes impulsive. Bold and outspoken, she never hesitated to call out wrongs—no matter who the person was. Status, age, reputation… nothing scared her. If something wasn’t right, Abenna said it. And that fearlessness often dragged her into trouble.
Many of the teenage boys in town had loud, obvious crushes on her, drawn to her beauty and her fire. But Abenna never dated any of them. Partly because she wasn’t interested… and mostly because her mother’s overprotective nature kept a tight watch on her every move.
Abenna’s 18th birthday arrived with quiet excitement. In her family, there was a special tradition: everyone woke before the celebrant, tiptoeing into their room to surround the bed with gifts, laughter, and early-morning blessings. But this year didn’t go as planned. Before anyone else stirred, Abenna was already awake. The house was still, the sky barely touched with morning light, yet she moved with unusual purpose. Instead of waiting to be celebrated, she slipped into the kitchen, set the dining table with care, and prepared a delicious breakfast—pancakes, eggs, fruits, and everything her family loved. By the time her parents and brother rushed out with wrapped gifts, surprised that the birthday girl wasn’t in bed, they were met with the warm smell of food and Abenna standing proudly in the center of the dining room, smiling.
This was the kind of work her mother usually had to beg—and nag—her to do. But today was different. Abenna moved with a happiness that surprised everyone, joy shining on her face as she finished setting the table. Instead of waiting for them to wake up, she went from room to room, knocking gently and calling everyone down for breakfast—even her grandfather, Mr. Klin L, and their house help, Miss Monica June. For once, the whole house woke not to Abenna’s playful chaos, but to her warmth and excitement. As everyone filed into the dining room, the unexpected scene turned into a celebration. They sang the birthday song to her, clapping and hugging her with genuine affection. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the warm scent of the breakfast she had prepared.
Curious and amused, her family asked why she had woken so early, why she couldn’t wait for the tradition to unfold as usual. Abenna just smiled, shrugging with playful innocence. With no other choice, they followed her lead—presenting their gifts, offering heartfelt prayers, and showering her with blessings for her new age. The morning felt different, yet perfect, wrapped in a quiet, unexpected joy.
Everyone settled around the table, chatting and laughing as they ate, the morning sunlight spilling across the room. Plates clinked, voices mingled, and the warmth of family filled the air. Then Abenna picked up a glass cup and gently tapped it with a silver spoon. The soft, ringing chime cut through the chatter, drawing every eye to her. Silence fell. “All right,” she said, a mischievous spark in her eyes, “I have an important announcement.” Abenna took a deep breath and began, her voice steady as every eye in the room fixed on her.
“I know you’re all curious… wondering why I woke up so early and took over the kitchen,” she said, clearing her throat with a playful flourish. “Well, here’s the reason.” She paused, letting the suspense hang for a moment before continuing. “I’m acting like an adult today… because I turned 18. I’m finally a grown-up, and I’m so excited! Now I can make my own decisions, choose my own path…” Her mother’s face tightened, a clear storm brewing behind her eyes—Abenna could tell she wasn’t buying a word. Undeterred, Abenna pressed on. “I’ll be graduating from high school soon,” she added, her tone a mix of pride and excitement. “So, before I head off to college, I want to have fun, explore, and live a little.” She cast a cheeky glance at her mother, who was now trying hard not to scowl outright. Abenna leaned a little closer and said with a grin, “With your permission, of course.”
Her mother’s voice cut sharply through the room. “Nah! You’re still my little girl. I don’t care if you’re thirty now—you will follow the rules and stay who you are until you leave college. I’m not letting you go off into the world on your own!” She shot a pointed look at her husband, who wore a helpless, pitiful expression as he glanced toward Abenna. “And you,” she said, her tone sharp and unyielding, “you’re not supporting her. She’s my little girl, and I’m not going to let her run wild under my watch.” The room fell into a tense silence, Abenna meeting her mother’s fiery gaze with a mixture of defiance and excitement, the air crackling with the promise of an argument yet to unfold. Abenna’s eyes shimmered with tears, a mix of disappointment and pleading. “But Mom… I’m 18 now. Remember? You said I’d have my license and get to make some decisions.”
Her mother’s gaze softened, her tone gentle but firm. “Yes, you can have your license… and make decisions. But only good decisions,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. She reached out, her eyes full of care and understanding. “Fine. But we’re going to have a deep conversation about boys before you go out into the world. I want to make sure you don’t fall into any traps.” Abenna nodded, a small smile breaking through her disappointment. Her mother pulled her into a warm hug, the tension melting away in the quiet comfort of family love. After breakfast, Abenna’s parents exchanged knowing glances and hushed words. By the time Abenna was out of earshot, a plan had been set in motion. They would throw her a surprise birthday party—one she would never forget.
Invitations went out to everyone who could make it, including all of Abenna’s crushes. The air buzzed with anticipation, and both parents knew one thing for certain: a lot was about to go down. For Abenna, this birthday was about to turn from ordinary to unforgettable.
