I bit into a sweet chalky wafer as I meandered through the hallway. The gentle roar of sound was comforting aside from the occasional locker slam or distant shout. I heard the gentle *snap* as I crushed the candy in my mouth. I glanced around the blur of other students walking mindlessly to class. I spotted an open locker and wrinkled my nose at the neatness inside. Everything from the small chandelier, to the mirror and book rack. It disgusted me. I slammed the locker shut, drawing the attention of a few people. Out of embarrassment I scurried along the lockers.
I then fell face first into the linoleum floor. After a moment of embracing the pain of my face and praying my nose wasn't broken, I scrambled to my knees. I saw another girl rubbing the side of her head, groaning, and sitting in front of her locker. We locked eyes and before we knew it we both rushed to apologize.
“I am so, so, so sorry,” I profusely began while I swiped messy hair from my face.
“No I'm sorry, I should have been closer to my locker.” She smiled nervously as she spoke. I examined her face and came to the realization that she was new here, as I didn't recognize her and she had a small paper in her hand with a locker combination. I watched her begin to struggle with her locker again.
“Need some help?” I asked. She looked back at me, clearly embarrassed.
“That would be nice,” she chuckled, handing me her information paper. I tried not to linger on anything that wasn't the combo, but I caught sight of her name, Susie Brook. What a pretty name. I started to spin the knob for the locker and decided to make small talk.
“What school did you come from?” I asked, getting the first number.
“The Academy :someone screams on the other side of the hall: .” She replied.
“I’ve heard it's a good school. Why’d ya move?”
“My dad had to move for work. It was pretty nice school though,” A satisfying pop let out from the locker as it opened. It revealed the bland off-white inside.
“M’lady your locker hath been opened,” I presented jokingly. I got up and was about to walk to my class that I was surely late to when-
“Wait!” I spun back around to look at the girl. “I never caught your name.”
“I didn't throw it.” I retorted jokingly. She lowered her brows in disgust. “I’m Carlee, Carlee Cline.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Susie, Susie Brook.” Her voice sung out every word. She held out her hand. I shook it firmly and she stood up. She closed her locker with her foot. “What's your next class?”
“Mr.James’ Advanced math, what about you?” I saw her smile.
“Well Carlee, it appears you have a new classmate.” She flashed her schedule at me, her face brimming with delight. I returned a grin not realizing I was blushing until she giggled at me.
I covered my face in embarrassment. “Can we go get a tardy slip?” I stammered. She nodded. I walked and she skipped. As I walked I took some time to admire her features: gold rimmed glasses framing perfect jade green eyes, freckles doused on her cheeks and hair fluffy and curly bouncing with every step. I admired her choice in outfit, and her confidence. I told myself not to judge to heavily before I got to know her and for that, I was determined.
“Umm, are you alright?” I got so lost in thought I didn't realize the ache of my nose of the slight trickle of blood. I pulled out my phone and looked at my reflection in the glass. I indeed had a bruise and bloody nose. I tapped it with my index finger and felt a stinging sensation that made me wince. Starting a vicious cycle, I pulled a small tissue from my backpack and let it soak up some of the blood without touching my nose.
“If you want, we can go to the nurse's office when we get our tardy pass,” Susie offered. I smirked. She looked so worried, GENUINELY worried.
“That would probably be helpful,” I tried to chuckle. My attempt to lighten the mood was met with failure, as I noticed Susie had a stern, worried glance. I shoved my phone in my pocket as we reached the front office.
“Hello?” The woman at the desk asked hesitantly. I actually knew the woman pretty well; her name was Barbra and everyone called her Ms.Barbra. She was kind, shy, and helpful.
“Hi!” Susie said confidently, “I was hoping we could get a tardy pass to Mr. James’ math? Carlee was helping me with my locker and-” I felt my head spin slightly and fell forward, catching myself on the desk.
“I’d also like to request seeing the nurse?” I said hanging semi-limply on the desk. A frantic nod came from Barbra as she wrote on small yellow pieces of paper, tardy slips, and then stood up.
“Would you like to come with us…” Barbra asked grabbing my arm firmly and jerking me towards her, disorienting me. Susie nodded. Barbra led me to the nurses office and I was met my the sharp eyes of the nurse; Tiffany Reynolds. I was given a angered glare.
“What do you need?” She sighed.
“I think I broke my nose,” I grumbled.
“Suck it up,” she retorted.
“But that hurts. Do you even know how to do your job?” At this point Barbra left the room and Susie was holding back laughter. I smirked slyly. The nurse crinkled her nose and handed me an ice pack.
“If your nose IS broken, I can't do anything,” she sneered. I rolled my eyes and left the room. Susie grabbed my arm and tagged along.
“Let's just go to class.” I mumbled. Susie nodded. She handed me my tardy slip and I led her to the classroom. I opened the door having unwanted attention from my class.
“What is the meaning of your tardiness?” Mr.James announced.
“I was helping Susie with her locker and I tripped and kinda broke my nose. Good enough answer for you?” I held up a tardy slip and Susie did the same. Mr. James rolled his eyes.
“Good enough. Take a seat,” He ordered and I walked to my seat. He started rambling once again and I mindlessly scribbled notes. I looked back at Susie who stared with wonder and fascination as he spoke. I felt my head grow light, was it love? or dehydration? I remembered I left my water bottle in my locker. My version went black and my head slammed on the table. Well, it would’ve if it wasn't for Susie.
Susie swiftly, as soon as she knew what was happening, grabbed me by the shoulders. I was nearly unconscious but my vision allowed one last glimpse at Susie’s face. It was one of the thousands of unnamed emotions. Was it fear, worry, exasperation? Whatever it was she made it look beautiful. Last thing I remembered was her gold rimmed glasses glinting slightly, framing her teary jade eyes.
To be continued....
(I would have posted the whole story but it was long enough as is. So, stay tuned!)
Showing posts with label Naomi Wordsmith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naomi Wordsmith. Show all posts
Friday, April 21, 2017
Friday, March 3, 2017
Mourning
Mourning,
Blessed yet cursed with the horrendous job
of dwelling on the memories of purity
woven into a lattice of grief.
Placed upon a web of pearls and wire, doused
in reflective light that glares onto the walls
filling each surface with patterns.
Each breath taken is heavy and pained, yet
brings the lungs euphoria and the sense
of purity.
Your heart burns,
with each thump, throb and pulse bringing
a light crackle to the ear.
Doused in salt and anguish,
drenched in tears and fear.
A hunger to devour ones own heart
develops, it grows like a cancer.
Left with nothing but
Mourning.
Blessed yet cursed with the horrendous job
of dwelling on the memories of purity
woven into a lattice of grief.
Placed upon a web of pearls and wire, doused
in reflective light that glares onto the walls
filling each surface with patterns.
Each breath taken is heavy and pained, yet
brings the lungs euphoria and the sense
of purity.
Your heart burns,
with each thump, throb and pulse bringing
a light crackle to the ear.
Doused in salt and anguish,
drenched in tears and fear.
A hunger to devour ones own heart
develops, it grows like a cancer.
Left with nothing but
Mourning.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Expiration Date
Dear World, 7/16/17
Yesterday I discovered the feeling of mortality.
I, Joanne Brook, was supposed to die yesterday.
I wish immortality was not as frightening, and
I wish I could indulge in the long prosperous
life it would entail. Though it seems fear is my
weakness at this point. To anyone reading this,
I am not a witch, in fact, the thought makes me
cringe. I was simply a victim of fate. I do not
know the cause, but as it stands, I am dead.
I wonder if my memory will live on? and If
I may see it. I plan to retreat. To leave humanity
behind, and voyage into the unknown. I am not
coming back. I am not afraid...
Joanne read over what she wrote. Each swoop of cursive letters seemed wobbly, and uncertain. Her blank stare burnt into the paper. She questioned what her life would become. What she would do. She hasn't told her friends, co-workers, anyone. She has been locked away.
Where would she go? It's not exactly normal for a dead woman to rent an apartment. She buried her face in her hands. Starting to sob.
Had fate F-ed up? Why HER?!
Joanne was on the verge of screaming. Silent sobs rang through the empty house.
Why did everyone meet their proper fate, but not HER?
She didn't fear death; she feared life. Death was a loss of burdens, pain, strife.
She was pained with the thought of living. Not living like a normal person, she was living like a captive animal in the shadows.
The letter on the table gained dark spots as tears slammed onto the paper. Parts of the shaky cursive smeared.
Joanne separated her face from her hands, both having the sticky residue of tears. Her puffy red eyes glared at her digital clock. The bright green numbers were blinding. 4:03 am, it had been four hours. Her whole body trembled. Her throat was hot; it felt like she had swallowed a mouthful of blazing marbles.
Her chest throbbed.
Her eyes burned.
Her hands shook.
And then she was numb.
Yesterday I discovered the feeling of mortality.
I, Joanne Brook, was supposed to die yesterday.
I wish immortality was not as frightening, and
I wish I could indulge in the long prosperous
life it would entail. Though it seems fear is my
weakness at this point. To anyone reading this,
I am not a witch, in fact, the thought makes me
cringe. I was simply a victim of fate. I do not
know the cause, but as it stands, I am dead.
I wonder if my memory will live on? and If
I may see it. I plan to retreat. To leave humanity
behind, and voyage into the unknown. I am not
coming back. I am not afraid...
Joanne read over what she wrote. Each swoop of cursive letters seemed wobbly, and uncertain. Her blank stare burnt into the paper. She questioned what her life would become. What she would do. She hasn't told her friends, co-workers, anyone. She has been locked away.
Where would she go? It's not exactly normal for a dead woman to rent an apartment. She buried her face in her hands. Starting to sob.
Had fate F-ed up? Why HER?!
Joanne was on the verge of screaming. Silent sobs rang through the empty house.
Why did everyone meet their proper fate, but not HER?
She didn't fear death; she feared life. Death was a loss of burdens, pain, strife.
She was pained with the thought of living. Not living like a normal person, she was living like a captive animal in the shadows.
The letter on the table gained dark spots as tears slammed onto the paper. Parts of the shaky cursive smeared.
Joanne separated her face from her hands, both having the sticky residue of tears. Her puffy red eyes glared at her digital clock. The bright green numbers were blinding. 4:03 am, it had been four hours. Her whole body trembled. Her throat was hot; it felt like she had swallowed a mouthful of blazing marbles.
Her chest throbbed.
Her eyes burned.
Her hands shook.
And then she was numb.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
"Hon? Wheres the milk?-"
-Jessica asked, the door to the fridge slightly agape. Her question was met with silence. There was only one possible culprit for the horrid act of milk theft.
"Natalie!" Jessica sneered. Provided that she was met with more silence, Jessica closed the fridge and walked over to the dormant hiding place of her roommate, the couch. She leaned over the back of the shag sofa. Her gaze met her roommates mass of dirty blonde hair. Flipping up the thick mound of hair, Jessica saw the sleeping face of her suspected culprit.
Jessica gently flicked the sleeping woman's nose. "Natalie?" Jessica cooed, letting the fluffy hair fall back onto her roommate's face. The sleeping woman shot up.
"What?! Who's there?!" Natalie woke with a start, hair covering her line of sight, and hands in a fighting position. She shoved the heavy thick mass from her eyes and looked at Jessica.
"Woah there soldier, just wondering where the mi-" Jessica stopped mid-sentence when she saw the red whole milk cap and jug on the coffee table. Here face sunk from a smug grin to a distaste-filled frown. She exhaled, "Why is the milk on the table?"
"I was eating cereal last night, I guess I passed out before putting it away. Sorry," Natalie's calm tone made Jessica grimmace.
"If that's the case, why does our coffee table lack your filthy dishes?" Jessica pinched the bridge of her nose after being met with a look of confusion. "You know... like a bowl?"
"You need a bowl?" Natile asked titling her head like a confused puppy.
"You do need a bowl.... how do you eat cereal without one?!" Jessica was flabbergasted the common knowledge her homely companion lacked. "Know what, never mind, just give me the milk." Jessica snorted.
"Suit yourself." Natalie handed the milk over along with the cap.
"Thank you." Jessica grabbed the bottle her nose being met with a rancid odor. It had been out all night in the summertime, how had she not expected it to be spoiled? The bridge of her nose curled into a cringe. She involuntarily capped it, feeling her stomach turn in revolt. Natalie again looked at her confused until her actions dawned on her.
"Oh lordy, I am so so sorry," Natalie smiled shamefully.
"It's fine..." Jessica walked into the kitchen and dumped the rotten liquid down the sink. She rinsed out the jug and sighed. "Why did I need milk anyway?" She asked herself before her nose was met with another scent. It beckoned her attention over to the mug on the counter, filled almost to the top with warm, black, coffee.
"Natalie!" Jessica sneered. Provided that she was met with more silence, Jessica closed the fridge and walked over to the dormant hiding place of her roommate, the couch. She leaned over the back of the shag sofa. Her gaze met her roommates mass of dirty blonde hair. Flipping up the thick mound of hair, Jessica saw the sleeping face of her suspected culprit.
Jessica gently flicked the sleeping woman's nose. "Natalie?" Jessica cooed, letting the fluffy hair fall back onto her roommate's face. The sleeping woman shot up.
"What?! Who's there?!" Natalie woke with a start, hair covering her line of sight, and hands in a fighting position. She shoved the heavy thick mass from her eyes and looked at Jessica.
"Woah there soldier, just wondering where the mi-" Jessica stopped mid-sentence when she saw the red whole milk cap and jug on the coffee table. Here face sunk from a smug grin to a distaste-filled frown. She exhaled, "Why is the milk on the table?"
"I was eating cereal last night, I guess I passed out before putting it away. Sorry," Natalie's calm tone made Jessica grimmace.
"If that's the case, why does our coffee table lack your filthy dishes?" Jessica pinched the bridge of her nose after being met with a look of confusion. "You know... like a bowl?"
"You need a bowl?" Natile asked titling her head like a confused puppy.
"You do need a bowl.... how do you eat cereal without one?!" Jessica was flabbergasted the common knowledge her homely companion lacked. "Know what, never mind, just give me the milk." Jessica snorted.
"Suit yourself." Natalie handed the milk over along with the cap.
"Thank you." Jessica grabbed the bottle her nose being met with a rancid odor. It had been out all night in the summertime, how had she not expected it to be spoiled? The bridge of her nose curled into a cringe. She involuntarily capped it, feeling her stomach turn in revolt. Natalie again looked at her confused until her actions dawned on her.
"Oh lordy, I am so so sorry," Natalie smiled shamefully.
"It's fine..." Jessica walked into the kitchen and dumped the rotten liquid down the sink. She rinsed out the jug and sighed. "Why did I need milk anyway?" She asked herself before her nose was met with another scent. It beckoned her attention over to the mug on the counter, filled almost to the top with warm, black, coffee.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Ease
(This is the continuation of the preview I posted earlier this week. I hope you enjoy.)
A gentle smooth breeze gracefully wafted from the clouds, and calm jade grass swayed at the distubence. A short, red haired woman stood up from the grass. Her posture was sturdy but as the sun hid at the horizon she seemingly melted to the ground. Her knees rested on soft grass leaving a slight green residue on her legs, and her thin hands cupped her eyes. Tears rested in the bowl of the woman's palms before seeping through her fingers and falling like rain. The sun was no longer in view and the sky was a lavender color. Another tall figure entered, her hair a matted blonde tangle at the nape of her I neck. She kneeled down and brought her finger the short woman's chin, raising it slightly. The red haired woman's eyes where puffy and red with tears now as she gained volume in her cries. The blonde woman grew worried and tried to hush the other to no avail. Her cries soon diminished into silent hiccups, bouncing her red ringlets. She pressed into the other woman's chest hugging her waist for comfort.
The taller woman stroked the shorter woman's hair; it was smooth as silk. She weaved her fingers through hair of splendor. Each breath the taller took was comfort to the red haired maiden. She could hear the air filling her lungs and every time it escaped.
"After all we've been through you act as if I'm a stranger, Why?" The tall dame's voice coed in a hushed tone. She let out a slightly disappointed sigh.
"I thought you where gone... I though I'd never get you back." The hands of the red haired woman clinched the bonde's sides. Pale fabric between her fingers. "How do I know your not a lie," tears seeped from her eyes and her voice seemingly broke.
"Try as you might but you can't get rid me," the blonde's tone was sincere, melodic and had and undertone of nostalgia. She grinned as she was released from the hug and stared at with eyes blue green in tone.
"You.... rembered?" Eyes wide with shock, the short woman dumbfoundedly murmured. A nod was returned and memories flowed back from a time when the women where young.
"Of course" the blonde smiled.
"Catch up buttercup" The blonde girl mocked.
"Baylie !" The amer haired girl scolded. "I told you not to go so fast!"
"Well I told YOU not to go so slow" Baylie snorted walking backwards. The amber haired girl's blue green eyes rolled in their sockets. "I just don't want to be late, you know I hate that Austin."
Austin sighed, her red hair falling as she stopped to catch her breath. "Yeah..." she stood up again and jogged to catch up. Her short stature made running long distances a chore. Baylie walked at a slow pace. "Is everything ok with you and your mom? I know it's been hard for you... I can tell that's the reason you've started hanging out with me... for someone to understand." Austin looked over seeing Baylie's eyes watering. "Sorry I me-"
"It's fine," Baylie wiped her eyes dry. "Mom has been a hassle, she hates me now... I wish it never happened." Austin looked downcast. "It's all your fault!" Beleigh knocked Austin over.
"For what? I wanted you happy and you don't want to be?!" Austin pleaded not noticing the scrapes and sharp pain on her right arm. Her eyes widened as she felt her right elbow bleeding. "If you think it's my fault why do you stay!" Austin's voice cracked as her eyes bubbled tears.
"Because your..." Baylie's tone hushed "your... I-I" her rosy cheeks were wet. Austin stood up the scrapes didn't hurt anymore. She reached up and wiped Baylie's cheeks.
"It's ok," Austin's tone was truly motherly. "We don't want to be late do we?" She smirked at Baylee understandingly.
"Y-yeah," Baylee smiled wiping her cheeks again.
The two walked beside each other getting to the small coffee shop, they watched as the door opened and they walked in. The two sat at the same table.
"You ok?" Austin asked seeing the distress in Baylie's baby blue eyes.
"I'm fine," she replied before the waitress came over and they ordered.
"Are you sure?" Austin grabbed one of the complementary croissants in the center of the table; for people who came early.
"I'm fine, why do care so much?why can't you leave me be?" Another croissant was taken by Baylie and she shoved it into her mouth.
"Because your my friend, and try is you might you can't get rid of me." She smiled. Following was a pause long that never wavered. The waitress came back two beverages and a small box in tow. "Thank you" Austin grabbed the box and drinks placing them on the table. "Baylie our coffee is here." Baylie was distant as she stared out the window.
"Do you understand how hard it is?" Baylie didn't change her glance.
"How hard what is?" Austin grabbed her coffee and a small sugar packet. Baylee clinched her teeth.
"To say..." her words trailed. Austin tilted her head in confusion. "To say I- I," she took a deep breath out. Then in a hushed tone she said something that made Austin's mouth dry, "to say I really like you."
Austin almost dropped her coffee as she brought her hands to her mouth. She was at a loss for words. "Am I really the reason? The reason why she... no... really?" Her mind spun before it reeled in to speak. Austin looked at Baylie a few strey tears away from her eyes. Austin leaned over the table to wipe her companion's cheeks and look her in the eyes.
The women grinned at each other.
"I remember that day," The red haired woman said her hand brushing loose hair from blocking her view. "I wish I had told you how much you meant to me, how much THAT meant to me."
"Austin it's fine, it wasn't your fault." The blond woman said holding her companion's shoulder she rubbed it gently. The intent to soothe in mind along with a nagging feeling.
"I could've told you before it happened," Austin whispered. She clutched the other woman's sides again.
"No one could've known the fire would happen. Not even you," Tears welled in the blondes eyes as she spoke.
The cool night air wafted past Baylie as she walked to her porch step. She was refreshed yet she had an inkling that something was wrong. Her backpack felt heavier on her shoulders. She placed her key in the lock and sighed. As she pushed the door open then she waved back at Austin, who was walking to her own house.
Baylie turned around and her face turned pale. Her mother stood sturty and her hands rested on her hips. Her eyes seemed to burn Baylie's own. "Don't you have anything to say?" Her mothers voice was so powerful and any hint of her being motherly was gone.
"No mother, I was just getting some help after school at the library with Austin. Is there anything wrong with that?" Baylie placed her backpack on the recliner and walked to the kitchen to make dinner. She looked back at her mother whose face cringed toward her nose.
"Anything ELSE?" Her mother tried to milk the situation for what it was worth, but you can't milk a cow that isn't there.
"No mother," Baylie rolled her eyes grabbing her apron and putting it on. She went to the fridge and grabbed the ingredients for a brothy chicken soup. She gathered some celery, some leftover rotesery chicken, and noodles. "Chicken soup ok ma?" Her hand instinctively grabbed her chopping knife and a celery stalk.
Baylie's mother let out a sigh. "It's fine Baylie," the words seemed bitter and hissed through cliched teeth . Baylie felt her arms shake momentarily and closed up the windows. She scowled seeing the large heater on.
"Mom you turned on a heater with the windows open!" She sneered at her mother. She unplugged the heater and trotted back to the kitchen to cut celery. Her mother was embarrassed.
"Why do you care?" Baylie's mom snorted going to the sink and staring into the pool of dirty water and dishes.
"I dunno, maybe it's because last months power bill made it so we had a hard time getting our car fixed and putting food on the table!" Baylie's voice slowly raised and her chopping got faster before a long exhale. Her mother was speechless.
"How dare you-" Her mother started
"Dare I what! How dare I make dinner, and clean the dishes and all the house hold chores AND manage to keep an A in all my classes so I might get a scholarship!" Her eyes where heavy with tears that refused to fall. She poured chicken stock haphazardly into the pot. "How dare I try to improve our poor lifestyle." Her mother gasped and seemingly groweled at her daughter with total rage. Baylie walked to the sink and washed her hands of celery before she grabbed the towel off the oven door and dried her hands off. She placed the greasy towel a little too close to the gas stove. It hug in a pan of bacon fat.
"Oh really you do all the work! I do-" Baylie's mother paused to ponder what she did for the household. "I pay for the house! I pay for the roof you live under young lady!"
"Pfft hardly." Baylie said to herself quietly beginning to chop up chicken after throwing the celery in chicken stock.
The towel lit
"Baylie I'm sorry. I wish I had been there for you." Austin murmured clinging to Baylie.
"I know, I forgive you." Baylie stroked Austin's hair and as she got further down her fingers weaved through the ringlets.
The towel started to burn and lead the fire from the gas stove to the pan of bacon grease and I became some what of a fire ball. Baylie and her mother yelled at each other spitting venom. The argument ad distracted from the fire until-
"BAYLIE WHAT THE HECK, WHY IS THE STOVE ON FIRE!!!!" Baylie's mother spat angrily and smoke started to fill the air. Baylie's mother then grabbed a dirty pot of mucky water and poured it on the fire.
It didn't work and the fire spewed small hot drops of grease and flew hitting the wall and Baylie.
"MOM!" Small seering drops of fire stung Baylie's bare arms. "YOU DONT PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE WITH WATER-oowwwww!" The damage was done to her arms as she tried to wipe it away. The drops had all spread fire dancing along the walls and smoke filling the house. Baylie tried to run to her phone to call 911 but her mother blocked her.
"WHY DO YOU ACT LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING!" Baylie's mother screamed.
"Mom please!" Baylie pleaded trying to push by getting pushed over. She began to hack and cough and her mother pressed her on the floor.
Austin looked towards Baylie whom looked downcast as the jade grass. "It's not your fault either," Austin reassured stroking her friends cheek calmly.
"I wish I could say it was... so I could say I was the problem and I was fixed," Baylie smiled snickered to herself a few stray tears dancing from her eyes. "But the problem is still out there, somewhere..." she started to laugh, "I wish she had gone down with me."
Austin tried to calm Baylie to no avail, she remembered something...
Austin sat in the remains of the burnt home of her best, her ONLY friend. She simply cried and looked around the charred remains. Baylie's mother had left the house Scott free with some minor burns but Baylie had passed away from smoke inhalation. Baylie's funeral was canceled soon after it was announced but that wouldn't change the date they gave out her objects that had survived the fire. Austin stood up and explored the house. It was somewhat distopian and barren. Everything was charred, warped or reduced to charcoal.
She explored for awhile looking at everything she was so used to seeing when she came over. She sighed opening the warped door to Baylie's room dispite the lack of walls around it. She came in and saw the warped bedframe covering a shiny metallic object. She criously walked to it and picked it up. It was a small box with out a lid... must have been cardboard. She looked at the side of the box seeing the words "For whom I love" carved into it in sloppy cursive. She was startled and frankly enthused. She looked in the box seeding a velevet coated mini box covered in a ziplock bag. She questioned the dicicion to open it.
She pondered before knowing what to do. She pulled the velvet box from the bag and she sat on the floor. She sighed before opening it her hands quivered and her fingers shook. She managed to open it. The boxes content made her want to cry. A small napkin with a white coffee bean pattern on it, and words where scribbled on it in pen. A small plastic dinosaur ring, and the most heart breaking was a folded picture.
She didn't know what to look at first but decided the picture would be best. She unfolded it and found it to be a photo of Austin and Baylie sitting next to each other on a bench. It didn't hurt as much as what she saw next. The napkin was her last stop and opening it brought her to tears. It read:
Why? Why do I feel this way? Its not your fault ... not at all... I just want you to know, I love you.
Austin sobbed and tucked the napkin in her breast pocket and slid the ring on her finger. She smiled felling her chest burn and twist.
"I love you too," her hoarse voice was drowned out buy the silence of the air and she started to walk home. Her feet rhythmically tapped the ground meeting the slow beet of her heart. She stared at the green plastic dinosaur ring on her ring finger, it was hard to focus and her eyes where too dry to cry anymore.
Austin tussled about trying to find the napkin or ring. Her had struck something hard in what seemed to be a pocket on her white clothes. She pulled out the ring. "Was this for me?" She brought it into view so Baylie could understand and she simply nodded.
"Yeah.. that was for you," Baylie smirked. "I'm glad you found it."
"I am too..." Austin stared at Baylie and hugged her genuinely.
"I love you..." Baylie whispered.
"I love you too," Austin grinned and the stars finally came out in the sky.
A gentle smooth breeze gracefully wafted from the clouds, and calm jade grass swayed at the distubence. A short, red haired woman stood up from the grass. Her posture was sturdy but as the sun hid at the horizon she seemingly melted to the ground. Her knees rested on soft grass leaving a slight green residue on her legs, and her thin hands cupped her eyes. Tears rested in the bowl of the woman's palms before seeping through her fingers and falling like rain. The sun was no longer in view and the sky was a lavender color. Another tall figure entered, her hair a matted blonde tangle at the nape of her I neck. She kneeled down and brought her finger the short woman's chin, raising it slightly. The red haired woman's eyes where puffy and red with tears now as she gained volume in her cries. The blonde woman grew worried and tried to hush the other to no avail. Her cries soon diminished into silent hiccups, bouncing her red ringlets. She pressed into the other woman's chest hugging her waist for comfort.
The taller woman stroked the shorter woman's hair; it was smooth as silk. She weaved her fingers through hair of splendor. Each breath the taller took was comfort to the red haired maiden. She could hear the air filling her lungs and every time it escaped.
"After all we've been through you act as if I'm a stranger, Why?" The tall dame's voice coed in a hushed tone. She let out a slightly disappointed sigh.
"I thought you where gone... I though I'd never get you back." The hands of the red haired woman clinched the bonde's sides. Pale fabric between her fingers. "How do I know your not a lie," tears seeped from her eyes and her voice seemingly broke.
"Try as you might but you can't get rid me," the blonde's tone was sincere, melodic and had and undertone of nostalgia. She grinned as she was released from the hug and stared at with eyes blue green in tone.
"You.... rembered?" Eyes wide with shock, the short woman dumbfoundedly murmured. A nod was returned and memories flowed back from a time when the women where young.
"Of course" the blonde smiled.
"Catch up buttercup" The blonde girl mocked.
"Baylie !" The amer haired girl scolded. "I told you not to go so fast!"
"Well I told YOU not to go so slow" Baylie snorted walking backwards. The amber haired girl's blue green eyes rolled in their sockets. "I just don't want to be late, you know I hate that Austin."
Austin sighed, her red hair falling as she stopped to catch her breath. "Yeah..." she stood up again and jogged to catch up. Her short stature made running long distances a chore. Baylie walked at a slow pace. "Is everything ok with you and your mom? I know it's been hard for you... I can tell that's the reason you've started hanging out with me... for someone to understand." Austin looked over seeing Baylie's eyes watering. "Sorry I me-"
"It's fine," Baylie wiped her eyes dry. "Mom has been a hassle, she hates me now... I wish it never happened." Austin looked downcast. "It's all your fault!" Beleigh knocked Austin over.
"For what? I wanted you happy and you don't want to be?!" Austin pleaded not noticing the scrapes and sharp pain on her right arm. Her eyes widened as she felt her right elbow bleeding. "If you think it's my fault why do you stay!" Austin's voice cracked as her eyes bubbled tears.
"Because your..." Baylie's tone hushed "your... I-I" her rosy cheeks were wet. Austin stood up the scrapes didn't hurt anymore. She reached up and wiped Baylie's cheeks.
"It's ok," Austin's tone was truly motherly. "We don't want to be late do we?" She smirked at Baylee understandingly.
"Y-yeah," Baylee smiled wiping her cheeks again.
The two walked beside each other getting to the small coffee shop, they watched as the door opened and they walked in. The two sat at the same table.
"You ok?" Austin asked seeing the distress in Baylie's baby blue eyes.
"I'm fine," she replied before the waitress came over and they ordered.
"Are you sure?" Austin grabbed one of the complementary croissants in the center of the table; for people who came early.
"I'm fine, why do care so much?why can't you leave me be?" Another croissant was taken by Baylie and she shoved it into her mouth.
"Because your my friend, and try is you might you can't get rid of me." She smiled. Following was a pause long that never wavered. The waitress came back two beverages and a small box in tow. "Thank you" Austin grabbed the box and drinks placing them on the table. "Baylie our coffee is here." Baylie was distant as she stared out the window.
"Do you understand how hard it is?" Baylie didn't change her glance.
"How hard what is?" Austin grabbed her coffee and a small sugar packet. Baylee clinched her teeth.
"To say..." her words trailed. Austin tilted her head in confusion. "To say I- I," she took a deep breath out. Then in a hushed tone she said something that made Austin's mouth dry, "to say I really like you."
Austin almost dropped her coffee as she brought her hands to her mouth. She was at a loss for words. "Am I really the reason? The reason why she... no... really?" Her mind spun before it reeled in to speak. Austin looked at Baylie a few strey tears away from her eyes. Austin leaned over the table to wipe her companion's cheeks and look her in the eyes.
The women grinned at each other.
"I remember that day," The red haired woman said her hand brushing loose hair from blocking her view. "I wish I had told you how much you meant to me, how much THAT meant to me."
"Austin it's fine, it wasn't your fault." The blond woman said holding her companion's shoulder she rubbed it gently. The intent to soothe in mind along with a nagging feeling.
"I could've told you before it happened," Austin whispered. She clutched the other woman's sides again.
"No one could've known the fire would happen. Not even you," Tears welled in the blondes eyes as she spoke.
The cool night air wafted past Baylie as she walked to her porch step. She was refreshed yet she had an inkling that something was wrong. Her backpack felt heavier on her shoulders. She placed her key in the lock and sighed. As she pushed the door open then she waved back at Austin, who was walking to her own house.
Baylie turned around and her face turned pale. Her mother stood sturty and her hands rested on her hips. Her eyes seemed to burn Baylie's own. "Don't you have anything to say?" Her mothers voice was so powerful and any hint of her being motherly was gone.
"No mother, I was just getting some help after school at the library with Austin. Is there anything wrong with that?" Baylie placed her backpack on the recliner and walked to the kitchen to make dinner. She looked back at her mother whose face cringed toward her nose.
"Anything ELSE?" Her mother tried to milk the situation for what it was worth, but you can't milk a cow that isn't there.
"No mother," Baylie rolled her eyes grabbing her apron and putting it on. She went to the fridge and grabbed the ingredients for a brothy chicken soup. She gathered some celery, some leftover rotesery chicken, and noodles. "Chicken soup ok ma?" Her hand instinctively grabbed her chopping knife and a celery stalk.
Baylie's mother let out a sigh. "It's fine Baylie," the words seemed bitter and hissed through cliched teeth . Baylie felt her arms shake momentarily and closed up the windows. She scowled seeing the large heater on.
"Mom you turned on a heater with the windows open!" She sneered at her mother. She unplugged the heater and trotted back to the kitchen to cut celery. Her mother was embarrassed.
"Why do you care?" Baylie's mom snorted going to the sink and staring into the pool of dirty water and dishes.
"I dunno, maybe it's because last months power bill made it so we had a hard time getting our car fixed and putting food on the table!" Baylie's voice slowly raised and her chopping got faster before a long exhale. Her mother was speechless.
"How dare you-" Her mother started
"Dare I what! How dare I make dinner, and clean the dishes and all the house hold chores AND manage to keep an A in all my classes so I might get a scholarship!" Her eyes where heavy with tears that refused to fall. She poured chicken stock haphazardly into the pot. "How dare I try to improve our poor lifestyle." Her mother gasped and seemingly groweled at her daughter with total rage. Baylie walked to the sink and washed her hands of celery before she grabbed the towel off the oven door and dried her hands off. She placed the greasy towel a little too close to the gas stove. It hug in a pan of bacon fat.
"Oh really you do all the work! I do-" Baylie's mother paused to ponder what she did for the household. "I pay for the house! I pay for the roof you live under young lady!"
"Pfft hardly." Baylie said to herself quietly beginning to chop up chicken after throwing the celery in chicken stock.
The towel lit
"Baylie I'm sorry. I wish I had been there for you." Austin murmured clinging to Baylie.
"I know, I forgive you." Baylie stroked Austin's hair and as she got further down her fingers weaved through the ringlets.
The towel started to burn and lead the fire from the gas stove to the pan of bacon grease and I became some what of a fire ball. Baylie and her mother yelled at each other spitting venom. The argument ad distracted from the fire until-
"BAYLIE WHAT THE HECK, WHY IS THE STOVE ON FIRE!!!!" Baylie's mother spat angrily and smoke started to fill the air. Baylie's mother then grabbed a dirty pot of mucky water and poured it on the fire.
It didn't work and the fire spewed small hot drops of grease and flew hitting the wall and Baylie.
"MOM!" Small seering drops of fire stung Baylie's bare arms. "YOU DONT PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE WITH WATER-oowwwww!" The damage was done to her arms as she tried to wipe it away. The drops had all spread fire dancing along the walls and smoke filling the house. Baylie tried to run to her phone to call 911 but her mother blocked her.
"WHY DO YOU ACT LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING!" Baylie's mother screamed.
"Mom please!" Baylie pleaded trying to push by getting pushed over. She began to hack and cough and her mother pressed her on the floor.
Austin looked towards Baylie whom looked downcast as the jade grass. "It's not your fault either," Austin reassured stroking her friends cheek calmly.
"I wish I could say it was... so I could say I was the problem and I was fixed," Baylie smiled snickered to herself a few stray tears dancing from her eyes. "But the problem is still out there, somewhere..." she started to laugh, "I wish she had gone down with me."
Austin tried to calm Baylie to no avail, she remembered something...
Austin sat in the remains of the burnt home of her best, her ONLY friend. She simply cried and looked around the charred remains. Baylie's mother had left the house Scott free with some minor burns but Baylie had passed away from smoke inhalation. Baylie's funeral was canceled soon after it was announced but that wouldn't change the date they gave out her objects that had survived the fire. Austin stood up and explored the house. It was somewhat distopian and barren. Everything was charred, warped or reduced to charcoal.
She explored for awhile looking at everything she was so used to seeing when she came over. She sighed opening the warped door to Baylie's room dispite the lack of walls around it. She came in and saw the warped bedframe covering a shiny metallic object. She criously walked to it and picked it up. It was a small box with out a lid... must have been cardboard. She looked at the side of the box seeing the words "For whom I love" carved into it in sloppy cursive. She was startled and frankly enthused. She looked in the box seeding a velevet coated mini box covered in a ziplock bag. She questioned the dicicion to open it.
She pondered before knowing what to do. She pulled the velvet box from the bag and she sat on the floor. She sighed before opening it her hands quivered and her fingers shook. She managed to open it. The boxes content made her want to cry. A small napkin with a white coffee bean pattern on it, and words where scribbled on it in pen. A small plastic dinosaur ring, and the most heart breaking was a folded picture.
She didn't know what to look at first but decided the picture would be best. She unfolded it and found it to be a photo of Austin and Baylie sitting next to each other on a bench. It didn't hurt as much as what she saw next. The napkin was her last stop and opening it brought her to tears. It read:
Why? Why do I feel this way? Its not your fault ... not at all... I just want you to know, I love you.
Austin sobbed and tucked the napkin in her breast pocket and slid the ring on her finger. She smiled felling her chest burn and twist.
"I love you too," her hoarse voice was drowned out buy the silence of the air and she started to walk home. Her feet rhythmically tapped the ground meeting the slow beet of her heart. She stared at the green plastic dinosaur ring on her ring finger, it was hard to focus and her eyes where too dry to cry anymore.
Austin tussled about trying to find the napkin or ring. Her had struck something hard in what seemed to be a pocket on her white clothes. She pulled out the ring. "Was this for me?" She brought it into view so Baylie could understand and she simply nodded.
"Yeah.. that was for you," Baylie smirked. "I'm glad you found it."
"I am too..." Austin stared at Baylie and hugged her genuinely.
"I love you..." Baylie whispered.
"I love you too," Austin grinned and the stars finally came out in the sky.
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