Lost in Oblivion

Chapter 4

It's been a week since the funeral. Aunt Lucy and Kaycie were the main ones who made the arrangements for everything. It turns out, our parents happen to be very rich. The insurance paid for everything. They also left me and my sister a lot of money. Although we'd really like to keep the house, it was left to my sister and she is still going through college states over so we decided to sell it.

I don't really remember much from this week. I remember, at the funeral, strangers coming up to me crying, telling me how sorry they are that my parents are gone. In the 17 years of my life, I have never met any of these people. How could they be so sad to see my parents go when they weren't around in the first place?

It was around 8 o'clock on a Friday night and I had just moved everything into my aunt and uncles house. I hadn't yet put my things up, so for now, my belongings were in the garage. They lived in Fink also. They recently moved here about 3 months ago so I haven't yet seen their house. They had a huge two story brick house. When you walk through the door, you see this high ceiling with expensive chandeliers. It was similar to our house, except it looked a little more expensive. We walked through to the living room. It was an open floor plan that connected to the kitchen. Man, this was awesome.

"When you're done gaping at the house, I can show you your room, son." Uncle Chris said while chuckling to himself.

He led me through the kitchen and around the corner that led us back where we came in. I followed him up the stairs, suitcases in hand, and down the long, lighted hallway.  He stopped at the last door on the left and turned the knob. As soon as he opened it, I just stood there gaping. The room was huge. It had a king size bed with a blue and black striped bed spread. It had posters of different bands I wasn't familiar with strewn across the walls. There was a desk set up in the corner near the window with a laptop. I had my own bathroom that was color coordinated specifically for a guy. I looked on my bed stand to see a picture of my parents, my sister, and me. 

"You really didn't have to do this for me. Any of this. I would be happy with a twin bed on the ground and a small lamp." I said in shock. I'm no girl, but I felt a small flutter of excitement in my stomach.

"You deserve it. After what you've been through, you need somewhere you can call home again. This room is all yours. You get unpacked and get settled. We'll be downstairs. Dinner is ready, but come down when you're ready." Uncle Chris said genuinely smiling at me.

"Thanks Uncle Chris. I'll definitely enjoy this." I replied as he turned around laughing quietly to himself.

I set the suitcases down and dove onto my new bed head first. I just sat there contemplating whether I should sleep or get up and eat. As soon as I knew it, I could feel sleep over taking my body. I closed my eyes, and I was out.

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I woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar place. I sat up trying to readjust my eyes. I then remembered where I was. I got out of bed and made my way downstairs. Walking towards the kitchen, I could smell someone was making food. Aunt Lucy came into my view as did hamburgers. Hamburgers? Why so early in the morning?

"It's two in the afternoon. You slept right through breakfast, so here's your lunch." She said answering my thoughts as she shoved a hamburger in front of me. I looked up at her in thanks as I stuffed my face and she smiled and nodded her head.

"Where is everyone else," I said even though it came out muffled because my mouth was full.

"Well, your sister is in the guest bedroom skyping her friend, and Uncle Chris is out back cleaning the grill. We already ate, so feel free to dig in. Have as many as you want." Lucy said as she was cleaning up. I quickly reached out for one more hamburger while her back was turned and continued to stuff my face. I don't know why I was so hungry.

Lucy turned around and gaped at me with a bewildered look on her face. "I know you're 17 and growing and all, but could you slow down on the food. I don't think my husband would like the idea of widening all the doorways in this house."

I just stared at her surprised she would say something like that. I got up and patted my tummy. "Excuse me, but I have a rock hard six pack. Come on, punch it as hard as you can." I said walking over to her motioning her to punch it. 

She looked at me in amusement. "I'm sorry, I can't. I wouldn't want to hurt you." With that, she burst out laughing the same time I did. 

"You. Couldn't. Hurt. Me. If. You. Tried." I said while in between laughs. 

By this time, my aunt was on the ground and I was beside her laughing until we cried. I don't remember the last time I was this happy. The past week had been hell for me. Just now, I'm not burning as much as I was. I tried being happy coming here, but my aunt and uncle could never replace my parents. 

I snuck a glance at my aunt who was looking at me with worried eyes. A single tear came rolling down here cheek and this time, I knew it wasn't from laughing. I scooted over towards her and wrapped her in my arms. She sat there and cried in my arms with her head in my shoulder. When she was done, she looked up at me with wide eyes and just smiled.

"I'm glad I could make you laugh. This week, all you've been doing is trudging along pretending nothing has happened. You act like your parents haven't died. You seem to be unaware of what's going on. How do you do that, Tagen?" She asked me very quietly.

"I don't know, Luc. I don’t know.” And with that, I got up and walked outside to my car.

I needed to go back to the diner.

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Thank you for reading. Again. I posted the cast. This chapter took me a little bit, but I hope you enjoy it. I will probably post another tonight. I'm flying through this book, but only because I already have every chapter planned out. Tell your friends please. I love you all!