Our Nights Of Salt And Starlight (formerly Riptide)

Chapter 1

There is music coming from the sky. Actual music.

Flocks of birds soar overhead, but they aren't just chirping away to announce a new day. They are actually singing, tweeting joyfully to the Beatles like they do this time every morning. I'm sitting by my open window, staring upwards, trying to process this strange occurrence that has dragged me out of bed.

There are birds... flying outside my window... singing pop tunes. Oh, and now they're flying in the shape of the heart, like little feathered skywriters. I blame it on the lack of sleep or maybe the early morning, but it takes my sluggish brain a few minutes to remember.

Magic. I live in a world of magic now.

The birds change to a Queen song. And as much as I love Queen, and I do, the undefinable mix of cute songbirds and uplifting melody is too much for me right now. I shut my window and lie back on my bed with a groan, the dampness of my pillow reminding me of my sleepless, tearful night. The music continues faintly from outside, cutting even deeper into my dark mood. I recheck my emails for the fourth time in ten minutes, but there's nothing new. No unread email. Nothing. Nada.

I groan into my pillow.

This time next year, I'll be in a different bed, in a different city, living a different life. I close my eyes and grip hard to the thought. Cling to it like I need it to breathe. Next year, I'll be at university, and all the memories of the things I'd lost could stay here.

Or I would be if Edinburgh could get their shit together and actually confirm my place.

Sighing, I drag myself out of bed and head downstairs. I hear Mum singing along to the birds as soon as I walk into the hallway.

The sweet smell of cinnamon hits me as I shuffle into the kitchen. Mum is stirring porridge in a saucepan, her hips swaying in time to the tune coming through the open window. I feel a sharp bite of resentfulness when I see her. She looks carefree in her perfectly put-together outfit, immaculate makeup, and all-round cheerfulness.

As if today was any other day.

Leah is already dressed and stirring her porridge absently as she stares down at her phone, lost no doubt in another romance novel. Despite being twins, we look nothing alike. Leah is pale and dramatic-looking; her glacier-blue eyes and lithe stature make her stand out in any crowd. With my brown hair and brown eyes, I scream average. She tucks her icy blonde hair behind her ear in concentration, her numerous gold hoops catching the sunlight, and not even noticing I've walked into the room.

I slip into the seat next to her as Mum puts the bowl of steaming porridge in front of me. My stomach locks down tight, and I fight the urge to push it away, knowing it would just cause a scene.

Mum sings, eardrum-shattering loudly next to me. "Eat up, love."

"Just heavenly, Mum." Leah snorts but smirks up at her.