The Fallen Star

Chapter 2

Haedum

She was like death, desirable.

I have always wanted to taste death, the first time, last year, I overdosed myself to the point where I was unconscious but I knew I'd survive. That day was the first time, I had seen her, standing there watching me, waiting for my soul to leave my body so she could claim it, her orbs black with a tint of gold gleamed watching me, little did she know, I could see her too.

The second time, I opted for a more dramatic way, slitting my wrist enough to lose my consciousness, she was there again and I smiled looking at her. She stared at me with a curious gaze, unable to understand. I loved that look on her. Her body went rigid, as she realized she wasn't getting my soul today either. Her eyes were greedy for it, I could sense it. Her non-existent heartbeat quickened when she saw me smile, as I regained consciousness. She was still standing there.

Over time, whenever I missed her, I knew what I had to do. At first, I was afraid, the temptation to see her gleaming eyes, her annoyed lips and slender fingers playing with her caramel brown hair always overtook me. As time passed, I realized death wasn't in my fate, not so easily at least. I had no idea why I never made it to the other world, not that I wanted to, I had to stay alive not for myself, for Sarah, but as long as I got to see her, the survival was worth it.

This time also, I knew she was watching me, amused or annoyed but she was there waiting for it to happen, she knew it wouldn't happen but she was there. And this time, I wasn't going to let her slip, I needed her close to me. The temptation was growing. And I needed answers. Answers that my parents never gave me before they died last year in the accident we had. I replayed the earlier encounter in my head.

As I saw her standing up there on a cliff, thinking maybe I couldn't see her. I called out to her. Her shocked face was enough to tell me I was correct in assuming she did not know I could see her whether she wanted to show herself in front of me or not.

As I walked to her, I felt her power around her. She played the human part very well. I saw her Chevrolet and was amused at her color choice. Pink was the new black maybe? Or maybe I shouldn't be biased with associating black to the goddess of death.

The conversation with her was short but it progressed certainly.

I knew I would meet her soon again and till that time I had some work to do.

I had always known I was not normal like the people around me. I was very weak when I was born, my health always deteriorated but I started recovering around the age of 13 when my parents moved back to their hometown Texas, it wasn't the best place but it was bearable, Making friends were easy but keeping them from getting involved in my life was difficult especially with Eden with whom I had clicked on first day only. There was some vibe I got from him, I couldn't place my fingers on it but it was there. My grandparents had died when I was too young and apparently I had no cousins. I never questioned anything my parents said, no matter how unbelievable it was. But I knew I had to find the answers now, not only for myself for my baby sister, she is too young to be able to figure out anything yet, but she has a mysterious aura too and the sooner I am able to find some truth about my family and their roots, the better I can figure out everything.

Goddess of death can wait for my soul a bit more. I went to my baby sister's room, watching her play with her nanny, I entered the room. She looked up from her toys and ran my way with arms open wide.

"Baboo" I cooed and picked her up, dismissing the nanny politely.

"Did you miss me? I'm sorry I was away for so long, I had some things to take care of." She nestled her head on my shoulder and I felt wetness on my shoulder. I knew she was crying, our parent's death wasn't easy for her, she is just 6 years old and it was too confusing for her. As hard as it was for me, I knew better than to give her false hope. I had explained to her that our parents missed their parents and went to them so we should let them stay with them. They have been away from them for too long so we shouldn't bother their happiness. It was hard for her, but she understood. Sarah, had always been sharp and although I fed her a made-up story I knew she had realized what had happened, she never said or asked about our parents but she would silently cry for them on my shoulder, whenever she missed them.

I gently patted her head, letting her know I was there for her. She stopped after a while, falling asleep in my arms. I stood up and carefully took her to her bed and tucked her in. It would take her an hour of sleep before she would wake up from exhaustion of crying by keeping her feelings inside. So I went to the kitchen to prepare something for dinner for her.

I checked the chart and saw she had taken an egg sandwich for breakfast and baked potatoes for lunch. I made her nanny write stuff so that I wouldn't repeat it. Her nanny, Aline, was a kind soul, ever since our parents, she volunteered herself to take care of Sarah. Sarah was attached to her anyway so I had thought it was easier this way. I was mostly busy taking care of my father's firm and then finding links to my family history. Not to mention, the days I stepped out of my life to meet death. Sarah does not know, nobody knows it except my parents. I had told them and strangely they believed me. Although I had questioned them about it. They told me that time would tell. Now I have to find answers, I cant wait for time.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize Sarah was up and sitting at the table staring at me. I walked over to her carrying a tray with two bowls of chicken broth with baked bread and grilled chicken with mushroom gravy. I smiled at her, sitting beside her and placing her food in front of her.

"You look tired, Haedum." She commented.

"I am tired." I accepted it. I don't hide my feelings from Sarah, she understands everything, and although she can not advise me, she listens to me and hugs me.

She stood up and hugged me from the side. I smiled at her gesture. She was just like mom. Hardly said anything but always comforted me with hugs and smiles.

"Thank you, let's eat, and then we shall talk?" She nodded. It was her favorite thing of the day, to sit with me and talk.

Once we were done with dinner, we went to the sitting near the pool and she told me everything about her past few days. How Aline helped her with school homework and is teaching her piano.

I feel myself relaxing and losing all my bothering thoughts as I enjoy her talk about her life without a care in the world.

Once she is done, she yawns loudly. Taking that as my cue, I walk with her to her room and tuck her in kissing her goodnight on the forehead and walk to my room which is just opposite hers.

I leave Aline a message to take off for a few days as I'll stay with Sarah and wire her the money for the past few days. I close my eyes as exhaustion takes over me and sigh loudly thinking about the board members meeting tomorrow. I will officially be taking my father's position tomorrow after a hard battle and continuous proving of myself worthy of it for a year.

I close my eyes, without bothering to change and let sleep take over me.

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Hello readers.

Things might be confusing but they will get better.

Stay strong everyone, I hope you find happiness in whatever you do.

Love from Pakistan.