Layla stared at her plate, finding it difficult to have an appetite. She never really did anymore. Janice and David continued to eat, allowing a silence to fill the room.
Janice watched Layla for a moment, confused. "Layla, why aren't you eating?"
Layla shrugged, continuing to stare at the food on her plate. Janice exchanged a look with David, nodding at him to say something.
"How's school been?" David began.
Layla shrugged again.
"You've been keeping up your grades, I presume?" he questioned.
She sighed before shrugging again.
His stare grew sterner. "Are you going to say something, Layla?"
Layla finally met his eyes. "Should I say something?"
"You should always speak when spoken to. Didn't I teach you that?" he commented, his eyebrow raised.
Layla shrugged and David felt his blood begin to boil. It was if she was threatening his power in the family. Which she actually wasn't. He was about to raise his voice when Janice stepped in.
"Why don't you go to your room honey? I'll bring you up some hot chocolate later."
Layla nodded, leaving the room as quickly as she could. She did not want to be around when the argument started.
"Why do I even bother? Why do anything?" she muttered under her breath. Clearly all the understanding she once had was gone.
Layla slid into her bed, staring off in space. Her moment of peace was short-lived as Oliver skipped in, Cameron shadowing behind.
"Come on Layla!"
Layla groaned, barely paying him any mind.
"Aren't you excited?" Oliver asked, tugging on her sleeve. Layla turned away from him, staying silent. Oliver turned to Cameron, confusion painting his face. "Why isn't she excited?"
Cameron sighed, ruffling his hair. "Why don't you go meet up with Kylo? I'll see if I can work my magic."
"Okay!" Oliver ran out of the room, more excitement in his step.
Cameron let his smile slip, walking towards Layla. He sat on the edge of her bed, sighing, "You're going to break his heart, Layla. Why won't you come?"
Layla huffed, still not meeting his eyes. "I don't look at the stars anymore Cam. It doesn't feel right."
"Not even just this once? Why not for Oliver? He was really excited. He could barely sit still all day." Cameron commented, praying she would change her mind. He didn't want to see his face when he told him she wouldn't be coming.
Layla sighed, but refused to leave.
Cameron left the room, sparing her one more glance before exiting.
Layla stood up, roaming around her room. A few hours past and Kylo entered a package of new paint in hands.
"What's that for?" she stopped, staring at the package. She knew exactly what it was.
"Well most people use it to paint things." Kylo smirked playfully, hoping to earn a smile.
Layla instead rolled her eyes. "I'm asking why you bought it for me."
"Well I know my little sister loves to paint more than anything." he continued.
Layla sighed, immediately saddening at the thought. "Loved, you know I don't do it anymore." she corrected.
Kylo, who knew this was coming, wanted to know why. "And why is that?"
Layla shook her head, clearly not wanting to talk about it. That would mean she would have to think about Hope and how she wasn't here anymore.
"Hey, I spent money on this. I deserve to know why you won't use it. Nothing is stopping you, it's your choice."
Layla groaned, knowing he wasn't going to let up on the topic. "It just doesn't feel right, okay?"
Kylo nodded, understanding what she meant. "And it will never feel right again."
Layla looked up at him. "What?"
"Hope is gone, you'll never have the feeling of having her by your side again. So what's your point?"
"I can't do it." Layla shook her head forcefully. "I gave them up, I can never get them back."
"That's your choice. But eventually, you'll have to move on. You can't hold onto the past, it's always moving."
Layla went silent at that, knowing that he was right. Even though she wished he wasn't.
"If you change your mind, my gift still stands."
He left the room, leaving her to her own thoughts.
"Is it really my choice?"
She wasn't sure.
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Hope you liked it!
Hope you have an amazing day!
-Snowy
YOU ARE READING
A Spark of Hope
General FictionLayla has always been the outcast of the family. Her creativity has always set herself apart from her siblings, one being a sporty jock and the other a genius. But she doesn't let that stop her, to her all she needs is the support of her best friend...
