Tales From the Celestials

pale cool skin so fair,

I ran till I couldn't breath, till my heart felt like exploding and the tears I'd been holding in flowed like a river down my ebony cheeks. Past the now suffocating black and grey structure of the school, down the bustling sidewalks bumping into a multitude of people, but all they did was slow me down.

I had to get away from all of this, to a place I could breath, calm the tremble in my body and let my emotions spill in privacy.

Only one place came to mind and I pushed my tired legs till I reached it.

Sunset Park hung above me engraved in the metal banner, now rusted and chipped. I slipped under the Keep Out tape through an opening in the overgrown hedges. An abandoned cobwebbed playground surrounded with overgrown vegetation and weeds welcomed me. I let my aching feet carry me to the swing-set not caring how the layer of dust that clung like a second skin dirtied my clothes. My leavender dress was already stained with mud and blood from my scratches

What was the harm of some dust at this point?

I felt pure relief as I sat down one of the swings letting my legs rest. My eyes drifted closed listening to the gentle song of the wind and birds chirping. Nature seemed to reclaim this park after it was shut down, weeds clustering every inch of the ground, spiders intertwining their intricate webs on the playground, birds, lizards and all types of insects dominating the trees. From above sunlight streamed through the small patches not covered by the foliage of the trees.

After the...incident that occurred here the police had shut it down and proclaimed it off limits to the public, of course they never reopened it, not that anyone would step foot here after that. Everyone avoided this place like the plague, it was like haunted houses in movies, fearing they'd be cursed for even glancing in it's direction that or it brung back unpleasant memories.

But for me it provided a safe place to hide away from reality, sometimes I'd bring stacks of books along with a picnic basket and spend the day reading melting into the tranquility and though I was alone I never felt lonely. Because I always felt his presence here...

Images of his snow white hair, pale skin and coal black eyes came to mind bringing with them nostalgia and a deep rooted pain, one that never left just layed in wait in the depths of my heart for something to remind me and it to break the surface. And today was like a hurricane tearing at the seal of my emotions breaking them loose.

I'd almost forgotten what he looked like. His face blurred in my mind from the time that had passed by. It had been three years now. Three years since the accident, three years since he had last given me a hug and three years since I'd lost my best friend.

"I must be going crazy." I said to myself. "There's no way it could have been him."

But the feel of his hand on my back was unmistakable, strong and reassuring, yet something felt off. Where I expected warmth, there was only a cold feeling.

                                                           ~~~

I'd somehow managed to gather up the strength to take a bus home. The driver and passengers eyed me with curious glances but honestly I was too tired to care.

Walking on the cobblestone path that lead to my house, I past the black iron fence and entered my grandmother's plot. It wasn't much, just a small cottage surrounded in greenery due to her obsession with plants. My parents had sent me to live here with her three years ago. They decided a life in a small town out in the country would be better for me that the hustle and bustle of the city.

I knew it was just an excuse to get rid of me while they were working through their divorce. But I think I preferred it this way. Life with my grandma was simpler than with my parents. Sure it had taken time to get used to the change but by now I've settled in.

I'd never been happier to see the familiar straw covered roof and brown brick building.

Finally I can put this day behind me and get some rest. As soon as I get in I'm taking a long nap.

Reaching the door I get ready to open with my key only to see it's already open.

Grandma must be back early from selling at the fruit market.

"Afternoon Gogo I'm back from school." I say entering the house.

"Welcome back Blessing, how are you?" My grandmother's warm but croaky voice sounds from the kitchen.

"Do I have a lot to tell you Gogo, my day was chaotic. I'm exhausted. " I reply making my way to the kitchen.

"Sorry to hear that my child, but why didn't you tell me your friend was coming over?"

"My friend? I didn't invite-"

I stop dead in tracks. Standing right there in my grandmother's kitchen is none other than the white haired ghost that's been haunting my mind all day.

"Hi Blessing." He says as if there isn't anything wrong.

I stare at him with a mixture of unshielded shock and exhaustion. Before me stands the boy who died in the accident three years ago. My best friend I'd lost forever. Up until now.

I only manage to say a faint " Hey Liam." Before blacking out.