saving allison [on hold]

g o n e

c h a p t e r   o n e 

The rain pours down on us as we walk to the grave. The sky must be feeling the pain and loss in the air. We sit down as the preacher begins. I look down at the grave where he is about to be laid to rest. I look to my left and see tears sliding down Aaron's cheeks. I look to my right and find the seat where my father should be, empty. A sudden anger rips through me and fire surrounds us. I glance up among the destruction and see Aaron looking at me in pure horror as if to say, "what have you done?" And then I see him, Jackson, alive and well, trapped by the flames. "Lee save me!" But there is nothing I can do as I watch the flames eat at my baby brother.

"Beep beep beep!" My alarm startled me, waking me up from a nightmare. I grabbed my stuffed bunny, Calico, and hold her close. She was a birthday present from Jack, his last gift to me.

"Honey, come downstairs, breakfast time!" my mom yelled. I quickly pulled on some yoga pants and ran downstairs. I could already smell the bacon.

When I arrived in the kitchen, a tall figure was standing over the counter talking with my mother.

"Aaron!" I yelled as I jump into his arms. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in LA?"

"Nah, I came home to tell you some news." He replied, a smile lighting up his face. I hadn't seen Aaron in months due to the fact that Aaron was currently recording a new album. I reached up to push my brother's floppy bangs out of his face. "Wow, you've really gotten tan," I said, "L.A. must be treating you well. How much longer will you be staying there?"

"About that," Aaron cringed. My smile faltered fractionally,

"What? Aaron, tell me," I demanded. Then, I heard a deep cough from behind me. Turning, I was suddenly facing my worst nightmare. "Father," I said, my voice showing no emotion, "To what do I own this greatest displeasure?" My father stared back at me, the disappointment evident in his eyes. "Allison, try and be polite. I am here for Aaron's news just like you are." I whirled around and face my brother,

"You invited him?" I asked, my voice on the edge of hysteria.

"It wasn't my choice." Aaron replied, his voice just slightly defensive.

"Lee, manners! Your father happens to own this house. Show him a little respect!" my mother gasped, coming around the counter.

"Sure mom, whatever floats your boat," I said sarcastically, "and don't call me Lee."

"Allison don't talk to your mother that way," my father growled, anger clouding his voice.

"Whatever, I'm out of here. Sorry Aaron, tell me what you were going to say later," I said, barely controlling myself as I headed back towards my room.

"Young lady you don't you don't leave. Sit yourself down now," my father commanded. I sat down and glare at my brother, making it a point to show him how uncomfortable I was. Aaron cleared his throat,

"As you know, I have been working really hard with Ava, my producer, to put together a new album. To make up for canceling my last tour, we decided to join up with Empire for the ending of their tour."

"So why is he here?" I asked. Aaron shoots me a death glare.

"I'm getting to that. I would like it if you all could join me on tour, just for the summer at least," he finished sheepishly, looking around to gauge our reactions.

"Oh we would love to!" my mother said the joy evident in her voice.

"Allison?"

"Of course Aaron. I wouldn't miss it for the world." My dad coughed again,

"I'll think about Aaron." Suddenly, I became angry, ridiculously angry.

"I'll think about it? I'll think about it? You haven't come to a single event involving either of us. You owe us, especially Aaron, after you ditched us last summer..."

"Allison, it's okay," Aaron said, pulling me away.

"I know, but I'm just so mad at him, waltzing in after two years and pretending that he still has control over our lives," I sighed, sliding against the wall.

"He's trying his best Allie," Aaron sighed as he came to sit next to me. I snorted,

"If this is his best, I wonder what his worst is."

"Allie..."

"I know I know, I'll give him a break."

"Thanks Allie. I love you ya know?"

"I love you too loser. Although next time, give me a little heads up?" I asked, turning to face him.

"I'll do my best sis. You ready to go to school? We can leave through the back if you'd like." I sighed, after that show down school was the last thing on my mind.

"I guess I don't have any other choice do I?"

"Nope," he said, hoisting me up. "Let's go."