Dead and Grey *dark*

Day One

Track one: The Beginning of the End, Klergy
(Start music at paragraph marked **)

Death can be expected; it's what follows death that will drop you where you stand.

~~~

The sounds of screaming surround me, making me claustrophobic. Being in the middle of a roaring crowd is not my scene; Sammy is going to owe me after this. I pull my phone out of my back pocket and try my best to ignore the screaming fans of our "totally-super-awesome" football team, as Sammy calls it. I never wanted to step foot back in a high school since I graduated last year. Having a sophomore little sister kinda throws a wrench in that.

I'll admit, I was pretty proud when she made it onto the cheer team. Although, I hate every school function, I wouldn't miss seeing her perform for anything. The look on her freckled face made my heart feel full.

The sun has just finally set, the stars coming out and creating a peaceful ambiance over the hectic crowd.

"Delia! Down here!" The sound of my name being called draws my attention away from the dark sky and to the bottom of the bleachers where my little sister stands, waving her arms. Her dusty blonde hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail. A sparkly blue bow sits perfectly on top of her head. She waves her hand again, gesturing for me to come down.

A big smile forms on my face as I make my way through the busy crowd and down to her. She greets me with a hug before placing a small pin in my hand with her face on it.

We're polar opposites in any aspect. Her eyes shine with a purpose my own lack and her bright, glowing skin is unblemished whereas mine is blotched with heat from long days in the sun. She carries a smile with her wherever she goes, mine only exists when I'm with her.

"We just got these from the pictures we got taken the other week! Coach made them herself and I thought you'd want one. I'm about to go out there though! It's my first performance as you know and I'm totally nervous but also not really because the coach said I'm really good!" Her high-pitched words all run together in an excited rant. She was shaking from nerves.

"You're gonna do great Sams and you look beautiful in that outfit!" I readjust the bow in her hair slightly, making it more centered.

At my words, she strikes a pose to show herself off. We chuckle in unison, but are interrupted by a screech of a whistle in the air. Both of our heads snap towards the noise, before looking back at each other.

"Gotta go?" I ask, assuming that was her signal.

"Yeah! Did Mom and Dad end up making it?" She does a small, unsure look around, scouting for our parents.

"Not this time, Mom called about an hour ago and said they got called into emergency surgery. Said it might be a few hours." I attempt to give her my best hopeful glance, knowing this news would be disappointing for her.

They've always been so busy helping other people and saving lives, which is amazing; but, it can be hard not having your parents around. I know it affects Sam more than me. They had me young, so I stayed with our grandparents a lot. Grandpa taught me how to fish and shoot a gun. Grandma taught me how to take care of the chickens and plant vegetables. I miss them so much. Most of the time, they feel more like my parents than my actual parents.

They had grown up a little more by the time Sammy came around. They spent a lot more time with her when she was younger, but by the time we were old enough to watch over ourselves they were back to working all day, every day.

Sams eyes droop slightly but I stay supportive in my stance.

"They'll be here next time Sams I'm sure of it." I give her shoulder a light squeeze, setting in the lie.