A Family Matter

Chapter 1

Elizabeth was sitting on the balcony, on top of a table, with her arms resting on the baluster in front of her. The table was covered in candy wrappers and soda cans left by students before the show. Elizabeth had to move the mess aside so she could sit on the table. Her feet were dangling above the ground and moved to the beat of the music. 

Everyone wanted to sit in the front of the school theater to see the performances up close. Proud fathers flashed their cameras to remember this moment for the rest of their lives. To show distant relatives and future husbands or wives the amazing show their children put up. Mothers with tears in their eyes as it was hopefully the last time their teenager would step foot in the school, apart from taking the final exams and graduating.

If they failed their finals and had to redo the entire year, mommy and daddy would be just as excited next year. Proudly sitting in the front of the theater.

It was quieter in the back of the theater. Because of the distance to the stage, Elizabeth could only vaguely see what was happening at the front. However, the songs the seniors performed for their final music grade were good to hear since they set up multiple speakers throughout the room. Two seniors walked up on stage and announced a small 15-minute break. Soft music started playing to fill the silence while everyone was going to get coffee.

In two years time, Elizabeth might be the one up on that stage, followed by a few years of college doing God knows what. A shiver went down her spine. Lately, she had a hard time imagining a future, let alone thinking of life after high school. I would probably not make it to 23 anyways. 

Elizabeth sighed as her chest became heavy and a wave of sadness took hold of her. She breathed in, whilst resting her head on her arms. 

One second, two seconds, three seconds. Hold. And out. One second, two seconds, three seconds. Hold. 

Repeat. 

In. One, two, three. Hold. And out. One, two, three. Hold. Repeat.

In. One, two, three. And out. One, two, three. Repeat.

In. And out. Repeat.

In. And 

"I see you've made home here?" The sudden voice startled Elizabeth, making her heart beat faster. Out. One, two, three. She sat up and raised her eyebrows at the person standing 2 meters behind her. The dark theater made it difficult for her to see who it was. She squinted her eyes.

"Because of all the candy wrappers and empty soda cans," he said to clarify his question. He took a step towards the table Elizabeth was sitting on. "It's Jasper, by the way. Jasper Hale. I'm one year above you."

"Oh.. No. These were already here." Elizabeth shrugged and turned her head away from Jasper, looking back to the stage again. Jasper was one of the Cullen family. They were loners. Elizabeth hadn't often seen them talk to another student outside class. He probably thinks I'm pathetic for sitting here alone. She swallowed. There was a lump in her throat from the lingering sadness.

Jasper walked towards the table and stopped when he was next to it. "Do you mind if I sit here?" He asked as he gestured to the table.  

Elizabeth shrugged again but didn't answer. Please go away. Jasper took it as a 'yes', grabbed the cans and wrappers, and threw them in the trash bin. When he was done, he sat down next to Elizabeth. He made sure there still was a bit of space between them. Jasper didn't say anything. He just sat there. Waiting for the show to start again. I don't know why he's here.

Elizabeth lay her head on her arms again and looked down at the ground. I hope he won't notice... But I hope he does notice. Tears clouded her view as her chest grew heavier.