Both our Hearts

CHAPTER ONE: ANDY

There is smoke everywhere even the air is filled with soot.
l can't even breathe properly neither can l see clearly.
l cough a few times before trying to get up but l can't seem to, something is blocking me.
I struggle to lift my head a little in order to see what it is, my eyes are killing me feels like there are broken glasses in there.
Tears stream down my cheeks uncontrollably.
I then move my hands to feel my legs but l touch someone's shoulder covered in a sweater; shocked l move my hand to trace the object that is lying atop.
l moved my hand around and suddenly l reach closed eyes l move my hand further and feel a person's head immediately l recognize the haircut from somewhere.
I use the life left in me to move the body and soon after l stumble and stagger eventually l am on my feet.
I face the dead body Infront of me, my knees buckle and l fall back onto the rough surface not because l am powerless but because the dead body in front of me belongs to my dad, it's my dad.

How can it be what happened, I can't seem to fathom this?
It takes me a couple of minutes to take it all in and here l stood drained of all power in the midst of our house which had been burnt down to the ground.

I could still spot a few areas of the house with unextinguished fire, everything is barely recognizable.

We lived in the best part of town so how come there is no 911, fire brigade or anyone showing concern.

I continue crying my heart out scanning and moving around looking for both my mother and little brother Josh.

Once again l stumble on another dead body.
All the color drowns from my face when l see my mom lying on a broken vase.

I bend down to feel her pulse but l felt nothing instead a the warmth she radiated was gone.

I must be dreaming.

It must be a bad dream,  definitely a bad dream.

A nightmare.

I hit my head twice and it responds with a sharp pain.
It's not a dream and neither is it a nightmare.

I am awake, wide awake.

And all this is really happening,  my mom and dad are dead.

I continue looking around for Josh.

That's when flashes from last night start coming back.

I fall on my knees holding my head as l was feeling pain and my ears were ringing. 

I remember everyone on the table ready for diner and l was helping my mom dishing out.
I was the one who had prepared fish lasagna and tiramisu  for dessert.

What can l say my family is very fond of cheese.

l had set the table and everything else so everyone was really looking forward to it.

"How was the interview did you get the job." Mom asked as we were getting juice.

"I did-----, " before l could finish dad interrupts me.

"That's good news."  Dad says grinning from ear to ear.

The whole family congratulate me with smiles but mom notices something.

"What's wrong pumpkin, you don't like the job?"

"No l love it. Of course, but they said l am a little young so l will be getting a senior field detective on all my cases for a year." I say with disappointment.

"What, you don't need to feel bad it's actually a good thing you will learn from an experienced person after this year you will be unstoppable right Frank?"
Mom says eyeing my dad who had been distracted by the food on the table.

"What?" He asks absent minded and they each exchange looks with each other.

"Yes of course pumpkin, you don't have to feel bad this is what you wanted and l am so proud of you, my baby."  Dad says and mom smiles hugging me passionately.

"So, when are you starting?" Dad asks.

"Monday, though l am needed at the Precinct on Saturday." I tell both mom and dad.

"Am l the only one who is hungry." My little brother impatiently says and everyone laughs.
We all hold hands and we thank the Lord for the food before everyone digged in.

"It really smells nice sis." Josh compliments as we start to eat.

"And it tastes delicious, where did you learn to cook this wonderfully?" My dad says as he stuffed more food in his mouth.

The compliments kept coming as we proceeded with eating.

"We will go shopping tomorrow you still haven't bought any new clothes." My mom says.

"I will call in sick tomorrow," she adds.

"We don't have to make a big deal out of it, l already have so many clothes to wear." I say.

"Listen to your mother Detective Givens." My dad says proudly.

"It has a nice ring to it Andy." My little brother adds soon after dad.

"I have something for you pumpkin." My dad says as he went into his room to collect the 'something'.

I curiously wait for his return and watch mom as she smiles at me.
After dad comes back, he hands me a small box that fits perfectly in my palm and l am thinking what could be this small.

"Car keys!!!!!"

Of course, car keys would fit in the small gift box.

I abruptly hug my dad tears of joy streaming down my face.

*************
Enjoy :)

😂😂 Weird statement considering the chapter is a bit morbid

Anyway l hope you feel like reading more of that 😁😁😁

All my live
Mac