𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈

𝐬𝐢𝐱

It was Monday morning, and Gemini was gone. I debated going to school, not wanting to face condolences or any sympathetic looks. I just wanted a normal day. My usual favorite oatmeal tasted like sadness. Nothing seemed appetizing.

It was day three, and the pain still felt raw. I checked my phone, missing Gemini's usual messages. He'd always send a "have a good day" or offer a ride home after school was done. Now, that was gone too. 

   Isis sat across from me, silent. She hadn't spoken a word since finding out, and I could feel her pain too. Gemini was not only my best friend but also like a big brother to her. She loved him, and so did I.

My dad came downstairs, wearing a wife beater and jeans, his tattoos visible on his left arm. "Good morning, beautiful ones"  he said, kissing each of our cheeks.

"You still here?"He checked his watch, and I knew it was time to go. But I just couldn't gain the strength to get up from the table. My dad looked at me, knowing. "You don't have to go to school if you don't want to" he said.

I nodded, but what was I staying home for? To dwell on my thoughts? No, school was the better option. "I'll go, Dad"  I said, standing up and pushing my chair back. I grabbed my car keys and called out to Isis, "Come on." She put her plate in the sink, grabbed her backpack, and followed me out to the car.

"Try to have a good day, girls" my dad said, standing in the doorway.

    I slowly backed out of the driveway, careful not to hit anything. "He's so embarrassing" Isis said, rolling her eyes and gesturing towards our dad, who was watching us from the door.

It was the first thing she'd said all morning. I chuckled in agreement, "He is, though." As I pulled out of the neighborhood, my Dad headed back inside.