NOT A PHASE - (TNN - SORSCHA)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN - INVISIBLE STRING

Sometimes, Sorscha wondered how it was possible to be so surrounded by people yet constantly feel so lonely. Her dorm mates were lovely and she quickly made friends on her course. People were attracted to her loving energy and her open heart. No matter what she did to distract herself however, all she could focus on was the way her heart ached.

As Sorscha prepared to go home for Christmas she felt nervous. She'd not been back since moving away but she was excited to see her parents and to visit George. Trains made her sleepy so she had to force herself to stay awake to ensure that she didn't miss her changes. Finally, she exited the train station and saw her parents waiting for her, beaming. Immediately a three way hug ensued before they ushered their beloved daughter over to the car, eager to get her home.

It was strange being back in her old bedroom and as she looked out of the window, Sorscha couldn't help but smile. In her mind she saw the image of her Dad teaching her to ride a bike in the street below, encouraging her and telling her that she could do anything. As she flopped down on her bed she sighed and wondered if that was really true. Recently, she'd finally been trying to do the one thing she'd always dreaded. She'd been trying to let her go. Sorscha was jolted from her thoughts when her Mammy bustled into the room holding an envelope. "This came for you love, I forgot to tell you." Once she'd placed the letter on Sorscha's bed, she placed her hand gently on her daughter's arm and said "we've missed you. I know you're tired but we can't wait to hear about what you've been up to tomorrow." With that she was on her way, humming to herself as she headed back downstairs.

As soon as Sorscha saw the handwriting she knew exactly who the letter was from. Ripping it open immediately, she grabbed the folded paper inside as she started to read, her eyes filled with tears.

Dear Sorscha,

I'm so sorry I've not been in touch, my parents have been so strict since we moved. I miss you so much I can barely breathe, do you miss me too? I've got no idea when you'll get this, I'm just hoping it will find you, I'm assuming that you're at university. Not knowing anything about your life makes my chest ache, it feels so wrong. My parents forced me to take a 'gap year' to gain work experience before going to university. I'm planning to apply to Manchester, they don't know that though and I'm hoping that this September, I'll finally be free. Please tell me that I'm still in your thoughts and your heart, I'm so sorry that I've let you down. I'm still here waiting and I promise I'll be back. If you get this, meet me down by the river on August 29th, I'll be there at 11am, no matter what.

Please find me Sorscha.

I love you, always.

Clodagh

August was so many months away but that didn't matter to Sorscha. She'd create a countdown, cross the days off on a calendar, anything. Clodagh was coming back for her and Sorscha would find her. Nothing could keep them apart, the invisible string that tied them together was simply too strong.

Down by the river, two hearts would be reunited and little did they know they'd never be apart again. As the months passed Sorscha couldn't help but smile everyday, safe in the knowledge that she was loved.

Finally, the calendar read August 29th. Back for the summer holidays, the only thing Sorscha had pinned to the wall in her old bedroom was that solitary calendar. She drew a line through the 29 and immediately started to get ready, rushing with excitement. As she made her way down to the river, Sorscha realised that she'd never noticed just how beautiful the world really was. As sunbeams shone down, illuminating the water and the dew on the grass, finally Sorscha saw her.

Down by the river, a beautiful brunette with silvery eyes and delicate freckles.

Waiting for her.