SOUL SISTER

Part 1

" 10, 9, 8, ....... , 3, 2, 1 "

" Cling, cling "

Like every year since 2007, my father celebrates New Year with his friends. They gather downstairs to drink beer and play games while I sit here in my room locked, praying that the night will end soon. I tried so hard to fall asleep but with their loud laughter, I can't even seek peace of mind. As I was spacing out like every night, my phone rang.

" Hello "

" HAPPY NEW YEAR CASSIBOOOOOOOOOOOO "

As I have guessed, it was my friend Elena.

" Happy new year for you as well Eli "

" What are you doing ? "

" Nothing special "

" Can you come to my house now ? "

" I really can't, my father's here "

" Oh I see, see you then tomorrow "

" Nighty night "

" Don't forget to lock the door huh ! "

" It's locked, don't worry "

I put down my phone and fall in my bed. At least I have my friends. I may have lost my parents but I still have my friends by my side. Life may be too harsh for me but with them, I seem to have the courage to bear it all, to bear the pain that only gets bigger every day. As I was about to switch down the light and seek some sleep, my phone rang again signaling that I have got a message.

" Happy new year Cass, wish you all the best friendie, don't forget to lock your room "

I smile at the screen. Joe always knows how to draw a smile in my face in the hardest times and I am so grateful for that. I answer him back, put down my phone and head to the door to check if it is well locked.

The city is now embraced with joy and laughter. The night is lighted up with fireworks, giving life to the city and make it look like heaven on earth. I was watching those fireworks that were played in the sky that was full of shining stars and I found myself longing for those moments where I had to celebrate New Year's Eve surrounded by my family. Just like other kids, I used to do the countdown with my family and wish them a happy new year while savouring our meal, I used to welcome the new year with a heart full of hope and love, I used to sleep in New year's night and say that tomorrow would be a new day, I used to feel secured, I used to feel loved, I used to feel that I was not alone ...

I could still hear our laughter, I could still see how we were united as a family, I could still feel my father's touch on my forehead, I could still feel the warmness of my mother's hug. Yes , after all this time, I still remember every single thing about what I used to call " my family ".

" Cass, can you set the table, the dinner is almost cooked "

" Right away mom "

I ran to the kitchen to take the napkins and got hitted by the delicious smell that filled the room.

" Mom, you're cooking lasagna !! "

" Yeah, darling, it's your favourite "

" I love you mom, you're the best mother everrrr ! "

" As long as I am alive, I will always make sure to cook your favourite meals " my mother whispered while puting a warm kiss in my cheek

" And I will cook yours too momyy " I replied with a big innocent smile

Those moments, little and stupid they might seem, are the only thing that is left for me. Memories are my only consolation, my only refuge to escape the cruelty of this world. I didn't deserve this, all I asked for is a home where I could feel safe and what I got back is a ruined life full of disaster and misery. With no apparent reason, tragedy strikes us. It is like you have been living a dream and now you woke up to face the reality, just like I woke up that day to find out that my happiness had come to an end. If only I knew that my family would be ruined, I would have spent more time with them and had more memories to remember but it is now too late. Everything has changed and time can't be brought back. Maybe after all, this was meant to happen, I was supposed to spend the rest of my life going through too much pain.

" Crack "

The sound of the bottle crashing pulls me out of my thoughts. My father is still having fun with his non worthy friends. I actually don't hate him for being like this. For him, drinking is the only escape to heal the wounds or at least burry deep down the pain. I only blame him for forgetting about us. He forgot that he had two childrens to take care of, he forgot that we needed him the most, he forgot that he only made our life worse by turning his back to us.

Pain made of my father and me different : my father who was the kindest man ever became drunk spending his time in bars and the old innocent genuin girl became a numb person who sees life as a dark place full of demons and hatred. But as I said, this was our fate and we have nothing to do about it because this is the thing about pain, it is meant to be felt ...

Before sleeping, I decided to text my brother. It is too bad that he is always on duty since he is a pilot. I always feel lonely when he is not around and the day seems like months when he is away. I grab then my phone and think of a sweet message to send him. Being almost dumb when coming up with sweet messages, I decided to send the normal one.

" Happy new year Louis, wish you all the best ! "

After a few seconds, my phone started to ring. Louis must be probably calling.

" Hello sistaa "

" Heey bro "

" Are you enjoying the New year?"

" Don't mention it please "

" Come on , you must be outside now celebrating with your friends "

" My friends have their families to celebrate with "

There was this silence between us, this silence that shows that there are no more words to tell. As I started thinking that the conversation was over, my brother resumed it.

" Guess when I will be coming back ! "

" Please tell me it's tomorrow "

" BINGOO ! I always said my sister was good at guessing " my brother replied ironically

" Can't wait to see you "

" Me too Cass "

" Well, good night Lou "

" Good night Cass "

Before I hang up, I heard my brother's voice from the other line

" Cass wait ! "

" Whaaaat "

" Don't forget to lock the door "

" It's locked "

" Take care ! "

" You too and come safe tomorrow huh "

I can't deny, I am really excited to see my brother. I haven't seen him for three months and I am so eager to have him here with me because honestly, this house seems like a dungeon to me without him.