Saving Hope

Chapter One

Hope-

Dear Frank Lloyd Wright Banks,

Today is the night mum died. I don't know whether to be happy or sad. She is off in a better place, away from all the pain. Yet I'm selfish enough to wish she wouldn't have died. Am I that bad of a person to wish her suffering for my own happiness? I guess I am.

"Hope, tea is done!" Charlie yelled from the other side of the door.

"One second," I shouted back wiping my wet cheeks. I sniffle, dragging the tip of my finger across my waterline to erase any signs of tears. I quickly wiped my nose with the sleeve of my jumper and shut my note book.

"Hope, go set the table," Dad said from over a pot on the stove. The aroma of spaghetti was enough for me to want to open a window to air out the strong scent.

I grabbed some plates, cups and forks. I arranged the materials in a perfect symmetrical order to each chair at the dinning room table. I watched Teddy run down the stairs and jump onto the old, brown couch. Grace was already at the table settled in her high chair ready to be fed. Charlie was in the kitchen arguing with dad.

The door opened to a smiling, love-dazed Faith. Obviously from the screeching of tires, Faith has been with her boyfriend. I have completely forgotten his name, but who cares, he's just the flavor of the month.

"Faith, your twelve minutes late," dad said sternly walking into the living room. I stand there awkwardly in the corner, listening in.

"Sorry dad we got stuck in traffic," she lied.

I studied her messy hair and swollen lips. It'd take a moron to believe her considering the car sat on the curb for fourteen exact minutes.

He sighed. "Fine just go get ready, teas almost done."

You idiot! I get in trouble for coming home a minute late actually telling you the truth and she can just get away with it! How the hell is that fair?

I walked over to a chair slumping into it. Slowly everyone followed getting into a chair. I guess Faith has a death wish, seeing as she sat next to me and Teddy, was just oblivious enough to take the open seat to my right.

The numb feeling as I looked down at the pile of sauce and noodles consumed me. I wasn't hungry, but then again when was the last time I wanted to eat?

"So how was everyone's day?" Dad asked trying to start a conversation.

Big mistake. Faith went on blabbering about how wonderful what's his name is and then Charlie complained about being ground and Teddy ranted about Call Of Duty.

"Hope, you're quiet. You went out today, where'd you go?" Dad points all attention to me and I silent stab myself.

I move the noodles around my plate with my fork not daring to share eye contact with anyone. "I went to the cemetery," I said quietly.

"Hope what did I say about..." Dad began but I cut him off.

"Today is the anniversary of the day she died, I just wanted to see her and say goodbye to mum again."

His mouth closed, his eyes burning into me.

He has forgotten the day his wife died.

"Everyone get your coats we're going to the cemetery," he said standing up abruptly going to his room.