Forgetting

Home, Sweet Home

Have you ever been on a holiday without your family, and the moment you return home everything stands still for a while as you take in the things you've missed throughout the time you've been gone. The lampshade, the creaking wooden floors, that on a normal day would annoy the crap out of you, but because it's this day is a reminder of home. The room that holds your personality and the bed that you sleep in. Your family.

I feel that as I walk into my house. The feeling of warmth and home.

I spot my brother and sister standing, patiently waiting for my return. "Hey, guys..." My voice is ragged, ad the sudden thirst for water over powers me.

"Allie..." My brother breathes out my name, and I watch as my sister cries for me. It's all very overwhelming, witnessing people who you'd think would be the strongest, crumble and break right in front of you.

"Are you tired?" My father speaks, and I notice suddenly how Thomas has fallen quiet, and I get the feeling that's not what he does very often.

"Hm, I've missed my bed." I admit this with no shame, and feel happy when my sisters frown turns into a small smile.

"Only you, Allison." She giggles at me, and approaches. She is clearly weary of my reaction to this, as her hands are held out slightly as if to say 'Don't shoot! I'm on your side!' and I find myself wanting to hug her.

"Thomas, it's been a long night, go home fella." My brother speaks up, and a wave of guilt flows over me, he's been up all night, because of me.

Thomas makes no move to decline this suggestion, giving me a quick peck on the cheek before turning to leave with a tired smile.

"I'll see you when I see you, Allison..."

"Goodbye Thomas.." I don't know why but this farewell saddens me, but I think no more of it as I am brought up to my room and put into bed. Tucked in by my little sister.

I look around and take in my dull surroundings. My walls are painted cream, with a pretty white desk and chair, and my photography hung around in random places. It's all unorganised and messy, but the sense of familiarity is so strong the desire to change it quickly fades away.

"I guess you don't remember me, huh?" The soft voice of my sad little sister distracts me from my daze, and I look up to meet her swimming eyes.

The question is asked with hurt, and that's the last thing I want to be doing the second I return home. "I have parts, you know, pieces of you in my mind." I'm frowning, lost in thought, trying desperately to remember the things she wants me to.

"What can you remember?" The question is sharp, almost afraid.

"I-I remember we had a fight, a big one, over some boy," I roll eyes with a smile, "I remember telling you that he was mine and you couldn't have him..." I meet her gaze now, and find her eyes scared.

"I remember you breaking your arm, and having to wear a cast to the dance. So I wore one too, deciding if you looked a fool, so would I..." We both smile at this memory, that to her would seem a lifetime ago, but to me, feels like yesterday.

"You moaned all night about how your arm was sweaty." She rolls her eyes, as if remembering it.

"I bet it was! Those casts are nasty, I'm telling you!" I defend myself quickly and want to jump around in joy when a laugh escapes her lips. Mission accomplished.

"You must be tired..i will leave you now." The reminder of my lack of sleep makes my eyes fall droopy. "Love you, Allie..."

"Love you too, Paige..."