Facing The Light [EDITING ON HOLD]

Chapter 3 ~ A Fresh Start

Chapter 3 ~ A Fresh Start

Dull. Cold. Lonely.

Everywhere were sad, empty faces. Everyone filled with pity and despair.

Moans and sobs sounded from all around me and my father. Everyone mourned over the loss. I didn't know the feeling that had crept into my heart. It was somewhere between ripped apart and pure sadness.

"What's going to happen now?" I asked in a whisper.

"I don't know. . . I just don't know."

I have never seen my father look so broken. His eyes were red from crying, his lips were cracked and his posture was slumped. I've never seen him like this; so sad and lonely. I was heartbroken.

"Today, we mourn over the loss of Julia Rose Marsden. Beloved wife and mother. May she rest in peace." The Pastor said and everyone repeated those last words.

"Rest in peace..."

* * *

A muffled scream had erupted into the peaceful night, disturbing the silence. Dad had pushed through the bedroom door to find out what happened. He wheeled over to me as I sat up panting deeply and sweating. I could still here the voices echo those three words in my head. Dad pulled me against his chest and stroked my slightly damp hair, whispering comforting words into my ear.

Almost every night was the same. Dad had gotten used to his daughter waking up screaming in the early hours of the morning. Every dream was the same. It haunted me ever since it happened.

"I wish it would end." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"I know sweetie, I know."

For the next few hours I had sat on my bed, sketching on the notepad I took out from my bag and taking my mind off the horrible dream. Dad had gone to get me a cup of tea. He told me it would help with the headache that pounded against the inner walls of my skull. I was exhausted, but afraid to fall back asleep. The sun had just started to come out and seep into the bedroom. I figured it was time to get to school.

Dad came in with a steaming brown mug full of tea. I took it off him, ignoring the slight burning sensation that the mug gave on my the tips of my fingers. I inhaled the herbal. It was my favourite. I thanked my father for the tea before he nodded and pushed himself out of the room.

After gulping down the scolding tea, I smoothed my hair into a high ponytail, got dressed into warm clothes and trudged outside, throwing my bag over my shoulder. It wasn't as cold as yesterday, but it was still a little chilly. I couldn't even think of food at that moment. The voices from the dream still echoed in my mind.

I entered through the school doors and made way to my locker. After shoving the text books into my bag, I noticed Wade walk past. He's back from the hospital so soon. Even though I hated his guts, I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I decided to talk to him; to see if he was okay.

Wade didn't notice me walk up to him until I cleared her throat. He turned around to face me, but I saw fear creep into his eyes.

He frowned. "Y - you." He mumbled in a whisper, his hands shaking and sweating all of a sudden.

I was confused for a second, but then I gave him a small smile. "You're back from the hospital."

He swallowed hard, taking a deep breath before speaking. "I - I need to go."

I grabbed his arm softly as he turned to leave. He jumped at the contact, his bottom lip trembling ever so slightly.

"Are you okay? Is everything alright?" I asked, a little worried at his behaviour.