Everything Changes

Chapter 1: The Beginning

   I was laying in bed, headphones in place as I blared my music in an attempt to drown out the emptiness that seemed to loom over my room. The mission was a failure, as my brain refused to give me a break.

It's strange how time continues to march forward whether you wanted it to or not. Yet, no matter how much time passes, after something tragic happens it can still feel like yesterday. It's like being stuck in limbo. Forever frozen.

My mind starts drifting to that night before I realize what's happening. The flash of the headlights, the screeching of the tires, the pain and that god-awful scream that still lingers in my ears right before the truck...

The sound of knocking on my door startles me, and thankfully, brings me back to reality. Though that doesn't stop the fresh pain that was creeping into my chest. The damage was already done.

I let out a shaky breath as I pulled my headphones out and took a moment to collect myself. Praying the pain in my chest subsided. It was making it difficult to breathe. I choked back a sob and quickly composed myself.

"Come in." I said faintly. Quickly wiping away the few tears that managed to escape. My brother, Andrew, pokes his head through the door before he fully opens it, looking at me. "Any chance you want to go out for pizza with Zack and I?"

Should I go? I pondered his questions, unsure about how to answer. My whole summer has been spent locked away in my room. On one hand it was a chance to hang out with both of them. On the other hand my stomach felt uneasy at the thought of it.

"It does sound like it could be fun... it's just, I'm not sure." The hopeful expression he was wearing falters for a moment before replacing it with a smile. The guilt instantly tugged at my heart strings.

"It would be, but it's okay if you aren't feeling up to it." It wasn't fair to him. He spent his whole summer giving me space and making sure that he was there if I needed anything. Ignoring the fact that the accident affected him just as much as it did me.

Knowing I had been a crappy sister sat heavy on my chest. "Do you think maybe Emma could join us?" His eyes lit up. "Shouldn't be a problem, let her know then we can swing by and pick her up."

Andrew turned to leave but paused in my doorway, as if he was contemplating something before turning back and facing me. "I hope you know that no matter what I'm here for you. I know that it's been hard since the accident, but you can always rely on me."

I lowered my head, nodding, unable to look him in the eyes. As tears resurfaced threatening to spill out. The guilt started to eat away at me. The sound of my door closing, took all the fight out of me, as the flood gates poured open.

I wished I could be as strong as him, and be there for him. Like he was for me. He put all his time and effort into making sure everything stayed together. How did he find the strength for that?

I needed to calm myself down before I spent the night curled up in a ball. Forcing myself up, I grabbed my phone from the dresser, and dialed Em's number. She answered immediately.

'Why, hello there beautiful?" Her comment caused me to snort. "Sure, anyway, want to go get pizza with the group?" The phone cuts out, but not before her high pitch scream destroys my eardrums.

"You know it baby girl. Let me get dressed, and you better do the same, no sweats," My eyes automatically rolled knowing I'd lose the argument. "Whatever you say-" She hung up abruptly, unwilling to give me the chance to tell her no.

The stinging in my chest returned as realization hit me. I'd been a crappy sister, on top of being a crappy friend. I'd neglected my best friend, and yet there she was, by my side waiting patiently.

Forcing myself towards my closet, I reached for my favorite purple top and dark skinny jeans, pairing them both with my black combat boots. I grabbed the hairbrush next to me before sliding my closet door closed.

Staring in the mirror I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. The only thing we had in common anymore, were the blue eyes reflecting back at me. They were significantly duller than what they once were. Oh well, nothing can be done about that.

I quickly pull the brush through my long brown hair, before giving myself a once over. Good enough. I give myself a pointed look before walking away. Don't mess this up for them.

You can do this. I chant and make my way downstairs, towards the kitchen to get a drink, while I wait. The house was eerily silent as my mom had already left for her night shift.

She was a nurse and she'd recently started picking up extra shifts. She wasn't home as often as she used to be. I hate it. What used to be a place of warmth and fulfilling meals, was now just a cold tiled room and mostly microwaved food. Echo's of laughter still hung in the air.

My mom never talked about her job, leaving her work behind as soon as she stepped through the door. Her full attention was on us. Which was something I always admired about her.

From what I've been told my mom was very caring, and compassionate about her job. In fact her job is the reason I met Emma. Her mom had become really sick and my mom had taken care of her. They bonded over both having daughters the same age. So they introduced us and the rest was history.

Those days held some of my fondest memories. Although Em could be a total brat when we were kids. She never wanted to share any of her toys, always wanted the biggest portion, and she was always so bossy. That part stays between us.

As for me, I was the complete opposite. I always wanted to share with her, never complained when she swiped the biggest portions, and never cared when she bossed me around.

Because even as kids I knew she was my best friend. Over the years she changed, she was no longer that pigtailed bossy girl who I'd have play dates with. Instead she became someone who I could always count on.

In third grade this boy, Gregory Campbell never missed an opportunity to pick on me, it was his mission to make me cry. Being a shy kid, I couldn't bring myself to fight back but Em could. She reached her limit one day and he never messed with me again. An atomic wedgie could certainly deter even the meanest of playground bullies.

It might sound cliche but Em was my better half. She always coaxed me out of my comfort zone, sometimes too far for my liking, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't know what I'd do without her friendship and guidance; especially in these past five months. She's been my everything.

My mind had been so preoccupied that it had taken me a moment to realize Andrew was calling my name. "Aria? Are you ready to go? I've been calling your name." I set the glass I'd been holding into the sink and followed him out the front door.

"Sorry, kind of dozed off there, since it doesn't take me a million years to do my hair." He rolled his eyes at me as I suppressed a chuckle. He knew I was right. He was always late because he spent too much time on his hair.

It felt nice to joke around with him again, almost normal, until my hand reached for the passenger side door. Fear crept in my chest as my hand lingered there. A memory flashed through my mind. Temporarily freezing me in place. Please, not now. My hand forcibly gripped the handle, yanking the door open, I climbed inside without giving it a second thought. 

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I hope you guy's enjoyed the very first chapter. I know it's short and it's not what I intended but I hope you like it anyways! Please don't forget to heart and leave a comment. I greatly appreciate the feedback! - Xoxo Night <3

UPDATE I HAVE GONE BACK AND GIVEN THIS CHAPTER A SERIOUS UPDATE AND I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE IT <3