Hey There Delilah

Chapter One

Hehe I turned on the song "Hey There Delilah" while I wrote this

"Delilah! Time for school!"

I hopped out of bed, brushed my hair, put on clothes, and ran downstairs. We had moved into the house a little ways down the street, because our old one had taken so much damage it would have taken too long to fix. So now it sat there, a block or two down the street, like an empty shell full of memories.

I was fifteen now. A whole year had passed since the fire. In a week, it will be Travis' birthday. Also the day he died.

Pushing the thoughts from my head, I hopped the last two steps, and Millie Mae giggled, her light brown ponytail bouncing.

I kissed her on the forehead, and went in the kitchen, where Mom was sipping her coffee and reading her nook.

Dad had already left for work. His white truck was gone, leaving only Mom's pastel blue van.

Dermot, our border collie, attempted to get a piece of bacon, but Mom would inch it closer, then away just in time, teasing him. I laughed and finally through Dermot a piece. He yipped at Mom, as if saying "Ha!" and trotted off.

"School in ten minutes, sweetie. If you're walking, I suggest you leave now," Mom said, taking a bite of bacon.

"I think I'm gonna walk," I said, and went and got my school things. Millie Mae followed me all the way to the door.

"Deliyah! You fogot yous book!" She squeaked, handing me my library book. I smiled and hugged her.

Mom came into the hallway, telling Millie Mae it was time for her shower. I waved goodbye and headed out.

Outside, golden, orange, and bronze leaves fluttered down, littering the ground. Most still clung onto the tall trees above.

I got to the crosswalk, where a girl was already waiting. She had dark mahogany hair, and a face highly freckled. Her eyes were wide and really dark brown, almost black, making them look huge.

She turned when she saw me, and waved. I smiled and gave a small wave back.

"Hi, I'm Aislynn McCalister, but most people call me Aisl," she said when I got closer.

"Delilah Shuntt. Are you going to Winston High?"

"Yup! Today's my first day."

She started to say something else, but I had stopped listening. Her hair bounced and shone in the sun, bringing all the memories of the fire back.

I could feel the heat. Even though it was chilly outside, warm air slapped my skin. I started breathing heavily and fast. It was like I was back there again, the smoke filling up my lungs, threatening to suffocate me, to take me for its own.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a sharp prick on the nose. Blinking rapidly, I saw Aisl holding a pin, looking worried.

"Are you okay? You kinda spaced out. Then you started hyperventilating. I had already tugged your ear. When that didn't work, I poked you on the nose. What happened?"

I stood, dazed, staring at her. What could I say?

"It was nothing. I was just... remembering something," I said quickly.

I could tell Aisl didn't buy it. Her face was still twisted in worry. But she didn't object anymore, which was fine by me. We started walking down Main Street, passing all the old antique shops and cafes.