The Tree (#justwriteit)

Chapter 1

I look forward and all I see are the vast and empty fields before me. The gentle breeze caresses my face as the sun turns the view a relaxing gold colour. My feet dangle below me as i'm comfortably sat on top of a very tall tree that I have named Bert. 

Bert knows me better than anyone I know. I visit him daily and tell him about my life, not that much happens in it. Ever since I finished school 11 months ago, I haven't left the house, unless it's to visit Bert of course. My old friends have moved on, and i'm almost 100% sure they have forgotten my existence, but that's okay, no people = no stress, right?

I look up at the sky as its turning the colours of a rapid fire, it's as if the clouds are burning with passion. Sometimes I wish i could be more like them, the clouds I mean. They are free, passionate and beautiful. Whereas I, Dara Jones, am bland and boring. Kind of like porridge oats, without any of the fruit and flavor, nasty.

I realise I am speaking all of this to Bert. But he doesn't mind he just sits and listens, as always, with no judgement, which is why I like him.

"Bye buddy." I say as I tap the sturdy branch below me and venture down the tall trunk. My converse carefully step on the branches below me as I travel lower and lower down the tree.

I place my feet onto the golden grass below me as the sky begins to darken. I then walk down the path surrounded by grass as my golden blonde hair blows behind me. 

I'm pretty lucky that my house is surrounded by all this vast land, it makes avoiding the human world a lot easier. At least, most of it anyway.

"DARA!" Shouts my mother as I close the wooden gate leading me to the large fields behind me. I trail my way into the house and there she is, sitting at the dining table. Waiting.

"Yes, mum?" I breathe as I remove my converse from my feet.

"Where have you been? Supper has been ready for a whole hour." She speaks, irritated by my absence.

I decide not to answer as I sit at the old wooden table. 

"Why don't you ever go out, into the real world I mean. You've hidden away from it for too long. This isn't what your brother would want Dara."

"Well he can't see me, or you, or anyone right now can he?" I say in a slightly raised tone as I push myself away from the table. "I'm not going to do this, not today." I say, lowering my tone again and begin to make my way up the stairs. Things were a lot easier when my brother was here. 

I still haven't come to terms with his death, not yet anyway. 

I sit in the very corner of by bed and look at the photo of my brother placed on a wooden table beside my bed. His blonde hair gleaming as he flashes his brightening white smile.

"Why did you leave me here. I cant take care of her as well as you did. She's getting worse and I feel that i'm the only one that can see it. I need you here, Ben." I say angrily as a tear spills down my cheek and I throw the photo frame at the wall which lets out a big crash. 

I stared at the frame, laying face down on the worn wooden floor before falling asleep.