Tides

{ chapter one : clinging thoughts }

Some people think death is a beautiful thing. They think that once the person dies, they are released for their suffering; that they never feel pain again.

I don’t really think this at all, really. Death isn’t beautiful at all; you never get to smell freshly cut grass, hug the person you love, or feel the sand beneath your toes.

It goes away. Even if there is an afterlife, it would be awhile until you saw your loved ones again. Maybe the dead watched from above and saw you live while they weren’t technically alive anymore.

In short terms, it’s a sad thing.

*~*

I remember experiencing the death of someone close.

It happened two months ago.

Erica Evans, my best friend, right at the end of the school day, went to the roof and stood on the edge.

 “Oh my god, it’s Erica!”, screamed a terrified sophomore girl. We looked up at the roof where she was looking and saw Erica staring straight at the ground; she stared right at us.

 Erica held out her arms like she was a bird with wings, and taking one breath, she jumped. She didn’t fly like a bird at all. Right when I could process what happened to my best friend, I saw her limp and lifeless body on the pavement.

I stared with blank eyes at her body. I thought that it was all a dream and that somebody would pinch me and Erica would be standing with her bright smile like always. But, instead, she was dead.

All I did was scream; I fell to my knees and screamed and cried and the only thought running through my mind was “she’s dead, she’s dead, you couldn’t save her.”  

 Everyone was frantic at that time. Teachers came out with jaws to the ground and my algebra teacher dialed 911 immediately. They cleared the area, but I couldn’t part from my best friend.

 I attempted to push away their arms, but their grip was too strong. Pulling me to where I couldn’t see Erica, I sobbed so much I thought I’d die from dehydration.

 Why did she kill herself? If you’re asking that question, I won’t answer it.I know why, but telling you would shock you and, most likely, frighten you. My best-friend did kill herself, but her reason will be my secret and mine only. 

*~* 

I didn’t talk for a while; Mom knew I was too shocked to really comprehend anything. 

She didn’t want me to go to school, saying that I should stay home and rest. But, not going to school would make me a coward. So, everyday I went until two months later when Mom and my step-dad, Marco Garcia, decided that I should spend time away from my town and spend time with Grant a.k.a my Dad in Hawaii.

 Hawaii, which I already knew, is nothing like Plymouth. It was tropical and it never snowed (unlike here where in the winter it snows like hell). I assumed it rained most of the time and a hurricane hit there once in a while, but then again, what do I know?

 I called my Dad sometimes, but I haven’t seen him since the Divorce when I was seven years old. That was nine years ago, so I bet he looks a lot older and stressed than he did when I was a little girl.

On the phone, he told me of the town he lived in which had an unusual name; Clementine Port, it was called and clearly it was quite unusual. He said it rained sometimes but most of the time it was a clear day and sunny there.

 Dad said he owned the only convenience store in town named after him. “I own Grant’s General Store. If you ever come here, I’ll let you work there.” He said thoughtfully over the phone.

 I always imagined working at the store whenever he told me about it. When he called me last week he said that a girl named Reese and a guy named Blake worked there; he also mentioned that Blake would be a great boyfriend for me and that he approved, but, being me, I told him I didn’t want a boyfriend. I already had a horrible ex and I’m sure I didn’t want to deal with the pressures of having a boyfriend again.

 Like what Marco and Mom said, I should focus on my life before other’s.

That night, my horrible nightmares visited me in my sleep again. All I saw was Erica with her messy blonde locks blowing in the wind and her arms were bloodied. She was laying on the concrete where the blood dripped from small cuts in her arms. The blood pooled around her forming wings of a great bird.

I woke up to Mom holding my shoulders and Marco besides her. Both were doting me; Mom cradled me in her arms and Marco’s eyes were worrisome.

 “Baby, are you okay?” Mom whispered sweetly in my ear. I looked at her, completely confused and softly pushed her hands away before sitting up straight in the bed.

 What happened?

 I touched my fair skin which was dripping in sweat and felt the tangled ends of my hair with the tips of my fingers.

 These nightmares happened every night; but, this was the first time I actually woke up screaming in terror from it. I knew this nightmare was different from the rest in an emotionally disturbing way.

“Shelby…” Marco said turning towards Mom. They spoke their unspoken language through just their eyes and body language. 

Mom nodded and touched my arm with her soft hands. “Hazel, baby, I think it’s time we send you to your Dad. We’ll schedule the flight as soon as we can and I’ll call your dad. Okay, honey?” I gave a soft nod because I couldn’t speak. When I tried to, my throat hurt and felt sore; so, all I did was nod and obey. Maybe living in Hawaii with Dad would get rid of the thought of Erica and the nightmares. Maybe I’ll be like the tides and be peaceful like I once was. 

Maybe.

*~*~*~*~* A/N ~*~*~*~*~*

My first chapter. I couldn't edit b|c I was in a rush, but I hope you like it. Hazel has been having horrible nightmares and her mom, Shelby, decides that the sunny beaches of Hawaii and spending time with her Dad will help her.

Maybe it will. Maybe it won't.

-Angela