DARLING, chris chambers

one

A hand lays on my shoulder and I turn to see my most favourite person, my twin brother.

Yes, you may think twins always fight, but me and my brother? Never. We never piss each other off or scrap it out. We'll play fight or steal each other's clothes. That's about it.

"Hey, I'm gonna miss you," my twin says. "Yeah me too," I smile. We hug each other for the longest time. Even though we're gonna be separated for only three weeks it is gonna feel like a decade. My brother was going to a summer camp for all boys.

This moment repeatedly stuck in my mind, offering no clue to what will come for future me.

"Alright, pack it up." my mother lightly pushes my brother towards the car. My brother gives a small wave and soft smile. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. His crooked smiled makes my heart break and I frown. My mother hung onto my shoulder.

"Okay we'll pick you up in about.. hmm. A week." My short nine year old body struggles to pull my bags towards my new home for the week. I admire my surroundings, clueless to where I was and what it will bring. 

-

That was three years ago and I've settled into the town of Castle Rock as if it was always home. At the mere age of 12, hardships always found their way to kick my ass but I've learn to survive.

Castle Rock hasn't been the best to me, but I find joy in other things than the uptight old folks and day drinkers. I've grown to know the town like the back of my hand. 

-

It was the last day of school and I spent the evening in my bedroom, where my mind was running wild until I decided a walk was needed.

The sun has fully set as it is eleven o'clock at night. I walk on the sidewalk with a handful of pebbles boringly, chucking the pebbles up in the air or down the dark street.

I turn a corner and into an alley knowing that there was a couple of rowdy boys here, "Do you guys mind lending a dart? I have a few bucks," The familiar boys, Ace and Eyeball turn towards me. Ace takes a step forward almost as if he is protecting Eyeball.

I often refer to the two boys as a power couple because they are sincerely inseparable. 

"Aren't you a little too young to be puffing?" Ace smirks and takes another puff blowing it into my face. Swatting the smoke from my face and just raise my eyebrows, hoping my offer still stands.

"Spare me the lecture, nobody puts their nose into your business" He slowly pulls out the pack of Winstons cigarettes. I don't have any money and can't afford my own pack, stealing the pack of cigarettes from my cousin would be impossible because he has busted my ass before. But stealing from the boys in front of me would just be a thrill. 

I bolt off after snatching the smokes from his hand not looking back for my own sake. 

Ace curses every curse there is as I round the corner. Just to spite me or the group of boys I affiliate myself with, Ace and Eyeball aren't going to live this down and come after me. "Come on!" One of them shouts. 

I have to admit my hearts pounds out of my chest from anxiety. The power couple hop into their car and drive away looking for me - that's when I come out from the place I was hiding from them. 

The sound of tires screeching disturbs me as I walk with the lit cigarette. Quickly, I discard it and sprint. "There she is!" Eyeball's voice echoes throughout the neighbourhood.