A Collection Of Short Stories

The Judge

A/n Before you read this was written for a short story competition in which you had to write a story based on a song. My song was The Judge by Twenty Øne Pilots (which I have linked above) however the story also takes inspiration from two other books I would highly recommend. These amazing works are:

The girl who could fly - Victoria Forester

We were liars - E.Lockheart

Also (promise this is the last thing) this will be posted as it's own book on my profile, mainly because I spent so long on it so if you enjoy the is feel free to hit that twinkling little button on this story and my other book (or if you want to carry on reading just hit this vote button).

It all started that winter break; it was originally my mother's idea to have a holiday together and so my Grandfather suggested Cherzi, a small island all alone for a twenty mile radius, passed down through the generations of our family; perfectly fitting us. So that was the decision made, Grandfathers words were law;which brings me here, standing on the cold sands with the bitter sea air biting my cheeks. Lily was the first to speak as we let the reality sink in, 'Mama' her voice was hoarse and strained, 'can we get warm.' Mother muttered something under her breath before briskly walking off. Her forceful footsteps cracked against the solid sands, Mike held my arm as we ascended the dunes on the way up to the house.

Once inside we assembled in the hall awaiting instruction from our Uncle affectionately known as Wolly. 'Well um... why don't the kids choose rooms upstairs and the bigger kids can try to sort out the rooms downstairs.' The majority agreed as the sound clattering of cases and small children's feet could be heard just moments later. I walked through to the kitchen and began to feel the surfaces to orientate myself; swift as wind I felt Mike grab my arm; my breath became choked and my hands shook. I didn't even realise what had come over me until I heard a banshee scream coming from my mouth.

I was laid out on an unfamiliar bed with stiff sheet and pillows that were too soft. As I shifted for what felt like the hundredth time to stop my face being absorbed be the sweet-smelling fabric I felt a cool hand on my shoulder. 'Hello,' I didn't recognise the voice but it was high like a bird and soft as silk; 'Are you feeling any better?' It whispered instantly soothing me.

'What are you?' The question was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I cursed under my breath feeling my cheeks quickly heat up in embarrassment.

It giggled 'Elsie' Her name fit the voice perfectly, she spoke in a way that sounded odd, like English was not her first language but not as if she was from a different place.

'Elsie' I tested the words in my mouth and decided I like the way it rolled off my tongue. 'Can you describe yourself?'

I felt her hesitate but she did it without needing an explanation; the first time anyone has done that. 'I am medium build wearing a long bridal style dress with dark skin and hair the colour of honey'

'I can imagine.' I whispered.

'Why don't we go outside, the sun has just come out so you can see the frost making everything sparkle...?'

She paused. I screwed my face up in confusion, 'Why did you stop?'

'I... Well... I didn't want to seem insensitive.'

I laughed 'Don't deny me the privilege of imagining. I wasn't always this way, I am not stupid and I know what frost looks like.'

We trod down the stairs bumping into a strange body on our way out. 'Where is Grandmother, I want you to her to meet Elsie.' I motioned to where I thought she stood estimating from the steps I had heard.

'Piper...' Wolly's voice began gently before fading into silence.

I found myself in the same bed; I recognised the scent as the memories of before rushed to me. 'Elsie' I said remembering the girl with oaken skin. 'ELSIE'

'Here' she sounded sad as she adjusted her position on the bed. 'I think you need to go downstairs. Now, I think you are ready.'

I raced down the stairs hearing the stranger that I trusted so fully pad down behind me. She directed me to the kitchen and then round the back past the smooth counter tops and the woodenpantry door. I heard Mike call after me and so there I span feeling him grip my arm tight trying to pull me away. 'You need to know.' Elsie growled in my ear as I was dragged away.

'LET GO.' I screamed at Mike, my arms flailing around like a windmill as I fought back.

'Mama said you must not go there.' His voice became strained and his muscles shook with exhaustion until I ripped free.

I ran to the back hitting my hip in a corner of a robust cabinet. Then, as my feet reached the door to the bathroom I felt an unfamiliar, icy handle that led to the outside. I scrambled around in confusing groaping around for the walls and towel racks and bath.....

The memories buffeted me, sweeping me under like a coursing river. Her body, dressed in the white dress that hung off her limp frame now stained a deep scarlet. I remembered the white bath tub, holding the smell and the feel of death. That is when I fell, hitting my head and sinking in to blackness.

'She died,' the sound from my mouth was not my voice but one of a scared little girl all alone. 'You knew? YOU KNEW.' I reached out to her but instead of my much loved Grandmother Elsie's cool hands held mine as I sobbed into her shoulder, the lace scratching my nose.

'Your Grandmother loved you and you know that, you should not have seen it but you did and now you can see nothing else.'

I sobbed until a coherent sentence reached my lips 'Why didn't you or my family tell me.'

'We did, over and over but every time you blacked out and couldn't remember, then we decided to wait and let you tell yourself as our words were just forgotten.'

I nodded. 'Wait I said, 'Who are you and where you come from have.' I questioned the stranger.

'You know.' She replied.

'You are not real.' I exclaimed.

'Only you are the Judge'

Just in case you forgot that star is waiting for you to bash it and I hope you don't break your device.

Lx