Familiarity

My mother's muffled sobs were heard once again through this old house. This happened every year, for as far as I can remember. Sixteen years ago today was where it all started. 

Sixteen years ago today, the fire started. 

The evidence of the fire still rests on my skin; a burn scarred across my right hand. 

Sixteen years ago today, I wasn't an only child. 

Two precious babies slept peacefully in their nursery, fragile and unaware. To spare the unpleasant sorrow and pain that my mother feels every year, let's just say that only one child made it out of that burning house. 

So I hear her sobs; cries of his name as she holds the a picture with singed edges between her calloused finger tips. This is the worst day of the year. She stays in her room, purposely remembering the day she lost her baby boy,  blaming herself for what happened; constantly saying his name. 

Is it heartless of me to say that I wish she'd forget? I wish she'd let go. I've never known what it's like to lose a child, and I hope I never will. I want the anguish to cease, and I want her to smile again. Really and truly. 

Tears hit the wood floor as my back rests against the door, my arms wrapped around my bended knees pulled to my chest. "Mom." I call to her. 

She does not answer. "Mom." I repeat; louder. "Mom, I know you can hear me. Please stop crying. You have to be strong. You can't do this every year." I say, warm tears roll down my cheeks and cling to my chin where they fall cold on my bare knees. 

"Cameron, I'm okay." her weak voice barely reaches my ears. "No, you aren't. Please unlock the door." I try to turn the knob once more, even though I know it won't open.

"Please. I need you. I need you to be okay."

__________________________

-Matthew-

I ride my skateboard down the cracking sidewalk, watching my shadow as it glides along next to me. My headphones blare the loud music through my ears. 

"Hey, Matt!" I look up to see my neighbor, smiling at me. Her dark brown hair contrasts with her bright blue eyes and white smile. "Oh hey, Lainey." I say, taking my headphones out. 

"How's life been?" she asks me, leaning against the white fence that separates our front yards. 

I get butterflies as I speak to her. I've had a crush on Lainey since middle school when she moved in next door, but have never gone past an occasional two minute conversation over the fence. I could talk to any other girl without a problem, but I always got tongue tied and never knew what to say when I spoke to her. 

"Good. Normal, I guess. Is my mom home?" Of course, she wouldn't know, but that was best thing I could ask at the moment without making things painfully awkward like they do every time I see her. 

"Uh, I think so." she seemed confused that I asked her this. Great going, Matthew. 

A bitter smell reached my nose. I knew that smell. "I think something's burning." I say quickly before running inside without saying goodbye, dropping my board and backpack on the porch. The smoke dectectors erupt through the house.

"Mom!" I yell, when I reach the kitchen. Black smoke comes from the pot on the stove. "Mom, you burnt something!" I threw the pot in the sink and turned off the gas burner. 

There was no answer. "Mom!" I yelled again. Silence.

I went upstairs and searched each room, calling to her. She wasn't upstairs. I checked the downstairs and the basement, then outside. She was no where to be found. Maybe she went to get something from the store. Why would she leave the stove on? An unsettling feeling crept into mind and sent chills down my spine. 'She'd be back." I told myself.

I went to my room and played video games, the sky getting darker and darker each time I looked out the window. It had been hours and she hadn't returned. I knew that I needed to call the police. I picked up my phone and dialled three numbers. 

"I can't find my mom. I came home today and she was gone. It's been hours and I don't know where she is." I tried to remain calm, but I could hear my breath getting faster and my hearting pounding. The lady on the other end asked where I lived and at what time I got come, then said they'd send someone over. I hung up with my stomach turning. 

"Mom, where are you?" I said, as if she could hear me.

"Please. I need you. I need you to be okay."

A/N

YAY! So I decided to write a Matthew Espinosa Fanfic! I got this idea from my best friend, @stellanator, but I won't tell you how because it will give the story away! 

So I hope at least some of you guys read this and I will update as soon as I get a few reads on it! 

Thanks guys!

Cameron ^><^