Beyond the Last Star

Chapter 3- Emarke

I wonder where he is... I miss him... As I check my phone for the sixth time in ten minutes, I start to worry about my boyfriend. He always says goodnight and good morning even if he can hardly talk throughout the day... I'm not going to worry, I'm sure he's okay and maybe he just forgot... As a frown spreads across my face, my heart sinks thinking how I didn't get any message from him today. Sure he lives so far away, but he promised he'd always send one no matter what... I'm really worried...

"Hey Em, it's time to go I'm sorry. You can check again after school. I'm sure he's alright, he would tell you if something was wrong."

I silently nod and turn to pick up my bag for the day. As I sigh I quietly say "...but what if he can't tell me something is wrong... because he's the one in trouble?" Tears start to slowly roll down my face as my brother comes over and hugs me, sitting down on my bed.

"Emarke... it's going to be okay.. I promise" He smiles kindly turning my chin to face him so he can wipe away my tears..

"Thanks Jordan... you always make me feel better..." I attempt a small smile back and we hug and stand up to leave.

"No problem sis, it's what big brother's are f-" His words are cut off as we hear the tornado siren go off. "Looks like school will be cut short today. Come on let's go."

We run down to the basement, making sure we have a flashlight and our emergency kit. We weave through the crowded shelves and cabinets as we get nearer our safe room. It's been a while since the last tornado... and that one wasn't very strong... Oh no... what if something happens to me? What if Barg worries about me?! Oh I can't have that happen...

The tears start back, stronger than before. Rolling down my cheeks and onto the floor as my head goes cloudy. I blindly walk to the room with Jordan, terrified and crying.

"Em! What's wrong?!"

"N-nothing... I'm just scared" I look into his eyes with fear and he pulls me close again.

"Don't worry, everything will be alright I promise. You can wait for his message. I assure you he will be back soon."

I close my eyes and lay against my brother trying to go to sleep, fear and worry overtaking my head. I drift off and sleep as dreams fill my vision. Jordan is watching me sleep, thinking about the day so far and hoping I'm alright.

She looks ok... but I know she's still worried. He has been missing for a while... but it's uncommon for it to be this long without any explanation. He glances towards me noticing the small smile creeping onto my lips as I dream peacefully. I hope she's happy, whatever she's dreaming about seems to be calming her. I should rouse her soon so she doesn't get her days and nights mixed up...

As Jordan watched me, he too dozed off, falling into a sleep deeper than mine, resulting in him having several nightmares.

"Jordan, Jordan wake up!"

"Wha- huh?" Groggy and tired, Jordan wakes up and looks at me sleepily.

"Look!" I point towards the floor as water covers it, soaking through our clothes and objects float by in the dusty room. "You were asleep but thrashing around, nightmares?"

He slowly nods, taking in the sight around him. "It's usual for some rain but this is insane..."

We walk back up the stairs since the sirens had gone off and observe the outside through the windows. Everything was covered in water. The roads, buildings, and trees were feet deep in rainwater and it was still pouring down as heavy as ever. What in the world... how is this even possible... C-could this be why he hasn't answered... did he... did he drown...

Tears flow like the rain, down into a puddle, down onto the floor. I collapse onto the ground, crying and shaking as I see my brother run up the stairs, calling for me to follow. I'm too weak, I can't move, I'm staying here. He runs back and grabs me, pulling me with him and getting up the stairs before I pass out crying on my floor.