Tears of Autumn

Chapter 1: A daily routine

  The air is dense, light slowly starts peeking through the window glass touching my nose, and I open my eyes to the morning rise. I got up to the sight of the sunrise signaling it was time for me to face another tough day.

In my sleep, I dreamt of shadowy figures stalking every path and direction I took, no matter where I'd run, no matter how fast, I'd still feel the dark embers behind my back. There was no escape.

Suddenly, I saw a brilliant distant glow and deep within there was a girl. She seemed to have red-brownish wavy hair that reminded me of the autumn hues and teared hazel eyes. The figure started walking towards me and that's when the sun pulled me awake into reality.

It seemed strange that there was a girl fighting away the shadows. I didn't have time to ponder about it as I had to wash up and catch my bus to school. School to me is my home. I don't have friends but I feel a little comfortable to be myself.

My passions are playing the violin and writing stories. I enjoy the movement of my fingers and hands constantly moving to create the emblems of harmonies. Music gives peace to my stress and eases my mental pain. However, I'm often not allowed to practice because my adoptive father, Jared despises my instrument, calling it a nuisance.

When it comes to my stories, it's mostly drama or fantasy. I have a bookshelf filled with written notebooks in which contains my plots and characters. Almost every month I ask my Jared for another notebook to write more. He denies me the ink and book but then I ask my neighbor, Ms. Harmony and she gives me what I need. I like her, she plays the piano so I often go over to her barn to play along with her using my violin.

Jared and I don't see eye to eye with one another which makes it hard to be around him. Every time I am close to him, I feel my heart beating faster and my depressive thoughts fill my mind. He says my illness is a joke and just a ploy to grab sympathy and attention. No one truly understands my mental state or the sickness of it.

"Layla! Quit being lazy and come down here! You don't have all day" he hollered.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back.

I put on a black shirt that has a periwinkle blue crescent moon with sequins resembling stars that my mother used to wear, a blue skirt, knee high Converse shoes, and black fingerless gloves.

Quickly, I hurried down the stairs and saw my father with a disappointed face. I braced for his criticism.

"Why are you always lagging, Layla? Can't you ever be on time?" he asked sternly.

"I'm sorry Father."

"Don't call me that, you know you're not my daughter." He stomped, left the room, and slammed the door.

I sighed. That remark left me stunned for a few moments then I remembered I must catch my bus. I grabbed my backpack with words written all over it, my MP3 player, and earbuds. I play orchestral music, some are from professionals and some are recordings from my practice.

I stepped outside to the cool breeze and warming sunlight to begin my morning walk to the bus stop. To get there, I need walk through a path of trees. The colorful tree branches hover over who ever walks there and provide shade. After walking through the crowd of hues, the bus stop is dead ahead.

My neighbor, Ms. Harmony is always present during the mornings and I salute her. Ms. Harmony has hair in the color that reminds me of an oak tree's bark that's pulled up into a braided ponytail. She has beautiful bangs that comply with her face. She has vibrant ocean blue eyes that makes the soul feel warm and her glasses perfectly match her brilliant personality. She is a frail elderly woman but has a heart of gold. Her outfits usually consist of a long-sleeved sweaters and knee-high skirts.

"Good morning, Ms. Harmony." I quietly said to her.

"Well, if isn't my favorite writer Layla. One your way to school I presume" She replied.

I nodded.

"Come by afterschool, there's someone I'd like you to meet." She smiled.

I became slightly nervous, I don't have very good social skills but I can't let my favorite person in the countryside down.

"Okay, I'll come by"

"I know you're a bit scared but trust me, it won't be as bad as you think. Now tell your heart to slow down a bit and let your brilliant mind take a turn to guide you." She touched my shoulder to reassure me. "Have a good day at school!"

I weakly smiled and turned to finish my walk.

I finally saw the sign that says, "Take caution to the wind." I love that phrase, it gives me a sense of determination. Something I feel everyday but have a difficult time embracing.

A few minutes later, the bus came.

The door opened and I saw Mr. Hunter.

"Morning Layla! Hop aboard!" He called.

Igot on and sat right behind him and the doors closed. I look upon the window,seeing the countryside, hearing the conversations of many, I put my earbuds on,and enjoyed the thirty-minute ride.