Stories of a future past

Chapter One

I woke up to the usual sweat-drenched bed with a skipping heart; I turned swiftly to look out the window, only to find that it was still pitch dark. I turned back to my nightstand; the clock read three in the morning and my alarm was set for seven. 

"You have your way of telling me things.... don't you...."

I whispered to myself as I dried the sweat on my face. I'm not sure how long I've had that nightmare, or when I started to have it, all I know is that everything that torments me in my dreams started with that event. Maybe it is my way of holding on to the bits I have of her; The blurry memory of her golden hair, the way her lips would curl in to a smile. She was so small, so fragile, yet she was stronger then anyone I ever met. Or maybe it was my subconscious telling me something I already knew: I wasn't there for her. Maybe in a way, the reason she isn't here could be totally my fault, even when my psychiatrist told me it wasn't. I don't have a way of thinking other wise, I wasn't there for her when she needed me the most. Maybe the only way I could finally rest from my guilt was hearing it directly from her, and that seemed a bit difficult. 

I grabbed my phone; no messaged, no lost calls, as always. I took a deep breath before speed dialing my boss. 

"I was waiting for your call, but not at this hour"

He said in hoarse voice on the other line. 

-Well you know I tend to do my things fashionably dramatic- 

"So, is that a yes, Alana?"

I took another deep breath before responding. I wanted to hang up, and run, but something in me told me I've been running for too long. I think that's what she's been trying to tell me too. 

-When's me flight departing?- 

I answered right away, trying to hold back the tears and regret. George gave a victorious laugh. 

"I'll have everything ready for you tomorrow" 

With that, he hung up. 

I put my phone back in it's place and hopped back into my bed. I tossed over to the right side of the bed; being able to view the stars from my window. It could have been my imagination, or maybe my lack of sleep from the week, but that night, they shined brighter then any I ever saw. Tears began to roll down my face as I observed the stars in silence, wondering about where my little sister could be now. This went on right until the sun came out. As morning came, I felt my shoulders grow lighter. I may never be able to hear her forgive me for abandoning her, but I had to start to forgive myself. Before my eyes shut against my will, a smile drew slowly on my lips. 

I was going home for the first time after fifteen years......