The Darkness Within

Michael

When she plunged that dagger into herself, I screamed. Why? Why did she do it? She didn't have to die? I could have stopped her. I could have saved her. But I didn't.

Richard burst into laughter. "I cant believe it. She actually killed herself! Saves me the job of doing it myself."

That was it. How dare he talk about her like that. I charged at him. I wanted to kill him. He had caused this. It was his fault that Celia had died. He blocked my sword with his. Cody, Sam and Reiji joined me in my frenzy. He couldn't take us all. No one could. My sword finally found itself in his heart. His remaining henchmen fled. It was over.

I raced to her side. She couldn't be dead. She couldn't be. Reiji checked her pulse, and shook his head. She was gone. Toby came out from his room at last. He was the only one of us who couldn't fight, so he had instead locked himself in his room.

"Is big sis ok?"

"Toby, she's gone. She's never coming back." Reiji explained.

How was he able to say it so calmly?

Toby cried for her. Cried for several days after that. Sam was driven to tears whenever he listened to his music. She had loved his music. Reiji stayed locked in his room for a while. He was the only one acting normal. How could he? Cody had taken his dagger back, and had mourned her in his room. As for me, I cried when the others weren't around. I couldn't let them see me. Not like this. That day, I had taken her necklace. I wanted to keep a part of her with me.

A few days after, Cody told us about her Other Soul. If only I had known sooner. I could have helped her. Somehow. I visited her room, wishing that she was there. On her desk, was a notepad. I sat down and read its contents.

I know I need to leave. If I stay, they could get hurt. Because of me. But I can't. I've grown so attached to this place, and to the boys. I just can't leave them. I've come to realise that, this must be love. I've never felt like this before. Toby is so adorable, and he reminds me so much of my childhood. He's the perfect little brother. Reiji is kind of like an older brother. He pretends not to care, but he does, and he shows it when it needs to be shown. Sam is so carefree, and so loving. He 's like my best friend. We even like the same music! He's there when he's needed, and has helped me realise that I don't have to do everything on my own. Cody has been so kind to me. He gave me his dagger, for my protection. I told him about the Soul, and he accepted it as truth. He believes in me. Trusts that I won't hurt any of them. Thanks to him, I have confidence in myself again. He's kind of like a best friend and brother in one! And finally, Michael. The first one that I met. The one who's made me feel welcome, and the one who has looked after me since I arrived. After I saw his face back when I mentioned changing clothes, and when I first walked down those stairs in that gorgeous sapphire dress, I knew I loved him. He's so cute, caring, and always lightens the mood. I don't think I can tell him though. I'm not ready to tell him just yet. I don't even know how to tell him! Anyway, I can't leave, because I love them all so much. So, I'll stay. And I'll try, no, I will control that Other Soul. So that we can continue to live like this, I will. And maybe then, I will be ready to tell him. Maybe then.

My tears landed on the paper, as I cried my heart out. She loved us. She loved me. Why did she have to leave us? Why did she have to die? At that moment, I realised. I loved her too.

On the day of March 22nd, we buried her. We had bought a beautiful oak coffin, with intricate patterns engraved on it. It was lined with a white sheet. We wanted the very best for her. She was still wearing that dress. That dress that she looked so beautiful in. We had redone her hair, and placed a scarlet rose in her hands. She still looked amazing. I wished I could have spent more time with her. We buried her beside the rose garden. She had loved that garden. It made sense to bury her near it. We didn't know where she lived, but we'll find out. Her family deserves to know.

I stand now, before Celia's grave, after placing a bunch of roses by it. We had found them, and told them about her. Her mother was in tears, her father embracing her. Her sister, Jessamine, had tears in her sea-blue eyes. After that, we left them to tell her friends. I'm crying again. I have to tell her.

"Celia, I never got to tell you. I love you too." I manage a smile. "I understand now. Why you did it. But, I miss you. and, I'll never forget you, for as long as I live. I promise."

I wipe my tears away. I need to live on. For her. It's what she would have wanted. I'll take care of all of us. And then, one day, I'll be able to see her again, and tell her all about it. I'll make the most of my life, so that I have something to tell her. When we meet again.