Souls

Chapter 1: Alone.

I woke up. My head was throbbing, my room looked like it was spinning in circles.

Round...

And around...

And around again.

What did I just envision? I shake my head. Let's just calm down, Emory.

Dreams aren't real.

They are figments of imagination.

Breathe.

I look over to my nightstand and see the bold red numbers from my alarm clock blind me.

12:47am.

5 hours & 13 minutes left till I have to get ready for school.

13 minutes.

13.

That number has always made me cringe.

I decide to call Damien, just to see if he's awake. Not only is he my boyfriend, but he's more of a diary. He keeps my secrets. He's always good to talk to.

I love sharing my thoughts with him,

Especially this one.

I reach for my cell phone next to the clock & dial his number.

Ring...

Ring...

"Hello?" I hear a voice on the other end. Damien's voice sounds tired, as if I woke him.

"Baby." I smile.

"Hey love, you alright?" His voice is so...

Soothing. So reassuring.

"Yes," I chuckled, "I had another dream"

"Do you want to talk about it in person? I can come over, I'm sure my mom won't-"

"Damien," I cut him off, "Don't come over. It's not a big deal."

Of course it's a big deal. This is the 3rd time this has occurred. I don't want to see it anymore,

I don't want to see him anymore.

Although I'm not quite sure who him is.

"Alright, can it wait till the morning then? I'd love to stay and chat but I have a huge AP test tomorrow that I've been preparing for" He says sternly.

"Of course babe, Goodnight." I force a smile.

He needs to rest. He needs a good grade.

But right now, I need him.

Click.

It's silent.

It's the silence that kills me, really. My thoughts seem to get the better of me in this state.

I'm in deep thought when I hear a knock from my bedroom door, I jump in surprise.

"Em?" It's my sister, Ivy.

"Yes, come in. " I respond.

She walks to sit beside me on my bed, wearing a long, pale blue nightgown that stops just before her ankle. I'm guessing the hammy down was perhaps my mothers'.

Even in the dark I can still see her piercing blue eyes. Although I'll never admit it to her, I think she is stunning.

I know we're fraternal twins and all, but I would kill to be identical to my sister. I presume she got all the looks,

Cause I sure didn't.

"Are you okay? Damien told me about the dreams you've been envisioning and I know it's late but I just wanted to let you know I am here for you." she tries to smile, but fails epically.

Since when do Damien and her speak without me being there? They never engage in conversation unless I'm there forcing it.

Ivy & Damien have opposing views when it comes to many things. Surprisingly, this particular topic isn't one of them.

"He's worried." She adds, concern in her eyes.

I look away, "I'm fine, Ivy. Damien shouldn't have told you. It's not a big deal" I lied again. I just hate when she gets involved in my business.

"I'm just looking out for you, Em. You're my sister-"

I cut her off, "Exactly," I say sweetly, "You're my sister,"

"Not my therapist." I say sharply, emphasis on the "not".

So what if I'm being bitchy? Maybe she deserves it.

I glance at her & see a single tear stream down her face. She's hurt.

I want to hug her, but I know I can't.

I've closed Ivy off a long while ago, after Mom died, I shut everyone out.

It is lonely, I admit.

But it's easier.

"Fine. Goodnight" She gets up & rushes to the door.

Then stops.

"I, um, I love you, Emory. I'm sorry it can't be the same between us." she says with her back towards me.

She turns, "I truly am".

I look at her but I'm lost in thought. I look down, gathering my thoughts but as I look up to speak, she's gone.

My sister has left.

"Me too." I say under my breath.

Me too, Ivy.