A Scarlett Rose

Chapter 6

Although I never understood the ways I still followed them. Because my family followed them. I did not want to bring disgrace to my family and especially to my parents.

I was in the good books of my mother, she was proud of me as I would never waver from doing as she would say and expect me to do.

But for my father it was different. He had always been cold towards me, I never really understood my fault but nonetheless I dint want to add fuel to the fire. It depended on how his mood was, when in good mood, he would talk to me briefly, and when in a bad mood, all hell broke loose upon me and mother.

I did everything they asked of me. I could say I was a good child, I never disrespected them or their wishes. Helped my mother in the household, and sometimes if asked of me would help out my father and John as well.

Apart from that I loved reading novels and poetry, the company of my friends especially my best friend, Beatrice.

It was on one such autumn evening when I had a few minutes to spare, and so I came by the lake with Beatrice.

The calm lake waters surrounded by the rustling of tree leaves. And the usual green had turned into a vivid mixture of reds and yellows with a hint of grey on the rocks. A site that could make anyone an artist. 

I shivered a little as I felt the touch of cool breeze pass by. 

"Getting cold are we" Tris called out from a little away coming towards me.

"Quite Tris, do not disturb the tranquil created." 

She rustled the tree branch above me, and gleamed in amusement as I were getting covered in leaves.

"Tris!!!!" annoyed I got up to run after her, almost tripping on the edge and falling into the lake.

"Why do you even try Aurora, you could never get to me." 

And that did it for me, we were running all over the place displacing the already fallen leaves around, teasing each other, throwing leaves at each other and then falling down to the ground.

"Look there?"

"Where?"

"Up in the sky, foolish. The flock of birds, looks so beautiful, the way they fly away. Would they be flying home Beatrice?"

"Now how would any of us ever know. But do you know what I wonder, I wonder how your tiny little mind would have such vast thoughts. After all you are always thinking something, and keep on storing all of it in this tiny area" she said poking my head.

Holding on to her I ask " Do you not think of what lies above and beyond the usual? Surely my mind is not the only one that could do that."

"Naive companion, not only you but each person can do that. The difference is we are not allowed to, and even if we do no one really accepts or appreciates that. So there is no point in hurting your head thinking about it."

"But Tris--"

"We can continue this conversation the next time we meet, look up and above my friend its time we should leave."

The wind became cooler as skies turned deep blue. Eerie silence befell as they stopped chatting, and only the sound on rustling leaves was heard, which once added to calm now felt daunting. A shiver ran through my spine as a haunting feeling crept into mind.

"You are right. Let us leave, quick get up." I got up and dusted everything, trying to make myself composed and presentable as soon as possible, while leaving in haste.

We chatted back on our way until I was only left with silence. Loneliness was a constant companion,even though it meant to be at loss of companionship. 

The usual silence was what I was accustomed to, but that day it felt unnerving. Something about it, I do not know what, was making me uneasy. And the terrifying notions kept creeping into my head. No matter how hard I tried to dismiss them and regain my composure, I was unable to do it.

I frantically started looking all around as the sound of laughter boomed in the air breaking the silence to pieces....

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