Samantha
"I beg of you to reconsider, it's not too late for you to mentor here. That's all I ask. I don't see why you want to go to earth so bad anyway. We both start our new mentor sessions tomorrow, but I don't see why you're choosing to mentor in a realm you know nothing about," Derek continued to droan on as we strolled through Wateracre Gardens in pursuit of our room at River Falls Orphanage.
My parents run it. They take in all minors that die in Baybarrow (on earth), but don't have parents existing in Heaven.
Every time he reminds me that we could mentor together, I almost give in. We've been inseparable for as long as I can remember - the past 6 years to be exact. He's been like an older brother to me all these years and the thought of leaving him for even a month - the length of my upcoming journey - pains me.
"I know that you don't understand because you got to spend 10 years on earth; I didn't even last 1 year. Listen to me," I met his dark brown eyes with my hazel-specked, light brown ones, determined to convince him, then I continued, "I love existing here in Heaven and I love having you as my big brother, but I need to branch out a little.
"Then don't go," he interrupted.
"Besides, it was the Council of Angels that asked me to go. You know how they are: they know who's going to die, when, and the path they're going to choose."
"I've never understood how they know, but I know how important it is for you to follow their advice so that you can be on the Council when you're of age."
* * *
Even as we walked through the door and into the lobby of the orphanage, Derek had been relentless, so I continued defending my unwavering choice.
I playfully tried to push him off balance toward the wall, "Nothing you say is going to change my mind. I leave from Baybarrow Recreation Center at midnight."
He didn't fall over, but I succeeded in running him into the wall; I unfortunately went along for the ride.
"Samantha, that barely gives you time to grab your stuff and get there before you have to leave."
"You're not going to earth? If the living could see us, your appearance alone would scare them. And I'm not just talking about the fact that we're 'ghosts' on earth," the snobby voice came from the chesty brunette parked on the bench to my right.
Tiffany. She's hated me ever since she first arrived at the orphanage. I could never understand why.
When she first showed up, I had no roommate, so my mom bunked her with me. It was as if she couldn't bear the mere sight of me.
I thought that after at least a year she would've gotten over it, but here we are 7 years later.
"I don't think I caught your invite into this conversation, Tiffany," It always made me feel safe and protected when Derek stood up for me.
* * *
I eventually made it to my room and hastily snatched up the light pink backpack that I packed weeks ago.
I hastily sifted through the contents within, going through my mental checklist one last time to make sure that I wasn't forgetting anything.
First on the list: transportation
I pulled out a cloud puff.
Check.
Next: snacks
I can't go anywhere without an apple in posession. In my bag I have enough to last me the trip along with a variety of other fruits.
Check.
Next: clothes
Unlike Tiffany, fashion doesn't concern me. I checked the amount of clothes changes - I need 7 so that I only have to wash them a few times. I unearth my trademark jeans and t-shirts, and even a dress. My mom refuses to accept my tomboy choices.
Check.
And last: communication
I always carry my compact mirror in the back pocket of my jeans - one reason jeans trump dresses, but the compact is simply for convenience. After rooting around my bag, I unearthed my larger handled square mirror. The compact is more for emergencies because I promised Derek that I would contact him via square mirror for a better view of earth.
Check.
After shoving the mirror back in, I turned to Derek and suffocated him with one of my bear hugs. He is about half a foot taller than me, so I had to stand on my tiptoes to even reach him - even then, he towered over me.
"Have a good trip Sammy. Contact me every night. I'm serious," I smiled at the use of his brotherly pet name for me.
After squeezing him one last time, he placed a tiny kiss on the top of my forehead. Sometimes I wonder if he thinks brothers are supposed to act like fathers. But I already have one - a father.
I could see in his eyes as I back out of the room that he's going to miss me, and I know I'll miss him, but it's only for a month. After that everything will be back to normal.
I spent more time than I had alotted for in my room, so I jogged all the way to Baybarrow's recreation center, not stopping until I bolted through the door. Just as the clock chimed midnight.
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A/N: Again, please comment! I want to know what you think! I understand that so far it doesn't make sense.
I apologize for my complete lack of imagination, and I assure you it will all come together soon.
