Mirrors

Chapter 4: Sharlotte

March 30, 2017

My eyes open to black. I can't breathe. I can't move. I can't talk. Paul! Paul where are you? I'm stuck!

September 19, 2014

"So Sharlotte," my mother says to me from across the table, "why don't you tell Peter about your recital next weekend?"

Peter's attention turns to me, "oh?"

I nod barely looking away from my food while I talk, "yeah uh... It's swan lake and--"

My mother interrupts me, "eye contact Sharlotte."

I quickly look up at her, "sorry mother." I look at my brother and continue, "um and I'm uh p-playing--"

Mother: "a lady doesn't stutter Sharlotte. Sit up straight and start again."

I grimace, "yes mother."

I look at Peter, "The dance academy is putting on a production of swan lake and I have been casted as the black swan."

Before Peter can say anything my mother begins talking, "it's quite an honor for her to be chosen for this role she's been waiting her whole life for this."

"She has?" Peter inquires, "because how I remember it is you're the one who cared about how well Sharlotte danced. Sharlotte however enjoys the cello, isn't that right Shar."

I nod shyly and begin to play with my food.

Mother: "I am quite aware Sharlotte has taken a liking to that instrument which is why I have been enrolling her in lessons for it since she was eight years old Peter, you're aware of this."

Peter: "only because she agreed to take ballet."

Mother: "she loves ballet."

Peter: "you love ballet mother."

Mother: "so does Sharlotte."

Peter: "no she doesn't! She hates ballet! she's hated it her whole life why don't you just--"

Me: "stop!"

I stand up from the table, "stop acting like I'm not here! This is my life so I'll stick up for myself! I'm going to my room."

I walk away from the scene into the quiet.

This happens everytime he comes home from college, they hate each other I swear.

I shut my bedroom door and go straight to my cello. When I play I can lose myself in the sound and forget everything that's happening.

I play for so long, I barely have to think about what I'm doing.

Then I stop because I smell something burning.

I set my bow and cello down and walk out to the kitchen. I notice the fire alarms are all on the table in front of mother.

I tap on her shoulder and ask why but she doesn't pay any attention, I do it again harder and she falls to the ground. There's a steak knife lodged into her forehead. I scream.

"Peter!" I yell, "Peter!"

"No need to yell Shar," he says from in front of the stovetop, "I'm right here."

He has all the burners turned all the way up and as I come closer I notice his hands are horrifyingly close to the flames.

"What are you doing?" I say.

"Have you ever what'd it be like to be on fire?" He says.

"Peter?" I choke out.

"Come here little sister," He says, "come feel."

I don't move.

He turns around, "I said come here."

He grabs my hand and places it on the burner.

I scream.

"Feels good right?" He says.

He yanks my hand away and pulls me close to him.

"Put your face on the burner." He whispers.

I shake my head.

"Now."

I don't move.

He grabs the back of my head and pushes my cheek down to the fire.

I scream and I scream and keep screaming.

I think I'm gonna die when suddenly the weight of Peters hand is absent from the back of my neck.

I spin around to see my father and my brother trying to kill each other.

"Get out Shar!" My dad yells.

I just stare at him.

"Now!"

I run out the door with tears flying from my face.

March 30, 2017

I hear voices, I can't tell what they're saying but I hear them.

I try to yell to them but something fills my mouth. It tastes like dirt.

Oh my god.

It hits me. I'm underground. Someone has buried me alive.

I struggle to get out, I try to scream but all I get is dirt.

I feel myself fading and I begin to hear the sound of a single cello.

I close my eyes and him along to the tune.

I fall away.

Goodbye.