Double Star

6 : Time goes by, but the memories remain.

POV Sarah:

The week slipped away swiftly, and I felt less alone since school began. It's strange to say, but I think I might be starting to like it here.

Noelle is a sweet girl with a warm heart, while Ashley, though strong and sharp-witted, carries a certain sadness in her eyes. I've noticed it often, but I don't dare ask, not yet at least. We've only known each other for a few weeks. Am I close enough to ask about such private things? I wonder.

Then there's Jac', always laughing and teasing me about my clumsy gestures and the way my cheeks blush so easily. He's the best friend of Luke, who, lately, seems to look at me differently. Every time our eyes meet, he smiles, and I can't help but smile back, even though I quickly look away.

Sitting in the cold, I face the two gravestones before me, the chill biting at my skin as I close my eyes, trying to suppress the tears that want to spill. The weight of sorrow and loneliness presses down on me, my arms hugging my chest, seeking warmth that never seems to come. The memory of that tragic day claws at my mind, and my head pounds with the ache of it.

Flashback, to six months ago...

In the middle of a geography lesson, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

1 Message from Dad: Any idea for your mother's birthday gift?

March 11th. For weeks, I'd been trying to find something special for Mom, something beyond the usual jewels or dresses she already had. I wanted to give her something unique. That night before her birthday, I scoured the internet, praying for the perfect gift. And then it appeared.

[A beautiful red music box, shaped like a royal egg, adorned with sparkling rings of real jewelry. Inside, a plush-lined compartment held a button to play Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," accompanied by a delicate resin statuette of a fairy sitting by a river, holding a red carnation. A sculpture of white swans, locked in an embrace, completed the scene.]

As soon as I saw it, I sent the details to my dad, knowing Mom would love it. She had danced ballet all through her childhood and was a huge Tchaikovsky fan. The red carnation the fairy held seemed like a perfect touch, too—Mom had always loved gardening.

Though the gift was costly, my dad had never hesitated to spend it when it came to making Mom happy.

I sent my dad the message with the link and waited, heart in my throat, for a reply. 

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed again.

1 Message from Dad: Where did you find this? On the internet again?

Me: Yes 😛

Message from Dad: Another of your crazy ideas! I'll buy it and pick you up after school. We'll go see your mom together.

Me: Dad, are you forgetting? Mom works with you!

Message from Dad: No, honey, she didn't come to work today.

Me: Did you call her?

Message from Dad: She's not answering. We'll see her tonight, okay?

Me: I wish I could be there to pick out the gift with you.

Message from Dad: Don't count on me to pick you up before class ends.

At least I tried...

Me: You're mean 😭

Message from Dad: Stop it, I'm the best dad ever!