Raise It Up

The Antique Store

~*1*~

I sighed lightly as I trailed behind my sister and her friends. They were all talking animatedly but I didn’t find it that interesting although Sarah had tried plenty of times to drag me into the conversation. I was always ready with a soft reply to what she said and that ended that. I noticed my sister’s blue eyes glance back at me, a clear sign that she was going to try again. They’d all stopped at a light and before she could say anything I spoke up softly,

“Sar. I just remembered I wanted to see something. I’ll see you at home.”

I saw the corners of her full pink lips turn downwards slightly. “Okay, Em. Catch you later.”

Uh-oh. She was going to want to talk about this later. We had code words for each other as well as little hidden meanings in certain words. When I called her ‘Sar’ she knew I was trying to escape. Knowing this she called me ‘Em’ so that I’d know she wasn’t happy about that. I offered up a shy smile to her friends, nodded to her before darting off down the sidewalk. I know Sarah meant well but her forcing me into these situations made me feel awkward and alienated. I glanced back and spotted her honey blonde hair swaying as she walked across the street, still chatting with her friends. I shook my head fondly before turning around and slowly taking the long way back home past apartment buildings and small shops.

Although we lived in two different worlds and were fraternal twins, Sarah and I had a close bond with each other. It was hard to be around her sometimes though because of the fact she was so popular and outgoing. She had our mother’s honey blonde locks and cornflower blue eyes. I, on the other hand, had our father’s storm grey eyes and wavy sleek black hair. Thankfully though we’d both ended up with our mother’s soft features and heart shaped faces. Putting our looks aside though Sarah’s lively personality and fair featured looks always attract people to her and often enough I was left in the background just watching. It had always been like this, even before we moved to Pennsylvania from our home in England five years ago. It had never bothered me, so long as I had my parents love and the love of my sister I didn’t mind.

            I looked up as I finally was brought out my thoughts and was shocked to see that I was in an unfamiliar area. Looking around me I saw I was in an alley and there was only one store near me. It was a strange little store that looked old, almost like an antique shop. Frowning slightly I murmured,

“Where did my feet take me?”

            I hadn’t even noticed that I’d begun to wander aimlessly and I couldn’t even recognize where I was. Sighing lightly at my mistake I decided the only choice I had was to go inside to ask for directions. At first I was wary to enter a place I’d never gone into before but after I’d set foot inside the cozy little shop I instantly felt at home. Although slightly dusty and carrying quite a few antique pieces, the shop was beautiful and homely. I startled slightly when an elderly but kind voice spoke up from my left side,

“Well this is surely a surprise. I don’t often get young people visiting.”

I turned towards the voice and saw an older man who had to be around seventy or so. I fidgeted in my spot where I stood for a moment before a shy smile graced my features in answer to his warm smile. “You have a beautiful shop.”

“Why thank you, young miss. I try my best to care for it but it seems as though with my old age it’s getting just a bit harder.”

I blinked, surprised at the sudden regret I saw in his eyes, before I looked around the shop from where I stood. It was sad to think that maybe he might have to get rid of such a cozy little shop. I hated the idea even though I had only just found the place but I felt somewhat connected to it. It was a strange feeling honestly but I just couldn’t help it. It was then something caught my eyes and I locked on to it. Hesitantly, I looked at the older man and asked shyly,