The Brightest Stars

Skyler

My legs tremble as I walk up the doorsteps. AJ told me that Mom left her job early when the principal called Mom and told her about the fight. The fire in Kristen's eyes still haunts my memories. Those burning eyes were the same ones the night Dad got in the accident.

Before we even knock, Mom already opens the door and firmly says, "Where's Kristen?"

AJ shrugs, his eyes glued to the ground. Mom sighs and opens the door wider. "Okay. Get in." She doesn't have a hint of anger or disappointment in her voice.

We stand in the living room as she closes the door. She puts her hands on her hips and sadness goes through her eyes. Today her uniform is messy with spaghetti sauce and her shoulder carries a tired slump. This makes my heart shrink.

"Tell me. What happened?" Her voice is steady and almost quiet.

AJ and I exchange glances before he clears his throat, and straightens his broad shoulders. "I'm sorry, Mom. I guess I just got carried away." Guilt goes through his sad eyes as he says, "I didn't mean to hurt anyone, but I was just angry by the way they..."

He was never like this. But ever since Dad died, we've all changed one way or another.

Mom gives him one last look and her eyes land on me. This sends chills down my spine.

"Mom. I--"

I stop when Mom raises her hand. "I was surprised when Mr. Holmes said your name. What were you both thinking?!"

"I was only trying to protect Kristen!" My blood boils as I say this and I have to sigh to calm down.

"Sky is right," AJ says this time. "We were only trying to protect each other!"

"Yes. But you don't have to fight in order to protect each other! Violence is never the solution! You know this AJ." Mom's voice echoes loudly in the house as she says, "What would your father say about this?"

"Dad isn't here!"

We all fall silent when AJ says this. Even he seems to regret these simple words once it's out of his mouth. "I-I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to--"

"Don't." Mom sighs sadly and shakes her head. "Go to your room. Both of you. You're all grounded, and one of you text Kristen to come home right now."

With this, Mom leaves the living room and we're left there in silence. I look at AJ and his expression takes me back to that day. His shoulders slump as he quietly goes up the stairs.

Once I'm in my room, I slowly sit on my neatly made bed. I put my shaking hands on my knees and close my eyes. The image of Dad's kind eyes comes back and a sob escapes my lips. Slowly, my hands turn into fists and I have an urge to scream. Anger seems to come even faster when I text Kristen and she doesn't even read it.

Instead of obeying the urge to throw my phone at the wall, I plug in my earphones and start my Beethoven playlist. My body slowly falls to the bed and I escape from the screaming guilt. From the noisy world.

And I fly...