Lifeless

Chapter 1.

As I stepped off the plane, I felt my tense body fully relax for the first time in four years. I looked around the airport. It had changed. People rushed to their destination as always, but more stores and restaurants occupied the area then before.

"CAIN!" A few people yelled, bringing my attention to my family. I smiled, picking up my bag and made way towards them. As I scanned the crowd, I saw my mom, dad, and sister. My mom had tears in her eyes and she was jumping up and down. My dad had his arm wrapped securely around his wife, trying to keep her steady. My sister was just standing with a huge smile on her face. She had grown. A frown made it's way to my face as I noticed one person I had missed the most was missing.

"Cain, I'm so glad you're home!" My mom exclaimed throwing her arms around my waist for a hug. I couldn't help but chuckle at the tiny woman in front of me. Her once blonde hair was starting to turn gray. Her green eyes were sparkling, but looked wise. Her face was also starting to age, wrinkles becoming prominent around her eyes, mouth, and chin. Laughing wrinkles she called them. She was a short thing, barely 5"3', but boy did she have strength.

"Me too mom," I replied as I bent down to hug her back.

"No more leaving me, do you understand?" She scolded as she pulled back, narrowing her eyes and placing her hands on her hips.

Uh oh. I know that look. "Yes ma'am." I was quick to answer knowing if I didn't I would be in big trouble!

"Marie honey, leave the poor boy alone! Look at him, he looks like a scared puppy ready to turn and run with his tail between his legs!" My dad joked.

I looked at him and glared. "I do not!"

"You kinda do big brother!" My sister piped.

I was quick to turn on her. "Oh don't give me that. If she turned that look on you, you would look the same, if not worse!"

She laughed and nodded. "I missed you Cain." She sounded on the verge of tears as she hugged me. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, as she snuggled into my side. "I missed you to Darcy. Gosh you've grown so much! You used to not reach my stomach better yet my shoulder." She stepped back and quickly wiped a tear away. Her blue eyes, just like fathers shined bright.

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Cain! I'm 18 now. I graduated for crying out loud!" She threw her hands in the air, being dramatic.

I frowned again as she said that and pulled her back into a hug. "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to make it, Sister. I tried, I really did. They wouldn't let me leave so close to the end of the deployment."

She nodded her head, and hugged me back. "It's okay. We all understood. I'm just glad you are home now!"

"Share the boy why don't you?" Dad intervened. "I missed you, son!" He whispered as he also engulfed in a hug. My dad stood only a few inches taller than me at 6" 3'. His brown hair also graying like mom's. His blue eyes looking tired.

"Lets go home, boy. Your mother is throwing a welcome home party! Good luck!" He bumped my shoulder.

"Oh no." I whispered.

"Oh yes." He laughed.

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Pulling up into the driveway, I noticed the house looked worn. The small two story white home, was faded. The dark blue shudders were chipped, and the wrap around porch looked like it was close to falling apart. He had a lot of work ahead of him.

He knew his father tried the best he could, but it was clear, he was growing older. He also had other worries. His youngest child just graduated, and oldest had been off to war. The worry can take a toll on a person.

Cars were lined up along the road making me groan. I wasn't in the mood for this. I was tired from flying. I just wanted a beer and to take a nap.

"Hey mom," I called out to her, as she made her way to the house.

"Yes sweetie?"

"Mind if I head for the store, I need a beer. I'll be quick."

She nodded her head and told me to be quick, that the party was waiting for me.

As I stepped in the store, I felt more at home. I had missed it here. It was a small town in Louisiana. Everyone knew everything about anyone.

"Cain good to have you back!" The old store owner greeted.

"It's good to be back, Mr. Jones."

I made my way to the beer isle when I spotted a woman who looked vaguely familiar. Her back was facing towards me, but what caught my attention was her hair. It was long wavy black hair that had a tint of red to it.

"Ally?" I whispered.

The woman froze, just inches from picking something off the shelf, and slowly turned around.

"Ally!" I exclaimed and threw my arms around her. She tensed and flinched under my touch, confusing me. I quickly pulled back and looked her over. I didn't notice before, but I barely recognized her. Her face was almost sunk in, and she looked like she hadn't slept well in weeks. Her brown eyes looked cold and she had dark bags under them. Her once sun kissed skin was pale and her hair was dull. She no longer had bright red lips, but instead they were almost blue and chapped. She looked sick.

"Ally?" I asked confused.

She grabbed what she wanted off the shelf completely ignoring me before turning and heading for the register. Right as she passed me her shoulder bumped into my chest, making me move out of the way. I just stared, speechless. I watched as she paid for her things and paused at the door. Not turning around, she began to speak. "Just leave me alone, Cain." It came out as almost a croak, then she stormed out of the store.

The sound of the bell on the door brought me out of the trance. I ran to the door throwing it open, and watched as she peeled out of the parking lot in her dad's truck.

"A lot of things have happened since you have been gone, son. You're lucky she even talked to you. She doesn't speak to anyone anymore since everything happened." Mr. Jones patted me on the back and returned to behind the counter.

"Since what happened sir?" I asked.

"You know me, boy. It's not my business nor my place to tell. I'm sure you will hear rumors since ya'll were so close before you left. But take it from me Cain, some of what you hear is true, but not all. If you want to know the whole truth, you will have to ask her, because no one really knows what happened."

I nodded and said thanks before walking out the door. I wasn't in the mood for a drink anymore, just a damn nap.

Pulling up in the driveway, I had been so lost in my thoughts, I completely forgot about the party. I wouldn't be able to concentrate on it anyway. The only thing running in my head was, what happened to the girl I used to know? Because there is one thing for sure, I have no idea who that woman in the convenient store was.