Strings Of Time

XVI

(Elise's POV)

Everything was in slow motion again. I couldn't believe what was happening right before my eyes. I just stood there... just looking... as if I was stranded in my own space and time. I couldn't even let out a tear or a single sob. I was just scared.

I went back to my senses when the paramedics confirmed that Alex was unresponsive and they needed to take her to the hospital immediately. Mr. Mathews' face couldn't be painted. His sweat was seeping through his blue colored long sleeve polo. He glanced at me once and I can see that he is very distraught. I wanted to comfort him but my body wouldn't respond. With all the things that is happening I don't think that anyone was thinking clearly. My mouth suddenly opened when I saw Alex's pale face. I couldn't call out her name. I couldn't touch her. It's as if I wasn't permitted to. I wanted her back... she was mine and I was hers. But how come fate does not want us to be together? Was it ill-fated? Why was I sent here if I wasn't meant for Alex?

The maids handed Mr. Mathews' coat as he headed to his car. I could hear whispers here and there. Some of the maids even said that Alex had finally did it. She's going to follow her fiancé in heaven.

"Coreen..."

I turned to my right and Joey was standing next to me with his arms crossed on his chest. "She must have missed her. It was very devastating to lose her like that. Alex kept all that inside. Her father never even paid any attention." he slowly shook his head as he gave me a pat on my shoulder. "I think you should go with Mr. Mathews. It may not look like it but he does need some sort of support."

I just nodded and followed Mr. Mathews. Just before Henry got in to his car, something fell off from his pocket. No one noticed as they were under the frenzy of this frightful incident. I knew I was the one who should pick it up. My mind was still wandering as I stared down at photo of me and Christopher.

A year ago, Cindy handed me a photograph. She said it was inside my pocket when they found me. Another nurse handed it to her right after I was discharged. I kept that picture all these years to make sure I never forget. I didn't know Chris kept his copy as well.

Mr. Mathews closed the door before I could get in. I was stunned but his cold eyes wasn't even looking at my direction. "We'll talk later." he said in a trembling voice.

"Elise... Elise... wake up! Come on! I haven't got all day!"

"W-What?"

"Wake up! We need to go downstairs! Come on! Ugh!"

I opened my eyes and saw a familiar figure. "Nina?" I rubbed my eyes to make the dream disappear.

"What is wrong with you?" asked Nina with frustration.

"Nina..." I reached for her hand and felt her warm skin. "Is this real?" I couldn't believe it. "Nina..." This dreamlike scenario has always taunted me. I would almost believe it but it's nothing but a wishful nightmare.

She stared at me as if I was stupid for asking if her hands were real. "A-are you okay? You look like you've been through some shi--... I mean stuff."

I looked up and thought that this was real. "Nina!" I jump off and embraced my beloved sister. "If this is a dream please don't wake me up." I cried and cried and I didn't want to let her go. I felt Nina wanting to break free from our embrace but I couldn't let her go. She awkwardly granted me my little freaky session.

"Okay... okay." said Nina as I finally released her. She smiled with confusion, "So... Mom's waiting for us downstairs. Now remember, if Dad asked us if we sneaked out from the backyard last night, tell him no... It could be the raccoon."