Karla
Karla never meant to be so harsh, wait, backspace that. She did mean to be that harsh. Hayley wasn’t her friend, and was no longer Lewis’ girlfriend so therefore she had no right to barge in on his life after she ruined everything happy in it. Lewis was now her responsibility, as she found that she was the only one, out of his so called friends, that actually knew what was going on in his life. She was the only friend who had experienced the pain he was currently going through. A cold and crisp breeze lingered in the air and her hair wisped across her face. She shuddered and pulled the corners of her jersey over her chest. Karla balled her hands into fists, trying to escape the rage building inside of her. In a swift movement, Karla turned on her heels and strode towards Lewis, who was still seated on the bridge, staring at the floor, blankly. She knew that he would have so much going through his mind and her only concern was to get him inside where it was warm and just to be there for him. Karla squatted down in front of Lewis, right in line of his blank stare. He shook his head and lifted his empty and shattered eyes and scanned her face. She knew that he would not be able to actually make out any faces, she thought back to when her father had died in the accident and how she could never tell people apart, their kind and sympathetic faces all turned to one huge smudge of colour.
“Lewis,” her voice cracked with emotion, “Lewis hun, come on, let’s get you into the car, its freezing out here.” Lewis grunted and turned his face to the side. Karla reached out and cupped his cold cheek in her hand, smoothing her thumb over his cheek bone. She sighed softly. Lewis squeezed his eyes shut and a few tears spurted out. Karla slowly brushed them off with the back of her fingers and then stroked her hand through his limp hair, sweeping his fringe to the side. His eyes were wet with the remaining tears and they pierced straight into Karla’s soul. She envisioned herself three years younger when she said goodbye to her father.
“Close your eyes.” He said, reaching out and shutting her eyes for her. Karla giggled softly.
“Now give me your hands.” He asked gently. Karla pushed her hands forward and felt him take hold of one of them. A small, cold band wrapped around her pinky.
“Open.” Her father whispered. Her eyes fluttered open and she glanced down at her hand. A small gold ring sat, ever so delicately, on her finger. Karla grinned and threw her arms around her father’s neck. He chuckled deeply and kissed her temple.
“It’s beautiful Dad! Thank you so much!” Karla squealed. He smiled at her warmly,
“Promise that I’ll be home as soon as possible, okay? Look after your mother for me, she has already started with the water works,”
He cast his chocolate brown eyes over to her mother leaning against the doorpost, wiping away a few tears. Karla rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“Be a good girl, Pumpkin.” He whispered into her hair and kissed her forehead. Karla found herself tearing up.
“Dad, please stay safe and get home fast.” She whispered, holding back the tsunami of tears ready to flow.
“Of course, and if you have a problem, just call me.” Karla nodded and watched as he walked over to her mother and press her into his chest. She snaked her arms around his big frame and sniffed softly. His army suit hugged his body tightly; he straightened up and adjusted his hat.
“I love you both so much, I will be home soon.” They all embraced in a group hug and Karla and her mother watched him walk out the door and get into the awaiting taxi. Karla dialled his number and waited for his answer.
“What’s wrong Karla?”
“Dad,” she sniffed, “I have a problem.”
“What is it, Baby Girl?”
