Soñadora

1

The next summer came around, this time it was different when I came back. We both had changed. We went to the beach and sat around all day. Yet unlike last year, not a word was spoken. Several times I would open my mouth to speak quickly after I would shut my mouth feeling stupid. Not a single word was spoken, no hello or goodbye. For the entire year, I cried myself to sleep thinking about everything I could have said. I deeply regret not saying anything.

The summer of eighth grade was worse. I was even questioned by an adult if we knew each other or if we just met. The entire visit I struggled with a one-way conversation. At some point I gave up, staring off into the distance I said, "You have changed and I wish you could tell me what is wrong". I must have struck a nerve because he stormed off. That year was hard because I knew we were falling apart, and this time there might not be any glue to connect us again.

The next summer we saw each other but just sat next to each other in silence. In August, I visited again, and this time no one was home, except Ezra. He was completely wasted. We had a conversation, he told me all about his life and I told him about mine, somewhere in the conversation he asked me who I was when I responded Delta he told me that he did not allow strangers in the house so I left, completely heartbroken" I paused waiting for someone to call bullshit on me. When no one did I continued.

"A few months later I found out. I don't know what made him do it but I truly wish I was never accepted into that stupid boarding school. I know, and there is no doubt in my mind that I will find some written note later that says it's not my fault or that I shouldn't blame myself. It's not going to stop me, it didn't stop him. I will forever feel guilty and feel as if it is my fault because deep down in your heart you know it is. it all could have been different if I never left. I could have changed his future if I never abandoned him for that stupid school.

I couldn't tell you what was going through his mind. What made him do it. The ironic thing is how I always told him how I longed to skydive. I will admit I am slightly jealous that he got to and I never did and never will. He ruined that for me. I bet I will get angry emails saying I shouldn't joke about something so devastating, but I'm not joking, I am being completely serious.

I can't speak for all of you but I love Ezra with my entire heart. I hope you were able to accomplish everything you wanted to in your life. Rest in peace Ezra Rio DaVatti" Throughout my brief speech I paused several times to wipe the tears streaming down my face, like a flooding river, or lake. All of those things I said were not really lies, I was just taking small bits of the truth and adding more facts to make it interesting and untrue.

Each person got up and said their own goodbyes, I sat on the stiff chair as everyone slowly trickled away. They planned to bury him around seven-thirty tonight, so people had time to do whatever they wanted to do for a few hours before the burial. I couldn't say goodbye without answers.

I gasped. Answers! Why didn't I think of it sooner?

I raced out of the church, grabbing a scooter someone had carelessly propped up against the church building. I took off hearing shouts in protest and insults for stealing someone's scooter probably. When I reached the forest I jumped the five-foot fence. Then covered the shooter with a branch and a few handfuls of leaves. It was the easiest way, to make sure I had a ride back to the church. Plus what I was going to do was guaranteed to take some time.

I sprinted into the forest. Branches swiped out and grabbed me, ripping at my skin and knee-long black dress. I jumped over the fallen tree that signaled I was there. I climbed up the rickety ladder, it creaked several times. When I reached the top I let out a sigh of relief, that none of the old steps on the ladder had broken. Almost on cue the step that I was standing on gave away, leaving me hanging, I kicked my feet around as I pushed myself up to the platform beneath the treehouse.

When we first found the treehouse we needed to help each other into the treehouse because from the platform to the treehouse there are no steps. Now being taller I had to crouch so I didn't smack my head. I slightly struggled with the combination but I was glad when he hadn't changed it. In theory, if the combination was wrong the platform would drop making you fall about 15 feet. It was faulty though so about one in 10 times you tried the combo and it would drop you, hence why we used to strap ourselves into the tree. I let out a sigh of relief as I pushed the trap door open and quickly shove myself in knowing that it would snap shut in 30 seconds. As soon as the monitor felt my weight being lifted the platform collapsed followed by the trapdoor snapping shut.

I glanced around the room smiling at each prize standing proudly. There's only one thing different with the room next to the library book was another book but I didn't recall instantly. On top of the book was a piece of paper. Hoping the paper would have some explaining to the book I grabbed the paper and sat down on the ground.

It read:

Dear Delta,

I don't know where to start honestly. You would say the beginning would be a good place, but I already did, you were there with me. Anyways back to what I had in mind of saying.

I know you have come back to the clubhouse for answers, I will give them to you I promise. As long as you promise not to speak of anything you see or read. Understand? You have questions ad I think I have answered everything, the only thing you need now is five numbers. If someone other than Delta found this, let us just say the only person I want reading this is Delta. Now back to the important stuff.

.ɘviʇ ɘno ɘɘɿʜɈ ɘno ɘɘɿʜɈ ƨi ɘboɔ ɘʜT

You probably don't even need to stop to translate it by now. If you did have to stop and translate it, shame on you.

Don't feel guilty. Please. Don't hate me. Please. Don't drown in what happened. Pretty please with sugar on the top.

Be happy. Do what makes you happy. Live life at its fullest.

I love you Delta, don't you ever forget it.

Love,

𝓔𝔃𝓻𝓪 𝓡𝓲𝓸 𝓓𝓪𝓥𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓲

Tears cascaded down my face, as I fumbled with the combination lock on the diary. It popped open with a satisfying click. I stared down at Ezra's beautiful writing, wiping the tears that clouded my eyes so I could read better.

___________________________

Lots O' Love

Gianna

Until next time, don't forget to vote :)