Like Real People Do - Jill Roord

I Was Staring At A Stranger

Alexia's POV

Mapi and I were waiting in the arrivals lounge, their flight should have been landing at any minute, so we'd see them soon. 

I knew Mapi was nervous, even if she wouldn't voice it, I could see her knees shaking as she fiddled with her fingers. Her mind was focused, though not in the room, I figured Hunter was in her thoughts; she usually was. Mapi always found it difficult to be separated from her best friend, just as I did my sister, Hunter was always on both our minds. 
I was scared but time was also moving far too slowly, I just need Hunter by my side. I needed to know she was going to be okay, even if she wasn't right now. 

"I should've called last night," Mapi muttered, shaking her head. 

"What do you mean?" I creased my forehead, wondering why this was relevant. 

Mapi turned to me, clearly frustrated with herself, "I normally call every night. But I didn't last night I forgot, because I was packing."

I put my hand over Mapi's, "It wouldn't have made a difference Mapi, don't stress yourself out about the past," that was a piece of advice I wish I could have lived by myself. 

Mapi tapped my hand, "They're here," She whispered.

My head immediately turned to the doors as I watched Hunter and Ona walk out.
The moment stopped and I realized I was staring at a stranger. I knew her face, I knew her name but I didn't recognize her soul. It broke me a little because the light in her eyes had dimmed and those animated expressions, forever illuminating Hunter's face were now blank. 

I walked over to my sister, not saying a single word before pulling her into a hug, "It's going to okay," I whispered, brushing my fingers through her hair, wishing I'd never have let her go the last time.

From just the way Hunter's body leaned into mine, she felt weak. I could feel her almost trembling, Hunter's arms didn't wrap around me, she'd just given into that darkness and it seemed she was loosing herself in the process. 

"You're going to be okay," I told her softly, holding the back of her head like a mother cradling her newborn. I wanted to go back to years ago where she was so small and innocent, maybe I could have changed things and we wouldn't be in this place today. I think I'd always blame myself slightly for not protecting Hunter more, it had been my job and I had failed. 

I pulled away from Hunter, knowing Mapi would want a hug, for just a second Hunter's eyes caught in mine and I saw this indescribable pain hidden under the blankness of the faded green. 

Mapi pulled Hunter into a hug, "Oh mi amor, I missed you," She smiled, trying to brighten the spirits of today but I think the clouds were too heavy, no amount of wind could ever reveal the sun. 

Hunter weakly smiled at Mapi, "I missed you too," she replied dryly. 

I looked at Ona, who was already staring at me, "Thankyou for looking after her," I mouthed.

Ona shook her head, brushing off my gratitude, "I'd always do it."

I sighed, knowing the arrivals' lounge would be filling with cameras soon at the news of our arrival, "We should get to the car," I suggested. 

"Yes," Ona nodded.

I dragged Hunter's suitcases to the car as Mapi walked with her. I looked back at the pair to see Mapi hold her tightly, her arm across Hunter's shoulders.
Leah was right to worry, something about Hunter had gone missing, it felt like there was this massive, gaping hole somewhere in her chest. I didn't know how to help her, especially without even speaking to her yet, but as her older sister, I immediately wanted to step in and find every way possible to help.
I watched as Hunter climbed into the car and then stared numbly at the back of the passenger seat, where Ona sat. It was as if part of her mind had switched off just to numb the pain.