Blood Between us

The First Step Back 🪞

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Dear Diary,
Today has to be different. I need it to be.
I'll smile, not the kind that fools no one, but one that might actually feel real.
My smile will say, "I'm okay, really."
"I'm moving forward."
I won't be the girl frozen in grief, defined by what she lost.
This is my chance to begin again to rebuild, to become someone stronger.
It's the only way I'll survive this.

I closed my diary and sat up straighter, forcing a breath through my lungs like it would shake off the weight pressing down on my chest.

First day of school. Again.
New year. New start.
Kind of.

I pulled open my closet door and scanned the options. After a quick moment of indecision, I settled on a clean white blouse and my favourite pair of jeans, simple but comfortable. I clipped in my small gold hoop earrings, the ones Mom gave me two birthdays ago. My phone buzzed quietly on the nightstand. One new message. I ignored it for now.

Grabbing my bag, I padded down the stairs, brushing a hand along the banister. The house still felt...hollow sometimes. Too many memories tucked into corners we didn't talk about anymore.

I dropped my bag near the stairs and headed into the kitchen.

"Aunt Jenna!" I called out just as I spotted her fumbling with the toaster.

"Toast," Jenna declared triumphantly. "I can make toast."

I grinned faintly. "It's all about the coffee, Aunt Jenna."

Jeremy walked in behind me, still half-asleep. "Is there coffee?"

I nodded, handing him a cup. He took it with a grunt that I think was supposed to mean "thanks."

"Your first day of school and I'm totally unprepared," Jenna said, scanning the counter like she'd lost something. "Lunch money?"

"I'm good," Elena replied as she entered, already put-together as usual.

"Same," I echoed, slinging my bag over one shoulder.

"Anything else? A number two pencil? What am I missing?"

"You've got a meeting with your thesis advisor, remember?" Elena reminded her.

Jenna's eyes widened. "Oh crap, I'm supposed to be there now!" She rushed toward the door, juggling her keys and a half-eaten piece of toast.

Once she was gone, a brief silence settled over the kitchen.

"You okay?" Elena asked Jeremy gently.

"Don't start," he snapped, already on the defensive.

I touched his back lightly as I grabbed my bag again. "Let's go."

"I'll find my own way. Don't worry about me," Jeremy muttered and headed for the door.

I frowned, watching him go. The soft ache in my chest returned.

"You coming?" Elena asked.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah. Let's go."

Bonnie's car was parked at the curb, waiting. Elena slid into the passenger seat, and I slipped into the back. I always preferred the back. Easier to zone out.

And zone out I did.

Bonnie's voice drifted in and out as she drove. I caught snippets about Salem and her Grams, something about psychic powers. I barely registered any of it until

"...But then I started thinking I predicted Obama and I predicted Heath Ledger, and I still think Florida will break off and turn into little resort islands, Elena! Back in the car!"