The Way it Was

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

The orange, pink and red sunset slowly faded as the sun crept behind the mountains across the lake. A light breeze blew my hair across my face as the sky began to darken.

I pushed my hair away, along with my problems, and dipped my feet into the lake. I sat on the wharf gazing at the scenery, pretending nothing else existed in the world. Nothing but this moment. I closed my eyes, wishing that this moment could last forever.

The peaceful breeze over the calm lake instead of huge gusts of wind created by aircrafts. The birds flying from their nests instead of scarves flying from their owners. Cicadas chirping instead of alarms blaring, calling us all underground to hiding.

But no. This is the world I lived in. And if I could change it I would. I'd give anything to wake up to the smell of freshly cooked food. Not blood. Anything to hear children laughing and playing outside. Not screaming for help, mourning and weeping over their dead parents' bodies.

I read books about princesses a lot. Even though I got ridiculed for it. I read it because I craved it. I craved that lifestyle. I craved my happily ever after. They say everyone gets one. So where? Where was mine?

'Jasmine!' I whipped around and my sister was standing behind me, hands on her hips. She looked like she was ready to wring my neck.

'Yes, Holly?' I gulped. I had lost track of time and myself, both of which were sinking into the water, fading from reality, until--

'Where were you? Your brother and I were worried sick!' She shouted, pulling her skirt up and walking towards me. 'You were out past curfew and when we heard the planes, we thought--'

'I'm sorry!" I interrupted. "I just lost track of time. That's all.' She gave me a cheeky look, her eyes asking me "are you sure?", her stern mood completely vanished.

'I'm fine.' I assured her. 

'Okay.' She nodded. 'Let's get you back home before the next wave of bombs hits.' She said, half joking, half dead serious.

We climbed the hill together in silence. Holly was still shaking after I scared her. I knew that Daniel would be even worse. Holly and I were gone a while, and to have both of his little sisters missing and/or dead...

'I'm sorry, Holly.' I said, sinking to the pavement, sobbing, realising all the trouble I had caused.

'Shh,' She whispered, wrapping her thin arms around me. 'Let's get you home, okay?' She said, still whispering. I nodded, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep in a hot bath. But I knew, when we got home, that it wouldn't be that simple.