As The Sun Falls

Chapter 1 - Prologue

SPRING

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fleeting colors of dusk began to fade away. The charcoal-black rocks circled around small pools of water, shimmering sadly before dark fell upon them. Celeste sat on the cold stones watching the view, she knew her mum would call her in for dinner soon, but she didn't want to go inside. Just as the first drop of water fell onto the rocks, she smiled. The rain was something that stopped her thoughts from buzzing, calmed her. The waves of the ocean washed to the shore creating a melancholic song. Waiting for the rain to wash all of the misery away, she stood there, her gaze burning into the horizon, staring at the beauty of the upcoming storm and the crying clouds.

"Dinners ready!"

Celeste sat a while longer, taking in the cool refreshing breeze. She knew dinner wasn't fully ready, her mum just wanted her inside before dark. Waiting a while long, she pushed her luck.

"NOW!"

That's when she finally stood up, wiping the tears she hadn't realised had fallen... or hadn't stopped from falling.

She cleaned up her face and headed inside, avoiding her family and heading straight upstairs, scared they'd see her red face. Jumping on her bed, she put in her earphones and started playing music. Rain fell through her open window, dampening the side of her bed. As she closed it, it felt as if the air in the room became less pleasant.

Later that night Celeste snuck out, for the second time that week. Lifting her lighter towards her, the flame engulfed the tip of her cigarette. Smoke puffed from her mouth. She ran across the road, not bothering to check for cars, as it was very late at night. When Celeste reached the park, she sat on the swings. The cigarette was dry and burned her throat, it was almost impossible to try stifle a cough. Soon after, the headache Celeste didn't even know she had went away.

"A little late for you to be out, how old are you?"

Celeste jumped at the unfamiliar voice. She turned her head and her eyes lay upon a girl around her age. True, she may appear younger than her age due to her height. However, she guessed the girl was being sarcastic.

"Three years old, I sure hope I won't be in trouble at home." The strange girl rolled her eyes, then sat on the second swing.

"I'm Amethyst." She exclaimed.

 "Celeste." She cringed at her own name, it sounded too much like a My Little Pony.

"Like Celestial?"

She sighed. "Sadly."

After hours of talking the two headed to a 24 hours cafe. The attendant eyed them suspiciously, but if she thought anything she was too drowsy to say anything. They ordered drinks, laughed at their own jokes and smoked outside. Before Celeste knew it, it was 4 in the morning and the sun would soon rise. They said their goodbyes and exchanged numbers.

Sunlight flickered through the windows, splashing the room with glare. Celeste was still asleep, even though her alarm clock went off five minutes before. Kyushu, her sister flung open the door, and flickered the lights. Groaning, Celeste rolled out of bed. 

The morning was a daze. Celeste headed to her fourth period, science. As usual, she sat at the back of the class, scribbling on her notes and not really paying attention. Until, there was a knock at the door, followed by the school principal. Celeste glanced up, stopping scribbling, she stared at the girl who had followed the principal in. "Amethyst..."