Chapter One
Another day passed for eighteen year old Alexia Cooper. The sun shone brightly against the cloudless sky, sparrows could be seen gliding along with the summer wind, leaves slowly grew back to the color of green, leaving the side walks clean for a change. The day could not be even more beautiful, but deep inside Alexia, everything was dark.
Things were never this bad for her. As a senior in high school, she never had trouble doing anything. Always in class, number one in sports, she even dealt with drama a bit. Everything seemed fine until this year. Senioritis? Could be. She could not remember the last time that she had been really happy. She was not doing so well in her classes, dropped her place in sports, she even felt tired of her friends, of her surroundings. Everything seemed to be so negative to her, no matter who or what it is.
"Where the hell is it..." She murmured impatiently, digging into her tote for her keys. Even now, she dreaded going home, having to face her parents of her problems in school. And school is defiantly the last place on her list that she wants to be.
She had no place to go.
Jamming her keys into the keyhole, the door sprang open, welcoming her back. The familiar smell of the house brought her minute comfort. As if reading her thoughts, the wind slammed the door shut, away from the outside world.
"Gee, thanks." She mumbled. Locking the door she began to go up the stairs.
All of the sudden, a stern voice broke the silence.
"Alexia."
She froze at her place. *Dad is home?*
"Alexia, have you been going to school?" A tall man walks in from the kitchen. His expression was not very friendly.
"Yea. Where else would I be?"
"I received a letter from school today. It does not look like you've been going to school consistently."
Alexia's heart pounded. A nervous feeling crept up upon her. She had always felt very nervous these days, but now she thought it was about to explode.
"I leave early for sports.." She said quietly, "The teacher counts it as absents.."
"I don't know if sports is more important or academics." Mr. Cooper retorted in a stern tone. "Did you know it is possible that you wouldn't be able to pass the class?"
Alexia stood in silence.
"I don't know what you are thinking! Is it not important to you? It is not? You have been acting extremely irresponsible, it could cause you everything! Fourteen absences? That is unacceptable!"
The garage door rumbled open. Mrs. Cooper just came back from work. The moment she walked in Mr. Cooper showered her with the remarks he just made to Alexia.
Slowly she ascended the stairs, heart still pounding. She went into her room and let her tote fall onto the carpet floor and quietly shut the door. She wanted to cry, but no tears came out. All she felt was nervousness, disappointment, and depression. Images of failure swirled in her already clouded mind.
Ever since they received the first letter regarding her grades, her father had been jumpy of what she has been doing. Is she keeping her grades up? Is she going to go to college? All these questions burned Alexia's heart. She was furious, every time her father talks about the subject her blood boils. Never once in her high school life had he been there to help, he didn't know what classes she had been taking, he didn't know what activities she was involved in, he doesn't even know her favorite color! Now when she needed help, when she really needed her parents' support, all he does is hassle. Not once in her life had she heard him say anything positive of what she does. Every time she does something, he automatically assumes she failed, either that, or he just pesters her with what she could have accomplished. Never once congratulation on what she has already done.
It is only when she is failing, when he cares, when he actually notices. But instead of offering his help or support, all she receives back is a lash.
It had sliced deeply inside her.
She stuffed her earphones hard into her ears and turned on her stereo. Eyes closed, she tried to imagine what it was like to be happy again. Her mind slowly drifted.
Years ago, Alexia lost someone precious, her sister Jocelyn. She was six years younger than Alexia, but the age different didn't interfere with her relationship with her. Every day they played together, read together. Alexia still remembers making up stories to get her to go to sleep at night, the joy of listening to her laugh and gasp, or questioning her what might happen next.
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"Tell me, tell me!" A little girl squealed with anticipation, wrapping her small arms around her blanket. The whole apartment was silent, no one else was awake besides the two girls.
Alexia laughed softy and whispered, "J! Quiet down! Mom and Dad are gonna hear us!"
Jocelyn quickly silenced herself, but unable to sustain her curiosity, she poked her bigger sister incessantly.
"Tell me!"
"Ok ok I will!" Alexia motioned her to quiet down.
"The doom of Luthien, she chose to forsake the Blessed Realm, and put aside all claim to kinship with those that dwell there. With no certitude of happiness or joy, She returns to Middle Earth along with her love, Beren, there to dwell again. Luthien would become mortal, land subject to a second death, even as he. Soon she will leave the world forever, leaving her beauty and courage to become only memory in songs and tales."
Jocelyn's eyes went wide. She was still a little young to understand the true meaning of love, but by the way her sister told her the story, it was incredibly touching beyond words, even she could feel the stronghold of love Luthien and Beren held for each other.
"Alexia?" She asked, yawning.
"Yes?" Alexia sat up to slide open the curtains a little. The stars unveiled as the cloth was slowly pushed aside, the moon shone softly onto her pale skin, like the elves in Middle Earth, it glowed lightly against her skin.
"Do you love Jason as much as Luthiel loves Beren?"
Jason was her first crush, and Jocelyn was the only person Alexia ever told in truth, and the last person to know.
Alexia smiled at the question. She turned towards her sister, already half asleep, she patted her head and said softly, "Go to sleep."
She then lay down on her pillow, listening to the breathing of her sister, she found it hard to go to sleep. How strong can love become? So many stories were written dedicated to the power of love, what it can do for people. Romeo and Juliet, Beren and Luthien, it seemed to be a classic fairy tale. And she enjoyed it.
The funny thing is, she did not even know where the story came from. It was just a couple nights ago, when Jocelyn pestered for a story, it came out as smooth as a leaf on a river, floating gently down the stream.
"Oh well," she thought to herself, "maybe one day I will figure it out."
And with that thought, she fell into deep slumber.
But soon, the slumber was awaken by a rock of the building. Alexia's eyes flew open, all the figurines on her bookshelf was rattling hard against the wood. Jocelyn also sat up sleepily, unaware of what is happening.
"What is going on?" She asked groggily.
"Earthquake." Alexia answered quickly, grabbing her baby blanket and Jocelyn's, she motioned her to come with her to their parents room. She held onto her small hand and lead the way in the darkness. On the way, she stepped on something sharp. Before she could react, the sight before her gave her a huge shock.
With the moonlight slipping through the windows, she could see shiny pieces of glass litter the floor, china pieces from their vases and figurines all smashed and crushed. But that wasn't the most horrifying images. Up on their third floor apartment, their balcony was gone.
Alexia gasped. "What in the..."
Suddenly the building rumbled, it started to shake like mad. Alexia was stunned out of her senses. She covered her sister with her arms, while leaning against a bare wall.
"Alexia! Jocelyn!"
"Over here, Dad!" Alexia yelled back, trying to get to her parents room while shielding her sister at the same time.
Mr. Cooper appeared out of the darkness, with Mrs. Cooper with him, holding their baby brother, Austin. They were both shaken by the sudden quake.
"Are you two alright?" Mr. Cooper asked worriedly.
"Yea, we are all right." Alexia gasped. "We've lost our balcony!"
"This quake is stronger than I thought it would be" He said. Quickly he ushered them all out from the back door, where there was a bigger balcony.
When Alexia jumped through the door, dust and debris covered the air. Other than the moon, there was no light in sight. She could hear people's screams and cries for help. She shuddered, the feeling was dreadful. She tried to shake the feeling off when she saw Jocelyn.
Her little sister stood by her side, shaking. She was terrified. That was when Alexia realized that she too, was shaking.
"Jocelyn! Lets play Pat' a Cake!" Holding out her palms, "Lets play!"
She hesitantly lifted up her hands and started to play with Alexia, she had hope this game would calm her down.
Mr. Cooper quickly took out the emergency ropes from its box and started to assemble it. More after shock attacked the neighborhood, this time, it was worse.
Alexia felt the ground beneath her crack open, the whole building was sinking down. She felt her mother's arms wrapping herself and Jocelyn, praying that everything would be all right, she held her back.
Rocks cut into her skin, as she only had time to get her flip flops. She could see the building sinking, blocks fell from the sky, one almost knocking down on her. Amongst the noise she could hear her father calling out for her to get down first with the ropes. Quickly she leaped onto the railing, and held onto the ropes.
"What about you guys?"
"I will take Austin, your mother will take your sister. Don't worry just hurry and get down!"
Alexia turned to face her mother and sister, she looked at them and cried out, "See you down!" Then she slid down the rope, it burned her hands, but she ignored the pain and got to the ground. Once she did, she turned and looked up. Everything was dust, she tried not to breath, placing her blanket under her nose.
"Hurry! Hurry!" She cried. Seeing the building shaking and rumbling even more than before. More rocks and blocks fell, she quickly placed her blanket on top of her exposed head. All she could think of was a life without her parents, without her brother, without her sister.
It was unthinkable.
"Hurry!"
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Sirens could be heard, peoples loud and obnoxious chatter. She wanted to tell them to shut up.
Her home was gone. Everything that she ever had was gone. The only thing she had, were memories. She had seen her father run out with her brother; she was still there, unable to move. Barely sensing her father grabbing her away from the buildings, they were now a street away.
One of her relatives who lived near by came to take her away. She couldn't speak, nor hear anything anyone else was saying. That night, she slept in a car.
The next day, her father finally came. He had many cuts and bruises, but none as deep as what had went through his heart. He came to tell her the news.
Jocelyn is gone.
Alexia knew it was coming. For some reason, she knew that she was gone. But even so, she went numb, unable to believe what just happened. Her best friend in the whole world had left her, forever.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as her father embraced her tightly.
She is gone. Jocelyn is gone. Her sweet young face still vivid in her mind, the way she squealed when she wanted her to tell her a story, the way she laughed when she said something funny. Never will Alexia see it nor hear it again. Never will she be asked to tell another story.
Never.
At the funeral, she didn't cry. She didn't look into the coffin. She didn't want to remember her sister in any other way than the way she has in her heart. She couldn't bear to see how she looked like, lying alone, cold inside a stiff coffin. While the service went on, Alexia sung all the songs she and Jocelyn loved under her breath, hoping she would hear her. She felt the wind carry her voice up into the air, to the heavens where her sister now stayed.
*At least you are now at a better place* She thought. Closing her eyes and embracing the wind, * I will miss you.*
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Alexia woke up with a start. She felt hot tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Quickly she wiped them away with her shirt, turning to her back, she lay and starred up at the ceiling.
*I wonder if you can hear me.*
Nothing could be heard. It was the middle of the night; her parents did not bother to come wake her up. The air was warm, her fan was twirling merrily keeping her cool. Her curtains were opened slightly, with the moonlight pouring through, giving light to the room.
"I hope you can hear me, Jocelyn." She whispered softy. "I wish you were here with me, now more than ever." It was so hard, so hard to get through without her sister. She didn't think it was going to be this difficult. It has been four years and yet, the wound was still fresh, untended, without closure. She had written many "letters" to her sister, but that didn't help healing either. Though she knew inside her heart, that this was something that could never be healed, she still wished it could.
"I can't do this alone..." she choked out.
Soft wind blew from the window.
~.......Yes you can......~
Alexia jumped.
"Who said that?" She demanded.
No one answered. She could have sworn she heard something. Getting up, she looked around. No one else was in her room.
"Oh my Lord I think I am cracking." She said to herself, putting her hand against her forehead. It was hot from staying under the covers for so long. She quietly tip toed to the bath room, took a shower, and went back to her bed, in hopes of dreaming something of a lighter note. She really did not want to remember the past, and yet, she cannot face her present either.
"Oh fuck this." She exclaimed, throwing her pillow. "I need some air."
Reaching into her closet she took out a black sweater, slipping it on, she slowly opened her bed room door. Then at a snail's pace, she tip toped once again down the stairs. Quietly she opened the front door, and immersed into the dark.
She slipped her hands into her sweater pocket and let the night air flow along her skin. It was a refreshing feeling, walking out in the dark, with no one watching you, no one judging you, it was just the night and herself out, wondering. She always felt close with nature, no matter where she went, the wind, the water, even fire from the candle light, she felt they were the only ones that truly understood her heart, besides Jocelyn of course.
Alexia walked towards her favorite tree, it was right behind her house. Not too high, she climbed up the limbs and sat on a thick branch comfortably. Bathing in the moonlight, she closed her eyes. Peace and serenity washed over her, she wished she could feel like this everyday. A sense of nervousness returned, panic filled her heart.
"Not again..." she mumbled. Why can't she go though a day carefree?
Frustrated that the night could not calm her, she decided to get back into the house before she was discovered. But something else caught her eye. There was something shiny dangling from a smaller branch; it wasn't very far away from where she sat. It looked like a necklace from her distance, but she wasn't too sure.
"What in the world..." She thought to herself, "how does a necklace get caught on a branch?" Unless someone else has been on the tree, but the branches above were all too skinny and fragile, it would be impossible to even get up there. She stretched out her body and tried to reach the pendent. Her fingertips grazed the pendent. It shook slightly, reflecting the moonlight. Unwilling to just let it go, she took a chance to reach out for it again. For some odd reason, she felt compelled to get it, as if the wind was trying to push her to get it, she finally caught the pendant in her palms. But she was so concentrated in getting the necklace, she didn't realize how far she was from her own branch, loosing her balance, she fell to the ground with a hard thud.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed with surprise. Dirt was now all over her sweater and Pajama pants, leaves stuck onto her butt as she stood up, massaging her backside.
"Owww..."
She wiped off the dirt and leaves quickly with her free hand. There she stood beneath the tree, she held out the pendent in front of her.
Alexia haven't gotten the chance to realize how beautiful it was. It was silver, with a crystal engraved like a faerie's wings, a silver oval with writings circled the wings, and extending from the wings, it seems to be like a body, and yet not really. She couldn't tell what it was, it looked almost like.....
Then her mind went blank.
Like what?
Something stirred in her mind, but she couldn't make what. It seems like she had seen this jewelry before. But she would remember if she did, wouldn't she?
"Wouldn't I?" She thought. It had a familiar feel when she held onto it. She stared at the pendent, it glowed back at her. Sighing, she stuffed it in her pocket, maybe she will figure it out later. Quietly she walked back to the house, up the stairs, and into her room once again. She heard the slight snoring of her father, and her brother tossing in his bed. She closed the door. Changing into something clean, she took out the pendent as she lay down in her bed.
It intrigued her. The necklace was telling her something. She knew it, but the problem is, she doesn't know what. She felt so stupid but it kept tugging at her. Alexia sighed again and shook her head, she had enough problems for the day. Carefully she placed it on top of her nightstand.
Laying her tired head down her pillow, a sensation of exhaustion overcame her body. Soon, she was in deep sleep, her mind blank of all that occurred that day, including the necklace.
It shone brightly.
~.....sleep.....~
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hey all! This is my second attempt at another lotr fiction. Not quite sure this will lead to but already have plots forming in my mind. No it is not a marysue, there are already millions of those out there, hope you like the start. I'm quite sure this one is gong to center on characters you will all be familiar with, I don't want to give away anything yet...please read and review! I greatly appreciate them, they help me write on too. =D And yes, I will finish my other story soon, no worries on that.
Another day passed for eighteen year old Alexia Cooper. The sun shone brightly against the cloudless sky, sparrows could be seen gliding along with the summer wind, leaves slowly grew back to the color of green, leaving the side walks clean for a change. The day could not be even more beautiful, but deep inside Alexia, everything was dark.
Things were never this bad for her. As a senior in high school, she never had trouble doing anything. Always in class, number one in sports, she even dealt with drama a bit. Everything seemed fine until this year. Senioritis? Could be. She could not remember the last time that she had been really happy. She was not doing so well in her classes, dropped her place in sports, she even felt tired of her friends, of her surroundings. Everything seemed to be so negative to her, no matter who or what it is.
"Where the hell is it..." She murmured impatiently, digging into her tote for her keys. Even now, she dreaded going home, having to face her parents of her problems in school. And school is defiantly the last place on her list that she wants to be.
She had no place to go.
Jamming her keys into the keyhole, the door sprang open, welcoming her back. The familiar smell of the house brought her minute comfort. As if reading her thoughts, the wind slammed the door shut, away from the outside world.
"Gee, thanks." She mumbled. Locking the door she began to go up the stairs.
All of the sudden, a stern voice broke the silence.
"Alexia."
She froze at her place. *Dad is home?*
"Alexia, have you been going to school?" A tall man walks in from the kitchen. His expression was not very friendly.
"Yea. Where else would I be?"
"I received a letter from school today. It does not look like you've been going to school consistently."
Alexia's heart pounded. A nervous feeling crept up upon her. She had always felt very nervous these days, but now she thought it was about to explode.
"I leave early for sports.." She said quietly, "The teacher counts it as absents.."
"I don't know if sports is more important or academics." Mr. Cooper retorted in a stern tone. "Did you know it is possible that you wouldn't be able to pass the class?"
Alexia stood in silence.
"I don't know what you are thinking! Is it not important to you? It is not? You have been acting extremely irresponsible, it could cause you everything! Fourteen absences? That is unacceptable!"
The garage door rumbled open. Mrs. Cooper just came back from work. The moment she walked in Mr. Cooper showered her with the remarks he just made to Alexia.
Slowly she ascended the stairs, heart still pounding. She went into her room and let her tote fall onto the carpet floor and quietly shut the door. She wanted to cry, but no tears came out. All she felt was nervousness, disappointment, and depression. Images of failure swirled in her already clouded mind.
Ever since they received the first letter regarding her grades, her father had been jumpy of what she has been doing. Is she keeping her grades up? Is she going to go to college? All these questions burned Alexia's heart. She was furious, every time her father talks about the subject her blood boils. Never once in her high school life had he been there to help, he didn't know what classes she had been taking, he didn't know what activities she was involved in, he doesn't even know her favorite color! Now when she needed help, when she really needed her parents' support, all he does is hassle. Not once in her life had she heard him say anything positive of what she does. Every time she does something, he automatically assumes she failed, either that, or he just pesters her with what she could have accomplished. Never once congratulation on what she has already done.
It is only when she is failing, when he cares, when he actually notices. But instead of offering his help or support, all she receives back is a lash.
It had sliced deeply inside her.
She stuffed her earphones hard into her ears and turned on her stereo. Eyes closed, she tried to imagine what it was like to be happy again. Her mind slowly drifted.
Years ago, Alexia lost someone precious, her sister Jocelyn. She was six years younger than Alexia, but the age different didn't interfere with her relationship with her. Every day they played together, read together. Alexia still remembers making up stories to get her to go to sleep at night, the joy of listening to her laugh and gasp, or questioning her what might happen next.
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"Tell me, tell me!" A little girl squealed with anticipation, wrapping her small arms around her blanket. The whole apartment was silent, no one else was awake besides the two girls.
Alexia laughed softy and whispered, "J! Quiet down! Mom and Dad are gonna hear us!"
Jocelyn quickly silenced herself, but unable to sustain her curiosity, she poked her bigger sister incessantly.
"Tell me!"
"Ok ok I will!" Alexia motioned her to quiet down.
"The doom of Luthien, she chose to forsake the Blessed Realm, and put aside all claim to kinship with those that dwell there. With no certitude of happiness or joy, She returns to Middle Earth along with her love, Beren, there to dwell again. Luthien would become mortal, land subject to a second death, even as he. Soon she will leave the world forever, leaving her beauty and courage to become only memory in songs and tales."
Jocelyn's eyes went wide. She was still a little young to understand the true meaning of love, but by the way her sister told her the story, it was incredibly touching beyond words, even she could feel the stronghold of love Luthien and Beren held for each other.
"Alexia?" She asked, yawning.
"Yes?" Alexia sat up to slide open the curtains a little. The stars unveiled as the cloth was slowly pushed aside, the moon shone softly onto her pale skin, like the elves in Middle Earth, it glowed lightly against her skin.
"Do you love Jason as much as Luthiel loves Beren?"
Jason was her first crush, and Jocelyn was the only person Alexia ever told in truth, and the last person to know.
Alexia smiled at the question. She turned towards her sister, already half asleep, she patted her head and said softly, "Go to sleep."
She then lay down on her pillow, listening to the breathing of her sister, she found it hard to go to sleep. How strong can love become? So many stories were written dedicated to the power of love, what it can do for people. Romeo and Juliet, Beren and Luthien, it seemed to be a classic fairy tale. And she enjoyed it.
The funny thing is, she did not even know where the story came from. It was just a couple nights ago, when Jocelyn pestered for a story, it came out as smooth as a leaf on a river, floating gently down the stream.
"Oh well," she thought to herself, "maybe one day I will figure it out."
And with that thought, she fell into deep slumber.
But soon, the slumber was awaken by a rock of the building. Alexia's eyes flew open, all the figurines on her bookshelf was rattling hard against the wood. Jocelyn also sat up sleepily, unaware of what is happening.
"What is going on?" She asked groggily.
"Earthquake." Alexia answered quickly, grabbing her baby blanket and Jocelyn's, she motioned her to come with her to their parents room. She held onto her small hand and lead the way in the darkness. On the way, she stepped on something sharp. Before she could react, the sight before her gave her a huge shock.
With the moonlight slipping through the windows, she could see shiny pieces of glass litter the floor, china pieces from their vases and figurines all smashed and crushed. But that wasn't the most horrifying images. Up on their third floor apartment, their balcony was gone.
Alexia gasped. "What in the..."
Suddenly the building rumbled, it started to shake like mad. Alexia was stunned out of her senses. She covered her sister with her arms, while leaning against a bare wall.
"Alexia! Jocelyn!"
"Over here, Dad!" Alexia yelled back, trying to get to her parents room while shielding her sister at the same time.
Mr. Cooper appeared out of the darkness, with Mrs. Cooper with him, holding their baby brother, Austin. They were both shaken by the sudden quake.
"Are you two alright?" Mr. Cooper asked worriedly.
"Yea, we are all right." Alexia gasped. "We've lost our balcony!"
"This quake is stronger than I thought it would be" He said. Quickly he ushered them all out from the back door, where there was a bigger balcony.
When Alexia jumped through the door, dust and debris covered the air. Other than the moon, there was no light in sight. She could hear people's screams and cries for help. She shuddered, the feeling was dreadful. She tried to shake the feeling off when she saw Jocelyn.
Her little sister stood by her side, shaking. She was terrified. That was when Alexia realized that she too, was shaking.
"Jocelyn! Lets play Pat' a Cake!" Holding out her palms, "Lets play!"
She hesitantly lifted up her hands and started to play with Alexia, she had hope this game would calm her down.
Mr. Cooper quickly took out the emergency ropes from its box and started to assemble it. More after shock attacked the neighborhood, this time, it was worse.
Alexia felt the ground beneath her crack open, the whole building was sinking down. She felt her mother's arms wrapping herself and Jocelyn, praying that everything would be all right, she held her back.
Rocks cut into her skin, as she only had time to get her flip flops. She could see the building sinking, blocks fell from the sky, one almost knocking down on her. Amongst the noise she could hear her father calling out for her to get down first with the ropes. Quickly she leaped onto the railing, and held onto the ropes.
"What about you guys?"
"I will take Austin, your mother will take your sister. Don't worry just hurry and get down!"
Alexia turned to face her mother and sister, she looked at them and cried out, "See you down!" Then she slid down the rope, it burned her hands, but she ignored the pain and got to the ground. Once she did, she turned and looked up. Everything was dust, she tried not to breath, placing her blanket under her nose.
"Hurry! Hurry!" She cried. Seeing the building shaking and rumbling even more than before. More rocks and blocks fell, she quickly placed her blanket on top of her exposed head. All she could think of was a life without her parents, without her brother, without her sister.
It was unthinkable.
"Hurry!"
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Sirens could be heard, peoples loud and obnoxious chatter. She wanted to tell them to shut up.
Her home was gone. Everything that she ever had was gone. The only thing she had, were memories. She had seen her father run out with her brother; she was still there, unable to move. Barely sensing her father grabbing her away from the buildings, they were now a street away.
One of her relatives who lived near by came to take her away. She couldn't speak, nor hear anything anyone else was saying. That night, she slept in a car.
The next day, her father finally came. He had many cuts and bruises, but none as deep as what had went through his heart. He came to tell her the news.
Jocelyn is gone.
Alexia knew it was coming. For some reason, she knew that she was gone. But even so, she went numb, unable to believe what just happened. Her best friend in the whole world had left her, forever.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as her father embraced her tightly.
She is gone. Jocelyn is gone. Her sweet young face still vivid in her mind, the way she squealed when she wanted her to tell her a story, the way she laughed when she said something funny. Never will Alexia see it nor hear it again. Never will she be asked to tell another story.
Never.
At the funeral, she didn't cry. She didn't look into the coffin. She didn't want to remember her sister in any other way than the way she has in her heart. She couldn't bear to see how she looked like, lying alone, cold inside a stiff coffin. While the service went on, Alexia sung all the songs she and Jocelyn loved under her breath, hoping she would hear her. She felt the wind carry her voice up into the air, to the heavens where her sister now stayed.
*At least you are now at a better place* She thought. Closing her eyes and embracing the wind, * I will miss you.*
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Alexia woke up with a start. She felt hot tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Quickly she wiped them away with her shirt, turning to her back, she lay and starred up at the ceiling.
*I wonder if you can hear me.*
Nothing could be heard. It was the middle of the night; her parents did not bother to come wake her up. The air was warm, her fan was twirling merrily keeping her cool. Her curtains were opened slightly, with the moonlight pouring through, giving light to the room.
"I hope you can hear me, Jocelyn." She whispered softy. "I wish you were here with me, now more than ever." It was so hard, so hard to get through without her sister. She didn't think it was going to be this difficult. It has been four years and yet, the wound was still fresh, untended, without closure. She had written many "letters" to her sister, but that didn't help healing either. Though she knew inside her heart, that this was something that could never be healed, she still wished it could.
"I can't do this alone..." she choked out.
Soft wind blew from the window.
~.......Yes you can......~
Alexia jumped.
"Who said that?" She demanded.
No one answered. She could have sworn she heard something. Getting up, she looked around. No one else was in her room.
"Oh my Lord I think I am cracking." She said to herself, putting her hand against her forehead. It was hot from staying under the covers for so long. She quietly tip toed to the bath room, took a shower, and went back to her bed, in hopes of dreaming something of a lighter note. She really did not want to remember the past, and yet, she cannot face her present either.
"Oh fuck this." She exclaimed, throwing her pillow. "I need some air."
Reaching into her closet she took out a black sweater, slipping it on, she slowly opened her bed room door. Then at a snail's pace, she tip toped once again down the stairs. Quietly she opened the front door, and immersed into the dark.
She slipped her hands into her sweater pocket and let the night air flow along her skin. It was a refreshing feeling, walking out in the dark, with no one watching you, no one judging you, it was just the night and herself out, wondering. She always felt close with nature, no matter where she went, the wind, the water, even fire from the candle light, she felt they were the only ones that truly understood her heart, besides Jocelyn of course.
Alexia walked towards her favorite tree, it was right behind her house. Not too high, she climbed up the limbs and sat on a thick branch comfortably. Bathing in the moonlight, she closed her eyes. Peace and serenity washed over her, she wished she could feel like this everyday. A sense of nervousness returned, panic filled her heart.
"Not again..." she mumbled. Why can't she go though a day carefree?
Frustrated that the night could not calm her, she decided to get back into the house before she was discovered. But something else caught her eye. There was something shiny dangling from a smaller branch; it wasn't very far away from where she sat. It looked like a necklace from her distance, but she wasn't too sure.
"What in the world..." She thought to herself, "how does a necklace get caught on a branch?" Unless someone else has been on the tree, but the branches above were all too skinny and fragile, it would be impossible to even get up there. She stretched out her body and tried to reach the pendent. Her fingertips grazed the pendent. It shook slightly, reflecting the moonlight. Unwilling to just let it go, she took a chance to reach out for it again. For some odd reason, she felt compelled to get it, as if the wind was trying to push her to get it, she finally caught the pendant in her palms. But she was so concentrated in getting the necklace, she didn't realize how far she was from her own branch, loosing her balance, she fell to the ground with a hard thud.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed with surprise. Dirt was now all over her sweater and Pajama pants, leaves stuck onto her butt as she stood up, massaging her backside.
"Owww..."
She wiped off the dirt and leaves quickly with her free hand. There she stood beneath the tree, she held out the pendent in front of her.
Alexia haven't gotten the chance to realize how beautiful it was. It was silver, with a crystal engraved like a faerie's wings, a silver oval with writings circled the wings, and extending from the wings, it seems to be like a body, and yet not really. She couldn't tell what it was, it looked almost like.....
Then her mind went blank.
Like what?
Something stirred in her mind, but she couldn't make what. It seems like she had seen this jewelry before. But she would remember if she did, wouldn't she?
"Wouldn't I?" She thought. It had a familiar feel when she held onto it. She stared at the pendent, it glowed back at her. Sighing, she stuffed it in her pocket, maybe she will figure it out later. Quietly she walked back to the house, up the stairs, and into her room once again. She heard the slight snoring of her father, and her brother tossing in his bed. She closed the door. Changing into something clean, she took out the pendent as she lay down in her bed.
It intrigued her. The necklace was telling her something. She knew it, but the problem is, she doesn't know what. She felt so stupid but it kept tugging at her. Alexia sighed again and shook her head, she had enough problems for the day. Carefully she placed it on top of her nightstand.
Laying her tired head down her pillow, a sensation of exhaustion overcame her body. Soon, she was in deep sleep, her mind blank of all that occurred that day, including the necklace.
It shone brightly.
~.....sleep.....~
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hey all! This is my second attempt at another lotr fiction. Not quite sure this will lead to but already have plots forming in my mind. No it is not a marysue, there are already millions of those out there, hope you like the start. I'm quite sure this one is gong to center on characters you will all be familiar with, I don't want to give away anything yet...please read and review! I greatly appreciate them, they help me write on too. =D And yes, I will finish my other story soon, no worries on that.