Chapter 2
Sorry about not updating my stories lately, but I've had some issues, and haven't had the time or the inspiration. Feel free to read the first chapter again, if you've forgotten what happened. Anyway, here is the second chapter.
I could not fathom that they were truly gone. Brittany; she who had pulled me through all of the difficult times throughout my life, Eleanor; she who had always known how to get things done when I did not, and even Alvin, whose mischief, once which had I loathed, and which now seemed to me missing.
Everything I observed had become a reminder of the people who had once brought happiness and love to our home, and were here no more. What we did have would never be again.
The world was now a dark and frightful place for me, the new me, for without the ones I loved, I could not be the same. I was in a blackened maze, whose only exit seemed cowardly; selfish. All that was left me was to wander aimlessly through it, attempting to refrain from inflicting upon my remaining family pain.
I did have surviving family. My mother was still with me, as was Dave. Simon and Theodore were coping with the loss of their brother, Alvin.
Selfish was I, thinking only of my own kin, when Theodore had lost his brother and his love. Neither had he been himself, since the crash, nor had Simon. Once my mind had been saturated with fantasy, mostly pertaining to marrying Simon. Now those thoughts seemed petty, empty of warmth, empty of what had once filled my heart with envy upon noticing another girl dote on my only love.
I need be strong, a pillar upon which those whom I love may rest. I must help my family, and be helped by them also.
I wished to see Simon, to know that he was well, and to be with him during this; the darkest time of our lives.
"I wish I could reassure thee," said he, his arms wrapped around me, "But, if the truth be known, I long for some reassurance for myself."
I perceived him restrain a sob. My eyes became teared as my mind was once more dragged to the day of the incident. I was unable to control the horrific images which were being constantly thrust back into my mind.
I held Simon tighter, as though my so doing would stop him from being taken from me. I felt a lump in my throat.
"Why have I been spared," I asked, sobbing, "What makes me different to them?"
"In no way were we more deserving of life, Jeanette." A rolled down his cheek, "They were in the wrong place at the worst possible time."
I watched Theodore enter the room. He was like a flower, whose petals had shriveled away and died, once brimming with innocent wonder and cheer, now depressed and lonely.
A part of our lives had come to an abrupt and tragic end, and the situation necessitated acceptance, though this made the deed only more difficult.
The funeral took place after some time, as the episode had been entirely unexpected. I was expected to give my sisters' eulogies, and after great thought, I could not cognize a way to sum their lives in but one small speech.
"I had wished that I would never be called upon to give an oration of this nature." My eyes darted around the crowd.
"But it became necessary so for me to do, upon the unfortunate tragedy which hath befallen my beloved siblings, and which has deeply shocked us all." My face grew warm; I had never liked public speaking.
"My sisters were good people, with promising futures, and we cannot justify forgetting them; we must always remember the wonderful life we have shared with them, of which I am certain they will remain a part." My heart was beating faster than ever before. I felt extremely weak, I was ready to break and cry.
"I will always remember what Brittany said when we were teased in school: 'One day, we'll grow up to be better than they could ever hope to be.'" My vision became less focused. I felt light-headed.
"Now, I feel the need to carry that responsibility, to prove that she was right, at... least... " My sight clouded over, I felt my body lose stability, and blacked out.
I had fainted from anxiety, of giving the speech which I had so carefully prepared, and reluctantly attempted to express to the crowd which had gathered that day.
Luckily, my mother and Simon had helped me to regain consciousness and she then gave an impromptu eulogy while I slowly composed myself in the arms of Simon.
I was ashamed of myself, I couldn't even give their eulogy without fainting. How could I fulfill the responsibility I had mentioned? I had failed my sisters in so many ways.
"Simon, I didn't want to faint." I cried, "Why did it happen to me? Why could I not show even the smallest respect for Brittany and Eleanor?"
"Thou showed the greatest respect of all, Jeanette," He hugged me, "Thou stood before thy worst fear. That is the most honorable thing to have done."
Simon always had a way to make me feel special, but deep down, I was still traumatized.
"We'll never be the same, will we?" I looked into his blue eyes.
"No. We will not," He replied, "But maybe we can be different, together?"
I smiled, for a moment forgetting that I should be terribly unhappy. Even though our families had been violently torn from us, there was still hope. Simon, Theodore and I had survived. We now carried the torch, and if my sisters were alive, they would be gravely disappointed if we should drop it.
Alone, I float unsteadily, but together, we can escape the storm.
Thank you for reading this short story. I hope it resonates with someone out there, who is in a situation like Jeanette's, and possibly even helps them through it. Either way, I hope you review, it's the closest I get to talking to you, and I value all of my readers' opinions, so don't hesitate to tell me what you think.
I'm open to creative criticism.
As always, Unhello.
