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Prologue
Bombs exploded around, gun shots rang in the air and smoke swirled in ugly funnels of grey. Nestled in the arms of her mum, she was blind to the world out there. The fighting society, freedom buried deep beneath the hundreds of weary and hollowed eyed citizens. A dimming spark of hope fading with every exploding shell. Two figures ran to the shore of their war-torn home, the youth, cradled in the female's arms. Scouring the shore for a makeshift boat, they chanced upon a plank of wood, curved at the edges. They placed the baby girl onto the boat, and let it float away. Tears threatened to fall over the young couple. A thunder storm of sadness passed over them. They watched it float out to the horizon, hoping for the best. Hoping for the best for their daughter.
Palm trees studded the coast of the beach and coral fringed the edge of the bay like lace on a ballroom dress. Soft icy blue eyes fluttered open and the plump pink lips widened, letting out a cry of despair. Lost and alone, she floated in circles. Her hair was tipped with blonde, short hazel waves drifting in the aquamarine water in a frenzy around her perfect face. A beautiful shade of pink creeped up into her cheeks, bringing life into the young girl. A small limp frail body lay on a piece of driftwood, miraculously floating on the waves, which were only ripples. The waves rested the beauty on the warm sand. The chosen one. Her name was Kai.
Chapter 1 - 11 years later
My toes dug into the sand, resting on my arm was my pastel orange surfboard. I stalked up the boardwalk, the worn planks almost crumbling under me, I wasn't scared. I never will be. Leaping into the thrashing waves, the shock chilled up my spine, erupting through all the bones in my body. I felt the small undertow and weak force of the current. I felt my heart balloon, the feeling of belonging. Surfacing, I pushed up through the cold grey, gasping for air. My hair clung to the sides of my face, my large hazel eyes twinkled in the sunset. Happiness overflows me. Suddenly dimming and turning downcast. I glanced back at the shore and all I saw were the smiling faces of my classmates playing volleyball on the shore. Without me.
I felt the pit of sadness grow with every burst of laughter. My legs kicked up only ripples of water, the happiness which pumped through my legs fading. How I wanted to be accepted, How I wanted to be part of their group of happiness, but I just felt everything in me belonged to the waves. To the ocean and to the sea. I wanted tomorrow to be the end, I wanted tomorrow to be a new beginning, I wanted tomorrow to be the day I set sail.
It was always my dream to explore every nook and cranny of this world, especially the depth of the ocean. The odd and wonderful creatures of the twilight zone, the lanterns and light glimmering in the gloom. The fluorescent flashes of unique coloured fish. And the gracious birds stretching their elegant wings up to the sky. I knew the risk. My life but I wanted to pursue every dream of mine and tomorrow I will capture the one closest to my heart. Discovering the deep. Exploring my home.
Shaking my head like a wet dog, I limped towards my class, half of them relaxing, gazing out at the waves. The others run laps by the side of the ocean. A whirlwind of legs paraded in front of me, sending me into a flurry of arms and legs. I face planted into the wet sand, scoring a few laughs from some of my classmates. Ash broke free from the tramp of runners, jogging towards me and then giving me a hand up. “I can stand up by myself, Ash” I snapped, sending him a glare. I kept my head down and looked at my toes. But I couldn;t help but look up. The sun glinted off his tousled dirty blonde hair, the blue eyes shining with the unexpected thrill of adventure. “Whatcha doing Kai” he said with a mischievous grin. His voice softened when he saw the bleeding cut. “Wanna talk?” Ash quietly asked. I nodded, I didn’t want to tell him. It would break his heart. I knew he secretly cared for me, like a long lost sister and like I was part of his family. I didn’t want to tell him.
So I ran, faster than the wind, faster than I’d ever run in my life and faster than I ever will. I bolted down the path, my feet being scraped raw with every step, I heard Ash call my name but I wasn't stopping. My arm sagged to one side, the weight of the board slowing me down. My breath came in raspy pants and I stumbled over a pebble. The breath was knocked out of me. I felt a warm river of liquid erupted in my mouth. Salty. Wiping my lips, a trail of red left its mark like a lifelong scar. I felt the sting of my graze slither its way through me. I collapsed on the path, pain still embedded in me.
Chapter 2
A glare of white surrounded me, white walls, white curtains, white bed sheet. Everything was white. Someone was sitting next to me, looking out of the window. I tried sitting up but a shoot of pain speared through me like an arrow. Flopping back down on to the too plush pillows I heard a voice talking to me. But my mind was somewhere else, thinking about yesterday. Something was poking me, and then the delighted voice of Ash followed. “Look she’s alive” He exclaimed. My voice was soft and croaky but I managed to respond and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. “She just rolled her eyes at me” Ash exclaimed again. “Of course I’m alive you nut head” I croaked, my voice sore after I had said it. Blue unblinking eyes stared back down at me, A smile tugged at Ash’s lips as he resisted the urge to burst out laughing. Throwing the thin blanket of my weak form with a flourish, and trying to stand up in a very uncoordinated way, I saw the deep cut slithering its way around my calf. It was like a vine wrapping its tendrils around my leg. I gasped and dramatically fell back onto the bed.
Stumbling to the door, after recovering from my faint, I saw the streams of patients flow by, nausea suddenly hitting me. Swallowing my saliva, a rush of blood exploded in my head. My brain turned to slush, I tried to regain myself. Reaching for the wall I fell, a shoulder was there to support me. “Ash,” I said blindly. Leading me through the wad of people we reached the glass sliding doors. Walking into the sunshine, the bright rays flashed in my face, opening my eyelids just a peek. I saw a sliver of the raging sea, the caps foaming white, sparkling in the sun. I felt the urge to run into the waves, kicking up the sand. How I wanted to be there, my slim shape, twisting between the currents and then surfacing to the shining light above. Riding the waves back like a pro. Doing it over and over again till I got tired. Till the sun cast its last few weak rays. I felt the ocean call me for the start of my adventure.
Chapter 3
The crumpled newspaper felt weak and thin in my hands. The caption said, The Discovery, planned to set sail on the 2nd of September. Scanning the paper the word swam before my eyes, I couldn’t believe it. Planned to explore the deep. My brain clicked, What if I can hop aboard and go with them? I felt my heartbeat pick up and my brain whirling with hundreds of ideas. What if? What if? What if?
Grabbing everything I had and stuffing it into my duffle bag, I clattered down the stairs. Reaching a certain point, I slid down the railing. The exhilarating rush left me more sure than ever. Opening the door into the world, I felt a pit of sadness slowly grow. Realising that I was leaving everything I knew behind and the only family I had. Ash’s dad and him. Stepping out into the sunshine I forced myself not to think about it. Then I heard the screech of a car, the tyres hitting the drive, a black mustang. The window rolled down, sunglasses shading her eyes, A cap with rolling stones on it and rock and roll style for the overall. I stood their gaping at her. Making mental notes, I tried to figure out who it was. She saw me staring at her, she flicked her sunglasses up, her brown eyes pierced into mine. I tried to break the look but her eyes followed every single move. An uneasy feeling crept through my bones.
“My skateboard and surfboard,” I gasped. Running back into the house and forgetting the woman, bolted up the stairs into my attic space. My eyes scanned the room. Cushion, well made bed, my surfboard and my skateboard. Running towards them I managed to get the surfboard under one arm and the skateboard under the other. I ran my fingers through the thick blotches of paint on the board I had painted. The once plain board Ash’s dad had given me for my birthday, now covered in the swirling blue of the ocean. I remembered when I painted it, 2 weeks before now, the day after my birthday. That memory felt so far away but it felt close. Close to my heart
I remember…..
“Out on the wharf, the icy blue waves lapped at the eroding, ramshackled wood, sending ripples of refreshment through me, swirling around my ankles. I heard the shouts of laughter explode in sparks, the sound of the waves trying to drown it out. My salt encrusted hair fell in waves of hazel, roaming and frolicking in the summer breeze. It swept its cool tendrils across my face. Easing some of my sorrow. But not the two which could never be healed. I felt the pain bloom across my chest, the tears I could never hold back go spilling over the brink and the sadness which I could never keep in. The sun enveloped me and I felt the last rays being cast, the warmth coursing through my veins, shining on my tan skin. Clutching my surfboard close to me, I bolted across the deck and to the shore. My feet, flicking sprays of sand everywhere. Draping my towel over my shoulders I began to start paint on my skateboard. The crashing waves capped with white and the wild creatures below. Arcing dolphins weaving between the currents, shoals of fish escaping the snapping jaws of their predators and a coast exploding with coral. Coral fringing the coast like lace on a ballgown. I painted everything I saw onto my plain wooden skateboard. Everything I knew and everything that was closest to my heart. I let the paint trickle and combine. The painting represented me. Wild and free. I looked out onto the horizon, where the sky meets the sea. Wild and still free. But different from me.”
I sat on the edge of my bed bewilderment overcoming me, I felt so dumb and stupid. Why would I leave a life like this? Where I had a home, a family, a place where I am loved. By Ash and his dad. Suddenly I heard shouts, fits banging on the table and the soft sobbing of Ash. A brawl as my teacher would call it. Creeping to the door of Ash’s room, I rested my head against the hollow wood. My hand unconsciously reached for the golden door knob. Falling through the open door, I saw an unwelcoming sight. Ash’s room had been turned upside down. I walked over to him, wincing when I stepped on random pieces of lego which were scattered all over the floor. Inviting myself to sit on his bed, I asked him what was wrong. An attempt for a soothing voice, turned into a string of gibberish. I could feel the rise and fall of his back calm down. Being replaced by the uncontrollable snorts of laughter. I turned to look at him and gave him a look.
My heart ballooned at the sight. “Mum and Dad” Ash managed to say and then shook his head. Taking his hand in mine I dragged him across the floor to the door. As soon as I rested a finger on it it burst open. Ash’s dad came stumbling in, his grey eyes flashed with fury and fright. “ Pack and go unless you want to be hurt” Ash and I stood there frozen, our feet stuck to the ground. His eyes filled with desperation. “Ash, I'll try to keep mum busy and as for you Kai….. Take Ash and go. You both don’t know what you mean to me but you need to go. Now!” With that he turned his back and stormed down the stairs. Like a beheaded chicken we ran around the room. Ash ran to gather his belongings whilst I was just getting ready to jump out of the window. With my things. Glass shattered as I turned around, my first formed, ready for the strike. The shards erupt like lava from a volcano. I clutched my hand, blood pooling in drops on the floor. Ash turned to look at me and then at the window. A smile crept onto his face. “So, another option for our escape route,” he said. I gave him a nod. Grabbing my things including the bulk of my skateboard and my surfboard, I backed until I reached the other side of the room. Taking a running leap I jumped. I felt the air rush past me and the instinct to brace against the fall.
The impact felt like a thousand bees, black and yellow, the flashing stingers piercing my skin. I curled into a ball, my grazed shins bleeding and a new gash slithering across my cheek. Standing up, my knees buckled with the weight. A wobbling shadow, balanced precariously on the brim of the window frame. Crouched and ready to jump. “No!” I shouted but it was too late. A flash of colour illuminated my sight and a shriek rang in my ears. His eyes were filled with the unexpected thrill, drinking up that shock of an adrenaline rush. A few tattered knees and a cut. We both endured the first obstacle, and still all in one piece. But still a hundred more to go.
The short blare of a horn erupted in a spark of sound. “Run” I shouted. So we ran. To the wharf, to the sea, to the new life ahead us.
Chapter 4
At the dock, waves crashed at the hulking boat. Its figure looming as high as a skyscraper, swarms of people gathering at the wharf watching it set sail. Ash and I stood at the edge calling out for it to stop. We backed away and started at a run for the closing entrance. I clutched his hand. I felt us become one, united hearts full of hope and desperation. Twisting in just through the gap, we smashed against the cold concrete deck. Our shoulders grinding against the floor. The shock left me gaping.
Two obsidian eyes stared down at us. “What are you two doing here?” A hoarse gravelly voice rumbled. “We’re running,” Ash and I said at the same time. I stifled a laugh, the guard grabbed us by the collars and dragged us to one of the cabins. The door slammed shut and we watched him go from a gap in the door, his bulky frame taking up the whole hallway. Ash and I broke into hysterical laughter. “What are we going to do?” Ash asked. I gave him a hard stare, eyeing him down.
We spent the next few hours crying with laughter, popping dance moves and telling stories. I felt happy with Ash. Lighting a candle with a match, the boat rocked, singing a soft lullaby. I felt that song attached to me. It felt like the lullaby my faraway parents would sing. Their voices are soft and entrancing, raging through my mind. My brow furrowed, trying to figure out where I had heard it. A yawn spread across my face, my eyelids slowly dropping closed. Dreams whirled in my mind, each carrying a different story. I reached out to grab one and carefully opened it.
I was brought into a world off…
Flowers crawled over the small cottage, I stood in the grass barefoot, dew drops clustering on the fresh morning grass. The water tickled my legs, taking tentative steps towards the house. My hand found the handle of the house. It creaked open, a musty stench hitting me with a full-blown punch. My eyes watered at the smell and I wrinkled my nose. Stepping in and bracing against the smell, portraits lined the walls and a face I couldn’t recognise stared at me, the electricity sizzled between the portrait and me. I felt something of a connection. A connection.
Someone was shaking me awake, concern etched across their face. Sitting up abruptly, sweat crowned my forehead, and my bed sheets were thrown all over the floor. I grabbed the handle of the cabin door and waltzed into the morning sunshine, the morning breeze pirouettes around me, sweeping a smile onto my face, the salty smell lingered with every gust of air, a thin line of land crawled closer as we sailed into the dock, city lights glimmered and people jostled at each other, elbows and legs. I glanced up at the rows of buildings, Ash and I were pushed into the flow of people, a flow of people which parted in different directions. We came across a church, It towered metres above us, the doors flew open. A woman opened the door with a flourish, her cheeks rosy with colour and flour coating her hands. With open arms she welcomed us, Ash took the lead and led me in. Lights illuminated the hall, stairs climbed up the wall to another level. I ran into the space, and spun around in circles, embracing the new home.
Night came, stars twinkled in the dark sky, office lights added to the glamour, I opened the window, my voice carried away by the wind, I sang my life story and every special memory, sweet and sad, they echoed in my mind.
My fondest memory...
Brushing my hands over the ragged barked trees, I cried out with a shout, drawing blood. My finger pulled away from the tree. Glancing at the cut an idea clicked in my mind. Fireflies and fairy lights. I smiled.
Rolled up in a bundle of lights, I waddled over to the willow tree, its tendrils leaking towards me. I balanced on the trunk and shimmied up. My toes wrapped around the small branches. Weaving a string of lights around the tree, I spent the next few hours decorating my willow tree.
They glittered in the moonlight, like a trillion fireflies about to take flight. Lifting their wings towards the sky and within a few seconds, they were gone. Up in a swirling mass of colour, fluorescent and luminescent.
Fluorescent and Luminescent.
Chapter 7
I stood at the edge of the deck, wobbling precariously on edge, the suit taking up everything, the head set crackled, telling me to get ready to plunge into the raging peaks of water. Sucking in a breath, I slammed my eyes shut and closed down the worries targeting me. And I dived. Blindly swimming towards the submarine a rush of something hit me. Something.
Darkness enveloped me, shocks of coldness electrocuted the glass. Luminescent lights lit up the murky water, fish swam in shoals and the echoes of the whales' rumbly voice thrummed through the ocean, travelling right at me. The glass was cold and fragile, vibrating with every movement. The suit, bulky and not fit for my slim shape. A looming shape rushed towards me. It’s tinted black fins, cutting the water current. Snapping jaws threw rushes of water at the glass. Throwing me back into a cave of darkness, It circled me. Danger lurked in every crevice of the ocean.
My head slammed against a barrier of coral, my frame fell, limp and weak. I felt the blood surge into my mouth, the world blurred before my eyes, my breath coming in raspy breaths. I grasped the stone that Ash had given me, my momento. Helping me persevere to the last minute. To the last second. My life was fading, flashing before my eyes.
For the last few seconds I was counting my lucky stars and thinking. About Ash. He was somewhere. Out in the world, discovering everything above, by himself. Without me and it made me feel the pain. He didn’t want to come with me and he left me to endure the pain. The pain of losing another person. First my life, then the life I knew in Portugal and now I lost Ash. My best friend and the only brother I knew. I bit my lip. It was time to pursue a new life but I could never let go of those memories. The memory of feeling loved and accepted. Never.
I gasped.
Chapter 8
Paper Cranes, hundreds, floating from the ceiling, swarming every wall, and filling the room. Every single crane had a message, a wish, from every patient. Tentatively I stepped onto the floor, cold and slippery. I took one step more than another, dancing between the fluttering flocks of birds, stretching their wings toward the sky, carrying the wishes and flying them around the world. My wish, my writing is crooked and shaky, different from the others. On a white crane, room for love and hope on it. A tear dragged itself down my cheek, and my heart sank. I fell back onto the bed.
My wish…
The world could be a better place, Ash. I hope you are building a new life and not falling to pieces like I am. You;ve always been more mature, but I love that goofy grin of yours, it lets my heart crack into a smile. A smile full of happiness and hope.
I miss you Ash and I love you
Kai
My brain was mixed up and restless, and I didn’t know where I was. But it didn’t mean I couldn’t have fun. I flung open the window, the blinds fluttering in the wind, free and wild. The wind sang an eerie song, echoing the words “Every single part of the world was meant to be discovered, by you.” Between the blinds of white I whirled up to the roof of the apartment, the stars speckled the inky night sky, lanterns illuminated every corner of the roof. Flashing soft yellow across Rockefeller square, skaters weaving shapes along the ice, a silver trail of shredded ice following. Smiling children, proud parents and a happy me.
“You’re set on a boat ready to go back to Portugal in a few month” My heart leapt at the voice of someone. Whirling around I came face to face with a woman and a sudden urge overcame me. In a second my arms were around her waist and I wrapped her in a hug. It has only been 1 day and now I am set to go home. But Ash might not be there. Ash might not be there.
Epilogue - 1 year later
I leaned out the window, the air fresh and free, catching a faceful of a salty spray. The capped waves rolled by, throngs of people crowded the beach, beach umbrellas scattered the burning sand. Towers of rocks, crawled in layers towards the sky. The blueness enveloping the white clouds and the faint outline of the crescent moon. Like a sliver arcing dolphin releasing faint flicks of water with its perfect tail. I felt happiness replacing an injured soul.
The car screeched to a stop and I stepped out. The dress swirling around my ankles, its vibrant colours shining in the sun, my sandals scraping against the ground. I slipped down to the cove, the deck, same old, ram shackled and wild. I ran my fingers across the rail, rustic and warm, leading towards the water. Still the same. Kneeling on the wood, I bent forward to run my hands through the water. The bay felt bigger than ever, the waves still able to sneak through. The water swimming in circles around my legs. The dress, soaked and wet.
Then I heard a voice, a familiar one. “Kai?” The question was left hanging in the air between me and the other person. I whipped my head around and then tears blurred my eyes. I went running, my hair flying in fiery strands, my eyes widening with disbelief. My legs pumped, my muscles rippling, the tan skin shining in the sun. “Ash, is it really you? '' I gasped. The tears fell in drops, slithering down my blushing cheeks. I was embraced with hope and love. By Ash. I felt the happiness thrum through me.
And it felt like home.
Note: Hi Alicia and Susan, My story isn't finished, as you can see between Chapter 4 and 7, at the in person meet up in the state library can I bring you my finished writing copy? Thank You guys I really enjoy YWC, right from the beginning. Thank You
Bombs exploded around, gun shots rang in the air and smoke swirled in ugly funnels of grey. Nestled in the arms of her mum, she was blind to the world out there. The fighting society, freedom buried deep beneath the hundreds of weary and hollowed eyed citizens. A dimming spark of hope fading with every exploding shell. Two figures ran to the shore of their war-torn home, the youth, cradled in the female's arms. Scouring the shore for a makeshift boat, they chanced upon a plank of wood, curved at the edges. They placed the baby girl onto the boat, and let it float away. Tears threatened to fall over the young couple. A thunder storm of sadness passed over them. They watched it float out to the horizon, hoping for the best. Hoping for the best for their daughter.
Palm trees studded the coast of the beach and coral fringed the edge of the bay like lace on a ballroom dress. Soft icy blue eyes fluttered open and the plump pink lips widened, letting out a cry of despair. Lost and alone, she floated in circles. Her hair was tipped with blonde, short hazel waves drifting in the aquamarine water in a frenzy around her perfect face. A beautiful shade of pink creeped up into her cheeks, bringing life into the young girl. A small limp frail body lay on a piece of driftwood, miraculously floating on the waves, which were only ripples. The waves rested the beauty on the warm sand. The chosen one. Her name was Kai.
Chapter 1 - 11 years later
My toes dug into the sand, resting on my arm was my pastel orange surfboard. I stalked up the boardwalk, the worn planks almost crumbling under me, I wasn't scared. I never will be. Leaping into the thrashing waves, the shock chilled up my spine, erupting through all the bones in my body. I felt the small undertow and weak force of the current. I felt my heart balloon, the feeling of belonging. Surfacing, I pushed up through the cold grey, gasping for air. My hair clung to the sides of my face, my large hazel eyes twinkled in the sunset. Happiness overflows me. Suddenly dimming and turning downcast. I glanced back at the shore and all I saw were the smiling faces of my classmates playing volleyball on the shore. Without me.
I felt the pit of sadness grow with every burst of laughter. My legs kicked up only ripples of water, the happiness which pumped through my legs fading. How I wanted to be accepted, How I wanted to be part of their group of happiness, but I just felt everything in me belonged to the waves. To the ocean and to the sea. I wanted tomorrow to be the end, I wanted tomorrow to be a new beginning, I wanted tomorrow to be the day I set sail.
It was always my dream to explore every nook and cranny of this world, especially the depth of the ocean. The odd and wonderful creatures of the twilight zone, the lanterns and light glimmering in the gloom. The fluorescent flashes of unique coloured fish. And the gracious birds stretching their elegant wings up to the sky. I knew the risk. My life but I wanted to pursue every dream of mine and tomorrow I will capture the one closest to my heart. Discovering the deep. Exploring my home.
Shaking my head like a wet dog, I limped towards my class, half of them relaxing, gazing out at the waves. The others run laps by the side of the ocean. A whirlwind of legs paraded in front of me, sending me into a flurry of arms and legs. I face planted into the wet sand, scoring a few laughs from some of my classmates. Ash broke free from the tramp of runners, jogging towards me and then giving me a hand up. “I can stand up by myself, Ash” I snapped, sending him a glare. I kept my head down and looked at my toes. But I couldn;t help but look up. The sun glinted off his tousled dirty blonde hair, the blue eyes shining with the unexpected thrill of adventure. “Whatcha doing Kai” he said with a mischievous grin. His voice softened when he saw the bleeding cut. “Wanna talk?” Ash quietly asked. I nodded, I didn’t want to tell him. It would break his heart. I knew he secretly cared for me, like a long lost sister and like I was part of his family. I didn’t want to tell him.
So I ran, faster than the wind, faster than I’d ever run in my life and faster than I ever will. I bolted down the path, my feet being scraped raw with every step, I heard Ash call my name but I wasn't stopping. My arm sagged to one side, the weight of the board slowing me down. My breath came in raspy pants and I stumbled over a pebble. The breath was knocked out of me. I felt a warm river of liquid erupted in my mouth. Salty. Wiping my lips, a trail of red left its mark like a lifelong scar. I felt the sting of my graze slither its way through me. I collapsed on the path, pain still embedded in me.
Chapter 2
A glare of white surrounded me, white walls, white curtains, white bed sheet. Everything was white. Someone was sitting next to me, looking out of the window. I tried sitting up but a shoot of pain speared through me like an arrow. Flopping back down on to the too plush pillows I heard a voice talking to me. But my mind was somewhere else, thinking about yesterday. Something was poking me, and then the delighted voice of Ash followed. “Look she’s alive” He exclaimed. My voice was soft and croaky but I managed to respond and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. “She just rolled her eyes at me” Ash exclaimed again. “Of course I’m alive you nut head” I croaked, my voice sore after I had said it. Blue unblinking eyes stared back down at me, A smile tugged at Ash’s lips as he resisted the urge to burst out laughing. Throwing the thin blanket of my weak form with a flourish, and trying to stand up in a very uncoordinated way, I saw the deep cut slithering its way around my calf. It was like a vine wrapping its tendrils around my leg. I gasped and dramatically fell back onto the bed.
Stumbling to the door, after recovering from my faint, I saw the streams of patients flow by, nausea suddenly hitting me. Swallowing my saliva, a rush of blood exploded in my head. My brain turned to slush, I tried to regain myself. Reaching for the wall I fell, a shoulder was there to support me. “Ash,” I said blindly. Leading me through the wad of people we reached the glass sliding doors. Walking into the sunshine, the bright rays flashed in my face, opening my eyelids just a peek. I saw a sliver of the raging sea, the caps foaming white, sparkling in the sun. I felt the urge to run into the waves, kicking up the sand. How I wanted to be there, my slim shape, twisting between the currents and then surfacing to the shining light above. Riding the waves back like a pro. Doing it over and over again till I got tired. Till the sun cast its last few weak rays. I felt the ocean call me for the start of my adventure.
Chapter 3
The crumpled newspaper felt weak and thin in my hands. The caption said, The Discovery, planned to set sail on the 2nd of September. Scanning the paper the word swam before my eyes, I couldn’t believe it. Planned to explore the deep. My brain clicked, What if I can hop aboard and go with them? I felt my heartbeat pick up and my brain whirling with hundreds of ideas. What if? What if? What if?
Grabbing everything I had and stuffing it into my duffle bag, I clattered down the stairs. Reaching a certain point, I slid down the railing. The exhilarating rush left me more sure than ever. Opening the door into the world, I felt a pit of sadness slowly grow. Realising that I was leaving everything I knew behind and the only family I had. Ash’s dad and him. Stepping out into the sunshine I forced myself not to think about it. Then I heard the screech of a car, the tyres hitting the drive, a black mustang. The window rolled down, sunglasses shading her eyes, A cap with rolling stones on it and rock and roll style for the overall. I stood their gaping at her. Making mental notes, I tried to figure out who it was. She saw me staring at her, she flicked her sunglasses up, her brown eyes pierced into mine. I tried to break the look but her eyes followed every single move. An uneasy feeling crept through my bones.
“My skateboard and surfboard,” I gasped. Running back into the house and forgetting the woman, bolted up the stairs into my attic space. My eyes scanned the room. Cushion, well made bed, my surfboard and my skateboard. Running towards them I managed to get the surfboard under one arm and the skateboard under the other. I ran my fingers through the thick blotches of paint on the board I had painted. The once plain board Ash’s dad had given me for my birthday, now covered in the swirling blue of the ocean. I remembered when I painted it, 2 weeks before now, the day after my birthday. That memory felt so far away but it felt close. Close to my heart
I remember…..
“Out on the wharf, the icy blue waves lapped at the eroding, ramshackled wood, sending ripples of refreshment through me, swirling around my ankles. I heard the shouts of laughter explode in sparks, the sound of the waves trying to drown it out. My salt encrusted hair fell in waves of hazel, roaming and frolicking in the summer breeze. It swept its cool tendrils across my face. Easing some of my sorrow. But not the two which could never be healed. I felt the pain bloom across my chest, the tears I could never hold back go spilling over the brink and the sadness which I could never keep in. The sun enveloped me and I felt the last rays being cast, the warmth coursing through my veins, shining on my tan skin. Clutching my surfboard close to me, I bolted across the deck and to the shore. My feet, flicking sprays of sand everywhere. Draping my towel over my shoulders I began to start paint on my skateboard. The crashing waves capped with white and the wild creatures below. Arcing dolphins weaving between the currents, shoals of fish escaping the snapping jaws of their predators and a coast exploding with coral. Coral fringing the coast like lace on a ballgown. I painted everything I saw onto my plain wooden skateboard. Everything I knew and everything that was closest to my heart. I let the paint trickle and combine. The painting represented me. Wild and free. I looked out onto the horizon, where the sky meets the sea. Wild and still free. But different from me.”
I sat on the edge of my bed bewilderment overcoming me, I felt so dumb and stupid. Why would I leave a life like this? Where I had a home, a family, a place where I am loved. By Ash and his dad. Suddenly I heard shouts, fits banging on the table and the soft sobbing of Ash. A brawl as my teacher would call it. Creeping to the door of Ash’s room, I rested my head against the hollow wood. My hand unconsciously reached for the golden door knob. Falling through the open door, I saw an unwelcoming sight. Ash’s room had been turned upside down. I walked over to him, wincing when I stepped on random pieces of lego which were scattered all over the floor. Inviting myself to sit on his bed, I asked him what was wrong. An attempt for a soothing voice, turned into a string of gibberish. I could feel the rise and fall of his back calm down. Being replaced by the uncontrollable snorts of laughter. I turned to look at him and gave him a look.
My heart ballooned at the sight. “Mum and Dad” Ash managed to say and then shook his head. Taking his hand in mine I dragged him across the floor to the door. As soon as I rested a finger on it it burst open. Ash’s dad came stumbling in, his grey eyes flashed with fury and fright. “ Pack and go unless you want to be hurt” Ash and I stood there frozen, our feet stuck to the ground. His eyes filled with desperation. “Ash, I'll try to keep mum busy and as for you Kai….. Take Ash and go. You both don’t know what you mean to me but you need to go. Now!” With that he turned his back and stormed down the stairs. Like a beheaded chicken we ran around the room. Ash ran to gather his belongings whilst I was just getting ready to jump out of the window. With my things. Glass shattered as I turned around, my first formed, ready for the strike. The shards erupt like lava from a volcano. I clutched my hand, blood pooling in drops on the floor. Ash turned to look at me and then at the window. A smile crept onto his face. “So, another option for our escape route,” he said. I gave him a nod. Grabbing my things including the bulk of my skateboard and my surfboard, I backed until I reached the other side of the room. Taking a running leap I jumped. I felt the air rush past me and the instinct to brace against the fall.
The impact felt like a thousand bees, black and yellow, the flashing stingers piercing my skin. I curled into a ball, my grazed shins bleeding and a new gash slithering across my cheek. Standing up, my knees buckled with the weight. A wobbling shadow, balanced precariously on the brim of the window frame. Crouched and ready to jump. “No!” I shouted but it was too late. A flash of colour illuminated my sight and a shriek rang in my ears. His eyes were filled with the unexpected thrill, drinking up that shock of an adrenaline rush. A few tattered knees and a cut. We both endured the first obstacle, and still all in one piece. But still a hundred more to go.
The short blare of a horn erupted in a spark of sound. “Run” I shouted. So we ran. To the wharf, to the sea, to the new life ahead us.
Chapter 4
At the dock, waves crashed at the hulking boat. Its figure looming as high as a skyscraper, swarms of people gathering at the wharf watching it set sail. Ash and I stood at the edge calling out for it to stop. We backed away and started at a run for the closing entrance. I clutched his hand. I felt us become one, united hearts full of hope and desperation. Twisting in just through the gap, we smashed against the cold concrete deck. Our shoulders grinding against the floor. The shock left me gaping.
Two obsidian eyes stared down at us. “What are you two doing here?” A hoarse gravelly voice rumbled. “We’re running,” Ash and I said at the same time. I stifled a laugh, the guard grabbed us by the collars and dragged us to one of the cabins. The door slammed shut and we watched him go from a gap in the door, his bulky frame taking up the whole hallway. Ash and I broke into hysterical laughter. “What are we going to do?” Ash asked. I gave him a hard stare, eyeing him down.
We spent the next few hours crying with laughter, popping dance moves and telling stories. I felt happy with Ash. Lighting a candle with a match, the boat rocked, singing a soft lullaby. I felt that song attached to me. It felt like the lullaby my faraway parents would sing. Their voices are soft and entrancing, raging through my mind. My brow furrowed, trying to figure out where I had heard it. A yawn spread across my face, my eyelids slowly dropping closed. Dreams whirled in my mind, each carrying a different story. I reached out to grab one and carefully opened it.
I was brought into a world off…
Flowers crawled over the small cottage, I stood in the grass barefoot, dew drops clustering on the fresh morning grass. The water tickled my legs, taking tentative steps towards the house. My hand found the handle of the house. It creaked open, a musty stench hitting me with a full-blown punch. My eyes watered at the smell and I wrinkled my nose. Stepping in and bracing against the smell, portraits lined the walls and a face I couldn’t recognise stared at me, the electricity sizzled between the portrait and me. I felt something of a connection. A connection.
Someone was shaking me awake, concern etched across their face. Sitting up abruptly, sweat crowned my forehead, and my bed sheets were thrown all over the floor. I grabbed the handle of the cabin door and waltzed into the morning sunshine, the morning breeze pirouettes around me, sweeping a smile onto my face, the salty smell lingered with every gust of air, a thin line of land crawled closer as we sailed into the dock, city lights glimmered and people jostled at each other, elbows and legs. I glanced up at the rows of buildings, Ash and I were pushed into the flow of people, a flow of people which parted in different directions. We came across a church, It towered metres above us, the doors flew open. A woman opened the door with a flourish, her cheeks rosy with colour and flour coating her hands. With open arms she welcomed us, Ash took the lead and led me in. Lights illuminated the hall, stairs climbed up the wall to another level. I ran into the space, and spun around in circles, embracing the new home.
Night came, stars twinkled in the dark sky, office lights added to the glamour, I opened the window, my voice carried away by the wind, I sang my life story and every special memory, sweet and sad, they echoed in my mind.
My fondest memory...
Brushing my hands over the ragged barked trees, I cried out with a shout, drawing blood. My finger pulled away from the tree. Glancing at the cut an idea clicked in my mind. Fireflies and fairy lights. I smiled.
Rolled up in a bundle of lights, I waddled over to the willow tree, its tendrils leaking towards me. I balanced on the trunk and shimmied up. My toes wrapped around the small branches. Weaving a string of lights around the tree, I spent the next few hours decorating my willow tree.
They glittered in the moonlight, like a trillion fireflies about to take flight. Lifting their wings towards the sky and within a few seconds, they were gone. Up in a swirling mass of colour, fluorescent and luminescent.
Fluorescent and Luminescent.
Chapter 7
I stood at the edge of the deck, wobbling precariously on edge, the suit taking up everything, the head set crackled, telling me to get ready to plunge into the raging peaks of water. Sucking in a breath, I slammed my eyes shut and closed down the worries targeting me. And I dived. Blindly swimming towards the submarine a rush of something hit me. Something.
Darkness enveloped me, shocks of coldness electrocuted the glass. Luminescent lights lit up the murky water, fish swam in shoals and the echoes of the whales' rumbly voice thrummed through the ocean, travelling right at me. The glass was cold and fragile, vibrating with every movement. The suit, bulky and not fit for my slim shape. A looming shape rushed towards me. It’s tinted black fins, cutting the water current. Snapping jaws threw rushes of water at the glass. Throwing me back into a cave of darkness, It circled me. Danger lurked in every crevice of the ocean.
My head slammed against a barrier of coral, my frame fell, limp and weak. I felt the blood surge into my mouth, the world blurred before my eyes, my breath coming in raspy breaths. I grasped the stone that Ash had given me, my momento. Helping me persevere to the last minute. To the last second. My life was fading, flashing before my eyes.
For the last few seconds I was counting my lucky stars and thinking. About Ash. He was somewhere. Out in the world, discovering everything above, by himself. Without me and it made me feel the pain. He didn’t want to come with me and he left me to endure the pain. The pain of losing another person. First my life, then the life I knew in Portugal and now I lost Ash. My best friend and the only brother I knew. I bit my lip. It was time to pursue a new life but I could never let go of those memories. The memory of feeling loved and accepted. Never.
I gasped.
Chapter 8
Paper Cranes, hundreds, floating from the ceiling, swarming every wall, and filling the room. Every single crane had a message, a wish, from every patient. Tentatively I stepped onto the floor, cold and slippery. I took one step more than another, dancing between the fluttering flocks of birds, stretching their wings toward the sky, carrying the wishes and flying them around the world. My wish, my writing is crooked and shaky, different from the others. On a white crane, room for love and hope on it. A tear dragged itself down my cheek, and my heart sank. I fell back onto the bed.
My wish…
The world could be a better place, Ash. I hope you are building a new life and not falling to pieces like I am. You;ve always been more mature, but I love that goofy grin of yours, it lets my heart crack into a smile. A smile full of happiness and hope.
I miss you Ash and I love you
Kai
My brain was mixed up and restless, and I didn’t know where I was. But it didn’t mean I couldn’t have fun. I flung open the window, the blinds fluttering in the wind, free and wild. The wind sang an eerie song, echoing the words “Every single part of the world was meant to be discovered, by you.” Between the blinds of white I whirled up to the roof of the apartment, the stars speckled the inky night sky, lanterns illuminated every corner of the roof. Flashing soft yellow across Rockefeller square, skaters weaving shapes along the ice, a silver trail of shredded ice following. Smiling children, proud parents and a happy me.
“You’re set on a boat ready to go back to Portugal in a few month” My heart leapt at the voice of someone. Whirling around I came face to face with a woman and a sudden urge overcame me. In a second my arms were around her waist and I wrapped her in a hug. It has only been 1 day and now I am set to go home. But Ash might not be there. Ash might not be there.
Epilogue - 1 year later
I leaned out the window, the air fresh and free, catching a faceful of a salty spray. The capped waves rolled by, throngs of people crowded the beach, beach umbrellas scattered the burning sand. Towers of rocks, crawled in layers towards the sky. The blueness enveloping the white clouds and the faint outline of the crescent moon. Like a sliver arcing dolphin releasing faint flicks of water with its perfect tail. I felt happiness replacing an injured soul.
The car screeched to a stop and I stepped out. The dress swirling around my ankles, its vibrant colours shining in the sun, my sandals scraping against the ground. I slipped down to the cove, the deck, same old, ram shackled and wild. I ran my fingers across the rail, rustic and warm, leading towards the water. Still the same. Kneeling on the wood, I bent forward to run my hands through the water. The bay felt bigger than ever, the waves still able to sneak through. The water swimming in circles around my legs. The dress, soaked and wet.
Then I heard a voice, a familiar one. “Kai?” The question was left hanging in the air between me and the other person. I whipped my head around and then tears blurred my eyes. I went running, my hair flying in fiery strands, my eyes widening with disbelief. My legs pumped, my muscles rippling, the tan skin shining in the sun. “Ash, is it really you? '' I gasped. The tears fell in drops, slithering down my blushing cheeks. I was embraced with hope and love. By Ash. I felt the happiness thrum through me.
And it felt like home.
Note: Hi Alicia and Susan, My story isn't finished, as you can see between Chapter 4 and 7, at the in person meet up in the state library can I bring you my finished writing copy? Thank You guys I really enjoy YWC, right from the beginning. Thank You