Thread: What Might Have Been (AndNich123 & Reydan)

Stepping outside, the warmth greeted her. It ushered in a much welcomed moment, one that didn't come often. For a moment, just a brief moment in time, there was peace as the sun touched her skin. She closed her eyes for that moment, drinking in the radiant beauty. Slowly she inhaled, filling her lungs with fresh air. It's a small, simple pleasure that she had forgotten about living in the city and traveling about. Being back home had reminded her of enjoying these pleasures. It reminded her how that no matter how busy you are, you should take the time to literally stop and just breathe. Opening her eyes, she saw that he had continued on. Taking a step, once more she paused. Something in her mind whispered to her. Looking back and over her shoulder she saw the curtain softly sway back. 'Jenny,' she thought. Jenny had always been on her mind. How could she not be? There were reminders of her at home. She kept a photo of the two of them on a bookcase. There was the tee shirt from the concert the two of them had gone too. The very thought brought a slight smile to her lips. They had everything arranged so beautifully. She was to spend the night, and while they had permission to go to the concert, they ended up staying out far later than they should have. After one too many drinks, the two tried to sneak in the house. They stumbled through her window after scaling the tree outside Jenny's bedroom window. Falling to the floor together, they were as quiet as dump truck. The two had giggled and shushed each other, only to be caught. The punishment had been worth it. It always was when it came to getting into anything with Jenny, her best friend. She kept the teddybear they had won at the carnival. Her keychain that she used to this very day was one that she had bought while on a trip to the ocean with her. They had decided to take a girl's weekend. So many memories flooded her mind as the curtain ceased it's movement. She had kept up with Charles, despite wanting to stop and linger with each passing memory. They passed the swing where she and Charles had spent countless hours nestling together and talking about anything and everything. Her fingertips grazed the now rusty chains. The wood was in desperate need of fresh stain. It was yet another reminder that time had moved on. She carefully stepped on the stepping stones at the brook. A memory flashed of when she had slipped and fallen in. Another slight smile graced her lips. These memories were bittersweet. While painful, she welcomed them. They felt real to her. They were real. She was removed from this place. Time had moved forward. the people here had moved forward, and it had all happened without her. Still she could feel her connection with this place. Even if the people hated her, if they didn't want her, that connection made her feel....alive. She took a deep breath at his words. It was a place her mind would take her to against her will, against her pleading and wishing it would just all go away. It was dark, cold, and lonely. Even now she could feel the icy fingers from that moment reaching for her, grabbing her flesh, and starting to pull her backwards away from the warmth, away from the connection. She closed her eyes, welcoming it. Charles had a right to know. There was....engine failure....due to production defects. She stopped, hearing how technical her own words sounded. This wasn't what he asked for. This wasn't anything he probably hadn't heard already. Opening her eyes, she looked away, unable to bear the sight of him as she talked this moment that she had been running away from since it happened. There was....a fire....and both engines....were gone. I tried....I tried to make it....to the landing strip....but I couldn't. The plane....it was so damaged....I couldn't....I couldn't control it. So I just....went down....hard. I could smell..the oil..and feel..the heat..I could smell..b-burning..... Her voice faded. She couldn't bring herself to say the words. Screaming. There was so much..screaming..and..crying. I told my co-pilot..it's ok..but it wasn't. I had to lie..to her..to keep her calm. So many flashing light..and sounds. I tasted..cooper. It hurt..to move. I happened in slow motion..like it wasn't real. Shedding tears, her trembling voice fell silent for a moment. I couldn't..control it. I couldn't..fly the plane..my plane..I couldn't get it..I couldn't get them..to safety. I lost it. I lost..them. 12 people. Gone..and it's my fault. Her eyes closed tight. It was the first time she had heard those words come from her own mouth. When I was a little girl, I remember my mom bought me this beautiful dress. She said, 'we're taking you to get your picture taken.' It's the one that sits on the mantle. The pink dress with the ribbons. She fixed my hair so pretty. I remember she got me to sit down to watch tv while she did it. It was the only way I'd sit still long enough, she laughed softly through the tears that she was now fighting back. As soon as she was done, she told me to sit still and wait for just a little while. It wouldn't be long until we left to go get my picture taken. Well I couldn't wait. I couldn't..sit still. So I got up and went outside to ride my bike. I fell off my bike. When I got up, I was dirty. My hair was messed up. I knew I had messed up. I knew mom was going to be mad, but I knew..I could go home. I've always known I could come home. Finally she turned her gaze back to him. I messed up. I fell off my bike. I messed my hair up Charles. So I came home. It's the only place that feel real. It's the only place I feel....anything. I'm sorry for bothering you and your family, but I'm glad you agreed to see me. I needed to feel....something. Anything. You asked me what I need. That's what I need Charles. To feel something again. This place has always been here for me. It's always felt warm and familiar. Tonight I'm even going out to Joe's Burger Pit. I saw it on the way into town. It hasn't changed a bit. Everything else in this town has changed, but not Joe's. I want to feel alive again Charles, and not this constant ache or emptiness. So tonight I'm going to go, have a burger, listen to music, and have a drink....or five. Care to go? The question surprised her. She didn't even realize she had asked him until it was too late. Her eyes widened, and she glanced around. If you can't, I understand. I had planned on just walking anyway. Really. I understand.