A journey to Elysium

I opened my eyes and smiled at the sun's rays which bathed my face. I jumped down from my bed, after using a second to stretch my bones for the new day. As usual, I turned toward Ema's bed and as the well-arranged bed met my gaze, I got the answer.

Pulling off my nightwear, I walked into the bathroom to get my body prepared for the day. As my toothbrush was stuck in my mouth, I heard Ema hum the lyrics of the song she had composed a while ago . I rolled my eyes, I could as well join her in the melody because I am made to listen to it daily. I wish my dad would give an ear to Ema's continuous complaints about giving her a room separate from mine.

"Grrrrrrrrrghhhhh!".

The sharp ring of the bell indicating breakfast made me stop listening to Ema and hurry up with my preparation for school.

After clothing myself for school, I picked my backpack and was about to leave the room when the door was viciously thrown open, and Ema's frowning face met mine.

"Dad wants you to come for breakfast". She gave me a quick once-over look then cocked her head arrogantly "Get ready to take the bus. Dad's got more serious things on his plate than cuddling you to school". Her tone stank of mockery, and in a flash, I heard the clashing slam of the door against its hinges. I shrugged, the arrogance wasn't a new thing to me, it had come to stay.

"Dad, you're leaving without me, today?". Were the first words that left my lips as soon as I came into the kitchen. Ema dropped her spoon and looked up.

"Oh now, you're gonna cry? Newsflash, daddy is obviously tired of sucking up to your burnt face daily. I'm sure he wants some fresh air. Your awful face suffocates him". She made a disgusted face and dad lost his cool.

He slammed the table angrily with his fist," You shouldn't talk to her that way." Dad's tone was clipped in displeasure but I ignored their bickering and relished my breakfast.

"Why do you stand up for her all the time? Doesn't she have lips? Or were they also burnt with the rest of her face?". She taunted and I chuckled, finding her taunt amusing. Ema's face twitched in irritation at the sound of my laughter.

" What's so amusing, huh?" She sniggered. "Little wonder, you have no friends. You laugh at yourself too? Isn't it enough that your face is burnt? Do you have to add a mental problem to it?. Gosh, I hate that we are twins!".

Ema had a hobby of reminding me of my burnt face daily and she kept faithfully to it. I ignored her and continued enjoying my meal.

"Stop being insensitive, Ema. Your sister's face got burnt and it wasn't preplanned by her." Dad took a stance for me as always.

"Oh really, dad? It was her plan all along. Well, it's cute that she can never be looked upon as beautiful again, my grievance is that she dragged mum and Stave into it, getting them killed in the process. Such a murderer". Her words were soaked in hate and bitter feelings.

" If you continue this way, Ema, you won't live a happy life. Forgiveness is crucial but it's important to understand that the fire wasn't caused by your sister. She was only caught up in it… you can scrowl all you like. It doesn't change the story. And if you ever get back to your senses and wish to get the full details of the accident, I'm always available." I was surprised to still see Ema at the door listening to dad's words even though she had the scariest expression on her face.

Ema walked straight to dad's face and said, "That time will never come." Her tone was deadly and no matter how dad tried to cover up the fear on his face, my artistic mind had captured it even faster than a camera. She then turned and pranced out of the house.

My relief sigh was not inaudible. I've never felt comfortable around her. I dropped my used plate into the sink and went on to wash and stack it. Then, I walked up to dad and touched him. As he lifted his face, there was a conflict of emotions in his eyes and I knew that they were all negative.

"Are you okay, dad?". I smiled at him.

" Yes". His nod was disorientated.

"Please, be fine". I pleaded.

He turned to me holding my chin in his palm.

" Don't let Ema's display of hurt get to you. You didn't cause the fire, it just happened. Keep being the good girl you are and one day, everything is going to fall into place." He looked deep into my eyes. "I'm gonna miss you, chum". He gave a generous smile " All right, you might not catch the bus. I don't want you to be late. "

I picked up my backpack and turned to him again, I caressed his chin with special precision. "I would miss you too".

With the closest I could do, I made puppy dog eyes and cooed, " Please dad, take care of yourself. If not for anything but for the fact that I smile daily because of you". I saw tears glistening in his eyes and the smile he gave was a watery one. I stepped to the door and waved at him. "Bye, dad".

I hurried away to prevent him from seeing that my tear gland wanted to do its job.

I know, it's hard for dad. The loss of his wife and only son who is also his last child and the disfigurement of his first daughter. Which man won't be unhappy but, I love his strength and his unique ability to chip in words of admonishment when they are most needed.

" I love you, dad." I made an inconspicuous murmur as I took my seat on the bus.

When the bus stopped in front of my school gate, I saw Taylor standing close-by waiting for me. My heart grew warm, he could be too sweet sometimes I wished he was my brother so I could see him everyday.

I stepped down from the bus and made my way towards him. As I got closer, I noticed he was looking in a steady direction. I followed his gaze and my cheeks burned when it landed on Annie.

He couldn't like her or could he?

I didn't wait to ponder on the subject, I wanted to distract him so, I walked right up to him and spoke,