The bright sunlight hit my face as Amanda slid the curtains from the windows. I moaned and pulled the covers over my head. I wanted to sleep. Last night had been like the many nights since that dreadful day when I had lost my parents in the car crash. The screams, the horror and the guilt kept returning to me every night. I couldn't sleep and would lie awake looking at the ceiling. Tears would swell in my eyes as I would re-collect the memories of that tragic night, a year ago. My dreams haunted me. I dreamt of the car crash, my dead parents, my brother Aaron who accused me of being the reason of their death. But, there were nights when I had strange dreams. I would be running away from someone in some unknown woods. I never saw what was that I was running away from. I would suddenly wake up at nights bathed in sweat. I thought it was my guilt I was trying to escape. But I had a feeling this was something else.... or maybe someone..
"Get up, Sean! It's the first day of junior year. You don't wanna be late, do you?" Amanda cried pulling the covers off me.
I knew I had no choice. Amanda was my mum's sister and had come up as guardian after my parent's demise. She loved us and tried her best to fill in our deceased parents place. I appreciated this and loved her. I dragged myself out of the bed and into the bathroom. . I looked at myself in the mirror. I saw a tired and messy black-haired guy looking back at me. I had brown hazel eyes which people said were very expressive and sensual. I was 5 ft 6 or 7 inches, lean and well handsome. I was the life of sophomore year and quite popular. But since the accident, I had lost it. I didn't care about my appearance much and had locked myself in my shell. My friends tried to approach me but I seldom talked to anyone. I hated this but I couldn't get out of this. After my parent's death I had thought Aaron and I would get over this together. But Aaron hated me. He blamed me for their death and never talked to me; except whenever needed.
But, I was fed up of this marooned existence. I wanted it to end. I wanted to break the fetters of guilt and sorrow and pull the pieces of my life together. I wanted to begin anew. And I knew the time had come.
*****
" Hey Amanda! What's for breakfast?" I walked into the kitchen with a smile on my face.
She looked at me, surprised. " Hey! Someone's looking handsome. Ready for junior year, stud!" she winked. I smiled again and sat down to a meal of cereal and eggs and bacon.
"So what has brought this stud back?" Amanda smiled at me.
"Well. I dunno. I just woke up today and felt like I've had enough of this lonely life and wanna go back to my normal life. Its time I accepted things and moved on."
"That's great, Sean. Just a tiny suggestion. I hope your 'normal' life doesn't mean too much of bunking, alcohol and sex with random guys."
I choked on my cereal and quickly downed a glass of water before looking at her, only to find he smiling slyly. She laughed and gave me a I-know-teenagers look. I started laughing too.
Aaron walked in at this moment and looked at us. He gave me a dirty look and turned to
Amanda, "I'm off to school. See ya later." He shot past me without looking again.
I felt my confidence shaking and my smile wearing off.
Amanda called after him but he left. She came over to me and put a hand on my shoulder.
"It's gonna be fine, Evan. He's gonna be okay and you guys will be back together. Just give him sometime. You know he's rash and all. But, you're the mature guy. Give him time."
I looked at her face which had an assuring smile and smiled in turn. "Guess, I should be heading now. Don't wanna be late." I picked my bag, kissed her on the cheek and got out of the door.
"Ready to go, mate! Hop in!" I smiled at my best friend Stefan sitting in his car. I gave him a high five and hopped in.
"So mate. All cool now. Junior year! Way to go, babe!" He shouted in his characteristic thundering manner jumping in excitement. I laughed and joined him in his discussion of the year's big plans!
Things were gonna be different this year. They were gonna be better. My life was about to change. I smiled at the thought.
If only I knew the change had already begun. Not just my life, everything around me was about to change.
*****
"Sean! Stefan! Over here guys!" We turned in the direction from where the voice had come. I saw Ralph hollering at us. I beamed at our gang all seated in the football grounds.
Tyler, Rachael, Drake, Chris, Sophie, Rebecca and Sarah looked at us with huge welcoming smiles on their faces. Stefan and I made our way towards them.
"Look who I brought here! Presenting to ya, Sean!" Stefan boomed again.
