The Darkness Within

TRIGGER WARNING: INCLUDES HARSH GRIEF AND SUICIDE ATTEMPT

I open my eyes slowly. I can’t remember how I ended up in this darkness. The last thing I remember… it was Papa. I was laughing and laughing and then the floor shook and he grabbed my hand and said I can’t let go but then something took me from him. We didn’t even let go, I was taken from the air. I realize I’m sweating and start to calm down. I see something in the grass below me and pick it up. A candle. I quickly snatch a match out of my pocket and light the candle. I look around and only see eyes. Bright yellow eyes. I gasp softly and they start approaching. I hold my breath and look back. More yellow eyes, I see a lake in the distance. I think about how Papa isn’t here and how Momma left and these yellow eyes trying to kill me, and I jump. I run and jump. The notice the yellow eyes disappear. I feel drowsy and some much pain and I stay down trying to die, trying to disappear. I feel myself collapsing underwater and then I feel someone pull me out. Dragging me slowly across the grass. I feel a slight bit of warmth before I fall asleep and lose consciousnes. I wake up expected all of it to have been a dream. Wanting to have Papa holding me in his arms, wanting Momma to come back home, wanting to see my home again, wanting to hurt however it was that took me from my home. Revenge is a sweet thing, sweeter than sugar. I snapped up and didn’t recognize the place I was in. What was happening to me? I noticed a picture on the wall. An old one for sure. It was of an old man, a very old man who was smiling. It was framed, but you could tell it was still really old. I feel a surge of sadness wash over me before I look over and see a boy across the room. He’s still asleep so I leave the room slowly not to wake him.

“Now, where do you think you’re going?” He sighs slowly looking at me. He has brown eyes, tanned skin, and green eyes. I scowl at him and sigh.

“To find my Papa,” I said shortly. I recognize his face a little bit. I was looking at him when he dragged me out of the water. He saved my life for the better of for the worse. “Why’d you do it?” I asked him slowly. He looks at me blankly.

“You did it on purpose didn’t you. You tried to kill yourself. I wasn’t going to let you do that. You shouldn’t take yourself down like that,” he says annoyed. I sigh and look at my clothes. I look ragged and horrible. My clothes are damp and wrinkled. I must’ve had a shocked look on my face because he chuckled at me. “The water tends to soak you clothes, you know,” he says and I blush. “What’s your name beautiful?” He asks me.

“Autumn. Autumn Reign” I say. “What’s your name?” I ask politely.

“Jack Meloni,” he says searching my face. “You look 15, am I right?” He says. I stare at him a little shocked and nod my head. “I’m 16, my birthday was a few weeks ago,” he says still staring at me. He refocuses and starts blushing. “You should real meet my Momma, she can probably get you some clothes,” he turns.

“Right, thanks,” I say exiting the room. I see a young women no older than 40 in the kitchen wearing a red apron. I approach her slowly. She smiles at me warmly and it reminds me of my Momma. “Good morning,” I mumble.

“Oh sweetie, how are you?” she looks up at me worried.

“I’m alright, sorry if I bothered you,” I mumble. She chucked. “My names Autumn, by the way,” I say quickly.

She hold out her hand. “Abigail Meloni” she says proudly.

“I should probably head out now,” I say quietly. Jack hurried down the stairs just in time to here me say that. Both Jack and Abigail shook their heads at me.

“Don’t even think about stepping foot outside this house for the next month or so sweatheart. You were half dead when I got to you, and you’re not even ready to be walking that muh,” Jack said. And with that he proceeded to pick me up — bridal style — and place me down at the table. I felt my heart skip a beat with his chest so close to my head. What am I feeling right now? Why do I feel like this?

“I have to find my Poppa,” I said standing up again. He pushed me back down. He rolled his eyes. “I’m serious Jack, let me go!” I said pushing his hand away.

“Feisty, much?” He said.

“Not me, you are.” I replied visibly frustrated

“Listen to me, Autumn. You aren’t going anywhere until it’s been a month. You can’t you aren’t ready,” he said slowly. His face was super close to mine and I could smell his breath. Lavender. I crossed my arms across my chest and rolled my eyes. “Girls!” He mumbled before he turned around and saw his Mom who smacked his head.

“Jack, get yourself in check.” She said.

Authors Note:

This isn’t the end, only the beginning of a love story.