Considering Writing A Short Story!

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” My fingers graze over the book’s smooth binding as I pull it out. The cover is red, with nothing but words written in black script over the front; Restoration & Recovery. For a moment, I feel drawn to open the book and explore its pages, but I refuse. I know what’s inside, and I know that if I open it, I can never go back.

“We’ve already talked about this. I’m sure. I need to do this.” I glance down, frowning at my sister’s decision. Her slender frame and pale skin give her a sickly appearance, which contrasts with her bright orange hair. Her eyes are downcast, staring at the cobblestone beneath her feet.

“You don’t need to do anything, O’Raya.” With a shake of my head I slide down the ladder, landing gracefully next to her. She lifts her red scarf, creating a hood that casts a shadow over her face. Without a word she holds out her other hand, silently asking for the book.  I withhold it for a moment, still staring at her hood. “O’Raya, please.”

Her head jerks in my direction, her green eyes piercing through the shadows. “Give it to me!” I wince, wishing she wouldn’t yell. It only makes things worse. “Now, Jada! I need it now!” Without warning, she lunges forward, causing us both to fall to the floor. I feel her freezing, shaky hands pulling the book from my grasp, but I hold tight.

“O’Raya! No!” I give a sharp tug and the book flies from our grasp, sliding across the floor and into a stack of papers, making them scatter. I glance at my sister, but her eyes are too busy scanning the mess. She must spot what she wants because she quickly crawls away just as I reach out to grab her.

I watch in horror as her hands dig into the papers, revealing that sinister book. She takes it in both hands and holds it to her face, as if it’s a precious treasure. I consider trying to take it from her once more, but it wouldn’t be any use.

It’s too late. The secrets within the book have already enticed her. I never should have mentioned it. Never should have brought her here! It’s all my fault…

None of this would’ve happened had it not been for me.

I watch as she slides her palm across the cover. In only a few seconds it will be open and O’Raya will be consumed by it’s magic. I’d warned her it was too powerful, too unstable, but she refused to listen.

Before she opens the book, I watch as her body begins to convulse and her head lowers. I’m afraid that, even before she’s read the pages, the magic has already taken control. I’ve proven wrong, however, when I hear her release a mournful sob. Her shoulders raise and lower as she cries, the tears falling onto the leather cover.

With wide eyes I watch her cry, unable to do anything. Do I try to console her? And how would I even do that? Finally, she turns to me and releases the book from her grip. It lands with a thud on the cobblestone and I feel my heart lift slightly.

“O-O’Raya?” I whisper, afraid she might break if I speak to loud.

Slowly, she uncovers her face, revealing the sister I know and love. My beautiful sister.

My beautifully, scarred sister.

Deep, red slashes cover her face, some cutting across her right eye, causing it’s green color to lighten. Her cheeks are streaked with tears, and I worry the salt in them is burning her, but she shows no sign of physical pain.

Only mental anguish.

“I…i’m sorry,” she squeezes her eyes shut as more tears cascade from them. I feel my heart lodge in my throat, and my insides burn with compassion.

“No,” I make my way to her, sitting cross-legged on the floor. With a warm embrace, I pull her close to me, until I can feel the beating of her heart against my chest. “No, no, O’Raya. Don’t be. This isn’t your fault.”

She sniffs and my eyes burn with my own tears and regret. “I just….I just wanted to be normal. To look normal.”

“I know.” I run my hand over her head, my dark hair falling over her shoulders. “But you don’t have to be normal. Just…be you.” I slowly lift her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “You’re beautiful, O’Raya.”

Her flushed skin brightens slightly, her eyes alighting as my words finally sink in. At last, in this quiet, intimate moment, she understands that I speak the truth. A smile comes to her face, making her cheeks redden, reminding me of the girl she used to be. The girl she was becoming again.

“You too, Jada. You too.” And with that, she runs a hand over my face, and I hers. I feel every scar beneath my palm, but none of them matter. All that matters is the gorgeous spirit, and the loving sister i’m face to face with.

@gracie-j Oh my gosh I am so glad u commented because I FORGOT ABOUT IT!!! I gotta get with my mom on editing so I can send it in!