《Always There》26. Gem
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I was upon the sycamore tree where Ms. Stanley is buried. I had to run away. Dad just left without saying goodbye. Though it was cold out there, I haven't much of a choice. So, I stayed.
I flashback to my tenth day of art class. The teacher, who goes by "Dawn", said, "Two weeks from now on, we are having an art festival. Create anything based on what inspires you." Inspiration? I don't have that. I believe that she lost it while she's in her "flower power" stage.
As I fell asleep, I entered in a dream. I was at the harbor, dressed in white. I was alone. The lighthouse was beaming very mellow. I heard someone calling.
"Gemini. Gem-in-i." I see someone walking on the water.
"Who's there?" The ghostly figure came closer.
"Hey, kiddo."
"Dad," I gasped. I ran over and hugged him. "I miss you so much."
"I miss you and your sister too."
"Jem told me about the split."
"I know your mom is looking for you."
"No, she is not. I remind her of you."
Dad scratched his head. "Well, you are my little girl."
"That's what bugs her."
"Why are you here?" I turned her away.
"Ms. Stanley died of stroke, and Jem is played matchmaker."
"Fizzed?" I nodded. "Who's the guy?"
"Our new neighbor, Henry Carlisle."
A voice whispered in the wind. "The man is taking good care of everything."
"Ms. Stanley, is that you?"
"Hello, Gemini." I saw her stepping down the lighthouse like there was a stairway.
"Hey, Ms. Stanley."
"Hello, Frank." Then she looked at me. "Gemini, your sister wasn't replacing your dad here."
"She wants to see your mom happy," Dad agreed.
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"Mom already is," I said.
"What does that mean?"
"She hates me!" I got misty-eyed. "Every day, she repulsively looked at me. It has always been: 'Gem, why did you do this? Why did you do that? Gem, why can't you be like your sister?'"
"Sweetie, I got something to show you."
In the palm of Dad's hand, a sphere begins to flash. It was playing something. I was in there. So are Jem, Mom, and Dad. I left to see Ms. Stanley. Mom and Dad are talking. Dad left the house. Mom is crying. Jem saw her and begins to console her. The last words were "Don't tell Gem".
The sphere vanished instantly. "Child, your mom loves you," Ms. Stanley said, "don't let yourself get crushed."
"You made me feel I'm special."
"You are special, just like Jem, even if you're different," Dad said.
"What should I do?"
"Show your mom what you can do."
"I have to go," Dad spoke sadly.
"So do I. Remember, Gem, we'll always with you." As they waved goodbye, they disappeared with the air.
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muke.
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