Wish You Were Here

prologue

It was just one of those days where you anticipated that one thing to happen, so at the end of the schoolday I quickly packed up all my belongings and stuffed them into my locker. I sprinted toward the door only to be halted right before I could leave.

"Kathryn," a familiar voice called out,"where are you off to?"

I bit my lip trying to hide a smile as I turned around. "Syd, why do you have to know everything about me?"

"Because you're my closest friend. Plus, I've got nothing better to do with my life."

"What about your music? You said you wanted to start a band. So, I think you should. But anyways, I've got to be going now. I'm really late for-"

"But Kat," he whined as he ran toward me,"I really have nothing to do."

I just rolled my eyes as I zoomed through the doorway and down the stairs. I looked behind me, though, and saw Syd following not far behind.

"Roger Keith Barrett," I said in an exasperated tone as I slowed down to a walking pace,"I really don't have time for this."

I wanted goodbye and then walked away, leaving him to spend the rest of the day alone. I did want to hang out with him, but I had to get home. My dad was expecting me to be on time and I didn't want to make him angry.

---

I quietly nudged the door open and stepped inside and slowly closed it behind me. The floor boards creaked with every step I took. I gulped nervously and I took a cautious step toward the kitchen. Then I heard my dad call out.

"Where have you been? I've been waiting too long. You were s'posed to be here forty minutes ago."

His words were slurred. He was drunk, as usual. Ever since my mom left us, he just hasn't been the same. He's been in the same downward spiral for years.

My heart beat rapidly as I inched closer to the kitchen. As soon as I stepped inside, my dad immediately arose from his seat and trudged over.

He towered above me, but I could still make out the distinct stench of alcohol emanating from his mouth. I looked him straight in the eyes, too frightened to look away.

"I- I'm sorry," I stuttered. "I lost track of time and-"

He forceably grabbed my arm and shook me furiously. "I've been worried sick about you. Why don't you ever listen to what I say?"

Tears started streaming down my face as I struggled out of his grip. My father was perpetually drunk. But these outbursts were very rare which made them even worse for me when they'd happen.

"Listen to me, Kat. You're living in my house. That means you go by my rules. Understand?" His voice rang throughout the whole house.

"I guess that means I get the sit around all day and drink whiskey just like you, huh?" I retorted.

His lips curled in frustration as he lifted his hand high above me. Then he struck me hard on the side of the cheek. "Don't talk back to me. Now go to your room. You're grounded."

I immediately obeyed and darted straight up the stairs, holding back my tears. My dad was bad, but he'd never physically abused me before. This was a whole new realm of atrocity. I needed to get out.

---

When I got to my room, I slammed the door shut and locked it. I scurried over to the window and opened it. I poked one foot out and felt my way over to the small landing right below my window.

Once I made contact, I jumped out and landed on top and made my way to the ground. I briskly made my way to the gate, opened it up, and then I was out.

The only place I could think of to go was Syd's house. He was only a block away, so I decided to go there.

Once I made it to his house, I banged on the door. When he opened it, I instantaneously collapsed as I began sobbing uncontrollably.

At first he just stood there, shocked, staring in awe. Then he knelt down beside me and wrapped his arms around me, rocking me back and forth.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered softly as he twisted his fingers in my long blonde ringlets.

When I'd finally calmed down, Syd offered to take me inside. He sat me down on the sofa and was of to the kitchen to make me some tea.

"My parents aren't home. I hope you don't mind," he said as he handed me a mug of steaming tea.

I smiled weakly. "That's okay. I just really need to talk to you. You're the only one I can trust."

"Well, then, let's proceed. What seems to be on your mind?"

I took a deep breath and began. I told him everything that was on my mind, everything that had gone wrong.

When I was finished he only stared at me quizzically, as if I wasn't telling him the truth. Then he took my hand and sandwiched it between his.

"Kathryn, you know I'll always be here for you, right?" He began.

I nodded. Them he went on.

"Well, I just wanted to let you know that I- um. I really like you, you know? And I just don't know how to say it or anything but I just thought you should know..."

I could tell he was embarrassed as he sheepishly turned away to stare out the window. "I like you too, Syd."

He turned around, bewilderment written all over his face as he cocked his head slightly.

I went on. "I really did want to hang out with you today. But then I remembered my dad. Even then, it was too late. Either way, I would've gotten reprimanded. I just wish I went with you in the first place, then none of this would have happened."

"Things happen exactly how they should. There's no going back to change what went on. There's a reason behind everything, even if we don't understand. Maybe one day you will know why."

His words hit me hard. It was strangely calming, his words. They put my nerves at ease. I knew everything was going to be all right. It was going well- at the moment, at least.

I reclined back and closed my eyes. Syd rested his head on my shoulder and we held hands as we both drifted off into a deep sleep.

Who would have thought of that? My childhood friend and I becoming star crossed lovers just like that? Maybe it was a spur of the moment because of what had just happened to me and my craving for someone to just love and care for me. But I hoped this love would be forever.

Our story begins here.

A/N:

Yay new story! I really hope you guys enjoy this one as much as you've enjoy past stories of mine! :)