And the Sun Sets in the West

And the Sun Sets in the West
By Dr. Jamie Bondage and Angel of Death

Intro

Every hero has a beginning and an end. It just so happens that the story of Anastasia Baldwin begins at the end. She is standing on the docks, watching as the ship floats off into the sunset. Her mother, all smiles and blond curls, is waving at her. And her father is crying, probably worrying about what his daughter is going to do home alone. Though the loving faces of her parents will be forever marred into her memory, it is the expression of her sister, Sarah, that leaves the most frightening impression. It is grave and pale. A grin is playing on her lips but it refuses to touch her ocean blue eyes. The wind grows still as Anastasia continues to watch her family's departure. Even as the ferry disappears, the face she saw in the mirror each morning, though slightly altered, remained in her mind.

Chapter 1

"I am so sorry for your loss, miss."
A hand rested softly on Anastasia's shoulder. Tears were running down her cheeks, displaying her sorrow for all the world to see. Mr. Ellington, one of her father's associates, was staring at her, probably wondering about what he should do. He reached in the breast-pocket on his suit, and pulled out a handkerchief.
"Now now, dear." he said, handing the cloth to Annastasia.
"I'm going to fix you a nice cup of tea. That'll lift your spirits," Jenny said, leaving the room.
The lights were dimmed and the burgundy curtains were drawn. All sources of light were prevented from touching any part of Anna's room. In her hands, the letter that she got from her Aunt felt like fire. Licking and scorching its way to her soul. Now the words were smeared by the rain that fell from her face. As she sat back in her chair, the words began to play in her head.

Dear Anna,

I am sorry to say that your parents were killed on their way to visit us. The coachmen found them dead in their car. Sarah wasn't with them, but I am sure she is dead if she is lost at sea. Please, if you need anything, your Uncle and I will take you in as our own. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

Aunt Mary

"They were so happy when they left. Who could have done this to them?" she cried, blowing her nose into the handkerchief.
"Yes, your father was a good man. And whoever was to do such heinous thing to such good people is just..." Mr. Ellington started, shaking his head.


(Is this good so far?)

Mr. Ellington sighed and felt like comforting the young lady, but it wasn't in society to do so. He sighed and gently put a hand on her back. "This shouldn't have happened. I'm sorry. it's a terrible thing to lose someone you love so much..." He looked at her, not knowing what society would allow and what would be crossing the line.

"Here's your tea, dear." Jenny came walking into the room, her gait full of hope and sorrow. Anna stared at the robust woman who she'd known all her life. There was never nothing more comforting than her brown fireplace eyes and her grainy smile. She was brunch on a cold wintry day. Warm and inviting.
"Thank you, Jenny." She took the cup into her hand and inhaled the warmth. Mr. Ellington was still standing beside her chair. After distributing his condolences he found solace in silence.

Mr. Ellignton just stood there, looking at his best friend. He was sure he liked her as more...he just sighed. He didn't know what to say. What else could he do? He ran a hand through his tousled hair. Why was he still here? Why didn't he just leave? He looked at his angel. She was beautiful. But...they were friends. She didn't want him right now...

"Would you like me to leave?" He asked softly.

Mr. Ellington's words were abrupt and sorrow inducing. Though he was a friend of her father's, he was also a man of sincerity. His thick brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He was a young man of twenty five and yet he was pulled into the world of business. The lack of sleep shone brightly on his face, and though he was the last connection to her father, she shook her head yes. It was always like Anna to worry about others first.
"I bid you farewell then," he said, tipping his hat.
Jenny escorted Mr. Ellington out and within five minutes she was back, her hands mounted on her hips. She stared at Anastasia, and then came to sit kneel beside her.
"Now, young miss, you must decide what you're going to do with yourself. You can't just sit here and wallow in your sadness every day and...ya ain't." With that, Anna was pulled up from her chair and forced out of the room.
"Jenny, I have nothing to do. No one to turn to." she protested, blinking away a few tears.
"You still have your Aunt and Uncle and then...there's Mr. Ellington?"
"My aunt and uncle live in...Mr. Ellington? In a time like this, I can't....." Anastasia sunk to the ground, her tears falling more heavily now. Words leaked out from her lips. They were broken and yet they carried so much pain. Just like her heart, which could never be mended. No matter who she went to live with or who she fell in love with.

(Rusty but...hope you can work with it.)

Mr. Ellington shuffled his feet. He kicked at a few rocks absentmindedly. Why had he left? He should've stayed and comforted her. But she had told him to leave. did this mean she didn't want him around?! He shook his head, confused.

A ways up the road, he saw a respectable drinking house that him and his associates normally had meetings at. He walked in and ordered something, downing it quickly.

"Something wrong?" the bartender asked.

Mr. Ellington looked at him. "Girls are confusing." He said, before downing another drink.

"It'll be all right, love. I didn't mean to upset you." Jenny said, patting her back.
"I know, but this all just happened so fast." Anna cried.
"Try to get some rest, dear. Tomorrow you'll feel a little better." Jenny ordered, helping her stand.
Listening, Anastasia retreated to her room and lay down in her bed. Jenny fluffed the pillows for her and soon she was fast asleep.