Lost Chapter 1 - And then there was darkness (Part 1)

A/N: This is only part 1 of the first chapter, I didn't want to write a massive chapter and then people can't be bothered reading it, so I decided to split it into parts. Please feel free to be as harsh as you like, I am looking to be a better writer and need all the constructive criticism I can get. Thanks! (:

My hands stretched out before me, searching in the darkness for something – anything that I could get a hold of. They found nothing though, and I felt a wave of panic rush through me. The darkness was all consuming, dragging everything that I had ever cared about into its void until there was nothing left.

A faint light appeared in the distance far in front of me and I smiled gratefully at its presence. It grew in intensity, coming closer until I had to shield my eyes with my hands, wishing for the darkness that had preceded it.

As it approached I could make out the faint outline of a rectangular body and I recognised the object as a car. I raised my arms above my head and started waving them back and forth – aiming to attract the attention of what would hopefully be my saviour.

It did not waver – did not falter, it’s speed increasing as the headlights marked the outline of what I could now see was a road. I realised at that moment that I wasn’t going to be able to move in time; that the car was moving too fast for me to avoid.

It was only metres from me now, and I raised my hands protectively above my head, as if this would make a difference; as if it would change my fate. I shut my eyes and prayed to an unknown God for forgiveness.

I braced myself for the impact, but it never came. The light, and the car that followed, passed straight through me as if I ceased to exist. A wave of relief washed over me and I turned around in time to see the tail lights of the car as it skidded and crashed head first into a tree.

Time slowed and my breathing increased rapidly as I ran towards it. I could hear my heart beating and my feet barely seemed to make contact with the asphalt as I sprinted towards the heap of metal.

My breath caught in my throat as I took in the number plate of the black Mercedes Benz – 916 JSC. The car belonged to my father and I raced around to the window, hoping he wasn’t driving.

My legs gave way as I saw the bloodied face of my father through the window - almost unrecognisable. A lump formed in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

“Dad,” I managed to choke out, reaching forward to try and pry the door open.

I clutched at the door handle, but the moment when my fingers should have met with the cold metal, they met with nothing. My hand passed freely through the door as if it wasn’t there.

My shoulders raked with sobs as I looked down at my father – unable to help him.

I heard a small cough coming from the passenger seat and my entire body froze for a second.

I stood up and raced around to the other side of the car, dreading what I would find. I leaned down to look through the window, my mouth letting out an audible cry.

My mother was in the passenger seat, with a trail of blood running down her forehead. I tried again to open the door, but once again my hands met with nothing but the cool air.

I tried desperately to break through the window, determined to get her out. My efforts proved futile though as my hand continuously passed through the window, unable to make contact.

An odd smell caught my attention and I looked up to see a large black cloud of smoke billowing from the hood of the car and I realised too late what was happening.

I turned back to where my mum was lying in the car, and mouthed the words ‘I love you’ to her, before there was a loud explosion. The car erupted into flames, consuming the only family I had left.

And then there was darkness.

 -     x     -

My eyes shot open and I gasped, desperate for air. My body was covered in sweat, shaking from the nightmare that had engulfed me. A faint trail ran down my cheeks from the tears, and I recognised arms around me, holding me in place.

“It’s okay Em,” a voice soothed, and the arms tightened slightly around my chest.

“I saw them James,” I choked out, my eyes welling with tears once again. “I was there. I saw the car crash, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.” I turned slightly so that I could rest my cheek on James’ chest, grateful for the warmth he provided.

“It’s okay Em,” he repeated, “I’m here. There’s nothing anyone could have done. It was an accident.” He moved his hand and placed it on my head, stroking my hair.

I nuzzled further into his chest, trying to hold back the tears. “I can’t believe they’re gone.” I whispered, closing my eyes.

He said nothing, but just continued to stroke my hair, allowing me to cry into his chest until I slowly drifted out of consciousness.