Light in Pure Darkness

Erika had always brought misfortune to those around her. The mystery of the death of her family is to be unravelled. Join Erika to discover her 'light' in the darkness, along with traces of romance.

“Mum, dad, David!” Erika called, tears streaming down her face. The image of a beautiful blonde woman, a handsome brown haired man and another young man with the same brown hair gazing kindly at Erika slowly faded away. “Wait, at least give me a chance to apologise, don’t leave!”

 

“‐ika, Erika!” Slowly opening her eyes and wiping away the tears before anyone realised, Erika suddenly noticed her surroundings. “Erika, it is very rude to fall asleep during class, especially when our new student, Alexander is introducing himself!” Looking from her teacher to the unfamiliar face

of a black haired boy, Erika lowered her head, embarrassed. As soon as the bell rang, Erika hurried out of the classroom and into the courtyard. Her mind was still on her long gone family as she hurried behind a big tree with thick green leaves and branches.

“Hey, you,” called a voice from behind that made Erika jump �" it was the new guy. “Why are you hanging out by yourself?”

“Because I want to… Haven’t you heard the rumours yet?” Erika demanded, glaring at him, but only for it to be returned with an unexpected smile.

“Well, I’m here to find out the truth. So, did you murder your family?”

There was a moment’s silence. The eyes that suddenly filled with sadness made Alexander flinch.

“I’m sor‐”

“Don’t talk to me again!” Erika yelled. She turned and ran away before he saw her tears.

The long walk back to the orphanage after school was cold and depressing. Erika couldn’t help but think about her long gone family now. Clutching the photo of her family, Erika tried to clear her mind as she arrived at the ancient wooden door of the building. The sky was somehow still bright despite it almost being night, and the moon and stars had already come out. Erika twisted the broken door knob and walked into the small living room. The words ‘Sunshine Orphanage’ was imprinted on the wall but the paint was aging and a few letters were missing. “Oh, Erika, welcome back,” said Kaitlin, the caretaker and owner of the orphanage who was smiling warmly at Erika. Erika however did not smile back but continued walking and went up the old worn down staircase which creaked with every step she took. “Don’t forget to come down for dinner. We’ve got a new member joining us,” Kaitlin called as Erika went out of sight.

Sunshine Orphanage was Erika’s beloved home, however much small, old and broken down it was. The ringing sound of a bell told everyone that dinner was ready. Erika headed down silently and took her share of salad, bread and egg. To Erika’s surprise, the new member was Alexander, the same guy that questioned her past. Leaving her meal half finished, she trotted upstairs and closed the door behind her. After all the excitement of the children meeting a new member slightly extinguished, Alexander was finally left alone with Kaitlin who was showing him around the Orphanage.

“Kaitlin,” Alexander began, “You know the girl with golden hair and blue eyes �"”

“You mean Erika?”

“Yes, her. She doesn’t talk much, does she?”

“No, I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t like socializing. I’ve known her since she was a child. She was cute, innocent and very bubbly and she would talk any chance she had!”

“Then why �"”

“I was her parents’ friend. Unfortunately, her mother passed away giving birth to her. A few years after that, her big brother died rescuing her from a fire. At the age of twelve, her father died from protecting her in a car crash. Even though her father protected her, Erika was still very badly injured.

When we all thought that things couldn’t possible get worse, her friend broke her leg when she helped Erika carry books up the stairs. People say that the car crash probably got to her brain and changed her personality, but I think there is a reason why she doesn’t talk to others.” Kaitlin paused,

as if she just realised something. “Woops, I probably said too much. If you’d like to find out more, I think it’s best to ask her yourself.”

Alexander was left in deep thoughts in his new room. It was midnight. Unable to sleep, Alexander got out of bed and tip‐

 

toed out of his room and into the dark corridors. There was a faint candle light downstairs and with a closer look, he spotted Erika sitting at the kitchen table. Alexander quietly walked down the stairs, trying his best not to make a sound. Erika didn’t notice anything, even when there was a huge creak from the worn out stairs. Alexander gazed over her shoulders to see what she was up to. Suddenly, Erika spun around in shock to see Alexander, so sudden that it even gave Alexander a bit of a fright.

“What are you doing here? Why aren’t you asleep?” Erika gasped in surprise.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Wait, didn’t I tell you not to speak to me?” Erika glared at him.

“Well, I’d be rude if I didn’t reply, right?” Alexander chuckled. “Sorry about last time, I didn’t know about your past �"”

“I don’t think I’d like anyone knowing.”

“Your family died for you, didn’t they?” Alexander’s expression became serious all of a sudden,

“Your mother, father and brother, that is.”

“How �"”

“You didn’t kill them. Why didn’t you explain to the others instead of letting the rumours go around?”

“It’s better that way,” Erika sighed. “I don’t want them to get involved with me. Since you know about my past, I’m sure you know of my friend who broke her leg because of me, right?” Without waiting for a response, she continued, “I am cursed. If you don’t want to die or get badly injured, don’t come near me anymore.”

As Erika started walking up the stairs, Alexander whispered, “Oh, these drawings are nice. You want to become a fashion designer, don’t you?”

Blushing, Erika hurried down and snatched the papers, “What are you talking about? Of course not!”

 

She ran up the stairs, this time not bothering to keep quiet.

“You would make an amazing fashion designer!” he called after her.

Rushing back into her room, Erika slammed the door, astounded by her own actions. How could I have left the papers? She thought. Then the picture of Alexander zoomed into her head. His black hair shone brown under the candle light, and his eyes were a brilliant dark blue. Embarrassed by herself even more, Erika hit herself with the pillow, wondering what was wrong with her.

The next day, Alexander still kept sticking with her at school and at the orphanage. No matter how much Erika threatened him about her ‘curse’, he wouldn’t listen and continued chatting about how good her drawings were.

Before she realised, Alexander was already really important to her. He was her only friend and the only person she could talk to. Even the rumours about Erika subsided after a while. Despite many attempts to shake Alexander off, Erika couldn’t help but hope that they’d stay together forever and that nothing would change. However, Erika still kept her family photo with her at all times, reminding herself of her family and how they died because of her. Even Alexander got so curious of it that he couldn’t help but ask her what the photo was about. “It’s the last and most precious thing I have left of them,” she explained.

The days got better and better for Erika, and she, who used to have an expressionless face started to not only smile, but laugh whole-

heartedly. Soon enough, she made many new friends at school and

developed a good relationship with everyone at the orphanage, speaking to others more and more.

 

After half a year, she started to believe that maybe she was not cursed after all and that she was allowed to have a bright future like everybody else. Alexander and Erika’s relationship also deepened throughout the days of chatting and getting to know each other more, going as far as promising each other to stay together forever.

One evening, unexpected news arrived at the orphanage �" a couple were coming over to adopt a child. They arrived in a jet black Ferrari that seemed too luxurious to fit in with the image of the whole street. The beautiful lady had black hair and snowy white skin and carried a bright pink umbrella, escorted by her husband who was a head shorter than her, had blonde hair and was wearing a tuxedo. The couple walked by all the children of different ages, each bowing down in respect as they passed. After speaking with each of them, they entered a room with Kaitlin and discussed their choice.

“Alexander, come here,” Kaitlin called softly as soon as she spotted him. Following Kaitlin into the room, Alexander sat down on a chair beside her. “This is Alexander. He is a very nice and socializing boy.”

After a long conversation, Alexander left the room. He spotted Erika at the end of the corridor and turned away immediately. Noticing his actions, Erika ran up to him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, gazing into Alexander’s brilliant blue eyes, but was shocked to find them cold and emotionless, without their usual warmth.

“Nothing.”

“I know you’re hiding something. You can tell me, you know.”

“Well, if you want to know so badly,” sighing, Alexander continued. “Guess what? The couple chose you out of everyone �"”

“There’s no way I’m going anywhere!” Erika interrupted.

“Wait, I haven’t finished. I was so happy that they wanted to adopt you. I mean, I’ve hated you for a long time. You took away my popularity! Everyone started liking you and talking to you more ever since you and I became friends and you opened up to everyone. The you who wouldn’t talk to anyone but me, is better. I really hate you right now�"”

Tears rolled down Erika’s cheeks. “I don’t believe you. You’re just joking aren’t you? I’ll tell you what �" this isn’t funny.”

There was a moment’s silence. “Whether you believe it or not, this IS the truth.” Alexander chuckled, “I can’t believe you still believe me, even now!”

His cold laugh filled the corridor as Erika rushed out onto the courtyard. Her mind was blank as Kaitlin called her in to meet the couple. Without knowing what had just happened, Erika was now waving goodbye to her fellow friends and Kaitlin, who was wiping her tears joyfully and waving back.

Sitting in the back seat to the sparkling Ferrari, Erika was gazing out the window, her tears refilling themselves in her eyes after several attempts of wiping them away. Erika was still clutching her family photo tightly in her fingers. Her mind, however, was still blank.

“You know that beautiful young lady Erika Lawrence,” said the old man who had barely any hair on the top of his head but had a long white moustache and beard. He pointed at her details and job application, “She’s really talented isn’t she? All the clothes and designs match and they work really well together. I think this is a new style for fashion! Actually, I think you should meet her. I’ll call her up now,” the old man said, beckoning Erika over.

“But boss, I’m really busy �"”

“It’s just for a little moment,” the old man said, smiling.

Alex watched without breathing, his heart pumping faster than ever, as Erika walked closer and closer towards them. Her golden hair shone as brightly as ever, and her sky blue eyes were filled with warmth and happiness. “I’m glad,” Alex muttered under his breath. Just for a split second, the smile on Erika’s face faded away but it lit back up again as if nothing happened. She introduced herself as if they had never met before. ‘Has she forgotten about me?’ Alex wondered, his gaze never off her face. Although he was glad she didn’t recognise him, Alex still felt somehow hurt. There were many things that he wanted to ask her. ‘How has your life been? Did you make new friends?

Have you found your other half yet?’ He knew the answers to half the questions, however. Unable to control himself anymore, Alex walked up to Erika as soon as their boss left.

“Is something the matter?” Erika spoke up, a smile forming on her face.

“Erika,” Alex whispered, “I’m Alexander, you remember, right?”

Silence filled the room. All of a sudden, Erika burst into tears.

“Did you really think I would be able to forget so easily? Have you forgotten what you’ve done to me?” she sobbed, with anger in her eyes. “The same dark blue eyes and black hair, there’s no way I didn’t recognise you!”

Erika ran out of the apartment and onto the streets, Alex after her. The wind gradually got stronger and a piece of paper flew out of Erika’s pocket.

“My family photograph!” Erika yelled, chasing hopelessly after the flying piece of paper. The photo flew onto the road, but Erika still refused to give up and went after it. Alex rushed past her, stopping her from going any further and ran onto middle of the road himself. Grabbing the photograph, Alex held it high into the air and smiled at Erika as if he just laid he hands on the world’s biggest trophy ever. Erika smiled back through her tears, but the smile soon faded away. There was a loud beeping of cars and a truck crashed into Alex. Tears blurred her eyes as Erika screamed Alex’s name. The image of the red street faded into pure darkness.

“Alexander!” Erika shouted, sitting up in her bed. The familiar black and white checked ceiling calmed her down. It was the same large bedroom she had slept in for the past eight years. The bright yellow bed sheets, the hot pink coloured drawers and desks, the fire‐red curtains… “It wasn’t a

dream!” Erika yelled. She sat up immediately and rushed out of the room.

“You’re up, Erika darling! What’s the matter?” Fiona asked, her long, black hair flowing behind her pretty white skin.

“Mum, where’s Alexander? Is he okay?” Erika’s voice shook as she spoke.

“The young man with black hair?” Fiona asked, “He died in the car crash, unfortunately. Who is he?” Tears filled Erika’s eyes as she ran down the stairs. “Wait, Erika, I’ve got something for you!” Fiona said, handing her a piece of paper.

 

Slowly turning back, Erika grabbed the paper and ran into her room, closing the door behind her. The moment the door slammed shut, Erika let out sobs of pain and sorrow. Tears continually flowed down, wetting the shiny floor like droplets of rain. ‘Alex died because of me,’ she thought, ‘someone so important… I am cursed after all!’ More and more tears flowed, leaving her eyes red and swollen. When at last she calmed down a little, she glanced at the paper she had been grasping the whole time. It was the precious photograph of her family, stained in a little bit a red.

Just then, the doorbell rang and there was a shuffle of footsteps drawing closer and closer. “Erika, are you in there? I’d like to talk to you.”

Erika recognised the familiar voice, the kind voice she had heard for many years �" it was Kaitlin.

“Sorry, I don’t want to see anyone,” Erika said in a tired and croaky sort of voice.

“There’s something I need to tell you, something really important and something I’m sure you’d like to know.”

“Come in,” Erika said hesitantly.

Kaitlin explained everything about Alexander. He had never hated Erika, but broke all ties with her because he thought that she deserved better and should have a proper family and achieve her dream to become a fashion designer. This made Erika blame herself even more. Without saying a

single word, Erika ran out of the house and onto the streets which were now so dark that it was as if light never existed.

Erika ran nonstop until she reached the high wall of the beach. Struggling, she climbed up until she reached the top. “Mum, dad, David and Alexander! I don’t want anyone else to die. I’ll meet you soon, won’t I?” She called out to the sea and looked at the photograph still in her hands. There was no response. Just as she was about to jump, there was a voice. “Erika… Stop, don’t jump!” Erika whipped her head around in shock. It was him �" Alexander. He looked somehow strange though, surrounded by a veil of light and floating in mid‐air.

“Alexander… Is that you?”

“Don’t die, Erika. You must live.” The image of Alexander slowly faded away.

“Don’t go!” she shouted.

 

All of a sudden, everything flowed into her. Everyone died for her, hoping she would live a good life and she would do so, for them who sacrificed their lives. She held the photo of her family firmly in her hands, and slowly, began to tear it up. Erika threw the scattered pieces into the air; she was free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you so much for reading this (if you actually managed to get through it)~ Please review it and tell me about mistakes/improves or what you liked/disliked about the story. It is much appreciated, thank you!

Reviews

[fwvalidus]

I made it through the entire thing believe it or not! It's a good story for sure but I have a few pointers I hope will be constructive and help you bring out the best in this story.

Your writing at times switches tenses. One minute its present, then past. I myself am not a master, but you should go over in an attempt to make everything consistent, otherwise your flow is hurt and the quality falls. I also believe you should take a bit more time covering the second meeting with Alex where he dies, it seems to move too fast. Maybe you meant for this to happen to show the sudden impact it had though. I really like the end however, its a good lesson!

[SnowRabbit]

Thanks so much for reviewing~ I was just going to edit the mistakes in made in the story... But you read it before that xD I know what you mean with the tense. I am just about to change it so that it doesn't have any mistakes (with tense and everything). I'm glad you liked the ending! This was supposed to be a gothic story done for my English assignment and everyone else made theirs a tragic ending (where the main character commits suicide and all). Sure mine is tragic as well, but the ending is somehow happy ;) I was in a rush to finish the essay since it was due, so I kind of rushed the ending a bit. I'll continue editing it and making the story better.
Thanks again~