Unforgettable

A girl stood with her chin up, shoulders back, green eyes forward and her long brown hair tied in a single pony tale. Her long ruby dress billowed in the wind flowing like waves of blood. Her long fingers curled on the rail. She glanced down into the ocean, the waves crashing against the ship again and again as if the force it put into crumbling the tallest mountains in centuries could be shown here within the hour. The girl exhaled, her breath swirling from her pale lips like smoke in the chill.

As she stared into the depths, memories forced themselves into her mind. The day when everything fell apart haunted her, and it wouldn't let her go. She could still remember the day as if it were yesterday, the voices of all the people who congratulated her. All the smiling faces surrounding her, a few pats on the back, and even a kiss...

The mansion had been extraordinary, with thousands of paintings, all different shades, different shapes, different sizes. There were statues guarding each door, looking down with their marble eyes. Each room was sparkling, lit with beautiful chandeliers. The girl, Reina, she was called, stood in the center of it all, her green eyes drinking it in. "Reina! Good work! I'm absolutely delighted in your success!" A tall woman in a tight blue dress and 3 inch high heels greeted her. Reina smiled thanking her. Her boss handed her a drink, kissing her on the cheek, "You are one of our best workers, Reina, I do hope you continue to reach our satisfaction." Reina nodded and smiled.

As the sweet violins, flutes, and cellos played, a man grabbed Reina's hand and dragged her to the balcony. He took the glass from her hand and set it down on a small white table. A breeze ruffled her dress, a stray hair landed on her cheek, the point curving and settling in the corner of her mouth. The man was tall, with short blonde hair and striking blue eyes. He noticed the stray hair and placed it behind her ear. "You look beautiful tonight." Reina blushed, she never thought she would be talking to the handsome coworker. "Thank you Antony." Antony pulled Reina to him, "I told myself that if you succeeded I would have the courage to accomplish my own goals." Reina stared into Antony's eyes lovingly, "Oh, and what would that goal be?" Antony leaned in, "This." He kissed her on the lips. Reina gasped and her eyes shut close. Soon, they parted, panting from lack of breath. "I love you." Antony whispered in her ear as his hands held her waist. Reina shuffled her feet, her eyes any where but on him, "I love you too." 

The music had been loud, but the sudden silence was a bit unnerving. However, the two were so caught in each other's embrace they hardly noticed. They didn't notice anything wrong until the flames were licking their feet.

Reina screamed, "What's going on? Where did these flames come from?" Antony's eyes widened in fear. From the balcony, they could see a crowd pointing up at them. They hadn't noticed that the people had evacuated. Reina held onto Antony as if her life depended on it, "Antony!!!" Antony surveyed his surroundings, but he panicked. He climbed over the balcony and jumped off. He landed hard, twisted his ankle, but he was alive. Reina's eyes widened in disbelief. The very man who just claimed to love her had abandoned her. It was at that moment that Reina realized that she couldn't trust people anymore. They were liars, and the only person who could save her was her. With trembling legs, Reina opened the doors to the mansion, and choked on the smoke from the flames. She covered her mouth as she forced herself to keep going. The curtains were crinkled from the heat, the doorknobs were glowing red like demon eyes. Reina had streams of tears rolling from her cheeks, and when she tripped on the helm of her dress, she tore it to above her knees.

Reina was close to the large doors that would be her escape, however a pillar crumbled. She screamed in agony as it landed on her legs. Reina tried to claw her way out with no success. Her vision was beginning to blur, ashes stained her pretty cheeks, and her lungs struggled to inhale. When all hope was lost, the doors slammed open and the firefighters pulled her out of the rubble. Everyone stared at her, many with tears in their eyes. As Reina was carried past Antony, who was being bandaged, their eyes met, and Antony showed deep guilt in his face. However, she would not forgive him. 

After that incident, Reina was sent on break, she would return to work after a few months. Reina let out a shaky breath as she shivered in the cold chill. The harsh winds crashing in her ears as the ocean reached for her. With one last glance at the darkness below her, Reina turned, the skirt of her dress rising enough to reveal her scarred and burnt legs, and retired to her room.

Reviews

[Martin Little]

I like the plotting of this. It works as a bit of a grim event that's interesting in itself. I do think it can be built upon though. For instance, the bit where the fire starts and Reina is abandoned feels a bit abrupt, especially her reaction. I think stating her realization might be a bit more effective closer to the end, maybe when the two lock eyes. If you're interested, I'd say elaborate on what's here.