The sound of alarm clock rang throughout the room — loud — noise and unbelievably left a nasty taste in Sophia's mouth whenever she heard it. It was her father's clock, small circular with tiny stickers of her favorite TV show that played on channel four every night. It was an old show meant for kids and it held a place in her heart, but no anymore. Pascal Youth, her father, died at the age of sixty on August, thirteenth, nineteen-thirty two. The day before her sixteenth birthday. She was born in nineteen-sixteen. Sophia groan in exasperation, rolling over in her bed to click on a small button on top of the clock. "Click" came from the old circular machine and the loud blaring ceased, not even waking up the dead. She blinked for a few moments, wondering what to eat. A low grumbling sound came from down below, like a caged beast wanted to ravage on the world. Sophia acquiescence that if she didn't get up now, she'll starve to death before sunrise and her body wasn't willing to the cafeteria food. It really didn't taste all that good and it made Sophia barf it all out in a trash can by the end of the day. So sliding her legs across the bed and letting them dangle until she felt the sweet, softness of rug which was the bedroom floor. Lifting herself up from the mattress like it was a coffin strapped to her back moved groggily across the room heading for the door. When she opened it, the door letting out a small creak, the small dim of the living room lights were obvious to her as it was like a the sun had came down to earth to personally torture her. Rosto was sound asleep on the couch as Sophia walked by, it was of no surprise to her. Her and Rosto were born at the same time so they were same exact age. "Just a little." Sophia thought with a smirk as she opened the Monitor-top refrigerator door, getting flash-banged once more, the bright light of the bulb inside shining into her eyes. She knew that if those words were spoken out loud, never again will her poor ears hear end of it. Grabbing a small plate with a napkin on top she check the contents. Chicken, carrots and shrimp, her favorite. The smell was delicious as it was divine. Like putting heaven on just her foods would be enough. Sophia shuffled her way over to the stove, trying very hard to start it without making too much noise for Rosto. She knew how hard Dad's death hit for him. It was like a hammer putting in a nail except replace the hammer with a wreaking-ball. Right now he was basically in the Great Depression and it was also the same for her mother, Jasmine Youth. When Pascal had died Jasmine had started to wither and had become frail. Her once joyful eyes had now become a husk of what is was. She no longer sowed as that was a special hobby Jasmine had done for Pascal whenever he had returned to work. Nothing really changed her now-a-days. It was the literary sense of a light being shut off in the pitch darkness. But now Sophia was that light within this abyssal family now and would do anything to help this slowly breaking bond.
As Sophia tried to carefully start the stove until she heard a soft "flick, flick, flick" and then a small but quick "floosh" of flame signaling that the stove was on and ready. She turned the nob just slightly to left putting it on low heat. Scuffling her feet slowly and with confidence made their way towards a small wooden cabinet that was nailed into the wall above. Opening it slowly and letting the smell of fresh wood enter her nostrils shivered, almost sneezing but lucky she didn't. "What you making?" Ask a voice from behind nearly making Sophia scream bloody murder. She whirled around, spinning on her toes to look at who just spoke. Her fist was just about strike out before realizing that standing just barely inches away from her, was Rosto. His oil lamp lifted up as he stared into her like she had taken candy from a baby. His breathing was calm and smooth despite what he was holding in his left hand, a beer bottle. Something that had came to a surprise when Sophia first heard about it. Jasmine was drinking, while she mostly stayed inside her room eating and sleeping whenever she had alcohol it was a different story. Like the bridge of the deep sea ocean broke in two. Sophia wasn't home all the time cause she mostly worked during the night and came home late. When She did come home she'd find Rosto lying on the couch with bruises and scars while Jasmine sat calmly on a chair next to him with tears streaming down her face in guilt clutching a small family picture. Sophia knew how much Jasmine hated drinking and tried to stay away from it, but sometimes things happen and was when Rosto began to hate his mother. A matter of fact he even stopped walking up to her door to place her food and told Sophia that she can do it now. Rosto was just broken, mentally and physically.
"I'm heating up some chicken, carrots and shrimp. Want some?" Sophia asked, a soft smile creeping up on her lips as she gave him a hug. He didn't hug back. "Sure." Rosto answered mildly, shambling his body over to the dinning room table where a couple of empty beer bottles lay. "Piece of trash, leaving your bottles everywhere for me to clean up." Rosto cursed under his breath in anger, picking the empty bottles and placing them none-to-gently inside a bag. Sophia wanted to smack him but restrained herself. That would only make their relationship worse than it already was. Sophia sighed heavily as she turned off the stove, placing half the food onto a separate and shuffling over to the table after squeezing through the narrow space between a chair and a small work desk. She remembered how small their apartment was. It had two bedrooms, one bathroom and one kitchen. It was long about twenty to twenty-five meters. Sophia and Rosto were supposed to share the bedroom but Rosto decided it was better to just sleep on the couch since Sophia was a "lady" as Rosto called her back when they were children. "Sister, you should probably change out of those." Rosto said glancing sideways at Sophia with a thoughtful frown. Sophia also frowned, but not in the same context. "Why? My clothing is fi-" Sophia began to say but fell short quickly. She remembered that today was their first day of going to college and her plan was to look nice and cheerful, but her clothing was not fine. What she was wearing was a, well let us just say, Rated 18+ costume. It was a bunny costume at that with bunny ears. She wore it last night with some of her friends because of a dare for a hundred bucks. It was worth every penny or should I say dollar? Flustered, embarrassed with her cheeks red answered her brother in a very acute and uncomfortable manner. "Yes, I shalt go change." She blurted out, cringing at the sound of her voice. Even Rosto was cringing but it was more calmer and less expressive. Before Rosto could say any more, or any less, Sophia dashed across the room, which was rather surprising knowing that she was wearing heels, dodging scattered bottles and entered her room in one, flash-y yet awe inspiring fashion.
Rosto sat for about three to six minutes before Sophia's bedroom door opened up, again. She was wearing a short blue skirt, black shorts underneath, a white buttoned up shift with a small red ribbon and dark brown leggings. "You're quite cheerful today." Rosto remarked drily as he walked over to the bedroom, hanging up a small silky light maroon coat with a silver belt attached. "Of course, a new year and new school." Sophia relied with a heavy sigh of contentment. While she loved learning new things, she hated school. Loved everything else but school. Her only favorite thing within school subject was P.E and that was it. Rosto, on the other hand, had loved school, he made friends and even become a teachers favorite student one year. When Rosto came out he wore a white woolen buttoned up shirt, a brown leather vest, a belt strapped around his smoothen down brown linen pants. "Dad's old clothes. They suit me, don't you think?" Rosto said, a soft croak escaping his throat which was extremely rare now-a-days for him. Sophia giggled slightly at how well the suit actually fit Rosto. "You look just like Dad, handsome, slightly flat nose, a slight beard, chiseled jaw, smooth cheek bones and a youthful face with brown hair and gently polished light almond eyes." Sophia remarked kindly, patting Rosto's head gently as a small tear trickled down her cheek. "You look good, brother." Sophia add with a sweet grin, her hand patting Rosto on the shoulder as she turned away to head for the door. Stopping momentarily at the door she spun on her heels and ran into her room, no questions or answers. Rosto could only stand there in bitter silence and anger. His teeth bit the lower end of his lip as fists clenched together so tightly that his nails dug into them, bring out blood. After a few minutes went by Sophia came back out, wearing a blouse tailord like a man's shirt with a high collar with an ankle-length skirt. She also held two book straps, Satchels and a canvas. "For each of the us both." Sophia said handing one of each to Rosto who was vaguely surprised by the change in clothing, but for the most part thought nothing of it. Rosto, after putting on a nice black woolen high collared shirt, took the items with great care. Sophia grinned, a expression not given very often but to her this moment meant something. It was like the gap between them had just barely grown closer. "Come on, we'll be late if we dont leave now." Rosto said, walking over to the front door with a half smirk ableit it was still far cry from his younger years. Sophia chuckled weakly, it was some what of an improvement, but she knew it wouldn't last long. It was only a matter of time before he went back into that phase and was back to what he originally was: a depressed and emotionless husk.
"I know! I'll find him a friend! One that he or maybe we can both rely on togther!" Sophia thought happily with a mental smile as they strode along the busy road of Hillstone park. Rosto had a annoyed and disgusted expression as he watched Sophia, and she knew exactly what was going on in the oblivious brain of his.
H illstone park was probably the best the neighborhood could ask for. Its wide grassy plains with a small swing set, a small sand pit for the children who liked getting messy, a soccer ball area for the other children who wanted to exhaust themselves thinking they were cool for the girls, the large metal spinning wheels that along with that sesaw lookin thing and lastly a large pond which was cleared of fish and other animals for it to be safe for swimming.
S ophia watched as small children were let out, their tiny feet singing their happy melody. A stark contrast to what their family was at the moment and it left a bitter taste in Rosto's mouth. "Why can't we be happy? They are quick to take their happy lifes for granted. Do we have to suffer while they watch from the sidelines saying 'We understand you," when they don't?" Rosto blurted out with anger, a hint of hidden bitter hatred escaping his vocal cords. Sophia turn on her heels with such intensity that it startled Rosto. Her hand shot out, wrapping around his ear and pulling on it. "Ow! Ow! Hey! What are you doing!" Rosto exclaimed rudefuly grabbing onto Sophia's wrist to try and pry off her hand, but that didn't work. "Just shut up you ungrantful peice of crap." Sophia grunted through hard clenched teeth, he hand tightening around Rosto's ear making it even more painful. And with that, Sopiha pulled by the ear all the way to Hillstone Collage.
The walk to the collage was tremendously long and painful, although for most people this was a walk in the park or a daily routine. The siblings passed many homes and apartments, there tall brick-like walls with small wooden or glass windows. To the siblings they stood as monuments to be amazed by while for others it was just a place to live in. The homes were recangular or square, but then again all houses were mostly quadrilaterals, with a triangular roof along with a chimney that stuck out on top. The apartments however had flat roofs which was kinda boring in some way. The area the siblings were living was called "Hillstone." The town was literally trapped by mountains and was surrounded by stone. The only way out was through a large narrow, tight passge going between two mountain faces, which was claustrophobia at its finest. This narrow road way then spit off into three different lanes: the lane goes down in the town called "Trouful," a small fisherman town know for their awesome seafood and selling of salt and etc; these men travel by car tand then rent a boat to go fishing. The middle lane goes down into "Hillreach," a large town known for their hunting skills and selling of meat and vegetables.Then the right lane goes down into "Tinstonberg," a large, way better city-like place known for their money and rich people along with some gangsters spread out here and there. Right now, Sophia and Rosto were heading for the bus station as they were heading towards a different place than those that normal people would usually go to. While they were still heading for the three way lane stop, yes. But, there was a fourth lane just barely off to the side of the other three. This lane lead to a tall, wide grassy plains area that sat literally on a mountain with 19,000 acers of land! It was a huge university and it was famous within the area unlike others. This university was call "The Hinsberg Battalion university." But its nick name was "Hit that lion." As the word "bat" sounded like the word "that" if said fast enough. Whil the university itself was spacious it didn't have a lot of buildings as they had more playgrounds, forests and other things like a pool.
As the two bickering siblings walked along the narrow sidewalks passing people and children alike as they got closer to the gas station. Sophia was lost in thought while Rosto just gave up and let his sister grab him along.
*Why was his sister so mad? They were just words that he said! What's the point in getting all riled up about it!* Rosto thought unkindly as he frowned with annoyance and huffed. Sophia just ignored him. It was plain and simple, she hated those words. She had said them once and was left lying on her bed with a red bum for two days. Though this was for another reason, she didn't want Rosto to continue this dangerous path. It wasn't healthy for him. As Sophia was lost in thought Rosto called out a warning and she opened her eyes just in time to see a herself about to bump into someone, which she did. Papers flung everywhere along with a hat. "Ow! Watch it Mate!" A young voice called from the ground next to Sophia. "Sorry! Sorry! Wasn't watching myself." Sophia said scrambling on the ground to help the little boy. She extending out her hand in kindness and the boy gladly accepted it. "Just don't be sleep walking on me, okay mate?" The boy said and he bent over to collect his newspapers and stuff them into a small satchel that hung from his shoulder. Sophia also bent down to help but took one glance behind her to make sure Rosto didn't go anywhere. Rosto gave a "shooing" gesture that told Sophia he wasn't going anywhere…yet. Sophia nodded and went on with helping the boy. "Sorry about bumping into you. Was zoning out and lost tract of where I was." Sophia said in a solemn tone, letting out a soft chuckle. The boy only shook his head and laughed. The boy reached out and patted Sophia on the shoulder. "Stop worrying about it! It already happened so it's in the past now. All you can do is look forward and learn." The boy shouted with a large toothy smile, placing his hands on his hips. Sophia looked up at the boy with a soft grin of appreciation and gratitude. "Maybe this boy was right? Maybe I should stop leaning on the past and focus on the future. No! I need my revenge on the person who killed my father! No matter what!" Sophia thought as she set her jaw, fists turning white as her grip tightened around the papers. The boy was oblivious to this and continued collecting the last of the dropped papers. "Anyway, thanks for the help." The boy called as he dusted himself off and waking up Sophia from her zoning out process. She laughed and stood up as well, dusting herself off and handing the boy the poor hand imprinted papers. The boy made a nervous expression as he took the crumpled sheets of paper. "T-thanks, Miss." The boy gulped as he turned to walk away and continue on with his journey. But he stopped and turned around. "The names Oliver Westy by the way!" He called as he started to run down the sidewalk with excitement. Sophia giggled at Oliver. It's a nice name. Sophia waved her goodbyes and called back. "I'm Sophia Youth! It's a pleasure to meet you, Oliver!" That time, Rosto notice, was the only time Sophia had actually and genuinely smiled at someone. This made Rosto's heart tighten, why couldn't he do that? He wish he had the immovable will to be strong for his sister.
The rest of the day went smoothly, the siblings were able to reach the bus stop without any problems and they even got a discount cause it turns out Oliver's dad, Miguel, worked as the bus driver. The siblings were able to get back row seats after shuffling their way there as most people didn't quite like the back seats as it was mostly the homeless people that sat back there. "All aboard the Reinkit company." Miguel, the bus driver, called firmly as the doors shut with a resounding woosh and click. The engine roared to life but it was muffled due to being covered by the whole frame of the bus. However everyone within the bus felt the rumbling of the engine within the bus, which wasn't annoying. In fact it was almost normal, like being inside a car. The each of the two siblings sat on one end of the back row seats and everyone could feel the tension between them. Sophia didn't notice it, but Rosto did. Rosto felt the eyes and glances of the people around them. Couples, children, the old, you name it. A small drop of sweat dripped down Rosto's cheek as he would make tiny snip bits of eye contact with the people. This was awkward, like extremely, but Rosto gritted his teeth and tried to endure it. Sophia glanced over as her brother and noticing his expression gave a stare of question. "Please, don't." Rosto thought with a tight frown, his lips inching down into an pleading gesture. His face reddened slightly as he prayed his sister won't escalate the situation. But this only made Sophia worry and she sooted over, getting close to his and checking his forehead. "Are you sick, Brother? You feel hot." She asked with a very serious expression, hoping her brother was okey. He wasn't. In fact he felt like his head was gonna explode. Why! Why Sophia! Why! Couldn't you have just left me alone to fight this humiliation! The people, expect the children, around gave their silent nods of approval. Unfortunately these two were siblings and to Rosto it was the most disgusting thing to imagine. Miguel noticed this and talked into a small radio speaker. "Just know that those two are siblings." When the people around Rosto and Sophia heard this they gave them nervous smiles of apology. Sophia, who finally notice this, glared at them with a disgusted expression. Everyone just looked away and went on with their business.
After about two hours of driving and stopping for gas the bus finally arrived at the Hinsberg Battalion bus station. By this time, however, the siblings were long asleep, Sophia leaning on Rosto's shoulder while Rosto's head leaned on the window. They were suddenly jerked awake when bus jolted to a stop at the station. Upon waking up Sophia noticed that most of the earlier people who had once been on the vehicle had previously lefts on other stops. Rosto stirred awake, stretching his limbs and accidentally hitting Sophia in the head with his elbow. "Sorry." Rosto groaned out the apology and was begrudgingly accepted by Sophia's angry kick to the shin causing Rosto to yelp out in pain, waking him up very quickly. Sophia got up from her seat and readjusted her clothing making them seem nice and neat, while on the other hand Rosto stood up looking wrinkly and messy. She didn't bother, taking a long sigh as they kept walking towards the front of the bus with Rosto close behind. After hugging Miguel goodbye and stepping off the bus the siblings were greeted by a surprising image. Many if not several other students were standing at the University gates waiting to enter. While it was wasn't exactly a university people called it a university because they could. So really it's just a collage that's bigger and has a lot of dorms. Sophia stared in awe at the site of a large crowd. "I'v never seen this many people in one place before." Sophia gasped out after holding her breath. Rosto stared mildly with disinterest, glancing beyond the crowd towards the looming collage school.
The collage school looked more like a mansion then it did a learning center, but then again this is based on looks. Walls — grey with black stripes. The windows were heavily tinted. I mean you couldn't see into the rooms. It was like a prison Rosto noticed. Meant to keep who ever entered in. "What's with the stone box?" Rosto asked Sophia with a frown of suspicion. The school was surrounded and closed off by long yet smooth as glass 50 meter stone walls. Odd, why would a school need walls? "I think it's to keep robbers from coming in." Sophia deduced calmly, trying to stay positive. Rosto didn't agree but decided to leave at that not wanting to blow the whole thing out of proportion.
As Sophia and Rosto moved about with the bustling crowed, trying not to bump into people, there was suddenly a large commotion in the center. Not just any commotion. A fight. "Nice, something entertaining to beat the boring day." Rosto thought mildly as he slowly made his way there with his sister behind him saying sorry to those he bumped into. As Rosto slowly made his way, he was able to see what the commotion was all about, kinda.