Drowning- Shivika FF P5 PG4

-Rehanna- thumbnail
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Posted: 7 years ago
#1
Prologue ~ A Is For Accidents-

I suppose I love my scars, because they have stayed with me longer than most people have- Nikita Gill

It began as a whisper in the streets, disbelief laced voices chattering of the storm that was to come. The cold air was gnawing, biting through the skin all the way to the bone, then came the soft sound of rain hitting the ground, at first slow then in seconds so fast it became hard to breathe. The strong smell of drenched soil filling the air, ten times more pungent with the strong gust of wind.

Anika's raven black hair soared in the wind, cocoa coloured eyes trying to blink through the rain. Nimble fingers clenching and unclenching around her olive tanned skin as she stepped out into the road, in her hurry to reach home, she missed the car zooming her way, in seconds her body smashed into the front of the car, then her body was in the air, with a crash she collapsed onto the ground, her rosey lips moving slightly before her eyelids shut

~3 Years Later~

After the car accident had occurred three years previous, I had pushed myself to every limit to walk again, the moment I could take steps alone, adrenaline had rushed through my body like a drug, and too soon it became my addiction. Then I was living life on the edge, skydiving and jumping off cliffs, just for the thrill, just to remind myself I was alive.

For a while I felt capable to do anything, the world was my oyster and I was going to do everything. Death was a thief, taking the lives of so many innocent people and I wasn't prepared to let it take mine until I was ready, until I had lived, for so long my focus was living my life to the full, I so easily forgot that not everybody knew how to do that, for some people death was an option they craved as an escape from their lives.

When this realisation dawned upon me, I knew something had to change, my bucket list was nearly complete, but one thing remained, staring back at me in black, bold letters. SAVE A LIFE. And that was what I was going to do when I signed up to join the Suicide Helpline in the small town of Forks.

Forks is a city in Washington, known once for its income based on timber, and vast collection of winter steelhead, though timber and fishing never interested me, it was initially the scenery that took me in. A small town with a beautiful scenic surrounding due to the Olympic Rainforest. The majority of the year Forks was drenched in rain, my faviourate type of weather. So, when the job offer came my way, it was an opportunity to good to refuse.

I rubbed my arms with vehement pace as I stepped into the small office of Forks Suicide Saviours. Three weeks had passed since I had first started, yet all of my cases had been one time callers and neither had been an individual wanting to end their life, of course I was greatful for it, I wanted to save a life but didn't want anyone to consider suicide as an option, I was very much a person who could never make a decision what I wanted, stuck between wanting to save a life and not wanting someone to feel that low.

The office smelt strongly of freshly brewed coffee, quite voices could be heard as they spoke on the phone, reading through the manuals as they did so. Personally I hadn't even read through it, saving a life was so much more than previously prepared responses, callers needed empathy and real emotion not robotic half assed responses because a manual stated that was the correct answer

"Good evening Anika" I heard from the front desk

"Marjorie, how are you" I slipped my coat off, hanging it up then sat down before her. Her white hair in perfectly permed curls atop her head. Dark red lipstick on her lips, as usual matching the cardigan she had wrapped around her, draping over her thin shoulders. Marjorie had started this business in Forks when her son had commited suicide, and had been here since day one. Her eyes had lost its spark, the bags underneath it dragging her down yet still she stood strong. She was very much an inspiration for me

"I'm good sweetie" she smiled softly "I hope you've been well, looking after yourself" she reached out a hand and placed it atop mine, squeezing it slightly

"Of course, you'd be after me if I didn't" she chuckled lightly at this, shaking her head in affirmative

"You got that right, now go, we seem to be quite busy tonight, they seem to respond well to your cheerful tone" she stood up "Just nipping out for a puff"

I stood back up, grabbed my water bottle from my bag and took a seat by the nearest phone, waving at one of the other young women who was just leaving. I looked down at the phone, then at my notes, deciding to sift through the manual to pass time- of course I had no intention of following any of it

The list of rules seemed somewhat bland,

1. Do not get emotional during a call
2. Never pressure any caller
3. Assess the risk
4. Do not give out any personal details
5. Ask questions and listen well

I jumped as the phone rung by my side, I picked it up quickly "Suicide Saviours, this is Anika, how may I help you tonight"

There was heavy breathing, then a guttural sob that hit me right in the chest making me shudder. "I" a heavy sigh then a throaty cough "Hello Anika"

Hey, thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope you enjoyed it. Updates will be every Saturday.


1~ B Is For Broken (Page 1)

2~ C Is For Confessions (Page 2)

3~ D Is For Danger (Page 2)

4~ E Is For Exposure ( Page 3)

5~ F Is For Friends (Page 4)

Edited by -Rehanna- - 7 years ago

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sparshitha thumbnail
Posted: 7 years ago
#2
Interesting.. waiting for d suspense to reveal.
-Rehanna- thumbnail
13th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 7 years ago
#3
1- B Is For Broken-
Sometimes the most broken people, try to fix others because they cannot fix themselves

"Hi" I breathed out, my left hand gripping the desk so tightly my hand went numb "What would you like to talk about tonight"

"You sound nervous" the male voice noted, his tone gruff from crying

"I am" I chuckled

"Me too Anika, me too, it's not everyday I sit atop a building gripping a phone so tightly my hand goes numb trying to find someone who will save my life"

I swallowed thickly, looking down at my now red hand, I moved slightly in my seat, unsure of what to say, unsure of how to stop this man from taking his life. My heart was in my throat, every moment mattered, and I knew this moment could possibly be the most important moment of my life and of course his aswell. "Can I ask what has made you feel like you want to end your life"

"You can ask" he chuckled

"But you wont tell me" I sighed "Okay, lets not rush to the heavy stuff, would you be comfortable telling me your name"

I heard the hesitation in his voice "Shivaay, my name is Shivaay"

"Shivaay" I repeated, I needed a distraction, "Tell me about the view Shivaay"

"Why, so you can come and get me" his tone seemed angry

"No, it's just im sat in an office with no view of the outside, other than a small window that shows an overgrown garden, so"

"I see trees, lots of trees, then just over the greenery there is a railtrack, spraypainted with some very dirty words" Shivaay's breathing calmed slightly "Was that a bid to distract me"

"Did it work" I asked, fingers crossed, my eyes closed, trying to imagine what he saw

"Maybe"

I smiled "Then yes, can I tell you something"

There was a brief silence "Sure"

"When I was younger, I would look up at the sky and think wow, there's a whole world up there that hasn't been explored, I would stand in murky waters just to feel the sensation of water on my feet, water that homed creatures I had no idea of, the world seemed so delicate, there was so much to see, so much to do, so much to cherish and I just want to say that this doesn't have to be it for you, there is still so much for you to explore of the world and of yourself, and I know that you want to be saved, I can hear it in your voice, all you need is a reason and if I might be so frank"

"You talk a lot Anika" Shivaay interrupted me

"Hey, no one likes silence" I rebuffed, momentarily forgetting that this was a stranger on the phone and not a friend

"Carry on with what you were saying"

"If I might be frank, maybe the reason that you need, the thing you can hold onto is this, while I sit in this office without a view, you've given me a chance to see things through your eyes, will that be enough to make you hold on for a while" I waited a while, glancing down at my watch, three minutes had passed since he had spoken. Dread filled my body "Shivaay"

"Why would you want to see things through my eyes, i'm broken"

I released a breath of relief "Broken things let in the most light, did you know that in Japan, they have a thing called kintsukori, where broken parts in pottery are mended with gold, because they believe the broken parts make it more special"

"What are you, Wikipedia, and we're in America, not in Japan" he sighed

"Ever the cynical, right now, if it will save your life we are in Japan, okay and I need my view and you need saving so will you please just" I felt my voice rising, Marjorie glanced over at me, a stern expression on her face

"Okay"

"Okay" I repeated, thanking him under my breath

"As of now, I wont jump, but if you can't find me a proper reason to stay, then I will do it"

"What, that's not fair"

"Pyaar aur yuddh mein sab jayaaj hai"

"You speak hindi, how did you know I spoke hindi" I whispered, my tone low

"Your accent sweetheart, it's not exactly hard to work it out" his tone was laced with humour

"How long do I have to find a reason for you to stay" I queried, hoping the amount of time was long enough

"Three weeks, ill be in touch Anika"

"Wait" I shouted, but he had already hung up. I slammed the phone down, three weeks? How was I meant to find a reason for him to stay alive in three weeks

"Anika, what have I said about getting emotional on the"

"Marjorie" I interrupted "Please, not now, I have three weeks to save that man's life and if I fail he's going to kill himself" I stood up only to fall back into the chair again

Marjorie slid my water bottle over to me as she rubbed my back "Its okay love, you can do this, I have full faith in you, but what this man has asked for, it isn't fair, if you like we can ensure you don't speak with him again"

I shook my head fast "No, no i'll do it, if he wants one reason to stay, i'll find several, I won't give up, I promise Marjorie, i'll save him, I will" I didn't notice the tears rolling down my cheeks until she reached out and wiped them away

"There there love, it's alright, you can do this" she pressed a kiss to my forehead, her powdery scent intoxicating my senses before she stepped back "Go home love, you've had a trying night"


I reached home, looking up at my calender, crossing off today. Three weeks started today, tomorrow I would have twenty days, twenty days to save a life

sparshitha thumbnail
Posted: 7 years ago
#4
Wow.. it is interesting.. plz update the title.. waiting for next update..
-Rehanna- thumbnail
13th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 7 years ago
#5
Aw thank you lovely
-Rehanna- thumbnail
13th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 7 years ago
#6

Originally posted by: sparshitha

Wow.. it is interesting.. plz update the title.. waiting for next update..

Aw thank you lovely! I will do
-Rehanna- thumbnail
13th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 7 years ago
#7
C Is For Confessions~
Today was a new day, hopefully a day where I would have more of a chance to speak with Shivaay and make a plan about how to save him. I pushed my earphones into my ears, picking a song while I walked up the wet road, the drizzle around me making me shiver

I finally picked a song, looking up finally I saw the most magnificent pair of smoky eyes. The man blinked slowly, then raised his left hand, rubbing it against his chin. The coal black stubble on his cheeks making him look slightly older than he may have been. He dug his hands into his pockets, allowing his eyes to wander down my body. "You should really look where you're going, you don't know what bad man you might bump into"

I scowled up at him, he stood quite a bit taller than me, "What, like you" I raised my brow, I refused to be scared into not walking these streets when it was dark, it was the only way to work

His face was deadly serious "Maybe, do I look dangerous to you"

Sure, being that good looking was dangerous, I was sure I was going to end up dehydrated by all the drooling. "That isn't important to me, I can defend myself" I pushed out my chest slightly trying to make my point

He spread out his arms "Go on then" a cocky smile on his face

"If I hit you first, that isn't defending myself, now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to work"

He chuckled "You work at night, in a small town like this, usually the only people that are awake are the ones that are in love or lonely, which one are you"

I shook my head "Neither, i'm just late, now excuse me" I shoved past him, crossing the road quickly I turned back to see he was gone when I walked into the office

"Hello love" Marjorie looked up, a sad smile on her face

"Hey Marjorie, is everything okay"

"One of our clients killed himself this morning" she dabbed a tissue beneath her eyes "You know, I thought we could save lives, in all the years I have been here, none of my clients have done that"

I wrapped my arms around her "Oh Marjorie, i'm so sorry, so so sorry, but I know you did all you could" I blinked away the tears welling in my eyes as I knelt before her "Was it, the guy that I was"

She shook her head "No, no you still have time, please Anika, don't let this one go"

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat "I won't" I got up, pouring her a coffee I placed it before her "Drink this, it's going to be okay"

She smiled up at me "You're a good kid Anika, now go we have calls to attend" she shooed me away

I sat down, looking through my emails when the phone rang, "Hello, suicide sa-"

"Anika, it's me"

"Shivaay, you called back" I couldn't hide the delight in my tone "How are you feeling today"

There was a heavy sigh "Same old, but I don't want to talk about myself today, tell me about you"

"But that's not"

"Saving me" he interrupted "I know, think of it like this, you're distracting me from my thoughts, so what made you want to do this job"

I sighed "I wanted to help, to uh save a life"

"What triggered that"

Suddenly visions of the car accident flashed in my head, the bright lights that made my eyes burn, the shouts for help when my body hit the floor, the sirens so loud it made my blood rush to my ears

"Anika, you still there" I could hear the worry in his tone

"Uh, yeah sorry, I had a near death experience, decided to live my life the best way I could and I hope I can somehow help someone else do that too" my tone was quiet, I hated speaking about the accident that had nearly taken my life

"I'm sorry that happened to you Anika, I really am" there was a quiet sigh "Can I ask you something"

"Sure"

"Lets say, you did something, bad, how would you um, forgive yourself"

I sat up straighter "I guess, it depends, how bad was the thing you did, was it an accident and did innocent people die or have life long injuries, I must remind you that these calls are recorded, so if"

"I didn't kill anyone, god Anika who do you think I am" anger laced his tone

"Hey, I never said you did, I was just warning you incase you decided to admit something to me, christ" I huffed, angry at his assumption

"Right, right sorry, I just, innocent people got hurt, it was an accident and very bad"

I cleared my throat "I guess Shivaay, that sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, sometimes we have to realise that the past is the past and we have to leave it there, accidents happen, I mean today I bumped into a man by accident, and I know that isn't the same thing, but if you want to move on, you must learn to forgive yourself" I breathed out

"Im not sure if I can Anika, i'm not sure if I can, what happened with this man you bumped into"

"Oh, he just told me to be aware of dangerous men on the streets, it was weird, he seemed to find the encounter quite funny"

Shivaay chuckled "What makes you think that"

"Because he laughed and smiled at me a lot, also have you tried to make peace with the innocent people you hurt" I knew it was probably pushing it to ask, but I needed information if I was going to help

"I don't quite know what else to do, I payed for their medical bills, they uh, they don't know who I am and I'm to scared to show them my face, it's stupid right"

"No, of course not, it isn't stupid, but maybe that will help come to terms with it"

I heard him sigh heavily "I don't deserve to be here Anika, I guess when I first called you, I was hoping there would be a good enough reason to stay alive, but there isn't, I don't have anyone, I"

"You have me, you're not alone, and there are reasons to live, we will find them together" I promised "If talking is hard, we run a texting service"

He let out a low laugh "Twenty days left Anika, just twenty days, and I don't know if i've got it in me to stick around for that long"

"Please, I need those days, just stick around for me, I know i'm a stranger but"

"But, you're all ive got in this world, just a voice on the phone, sad right" I could hear the sadness in his voice, but I had no way to take it away

"You're never really alone, look those people you hurt wouldnt be alive if it was for you, I know you hurt them but what if they couldn't afford the bill, you are very much a glass half empty kind of man, you just need a different view, that's all"

"A view wont take away what ive done"

"No, but it will transport you elsewhere, just think about it, think about what you want from life and where you'd like to be, and lets see if we can't get you there"

"You sound very positive about that"

I smiled "I'm a glass half full kind of woman"

"Okay, ill give it a shot and get back to you tomorrow, same time"

"Yep, and not a minute late" I hung up, throwing my head back, feeling more stressed than before, how on earth was I going to give this man his view

Hey! There will be no update next saturday as I am away! Sorry:(


-Rehanna- thumbnail
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Posted: 7 years ago
#8
Thanks so much lovely
-Rehanna- thumbnail
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Posted: 7 years ago
#9
D Is For Danger ~
Everyone Needs Someone To Make Them Feel Like Tomorrow Is More Than Just Another Day

"Why so cold, why so cold" I muttered as I walked up the icy path, losing my footing two strong hands gripped my arms. I looked up to thank my saviour only to end up frowning "You, again, are you following me"

The man smirked "I save you and this is what I get" he tutted "Now that's not very nice, usually people say thank you"

He was right of course "Thank you, now are you following me"

His brow raised slightly "Actually, I think you might be following me, all this running into eachother im beggining to worry for my safety, what with all the dangerous people around" the man winked at me using my earlier sentence against me

"Oh haha, very funny, seriously" I pulled back, crossing my arms only to get sucked in again by his bluey-grey eyes that were like the sea, pulling me in slowly it was as if I knew I was drowning but there was nothing I could do about it

"Forks is a small town, you're bound to bump into people" he shrugged, the muscles in his arms clear through his dark black jacket which only served to accentuate his toned body

" Twice in the space of two days, I don't think so, now if you'll excuse me" I went to walk past him only for him to step infront of me sending me toppling backwards

He smiled, turning his head, his shoulders shaking while he let out a throaty laugh

"Don't just laugh at me, help me up" I held out my hand, as soon as his gloved hand wrapped around mine, tingles shooted up my arm, my chest hit his as he tugged me up

"Now what do you say" he teased

"Thank you" I let out, in the most childish voice I could pull off which only made him laugh

"You're a strange girl Anika"

My jaw dropped "What, how do you know my name" could he be the caller? No, this man seemed to be to happy for someone who was suicidal

He tapped his nose "Its a secret, but if you let me take you for a coffee, i'll let you know"

"Handsome creep"

"What"

"I said hot chocolate" I smiled, following him toward the small coffee shop, the smell of coffee beans hitting my senses as soon as I walked into the shop

"Two hot chocolates please" he smiled, slipping a few dollars over the side

I went to sit down, pulling off my coat when he sat down before me, I quickly wrapped my hands around the hot chocolate "Marshmallows" I smiled

"Doesn't take a lot to make you happy does it" he noted

"Nope, now tell me how you know my name" I pushed

The man rested back into the chair "You just don't give up do you, it's a small town, you're new, people talk"

I huffed, blowing air out the side of my mouth "Fine, since you know my name it's only fair you tell me yours"

"Where's the fun in that"

"Fine, i'll just give you a name, i'll call you danger"

"Why danger, ah I see, because stranger danger" he nodded "Don't you think if I wanted to hurt you by now I would have done it by now" the smile on his face was infectious and I literally had to bite my cheeks to stop myself from smiling back

"You can never be to careful, I need my life right now" I looked down

"Right now, why right now"

To be honest, other than my boss I didn't really have any other friends, would disclosing my job to destress a little be wrong? I needed a new opinion. "Well, not me specifically, but someone very important needs me, see I work over there" I pointed at Suicide Saviours

His face paled slightly

"Sorry danger I didn't mean to make you queasy"

He shook his head "No it's not that, it's just you're a very kind person"

"Oh no" I laughed "I'm not, I just want people to live for as long as possible, everyone deserves to have something to live for and I think right now i'm the only person that can offer that to this person right now"

His tone suddenly became quite bitter "Why do you care"

"Excuse me" my eyes widened

"No, I didn't mean it like that" he shook his head

"Because everyone needs someone to care, I don't care because I have to, I care because I want to, it doesnt matter if I know that person who calls in, at that moment they need a friend and I will be that for them, because"

"Everybody needs somebody" he completed his sentence, his hand brushing through his slightly wind toussled black hair, his gaze was somewhere far away

"That they do, do you have somebody" I queried, maybe a little to early to ask such a question

His stormy orbs met mine and he smiled "Maybe"

I downed the rest of my hot chocolate "Thanks for this by the way, it's really warmed me up" I shoved my arms into my jacket and stood up

He did the same "Allow me to walk you home, you know incase you slip"

I laughed "I know it's just because you can't get enough of my great company but fine" I thanked the woman behind the counter and stepped outside, the cold air hitting me straight in the face as I did

For a while we walked in silence, comfortable silence it was nice. "So, what made you move to this area"

"I intially applied for the job, but I fell in love with the area when I visited once, so I guess multiple factors, I wanted something new and this was a great opportunity and everything is so much cheaper"

He nodded, listening intently "Well, i'm glad you came here Anika" he nudged my arm gently

"Aw, cute" I bopped his nose with my finger which made him smile "Well this is me, i'm sure ill see you around"

He nodded "You sure will" he leant closer pressing his lips to my cheek, my cold body suddenly turning warm, then his face took on a serious expression "Stay safe"

I saluted "You got it danger, and you" I stepped into my house, staring straight at the calender I had eighteen days left, just eighteen days. Time seemed to fly by so quickly that it knocked the breath right out of me

So I am off on holiday tomorrow for a week, so there will be no updates until I would say Wednesday the 22nd of August, I know that's a major wait, but if I have time beforehand I will definitely update.

farinaks thumbnail
8th Anniversary Thumbnail Voyager Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 7 years ago
#10
Read whole story I'm one go
Emotional painful heart touching beautiful nd wonderful phenomenal
I think the stranger is Shivaay nd he is testing her
Continue soon

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