Hope of the Sun

"Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns it calls me on and on across the universe."

-John Lennon

Every day has slowly dragged on since that night. That dreaded feeling failed to fade away. It's been a week, and the looming rain clouds have muffled all the lights in the sky. There hasn't been one clear night or sunny day, but I haven't given up. Everyday, I wake up with hope, yet everyday I wake up disappointed, my hope weakens, and I can gradually feel it start to diminish. This morning was no different from the others. I was awaken by the steady beat of the rain pounding on the roof. I forced myself out of bed, trying to ignore the numbness in my heart. I walked into the living room, where Bex was already awake, watching James Bond.

When she saw me, she paused the movie. "How'd you sleep?"

"Okay," I lied, then changed the subject, "What time did you go to sleep last night?"

"What makes you think I went to sleep at all?" She asked mischievously, but behind her facade, I could see pain in her eyes. I realized that I wasn't the only one who couldn't rest with the circumstances. After all, Zach was like a brother to her, the one she never really had.

My voice softened, "Did you see the forecast for today?"

She frowned, "It's supposed to be like yesterday I think" Then she added, "But the news castors can be wrong sometimes."

I gave her a small smile, "You're right. Maybe today's the day."

She sighed, and ran her hands through her dark hair, "We should do something today. We need a distraction."

I hesitated, "What would we do?"

She thought for a second, then her eyes lit up, "Why don't we give an old friend a visit?"

I grinned, already knowing whom she meant, "Let's go"

xxxxTime Skipxxxx

We drove for three hours straight along the countryside. I stared out into the endless fields of no-longer-summer crops. The rain assaulted the car, making it hard to see passed five feet. Eventually, we entered the familiar woods and narrow path. Finally, the roof of the cabin came into sight and the car came to a rolling stop.

Carefully, we stepped out of the car onto the muddy ground, the trees giving us protection from the rain. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of his cabin, millions of memories running through my mind. I looked over at Bex, who smiled at me, and then we cautiously made our way to the camera-guarded door.

I brought my hand up to knock on the oak door, but before it even came in contact, it opened, revealing Joe Solomon. He grinned and stepped aside.

"Hey girls, come on in"

The place hadn't changed much since I was last there. I traced my hands along the log walls and my footsteps creaked the wood floor.

"It's good to see you Mr. Solomon," Said Bex, giving him a hug.

"It's good to see you too," Then he looked over at me, "You too Cammie."

He sat down on the couch, "Ever since your generation left, Gallagher hasn't had girls as good as you."

"Oh I find that hard to believe," Commented Bex as she plopped down on a recliner chair, next to where I stood. "You have Ellie Sutton this year don't you? Liz tells me she's almost as smart as she is."

Mr. Solomon grinned, "Almost." Then he turned to me, "What about you Cammie? How have you been?"

"Well," I said, sitting on the couch opposite of his, "I've been better."

He nodded understandingly, "Has there been anymore news on Zach?"

I flinched, "No, but it's been two months. I'm sure he'll be back soon"

He gave me a sad smile, "I'm sure he will"

Then for the next few hours, we caught up on life, talked about our days at Gallagher Academy, and laughed at some old mission stories. Eventually, the rain outside stopped, but the clouds still loomed.

Mr. Solomon got up from his seat, "I'm going to make us some dinner, it'll only take twenty minutes.

"Sounds good" I said, getting up from the couch, "I think I'm going to go out to the pier. Call me when it's time to eat."

He nodded, then as I was leaving, I heard him say to Bex, "Did you ever read that book on old samurai maneuvers?"

Stepping out into the fresh air, I took a deep breath in. Slowly, I made my way to the pier, looking out into the lake. Small waves rippled the surface of the water. It made a calming sound that relaxed all the nerves in my body. I remember when I last stood on this pier. It was where Zach proposed on Mr. Solomon's Fourth of July party. Aunt Abby had helped him plan out the whole thing. In the middle of the party, he had taken my hand and led me down the pier. I could hear the music in the background, but on that night, all I payed attention to was him. All I saw was Zach, as he got down on one knee, and all I heard were his four words. Then the moment I said yes, fireworks lit the sky.

I smiled at the old memory. We were supposed to get married three months ago, but then Zach got called into the Director's office. We had to postpone the wedding until he came back. Now, I was starting to doubt he ever will. I stared at the sky one last time, willing the clouds to go away. I closed my eyes and wished for a sign. A sign that would prove that Zach would be okay, that he would come home, and we would get married. I asked for one final sign before I decided to stop searching for stars. I waited for a sign that never came.

I heard footsteps behind me and Bex broke my thoughts, "Hey Cam, food's ready."

I nodded, not turning around, "Okay." I said defeated. I turned around; ready to give into the fact that Zach may never come back. I took a step towards Bex, telling myself I could make it through, that I could be strong. I turned my back on my pleads for a sign, thinking it would never be answered. Then as if the heavens took mercy on me, I felt warmth hit my neck. I froze and my eyes widened as I glanced at Bex. Slowly, I turned around. The sun had broken through the clouds, rays hitting my skin.

"Bex, the sun's out," I said unbelievingly, then turned to give her a hug, "Maybe the stars will be out tonight."

She gave a laugh of joy, then shook her head at me, "Cammie, don't you get it?"

I looked at her confused.

She continued, "The sun is a star."

Her words cured my heart from whatever pain I had felt, and filled my body with a renewed sensation of hope. It gave me certainty that Zach was feeling the sun with me. I knew that Zach would come back to me. I didn't need to stare at the stars to get my answers. All I need was the hope of the sun.

So there it is! I'm sorry I couldn't get it up last night! I didn't really know how to write it out, but when I woke up this morning I had the idea in my mind, and now it's finished! I want to thank everyone who reviewed for the past two chapters and please review for this one too! It would mean the world to me Thanks for reading!

-Christina

P.s. If anyone wants to pm me, I love talking to people!