The air was still damp from all the rain earlier. I think we have only had three or four days without rain during May. So far June was looking to be soggy as well. With no clear destination in mind, I start walking. Despite the humidity, the late evening air feels nice on my skin. I start to feel a little peace of mind. I let my feet take me where they will. I think of school. I can’t decide if I want to continue through the summer or wait until the fall.
***Trigger warning - mention of Suicide. Please skip to the 4th paragraph.***I am a disgrace, an embarrassment to everyone who know
I stay silent for a moment, sipping on my cappuccino and thinking about what this Henry Hull has said. I guess it wouldn’t be too far of a jump to consider such things could exist. Did this mean elves, goblins, and fairies are real too? It sounded ridiculous. I turn to Henry and ask him what I want to know. “Did you make me like this? Were you the one that ran into my car?”
I spent the rest of the day catching up on work and making sure my friends knew I was alive. Later that evening, I sent Henry a text as well, agreeing to meet with his group. He sent one back with the meeting details, a bookstore/cafe combo at ten. I arrive on time to find Henry and his group already there.
I sigh, rubbing my stiff shoulder as I leave my life sciences class. The stress of everything is knotting up my shoulders like a pretzel. I sit at one of the picnic tables in the sun. After the month of rain we had, I am ready to feel the sun on my skin.Sitting down, the sun warmed-wood, sending goosebumps al
I sway to the loud music. The small earplugs are a lifesaver. I can at least enjoy the music as I watch Kristen reel in her newest conquest, Derrick Johnson. I can’t help but admire her skill. Kristen’s game was on point. Derrick didn’t have a chance. Turning away from the new couple, I look for Michelle. Link really hurt her, but she seems to be getting over him. I can’t find her in the crowd. Hopefully, she found some cute guy to hook up with and fully get over that douche of an ex.
I stretch with a yawn as I wake up. My heart stutters when I realize I am alone in an unfamiliar room. I sit up from the bed with a gasp before remembering last night. Zeke. Oh, God. I slept with Zeke! My gut twists. Kristen! I slept with my friend’s ex. That had to be a violation of some friendship code. What was going on with me? I didn’t do things like this. I was the relationship type. I didn’t even consider going so far with a guy unless I was sure we had a chance at going long term. Hell, I dated Kirk for almost four months before we slept together.
It is nearing seven when I reach what is suppose to be Henry’s house. I check the address again to make sure I have it right. This couldn’t be the house. The house in front of me could easily fit into the category of a small mansion. I hesitated before shutting off my rental car. The mechanic told me that my old car had a cracked engine and was now nothing more than a huge paperweight. I crane my neck to look over the place. What kind of money did a person have to make to live in a place like this?
The morning was nice so I decided to go sit on the stone picnic benches in the University courtyard. I am about halfway through a chapter of my psych class when a shadow falls over the book. I look up, surprised to see Fletcher. “I heard you wanted to talk to me,” he says with a tone that suggests he is bored.
I sit in the window seat and look out onto the street. I hug my knees to my chest. The foggy feeling is still there a little, but it is fading. Apparently, the doctor in the institution had me doped up on some heavy stuff. With my head clearer, the confusion is gone. I’m not insane, or at least, not delusional. My memories are clear and concise. Henry and the others do exist. The sound of someone rushing upstairs and Zeke’s familiar scent hit me long before he peaks into the room as if he isn’t sure he should come in or not. “Hey, Olivia.”
The man laid a hand on my shoulder, concern on his face. lay a hand on my shoulder. “It’s alright Olivia. Take deep breaths. Your system is full of some heavy drugs and once they’ve run their course you’ll find it easier to think clearly.”I don’t answer. I repeat in my head s
The following days passed by in a numbed down blur. Every day Doctor Harris, the woman doctor, was making me believe her more and more, and it was so depressing. If Zeke was my boyfriend, he’d been here by now. The same for Margo, Adam, and Fletcher, well Fletcher would’ve just come to laugh at me but he would’ve come.
I sit in the overstuffed chair, my knee bouncing with nervous excitement. It has been three days! Three horribly long days, but I now get the chance to talk to my family. I still have no idea if Beth and the others are making any progress on getting me out of here. Maybe after this meeting with my family, they won’t have to. I’m sure my parents will get me out of here once I explain what’s going on.
I feel the warm sun on my face. It should have been a nice feeling, but that mixed with how thirsty I am and I just feel like I’m baking. Turning my head from the sunlight, I slowly open my eyes. My brain is buzzing painfully as if it was full of angry fire ants. I stare at an unfamiliar wall. My thoughts are sluggish. I blink and open my eyes wide to wake myself up and focus. Something isn’t right. I don’t feel right.
“So she didn’t disappear off the face of the planet then,” Michelle joins in. She stands next to Kristen.“Hey guys, how’s it going?” I notice the nasty looks they’re giving me. “What’s wrong?”
Yet again, Zeke somehow short circuits my brain and we’re in my bed. The look of smug satisfaction on his face makes me roll my eyes. “Don’t look so smug,” I tell him as I sit up and look for my clothes.“Hey now,” Zeke says, grabbing my pajama pants and just as I do. “W
As Beth and Margo settle in, I’m trying my best not to get territorial. I can’t help feeling a little like they’ve taken over my apartment. Their things are everywhere and I do mean everywhere! When Margo started placing several ceramic cats around the living room, I had to go to the bathroom and scream into a towel.
My stomach is a bundle of nerves and guilt as we arrive at Henry’s house. Somehow agreeing to let Beth stay with me meant that Margo was going to move in as well. We pulled up into the driveway.“I’m going to start packing,” Margo says excitedly as she gets out of the car and race