Change of Heart

Chapter 34

**

"...ine." What's that? Someone's there. "Serine." Someone's calling my name...but who? "Serine, wake up."

My eyes slowly opened. The bright blonde coloring in my hair blocked my clear vision, leaving small cracks in between the strands. Beyond them, I could make out Alex's face staring back at mine. "Alex?"

"Good, you're awake." He gave a slight smile as he helped sit me up. I moaned as I sat up, feeling a slight pain rush down my back. "You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to wake you."

I let out a small laugh pushing my hair out of my face. "How long was I asleep?"

"Just through the night." He took my hands and pulled me up to my feet. "Alek said he'd drop by again after school. There's something, he wants to talk about." The way his expression changed only made my stomach turn. Alex looked away, avoiding my eyes.

"Did you two already talk?" Even if his eyes weren't in contact with mine, my eyes were still fixed on his.

"Yea." He bit down in his bottom lip, and turned completely away from me. "I'll be outside." As he walked out shutting the door behind him, I opened my mouth but stopped. What do I even say? It's obvious he doesn't want to talk about it. I guess I'll just wait until Alek comes. I'll find out then.

Changing into a pair of black jeans and a white t-shirt, I realized the chains on my wrists. I had completely forgotten about them. Holding my wrists together, I stared at the chains that bound them. The feeling of the one around my neck began to get tighter. I knew it was just my imagination, but it felt real as if it was going to choke the life right out of me.

Three knocks sounded and I jumped back a bit. "Hey, are you ready?" Alex asked knocking once more.

Folding my fingers, I answered. "Yea, sorry. I...just need my shoes." Quickly throwing them on, I grabbed the strap to my backpack and headed for the door. Alex stood there and our eyes met. He took a quick glance down, and quickly averted his eyes again.

"Let's go." His voice sounded parched. I felt like he was avoiding me in some way, but I couldn't tell. Alex turned away and walked toward the front door. I followed him outside to the car. Not a single word was exchanged between the two of us for the entirety of the ride.

**

When we arrived at the school, Alex went on ahead of me. Now I was sure he was avoiding me. But for what reason? His talk with Alek? I felt the urge to cry, but I held the tears back.

I walked inside, and for some reason everyone's eyes were fixed on me. Discomfort filled my body. Avoiding any eye contact, I kept my head down as I went straight to my first period class. I decided to sit and wait alone rather than stand in a crowd I'm unwanted in. Running down the hall, I reached the science lab.

Mr. Anderson called out to me. "Ms. Evans? Is there anything I can do for you? It's Thursday, I don't have you in my first period today." That's right, I have science Monday's and Wednesday's rather than English with Mr. Berry. Friday's I end up having both classes.

"Sorry, I forgot the whole 'A-B schedule for a moment. I'll be on my way." As I turned toward the door, Mr. Anderson called out to me again.

"Are you alright? You don't seem like you're feeling well?"

Forcing a small smile, I turned my head back toward him. "I'm fine, really. It just slipped my mind. I'll see you tomorrow then." Running out the door, I headed straight for Mr. Berry's English class. Being all the way at the other end of the school, I barely managed to visit my locker and make it to the door in time.

I sat at my desk, doodling on my paper rather than take notes. Not once had I looked up and over at Alex. As much as I wanted to, I didn't want to see him avoid me again. My vision began to blur, a sudden darkness filled my eyes. An image of Alex and Zander appeared. Why am I seeing these images again? What purpose do they even serve?

Rather than just being a simple image, it turned into almost like a dream. The two began charging at each other, both thrust back from the force. Something appeared in the center...or someone. I couldn't make it out. The picture was too smeared to be made out.

I tried focusing solely on that, but the image wouldn't let up. Instead, the whole picture wound up disappearing in the end. My vision slowly returned to its normal self. I still couldn't place what had just happened. Subconsciously, my doodles wound up being made into the image I just saw.