Hardcore Life (Ph1LzA fanfic)

Cracks In The Shell

Amelia

I smiled slightly to Amelia as I slowly sat up in bed. She was still in a Discord call with Wilbur, and I had briefly talked with Phil before he had to dip out of our call to eat. I scratched the back of my neck as I stepped out of my room, gently closing the door behind myself. It wasn't a long journey to the bathroom, and I was glad that it didn't have any windows in it. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and put it on the sink counter as I closed the bathroom door. I took a deep breath before I started a call with Phil, placing my hands on the counter and slouching slightly as I stared at my reflection.

"Hello?" Phil sounded as if he had his mouth full.

"I'm sorry. Are you still eating?" I muttered.

"I'm almost finished. What's wrong?"

It was as if him asking the question finally broke through the façade I had been keeping up to help Alicia stay calm. My entire body quivered as I fought tears.

"Talk to me, Amelia." Phil said. "You know I'm here for you."

"I'm scared, Phil." My voice cracked as I spoke.

"What are you scared of, Sweetie?"

"A person that I don't know came up to my doorstep and left a death note." I frantically wiped my tears away. "They found where I lived. They could just be outside waiting."

"Take a deep breath. Don't send yourself into a panic attack."

I struggled to breathe, and I let out a frustrated sob that turned into a scream as I sank to my knees.

"Amelia?" Alicia's voice was soft as she opened the bathroom door.

I heard the sound of her phone being set on the counter, and her touch was cautious as she rubbed my back while my crying grew worse. She coaxed me to my feet as I slowly calmed down.

"Ayup, Amelia." Wilbur's voice was almost as soft as Alicia's had been.

"H-Hi, Wilbur." I sniffled as I wiped my tears away.

I picked up my phone, and I noticed that Phil had muted himself. Alicia kept her hand on my back until I motioned for her to go, and I closed the bathroom door once more.

"Phil?" I muttered.

He unmuted himself almost instantly. "Hm?"

"A-Are you okay?" I hated that I stuttered.

"I'll be fine." I could tell he was forcing the unaffected tone he was harboring. "Your well-being is far more important than my own right now."

"I'm sorry if I scared you."

"You didn't scare me. The scream did startle me, but I was more upset than frightened."

"You're upset?"

"My girlfriend is thousands of miles away, terrified of a stalker and crying. Yes, Amelia. I'm upset."

I found myself smiling ever so slightly. "I wish you were here, Phil."

"So do I, Amelia."