Help from the OtherSide

4: A Trip to Memory Lane

So we are due a sixth person.

The crew was taking time to warm up to me, which I couldn't comprehend. No, seriously. According to the information Amelia gave they've all been here together for almost less than a day, yet they behave like a close-knit pack. Why exclude me? Not like I had personally met anyone before this day. I didn't even know these people existed!

Do I not deserve the same welcome and empathy they share for each other? 

Ha! of course I do. They're just soaking up my brilliance. Too much introspecting gets me depressed. 

Note to self: Cutback on the overthinking.

I sighed and leaned back on the chair with the map open in front of me. I glanced at them. Grant and Amelia stood on the staircase speaking in hushed tones. Yumiko and Twi--

 I mean Liam, stood below them peering at the floor above. Probably wondering how I managed to build another room.

They would occasionally spare a glance at their victim before shaking their heads and looking up again. Probably telling each other that I'm too stupid to make create another room.

Hey I could if I wanted to.

I got up from my chair, rolled the map like it was previously and strolled near them, trying to join the conversation I was clearly not invited to. 

"So . . . what's the hot topic?" I casually shoved my hands in my trouser pocket.

 Yes, I was abducted in my trousers and brown Henley's. 

"Guys Deccan deserves to know everything. Assuming he's the fifth dot, the fifth person; he clearly needs a heads up for what we're about to face. . ." Yumiko tried convincing the other three.

Another mental note: Buy Yumiko dinner someday.

"I suppose he does. Alright man. I don't know where to begin explaining this fiasco, so ask whatever you want and we'll try answering." Grant sighed climbing down the stairs. He jerked his head towards the sofa and we settled there.

No, I did not forget about Glowy. Maybe a couple other thoughts were in my head, but he was definitely there at the back of my mind!

"Okay ask. " Amelia sat cross legged on the sofa beside me.
Which, not gonna lie, surprised me.
An hour ago I was treated like the plague here.

I took a shaky breath and began with the first question on top of my head. 

"Lets' begin with an introduction, something more than just first and last name. And how you all landed here. Starting with Yumiko."

  If I were to endure their presence for the rest of my life, now would be a good time to learn about my fellow colleagues . . . and their families.

She gave me a cheeky grin before starting. 

"My name is Yumiko Lin. I'm 21 years old hailing from Japan." She places her delicate looking hands, one above the other and continues professionally.

"I study Journalism and Business Studies--"

"He's basically asking how you landed here." Liam gently nudged her.

"Oh no, please carry on." I wear a smile of reassurance and she gave a grateful nod.

No harm in knowing more right?

"Basically I had a terrible day at the University and the pressure from my parents wasn't helping at all. I had to choose between giving my best friend a birthday treat and attending my violin rehearsal."

"Violin?" All of us asked simultaneously. Apparently this was news to everyone. 

So they haven't divulged their personal lives yet. Maybe they're not close knit after all.

"Yes I do play . . ." She looked flustered. "Anyway long story short, I was yelled at by my parents for missing the rehearsal. I understand where they're coming from, but my best friend, s-she's unwell." Yumiko looked down as if trying to hold back tears.

". . . And I just wanted to make her day special." Her voice cracked.

 "Get her some water." I commanded Liam who was awkwardly patting her back.

He looked like he was about to protest, but sensing my authority, he got up and went to the kitchen.

 "Hey, It's okay if you don't want to continue." If only she weren't sitting across from me, I could have comforted her better. Liam came back with a bottle and Yumi took small sips before continuing. 

"It was humiliating. I disappointed my parents and let down my friend. I needed to get away from everything, from everyone, so I went for a jog. I don't remember what happened, but next I woke up here." She finally lifted her head to look at me.

I give her a weak smile appreciating her courage to open up.

Then slowly everyone took turns. Amelia spoke about the fight he had in her school with a bunch of nasty classmates who picked on her, because she was coming from a relatively poor family as opposed to her tormentors.

 And how Grant lost a family member the day before.

Apparently Amelia and Grant lived three hours away from each other. They got all excited about having someone from their country, the States. 

They started getting into sports; bringing up the who's your favourite team  discussion.
Something about football, but not the one I was aware of.
In their version, they were allowed to use hands which surprised me. 

I'll make sure to add American football to the list of things I will do once I go back.

 By the time they were done, we were on a totally different topic. Grant prodded Liam to speak.

He cleared his throat and stood up. He walked couple of paces before launching into his story.

"So umm, you know my name. I'm 22. My papa is running for his second term as the Governer,  so naturally there's enormous pressure on me.
Since he's my father, I'm under spotlight all the time busy representing him and our family. I am usually dragged into unwanted and filthy side of politics.
I'm . . .  also supposed to get engaged to my father's strongest ally's daughter,  in order to strengthen the coalition." Liam sighed and lowered his head.

He grabbed the bottle Yumiko was holding and chugged it empty. He wiped his mouth using the back of his hand and tossed the empty bottle on the console table and ran a hand through his hair. The entire display of stress and strain got my sympathy.

I feel bad for calling him Twig. 

He is a great orator though, if that's of any consolation.

AN: This chapter exposed everyone's hardships, what do you think Deccan's story is?