The Colors Of His Persona

His Persona- 6

I couldn't sleep last night; my mind was flooded with persistent thoughts. Today, I found myself in the biology lab, working on a practical assignment about vital areas prone to fatal blood loss.

"Miss Taylor," Mr. Brown's voice startled me, and I looked up to see him standing before me with a stern expression. "Class has been dismissed. Are you okay?" His concern was evident, but I was momentarily lost in the empty classroom.

As I gathered my things, I couldn't help but notice Mr. Brown's slender figure standing a couple of feet away, his hands clasped behind his back. His honey-brown eyes held a mix of concern and curiosity, silently urging me to share what was troubling me. Despite my internal turmoil, I managed to offer him a small nod of assurance, though deep down, I knew that my response didn't quite convey the full extent of my inner turmoil.

Mr. Brown, with his straight, slightly crooked nose and thin lips, was not just a teacher; he was also a professor and a doctor, someone I greatly admired and respected. His genuine care for his students always shone through, and I found solace in the fact that he was there to offer support when needed.

As I stumbled over my words, trying to make sense of the thoughts racing through my mind, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled within me. What was happening to me? Why couldn't I shake these persistent thoughts, even in the midst of a simple biology class? The nagging desire to unravel the mysteries of my own mind only seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

***

"Jan, it feels like I've delved into the secrets of Area 51," I sighed, taking a sip of my cola. "My head hurts," I whispered, slumping down on the table.

"Are you kidding? This is awesome!" she exclaimed with amusement. "The richest family has a secret, and you, my girl, have uncovered it. It's thrilling!"

"You should be proud, El. You cracked the code that was kept hush-hush," she giggled, finding my discovery an opportunity to play Sherlock Holmes.

"Jan, no, we're not doing it," I mumbled, looking at her through hooded lids, already sensing her intentions. "Keep your curiosity cat under wraps."

"Come on. Think about the satisfaction... think about one of your special little books," she said, manipulating her voice to sound small. "Come on, El, let's give our boring lives something to be excited about," she finally said, seeing how I wasn't listening to her. She pulled me back and forth, pleading, but I wasn't going to give in. Trouble only takes seconds to become active.

"Janice Freeman, no," I mumbled, trying to rest my head on the table again. She began to argue, mainly saying how I always talk about my stories and how I want to experience a fantasy. I was actually expecting something different. It was shocking that she actually listened to me babble.

The café door opened, and a sudden chill traced my spine, but I was too busy pushing Jan's hands away from my shirt.

"Sweets, is that you?" a voice suddenly called out, causing a shiver of nausea to overcome me. I turned, coming face to face with Mike. He had on shades, with his hair laid back. I suddenly felt déjà vu, seeing the prominent resemblance to Nate. I must still be thinking of that foolish thought.

"Oh... h-hi," I stuttered out, sitting more upright. "Way to go, Ellina, stuttering," I thought to myself, feeling embarrassed.

Janice might have noticed the change in my demeanor, looking past me to see who it was. At least she stopped her whining.

"The guy from that night," she pointed out knowingly.

It was like encouragement for Janice to call him over to our table. After what I said to her, I knew she was enjoying this.