One Star Away

Chapter 19

Prism stared up at the slanted ceiling, one of her arms propped beneath her head.

Defective, defective, defective

This word had rung in her head for the past week like an alarm, reminding her of what she was, that she would never be normal.

Maybe it was because Prism was avoiding everyone, but things were oddly calm. Or maybe it was because Tavis wasn't here. That made more sense. Prism wondered what had happened that would make him not be able to come to school. Deep down, she sort of missed his smirking face and cheerful presence. It was a lot easier to pretend she was normal around someone like him. Plus, the fact that being around him made her pain disappear was also a huge plus.

Still, it was nice that there was some peace, if but for the moment. There had been no disasters, no pranks, no embarrassing situations, and she hadn't even heard the voice. It was like the whole school was holding its breath, waiting for Tavis's return.

If only Prism felt as calm. She hardly knew what to think anymore, and sometimes the pain grew so bad, that she couldn't think even if she wanted to.

She sat up, letting her cap fall off her head and her hair cascade down her shoulders. She lifted some of the strands with the palm of her hand. So out-of-the-ordinary. Just like her.

A knock at the door made Prism's heart leap into her throat, "Hey, Prism, are you coming to class?"

Prism scooped up her cap and quickly stuffed her hair underneath. "Y-yeah, I'm coming."

She was tempted to just hide out in the dorm again like she had yesterday when she'd been too overwhelmed with the pain, their objective, and everything. But... part of her wanted to learn... that was the only thing pulling her away from the safety of her hiding place where no one could find out what she was. That and Jade might be looking for her. She felt guilty for avoiding him, but the alternative seemed worse.

Fiddling with the edge of her crinkled shirt, she pushed open the door and joined Azalea in the hall.

Azalea glanced at her, her brow furrowed, her pink hair tied into a bun at the back of her head. "Are you okay?"

Prism sucked in a deep breath. "Yes, I'm... fine..."

Azalea hooked her arm through hers, smiling. "If you ever need any medicine, you could always see a doctor. My doctor is really good, and I could see if he could prescribe you something."

It took a second for Prism's mind to catch up with Azalea's jumble of words. "Oh... um... no, I'm fine... thank you..."

Azalea beamed and pulled her down the hall. "Of course! I'm always here to help if you need me."

"But... what... what do you need a doctor for?" Prism winced as the question emerged before she could stop it.

Azalea stiffened and then laughed. "Everyone has a doctor they go to for check-ups, don't they?"

Prism nodded even though she had no clue.

"Quarter exams are coming so soon! Would you like to study tonight?" Azalea bounced on her feet.

Prism didn't reply, her gaze snagging on a student shuffling down the hall.

"Prism?" Azalea tugged on her arm. "Prism?"

"Tavis?" Prism mumbled, as the student knocked on the warden's door and then, entered.

"Tavis? Where?" Azalea glanced around. "He's got to come back soon. The whole school seems a little less bright without him."