Subconscious

Chapter 4: Waking Up

I've had enough. I call out to Zainab who comes running; she's 16, mature enough to know I need help. She helps me out of my chair and presses the underwear change; I haven't learnt to master my toilet skills yet. "Get my stuff: I'm leaving," I state.  

"Mom I can't find my keys ju-" She whines but I cut her off. 

"I said I am leaving. You stay and revise; remember, you SAT's are next week."  

"Mom you can't just leave-" 

"Watch me." And I step outside.   

I have my destination planned out in my head. I feel the old determination filling my veins as I storm the city of Chicago on 28th March 2039. 

Floating between the states of unconsciousness and awake, I heard the intimidating man say: "She should wake in about 5 minutes. Could you leave us please, remember, she's my sister."  I didn't even hear them leave, that's how quiet they were. But I heard the pace of his breathing change rapidly as he advanced towards me. "Oh how I wish you were awake. I always loved you, you know. Since high school, you were my first and only crush. Lara Maymoon. The Palestinian girl everyone knew had a fiery personality and a kind heart. The girl with the golden looks who never showed them for fear of ruining her dignity. Then me: the guy with the baby face. The Iraqi, shy, never speaking, low graded guy. I barely had any friends and you hate me. All that's changed after the incident. But you're going to have to forget that now. We'll start again. You'll be happier." I lashed out with my arm and screamed, "What are you doing to me?!!!"

"She's awake!" someone yelled. I struggled with the various arms pinning me down. Later, I found out I had superb aim because the intimidating guy was  hopping around and holding his stomach. However, I figured out that if I surrendered, they might be more lenient and tell me a few things. So I resorted to looking vulnerable and begging. "Look, you have me, I can't get away, at least answer my questions." I pleaded before I broke down in crocodile tears. The person I was must have been talented for I was a very convincing and empathetic actor too! My captors were murmuring and discussing whether I was allowed to know; I decided on an easy question to commence. 

"What's my name?" 

"Lara Maymoon," a monotone voice answered. They suddenly seemed so blurry as if I was looking at them through a foggy glass. 

"What's the year?" 

"2020" 

"When is my birthday?" 

"6th January 2001." 

I did a quick calculation which I found fascinating because it felt like the first time I do it and yet I knew how.

"So I'm 19 right?"

"Yes."

Then I was attacked. I blacked out for again.

"Wake up." That monotone voice again. It got on my nerves. "We won't drug you again." Now that pulled me out of my sleep.

"Why now?" I asked groggily.