Don't Lie to Me

Chapter 10

~Elle~

I woke up the next morning, the sun shining brightly in my eyes. I rolled over, pulling a pillow over my head. I lay there for a minute, trying to wake myself up completely. Sleep was still leaving my brain slowly, and I slowly started to process last night’s adventures. Realization washed over me and I shot up, looking around me.

I remember looking out of the window into Jon’s sullen face. I remember talking, him telling me about my powers. I remember...

Mikhail.

I put a hand to my forehead, wiping away the sweat that had gathered there. Who was Mikhail? What made him different?

I heard a thump coming from downstairs and then a clatter of dishes. My mom called up to me, announcing breakfast.

“Elle, it’s going to get cold, hurry up.”

I climbed out of bed slowly, wearily pulling on some clothes before heading downstairs.

I greeted my mother at the bottom, giving Mikhail a nonchalant nod. I busied myself with cooking breakfast, making sure I didn’t meet Mikhail’s eyes. I couldn’t give anything away, I had to approach him at the right time.

My mom had already made her and Mikhail quick oatmeal, they had to be at the store in less than an hour. They put their dishes in the sink just as I sat down to a bowl of rice krispies. The whole time Mikhail kept glancing at me, watching me eat slowly.

Mikhail gave me one last look as he and my mom headed out the door slowly, my mom barking out a few last reminders and a goodbye. I nodded, keeping my eyes on my bowl, waiting for them to leave.

At last the door slammed, bringing the house instant quiet. I sighed and leaned back in my chair, dropping my spoon. I closed my eyes, letting my worry wash over me. I couldn’t go on like this forever.

I knew he could tell something was wrong, but I knew he wouldn’t dare ask. After all, we had only known each other for 3 days. Already we knew so much about each other, or at least more than I would like.

I ran my hands through my head, reminding myself that I didn’t have all morning. School was going to start soon without me if I didn’t hurry up.

~

School went by slowly, my friend Claire jabbering on constantly about the amount of homework we have been given. I loved her a lot, and she was my best friend, but she didn’t know a limit. She would talk constantly until someone had to tell her to stop, and I could never find it in myself to tell her to shut up. So I sat there patiently, only half listening.

At the end of the day, I told Claire I couldn’t go to her house that day, that I had other plans. The truth was, with the constant voices sounding themselves in my head, and my own worries pushing themselves through my brain, I was starting to get a headache. I just needed some silence for once.

I got in my car and pushed it into reverse, backing out of my parking spot quickly and heading out on the road. I steered my car towards my house, speeding whenever I had the chance. I was so tired of the constant voices flooding every thought in my mind.

I pulled up outside my house, grabbing my stuff quickly and slamming the door. I didn’t check to see if anyone was home, instead I walked past the house and out onto the front.

I stepped out onto the sand, taking my shoes off and feeling the smooth sand slip through my toes. I closed my eyes and dropped my bag, holding my hands out besides me. The sun shone down on me, casting warmth over my body.