𝔹𝕀𝕋𝔼 𝕄𝔼

5. the 'thing'

The next day...

The sun glares through my window as awake the next morning. My cocoon of warmth disappears as I pull the covers off of me, stretching, a yawn escaping my mouth.

Today is Friday.

Which means that after school, I'll have the whole weekend to myself. Sigh. No more people, no more problems.

After meeting Tyler and the others, the bell rang. Our little group sadly had to disperse.

They all scattered like flies and I followed suit. I ended up losing them, purposefully, and ventured around more of the school.

I still had no idea where Hayden went, so I spent a total of 45 minutes looking for him around the school, only to catch him actually in the library.

Surprising, right?

However, I did happen to notice his slight dishevelled look. Luckily for him (and my own sanity), I kept it to myself.

A sudden ping captures my attention. Reaching over for my phone, I read a message from an unknown number:

Unknown: Hey Rain, do you wanna come with us to school today? (This is Tyler btw, if you didn't already know)

Confused, I quickly type in a reply.

Me: How did you get my number?

He replies almost instantly, as if he's been waiting.

Tyler: I got it from Hayden 😋

Me: Okay...how did you get Hayden's number, then?

Tyler: Milo 😏

Milo? Why does he know Hayden?

I make a note mentally to ask him later.

Me: Ok.

Tyler: What do you mean – 'Ok.'

Me: We can go.

Tyler: YAY!!

Tyler: I'm outside.

What the...

Me: Nice try. It's 6am.

With that, I turn my phone off and put it back on the dresser.

I dust myself off, physically trying to get ready for school.

Since it's so early, I tiptoe over to my door and creak it open. I then lightly pad across the dark hall to Hayden and I's shared bathroom. Relieved to find it empty, I quickly step into the shower, turn it on and get to relaxing under the warm water. The water washes away my worries, my doubts and provides clarity.

Dramatic, I know. But a steamy shower first thing in the morning really does hit different. For me, at least.

After the refreshing shower, I throw on some clothes and head down for breakfast.

The kitchen feels strange. It feels...cold. Like it's lacking life. I would've thought Dad would be back by now, I didn't even see him yesterday.

And Hayden. Where the hell is he?
I can't feel his presence.

What if this is all some apocalyptic kidnapping? What if I've woken up in a different reality? An alternate one, at that!?

I feel sudden pressure on my right shoulder, disrupting my trail of thought. It's so faint that it's almost unrecognisable.

As I reach to lash out at the intruder, I am overcome with the initiative to act smartly, not carelessly. So, I decide to concoct a plan.

I'll act like I don't notice whatever it is so I can figure it out, and ambush it.