He says"Hi."

16

Pain, spine chilling, vomit inducing pain was all I felt in this moment, as I lay strapped down to what appeared to be a hospital bed. Doctors and nurses surrounded me blocking my field of vision from every direction. They were cutting into my skin and practically ripping out my insides, picking and prodding every inch of me. And I couldn't do anything. I couldn't move nor scream. I was basically trapped in my own body. Forced to suffer in silence, I wept.

How did I even get here?!

Suddenly, I heard what seemed to be an emergency alarm. Blaring loudly and repeatedly from all directions as the accompanying red lights began to flash rapidly. Looking around in fear, the medical staff dispersed. At the same, a dark figure emerged, inching closer to me. I was having a full blown panic attack at this point. And that constant blaring did not help the situation either. I wanted to run, I wanted to scream but my body wouldn't let me.

The figure came closer and closer then stopped. It stared me down for what felt like an eternity. Its glare felt like daggers searing into my soul. It knelt down, gripping my shoulder.

Before anything else could happen the alarm completely blocked any possible noise that could have been heard until...

Ring
Ring
Ring

I let out a gasp as my cellphone went off. Taking a few deep breaths, I turned my head towards the direction of the sound. I took it off from my bedside table to see who the caller was.

[Incoming call from Danny★...]

I tapped the answer button and place the device to my ear.

Yawn

"Hello?"

"Hey Sleepyhead! How is my favourite gal-pal doing?"

"Tired, thanks for asking. What do you need Dan?"

"Just needed to let you that I am on my way over. I should be by your door step in about... the next five minutes or so."

Yawn

"...cool. Thanks for the heads up."

"Of course. Oh, how was the doctor?"

"Just as I suspected, Dan. I hated it."

"Shame, what happened?"

"He had to relocated my joints!"

"Yikes! I'm sorry, I asked."

"Yeah... Well, see you in a bit."

"Cool, see you."

Play Music Now

I took that as my cue to get up and quickly got ready. I put on my go-to outfit (sweatpants and a hoodie) and put my hair in a messy bun. As soon as I was done I made my way out of the door and sauntered downstairs.

Getting closer to the kitchen, I was hit with the smell of... well, something good. I went in, finding Marcus by the sink doing the dishes.

"Oi Marc."

"Manhã." He replied.

"What are you making?"

"Spinach quiche, saw a recipe in Mom's cookbook and thought I might try it out."

I replied back with a 'mhm.' Without anything else to do, I went to the cupboards grabbing the usual stuff and began setting the table.

"Oh, how long until Dan is here?" He asked, already done with the dishes and now checking on the quiche.
"He called me a bit ago saying he was close by so I would say any minute now."

By sheer coincidence, I heard a knock coming from the front door.

"Huh, speak of the devil." I remarked.

I made my way to the door and peered through the peephole. And it turns out my assumption had been confirmed. I opened the door to reveal Daniel on the other side.

"Morning bitch." I said, trapping him in a quick hug.

"Hey hey." He said, reciprocating.

"Ooh, what smells so good?" He asked putting his jacket up and removing his shoes.

"I'm making quiche." Marcus answered, walking towards us.

The boys exchanged their good mornings and the three of us quickly went back into the kitchen. The quiche was now sitting on the counter waiting to cool. In the meantime, Daniel and I were finishing setting the table.

***

10 minutes passed and everyone was sat at the table in pleasant silence. The sound of cutlery and crockery clicking filled the kitchen. Until...

Clack!

A knife and fork collided with one of the plates and all the eyes at the table were directed at... me. Though it may be embarrassing to some. I did not notice everyone looking me. As my focus was on something or someone at the kitchen doorway. It looked like the 'person' from my nightmare. I stared on for a short while until my focus was diverted.

"Uhm, Ana-Lia?"

"Huh? What?"

"You doing okay there?" I shifted my gaze to Daniel and quickly replied.

"Oh yeah, sorry I just thought I saw a spider."

Dan looked at me suspiciously, he was not buying my excuse. But left it alone, at least for now.

Great I'm gonna get an ear full later.

"This was really good, Marcus." Said Arthur, attempting to break the tension.

"Thanks, Arthur." He replied, with a small smile.

"So kids, what are your Sundays looking like?" Mom interjected.

I replied stating that Marcus, Daniel and I were going hangout in my room and do some homework after breakfast, to which she nodded.

Marcus nearly protested until he was halted. Instead a light wince escaped his mouth as I gave him a swift kick from under the table. I paired this with a looked as if to say shut up and listen. Reluctantly, he complied.

Kate then answered the question. Stating that she needed help with a short a essay due Monday. Breakfast went on as normal, thankfully. And after a short while, the boys and I found ourselves in my room.

Not even a second after sitting down, I was hit with an 'alright bitch, spill.' Coming from none other than Daniel.

"Spill?" I asked, trying to feign ignorance.

"Yeah, what is going with you?" Marcus added.

"I don't know what you mean, Dan."

"Oh come on, you haven't been scared of spiders since we were in pre-school."

Oh right... shit.

Sitting next to me, Daniel gently grabbed me by the head forcing me to face him.

"We've been besties since we were tiny, stupid. You don't need to play dumb with me." He said assuring me.

I gave a small smile in response, followed by an exasperated sigh.

"You guys aren't gonna let this go, are you?"

They shook their heads 'no' in response.

Sigh

"Fine. I think... I've finally lost my mind."