Life Under Death

2

                With all the strength in my being, I refrained from slamming my bedroom door when I closed it. I sat on the ground in front of my bed and opened the box. A full slice and a half eaten one. She said it was warm, but that was only the box. I took a bite of the pizza, and quickly stopped chewing. Cold pizza isn't the best tasting pizza in the world.

                Unsatisfied, I opened my bedroom door and walked down the stairs. "I'm going to bed" I yelled from the middle of the flight. "Goodnight, everyone."

                "Great, goodnight." My mom yelled, her friends following her example.

                I huffed. Her act was flawless. I can only imagine what happens outside of the house. How many stories she has about me, making her seem like someone amazing. I walked back up the stairs, shut and locked the door. After turning out the lights and turning on the tv, I threw on some pants over my short pajama pants, and a hoodie. "I guess I'll just have to do this myself..." I mumbled as I opened a book on my bookshelf.

                When things started to get bad, I hallowed out this book and started to save money inside. I pulled out a few bucks, and closed it again. Not that things are bad now, but I am hungry. I opened my window, and slowly climbed out. I felt under me with my toes, hoping to perfect my footing. I didn't want to make too much sound, and I didn't want to get anyone's attention. I climbed down slowly, avoiding the living room windows. When it was safe, I jumped off. I have done this a few times.

                When my feet were firmly on the ground, I pulled my hair from the ponytail and threw my hood over my head. The sun was already down and the stars were out. By guess, it was around 10, the pizza shop was closed but I probably could make it to the Chinese place. I pulled out my phone and put in my earbuds, filling my mind with music.

                I hummed along as I walked down the streets, only the streetlights overhead were my only company. "Adaline," I whispered as I turned down my music. "I request your presents."

                Not long after the words left my lips, I could hear Adaline's little voice. "Good morning, M'lady." She said with a slight yawn.

                "It's still Thursday, my dear." I laughed.

                She looked up at the sky then at me. "But, Lady Skiri, you said you'd see me in the morning."

                I smiled. "Change of plans, I'm afraid."

                We continued to walk ahead, conversating about anything. I laughed as she ran ahead of me and twirled down the street. Her dress fluffing up like an opening umbrella. This was what Adaline was for. My only friend and she keeps me entertained. I appreciate her, and she's my right hand.

                I opened the door to the Chinese place. Opening it slowly so Adaline could run inside first without making me look weird. "Hello," I greeted as I walked to the counter.

                I made my order and moved to the side, out of the way of other people.

                "M'lady, I have that feeling again."

                "Feeling? What feeling?" I pulled my earbud's microphone closer, as if to be in a call.

                "The feeling I had gotten today."

                She continued to tug at my shirt as two guys walked in, and stood at the counter beside me. I tried not to make contact as they placed their orders. Slowly I moved to the far end of the counter. Slow enough not to make a scene.

                But, I failed. One of them looked over at me, and got his friend's attention. I didn't hear what was whispered, but I could see the movement from the corner of my eye. "Crap." I mumbled. This was the last thing I wanted, being judged by complete strangers.

                "Excuse me, ma'am? Here's your order. Seven-fifty is your total."

                Before I had the chance to put my money on the counter, there was a hand from my left with a credit card. "Here, let me."

                 I looked over and saw one of the guys smiling to the clerk. As nice as it was of him to do, I don't know him. When he wasn't looking I quickly put down my money and, with my meal in hand, exited the building. I was almost in a jog toward my street, avoiding any more contact. I could hear them calling back to me, but Adaline and I disappeared into the shadow of night.