Escaping Reality (Published Sample)

Four

I had spent at least an hour unpacking. After finishing, Corey and I made our way around the Rainbow Centre. The inside was much nicer than the outside. I suppose not judging a book by its cover would be ideal here. We made our way outside. As soon as we did, I couldn't help but feel slightly depressed. It did need decorating. The outside looked dull and unkept. A little bit of a garden and paint would solve the issues. Maybe I could concentrate on that as a little pet project whilst I was here. As we walked around, I was getting strange looks from some of the other people who were outside. Not that I could blame them. I had a broken arm and a bruised face. Although, I suspected it had more to do with the fact I was a new face. I found a fountain and sat next to it, running my hand through the water. Corey sat next to me and shook his head. I knew he wasn't impressed with the surroundings. He wasn't impressed with me not being at home. I agreed. Not being at home sucked. I guess at least it would be a good story to tell once I was out.

"Corey, there is beauty in everything. Even this place. It just needs some care," I told him, spewing Holly's usual beauty-in-everything bullshit she spoke.

He looked at me like I was crazy and shook his head. "You know, you don't have to take over Holly's speech of beauty in everything. She annoyed the heck out of me with that. Don't even think about starting just because she isn't here. I don't agree with you being in here, Chlo. Why are you so chill about it?"

I smiled. He was such a pessimist. Usually that was me. "You are definitely the glass is half empty kind of person, Corey. You just have to open your eyes, and it's all around," I said. I stared as my eyes widened. I was totally sounding like Holly. I shuddered. That was a scary thought. "Just needs a little love. Who knows? I could do something whilst I'm here. Might as well do something?"

"Chlo, be serious," Corey said flatly.

"What's the point, Corey? Why fight my parents even more? I hurt my mum, Corey." I bit my lip, looking at the ground. I felt like the guilt would swallow me up at any point. "I don't want to fight anymore. I don't agree with them. At the end of the day, this is where I will be for the"—I paused—"who knows how long?"

Corey looked at me sadly. He stood up, pulling me with him. We walked back inside and were told it was dinner time. I made my way into the hall, which is where they ate. I stood by the door as I watched them. They all lined up as if they were in school. They were scattered over the tables.

"Chloe—"

"My name is Chlo," I huffed. I turned to see a nurse standing there, and I glared slightly. Getting my name wrong was my worst pet peeve. "Not Chloe, Chlo. C-h-l-o, Chlo. Please, if you are going to talk to me, at least get my name right."

I felt an elbow in my gut and hunched over slightly. "Don't be rude, Chlo. Everyone struggles with your name," he scolded. "Carry on, ma'am. She's feeling slightly moody today. You may want to make a note on her file about that name thing. It makes her really mad, like borderline-crazy mad."

I stared at him, unimpressed. "I'm not deaf, you know," I muttered, glaring daggers at him.

"I apologise, Chlo. If you would line up and then wait, you will be able to choose from a selection of meals. You also, Chlo's friend."

"Corey," he said. The nurse batted her eyelashes.

I rolled my eyes, walking away. No matter where we went, he always somehow managed to get some female attention.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay with her on her first night. I've just lost my sister, and I don't want to lose her too."

"She's not dead!" I spun on my heel, turning back and snapping at him. I stared at him, daring him to say anything more.