Something Else

Chapter One: A Normal Life... With a few Secrets

Michael bolted up from his bed, sweating from the nightmare he just had. He checked the clock and swore under his breath.

"Three o'clock, of course I wouldn't get any good sleep," Michael said as he fell back on his bed.

He stared up at the ceiling wishing he could get just one full night of sleep. After a few minutes Michael sat up and grabbed the glass of water off of his nightstand and took a drink. He groaned from the lukewarm water that he just swallowed, he closed his eyes and focused. After a few seconds the water chilled and he drank what remained in the glass. Michael yawned as he stood up and walked over to his desk and turned on the computer. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep the rest of the night, he put on his headphones and started up one of the games he occupied the many sleepless nights caused by his "condition" as his mother liked to call it. As he logged in he saw his friend was on and he invited him to a chat.

As his friend's username popped up saying that he joined Michael said, "Whats up Josh? You haven't been up this early in a while."

Josh laughed and replied, "Yeah, I know. I've been trying to unlock the next level all night. But the better question is, why are you up? Another nightmare I suppose."

Michael sighed, "Yeah, this was one of the weirdest yet." Josh was one of the few people that Michael had entrusted the secret of his condition to, so it made sense that he would ask about the nightmares.

"Want to tell me about it?" Josh asked.

Michael thought for a moment then replied, "No, I'll be good. But you won't be after I beat you in a one on one."

Josh laughed, "Bring it."

After three hours of playing and hanging out, they parted their ways to get ready for school. Michael stood up and walked to his closet, grabbing his clothes for school then walking to the bathroom. After a short shower he got dressed and walked out of his room and down the stairs to his kitchen. Since he was up so early most mornings he would normally be the first one down to the kitchen to get breakfast. This morning was no different, he made a bowl of cereal and sat down on the couch, looking out at the rising sun. After about an hour his mom walked down the stairs, " Are you ok honey?" she asked.

Michael looked over at her, "I'm fine Mom, it's nothing, just another nightmare."

She looked at him with concern in her eyes, "Are you sure? If you need to talk about it I don't mind at all."

"It's ok Mom, I'll be fine," Michael replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

She studied him for a moment, "Ok sweetie. Well I have to go to a meeting early, make sure your sister is ready for school on time." She walked over and kissed Michael on the forehead and then walked to the door and then outside.

As Michael heard the car start up and pull out he stood up and walked to the kitchen. He cleaned his dishes then walked back upstairs and knocked on his sister's door, "Get up, you got to get ready for school."

With no reply he decided to to be a little more convincing. He went to his room and grabbed his air horn. He quietly opened her door and crept up next to her bed and put it right near her as he pulled the trigger and the deafening sound blew out. His sister, Nicky, jumped up screaming, as Michael ran out she threw a pillow which connected with him on the back. Michael was laughing his head off as Nicky walked out and flicked him off on her way to the bathroom.

A half hour later she was out of the bathroom all ready for school as Michael was getting ready to walk out the door. He tossed Nicky her bag, "Here, you wouldn't want to forget that."

"Thanks," she replied as she caught it and they were out their door on the way to the bus stop. As they were walking, Michael thought about his nightmare and he tried to remember exactly what it was about. After a five minute walk they reached the bus stop and stood around waiting for it to arrive. A few minutes later Michael turned around and saw Josh walking towards them.

"Hey man, see that you made it," Michael called out to him.

Josh yawned, "Yeah, it was not a good idea to stay up all night the night before the first day of school."

They all stood there for a couple of minutes talking and making jokes before the bus arrived. Nicky and Josh got on before Michael, and as he stepped up into the bus he thought about the summer and what school would hold for him this year. He also wondered if his power would cause him anymore troubles than it had in the past few years.