Something's Wrong With the Different Realms

Sixteen: Déjà Vu

Alexa Parisi

Let me tell you about my life on Earth. It definitely wasn't the worst but I couldn't help loathing it and missing my family every spare chance I got. Once, I got so infuriated with my situation that I almost hurled a chair at the wall. But I stopped myself and calmed down just as Fleur had entered the dining room holding a pan of lasagna.

Since then, Fleur had made an effort to try to talk to me and Horizon about missing home. It hadn't helped that much as I still missed my family and Zenobia and I wasn't sure when I was going to be back. Isla had also caught onto my sulkiness in creative writing class and offered to talk to me. The other day, she had shown me some music.

I liked the music. It had a lot of beats and English words thrown around with intent. It was a lot different from the soft, lyrical sounds inspired by nature which was the type of music that we listened to in Zenobia. It allowed me to express my anger. It felt as if the singer understood my missing home and since then, I'd gotten Spotify and streamed the music on repeat. After getting annoyed at all the apps, I'd gotten premium at Gillian's suggestion. I had some money saved from work so I'd bought premium.

After the first week of being on Earth, Fleur had told me and Horizon that we needed to get a job. Fleur wasn't rich and she didn't make much working in what she called "HR." Fleur said that she'd provide for our necessities but anything we wanted, we'd have to work for it. She was apologetic for it but I understood. We had creatures that were rich and poor in Shallngsea. Though the class divide hadn't been as large and most creatures were able to live comfortably.

So, one day, Horizon and I followed Gillian to work and picked up an application form. We'd gotten accepted right away since they were short-staffed. We'd chosen to work in inventory. That way, I didn't have to talk to too many people and risk getting fired if I accidentally snapped at someone without meaning to. Gillian said that because it was customer service, everyone expected you to be nice and smiley and pretty all the time. That was both impossible and exhausting.

I worked on the weekends and after school on Monday. Horizon worked on the weekends and after school on Fridays. It was alright I guess. I'd never been employed so I didn't have anything to compare my experience with. But at least I wasn't miserable every second so that was something.

I also joined the track team during my time here. Fleur and Gillian suggested that I try out some clubs. And I was pretty good at running. I usually ran everywhere in Zenobia while Horizon flew. There were no natural elements to draw my energy from and cast spells so running would have to suffice. Needless to say, I was glad that I joined the track team. It took my mind off things. Running 1,500 meters or more every Wednesday and Friday after school and Tuesday during lunch.

While I'd joined the track team, Horizon had joined the school's photography club. They needed new members and Horizon got out of his constant mopey state when he'd learned how easy it was to take a photo on his phone. All he needed to do was to click a button and a photo would emerge. Like me, he was sad about leaving his family and Zenobia and needed something to distract his mind with. He just showed his sadness differently, while I was frustrated a lot of the times, Horizon was melancholy and sort of drew in on himself.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I finished my mile-long afternoon run. I checked the stopwatch on my phone: 6 minutes and 2 seconds. Not bad but I could definitely do better. I headed inside to stretch. When I'd finished, I noticed that there were new notifications on my phone. It was either from Gillian reminding me of something or Jasper and Isla in my creative writing class. I opened my phone, it was the latter.

Isla: How's your writing going?

Jasper: good, y?

Isla: IDK maybe I just wanted to check