The Ink Infection [Brief hold and Editing]

Chapter 2

I stared blankly at the dark ceiling. The moon shone brightly outside my window, and I couldn't sleep. I sighed and looked at the clock. Two a.m. I closed my eyes. I was too excited to sleep; tomorrow is the big day! Well, technically, today, since it was two in the morning.. I turned and looked at my suitcase, going over the materials for tomorrow.

Suddenly, there was light in my room, and then a second later, darkness fell. I looked around and spotted my phone on my nightstand. A message? Who could possibly be awake right now? I looked at my phone. It read: A message from Derek. A message from Derek? I quickly got up and saw one super-duper long message.

Yooo wassup Neil! Couldn't sleep tonight. Lol, guess I have to sleep on the boat tmrw. Are you still awake? Oh, and by the way, I packed my money, blankets, pillows, who knows? Maybe there's no beds for us. I mean if it's like the normal university u know? We have to bring all the furniture to the bare room. I feel like I'm missing something...but anyways, I'm going to sleep. Cya tomorrow at the harbor! :)

My mind suddenly woke up. THE BLANKETS! PILLOWS? Would I need them? Wouldn't TEA offer us at least proper bed materials? But then again, I didn't want to sleep on a bare mattress for four years. I hurriedly opened my suitcase and shoved my blanket and pillows inside. With a huff, I managed to close my suitcase, and I lay on the ground, out of breath.

The night air blew through the window, and I shivered. Great. I forgot that I needed those blankets and pillows for myself for the night. Frustrated that I couldn't think straight, I sat down at my bed stump and put my head in between my knees. This would be my last night at my home. How much would my parents miss me? I hope I can see them soon. Thinking about leaving them makes me feel a bit... down. They're such overprotective parents, they probably would be worried sick. I went to my desk, turned the lamp on, and started writing a letter to my parents on a piece of paper.

Hey mom and dad! Don't know when you'll read this message, but I hope you're doing great, because I am doing great too! I will miss you so much when I'm gone, and I will come back to you when I get the chance. Thank you for everything, and I will miss those pineapple pizzas! Also, I always love you. No matter what. :) Good night! I already miss you.

xoxo, Neil

Putting my pen down, I laid my head back on the back of the chair and sighed. Tonight was going to be a long night. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I fell asleep.

I jolted awake from the alarm on my phone.

What was it this time? How long have I been sleeping? My mind panicked. I quickly grabbed my phone and read the time: 5:00 a.m. I yawned and stretched. The position I was in was painful; my head was on my shoulder, and my shoulders were hunched. My neck felt very stiff. I rotated my shoulder blades to get the cramp out. I got up from my chair, grabbed my backpack and suitcase, and hurried down the stairs. The house was eerily quiet, and the timid little rays of sunlight poked through the windows.

"Mom? Dad?" I called, looking from side to side. I went into their bedrooms to hear snoring inside. Relieved, I went to the kitchen and made myself a bowl of cereal. I sat down at the kitchen table and started to eat. I pulled out the photo of my family from my pocket and looked at it. How happy they looked with their huge, bright smiles. I sighed and shoved the last spoonful of cereal into my mouth. I got up and went to the sink to wash it. I accidentally dropped my bowl in the sink, causing quite a racket.

"Goodness, you're up early." I jumped and turned around to the voice.

"Hey, Dad! You ready for today?" I asked putting my spoon inside the sink. "I finished eating, and all I have to do is.. say goodbye." My voice cracked on those last few words.