Screen Time

Chapter 6: No

"No"

"But-"

"I said no"

"But this could-"

"NO!", me and Simon have been going back and forth about this for a while now. No matter how much I try to convince him he refuses to tell me how to get others to 'wake up'.

"At least tell me why!", I beg but my pleas fall on deaf ears.

"OK, I think you guys need to calm down. Let's all just take a breather and maybe the two of you can make a compromise?", Apollo says, trying his hardest to keep the peace.

"There's nothing to compromise about. I'm not letting you wake others up and I'm not changing my mind about this either.", unfortunately, Simon seems absolutely unwilling to change his mind.

"Fine. I guess I got what I came for so I'll be leaving now.", I quickly pack up my stuff and leave but not before slamming the door on my way out.

"Emma, wait!", Apollo says, chasing after me.

"What is it?"

"I know Simon can come off as a bit of a jerk but trust me when I say that he's really nice once you get to know him"

"Yeah, he's real 'nice'. So nice that he won't even bother to explain himself."

"I know it might seem like he's just being difficult for the sake of it, but Simon has his reasons. He always does."

"...I know...I just wish he'd at least hear me out. Anyway, I'm pretty sure the next episode is about to start soon so I'll head back now."

"I'll go with you"

"Are you sure? I know it's not that far but wouldn't it be annoying to walk there and back?"

"Don't worry about me. I like the fresh air. And it seems like you'd like some company"

"Well if you say so", and just like that, he and I walk out of the woods together.

"How have you been holding up?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like how have you been doing? I know this can be hard to get used to."

"Well...I guess I'm doing fine? For the most part at least."

"I mean you're doing a lot better than me. I cried for 3 episodes straight when I first woke up."

"Speaking of waking up, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"How long have you been awake for?"

"I woke up a couple episodes before you."

"Oh so like 8? 10?"

"20"

"20!?", I haven't even been awake for 5 episodes and I already feel like I'm losing my mind but he's been awake for 20?

"Yeah, thinking about it takes me back. Simon was really different, you know. He wouldn't even give me the time of day before. He always had this gloomy look on his face too."

"I mean he still does. Come to think of it...I don't think I've ever seen him smile before."

"He's just a bit shy so it takes him a while to open up to new people. Trust me though, once he gets comfortable enough, he'll be giggling and smiling from ear to ear.", I didn't even know he could laugh let alone giggle. But I guess I'll just have to take his word for it. As we continue walking down the path and chatting about nothing I start to notice something strange.