.•°.•.°Suldreen°.•.°•.

006

I groan as different colors of light repeatedly flash before my eyes. The gentle squeezing of my hand drawing my eyes to the blonde on my left. Her eyes darting around my face as if searching for any sign of pain.

"Soph, I'm fine. There's no reason to worry about me. Seriously."

"You can't expect me to believe that when you just broke down like that!" Sophie snaps at me, clearly worried.

"It's normal, not something to freak out about. I don't need to be treated like a kid by someone younger than me."

"But I-"

"Will you two quit so I can think?" A friendly voice cuts Sophie off. It belonged to the man with the goofy glasses and funky shirt.

"Sorry.." I mumble.

"It's quite alright, now. You said these... episodes are normal?" He snaps his fingers and the lights change colors again.

I blink rapidly before answering. "Yes, they are. It's not serious."

"I'd say it's pretty serious, from what I heard you came pretty close to shattering."

"Shattering? What do you mean by that- and can we stop with the lights please?" I swat my hands in front of my eyes and shut them tightly.

"Just a few more colors and we'll be done, I promise. Now open those eyes." He waits until I comply before immediately flashing my eyes three more times and all the while avoiding my original question. Taking his glasses off, he begins to speak again. "There's no permanent damage, just some worn out cells. Probably because of the water you've been drinking in the forbidden cities. Here-" he hands me a bottle of clear liquid labeled 'bottle of youth', "drink this."

I carefully take the bottle and open it before sniffing the contents.

"Child, what are you doing..?" I hear Alden's voice from across the room. The pale green that once tinted his skin, now void and replaced with his usual peachy complexion. His teal eyes glinted with worry and confusion.

"Nothing." I sputter and quickly down the bottle, not wanting to explain that I was making sure it wasn't drugged. The drink was sweet and much more refreshing than normal water.

"Good right?" Funky light dude inquires. "Now you definitely need a major detox. Although the damage isn't permanent, it's still there." He sifted through his satchel and pulled out tiny colorful vials. "We'll start with these."

"What do these do exactly..?" I ask, taking the vials and opening them one by one. I then proceed to throw my head back and pour the syrupy medicine into my mouth and swallow without thought. The liquids were sweet and taste like nectar from various unknown fruits.

"They just help repair your cells. No big deal." He responds before turning to Sophie. "Your turn. You need a check up as much as she did." He nudges his thumb towards me.

"You know, I think I'm good.." she replies quickly.

"Just get the checkup Soph. It's not as bad as you think it is. I promise." I comfort her. I began to stand before waltzing my way over to Alden and Fitzy Boy. "You guys have a bathroom anywhere?"

Fitz just nods and motions for me to follow him. Very strange I must add, he usually has some sort of snarky comment. I guess having a major freak out has its perks.

I grab my bag from the corner of the room and follow after the Wonderboy™. As we leave the room, he turns right and begins to speak.

"Sorry."

"Huh?"

"I said I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been as rude to you as I have been."

I blink in surprise as he comes to a stop in front of a door. "You're good dawg, I technically started it."

He shakes his head then points to the door. "That's the bathroom. You remember the way back?"

"Oh! Yes I do, thanks for showing me the way." I slightly bow my head in thanks before opening the door and going it.

"You're welcome." I hear from the hall as I shut the door behind me. Once I'm sure he's gone, I grab my pen and charger from my backpack. Unplugging the pen, I put the charger back in the pocket and click the pen five times to turn it on. Once I'm sure it's on, I grab my vape from my bra and prepare my lungs for the absolute torment I'm about to put them through.

I put the pen to my lips and click the button while I inhale.

'Hold. One. Two. Three.'

I release the smoke from my lungs, feeling the familiar burn of the cannabis filling my system. I then quickly take a hit off of my vape. The cooling of the menthol soothes the burn of the weed. I grab my phone that somehow hasn't fallen out and is still in my pants pocket.

'11:43 AM. Huh.. I was sure it was later than that.'

I sigh in exasperation before hitting my pen once more, turning it off, then stuffing it back into my bra. I then repeat the process with my vape.

Before I leave I check myself over in the mirror.

'God I look rough.'

I laugh a little at my worn appearance. One thing that was still good though, was my eyeliner. It was still as perfect as it was this morning, save for a small smudge under my eyes. I take the end of my shirt and wet it a little before wiping the underneaths of my eyes.

I reach into the front most pocket of my backpack and grab my eyeliner crayon before applying a generous amount. I then grab my mascara and apply more to my bottom lashes.

'should I put more on the top??? Meh, why not.'

I add more mascara to my top lashes, close the tube, then put my makeup back into the pocket.

I give myself one last look, eyes lingering on the fresh bandages on my arms.

'My button up must've been taken off when I was freaking out. Glad I didn't overreact or anything.'

I snort in amusement at my own sarcastic remark and look around the room. I can the air, hoping to clear some of the smoke. I grab perfume from my bag, spritz myself and the bathroom, then put it away.

'okay I've definitely been in here for too long.'

I grab my bag, tussle my hair in the mirror, then leave to go back to the dining room(?). If you could even call it that. This place is way too fancy for me.
____________________________________________
1100 words

HELLO. I am back🫡🫡
So wisp as you can tell smokes, but to be honest it's just something I want her to do. It technically has no real significance to the story. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you to my homie, who inspired me to write this chapter. I've been having major writers block and juggling school and my home life, so I havent updated in a while. I hope you enjoy🙏🏻😭