Entwined

Chapter 9: Gazes

The news deeply affected my mood and I immediately went to my room. I immediately searched for the photos we had. I found it tucked in my drawer, I took it out and admired it.

"Aby..." I said out loud.

"Did something happen?" Leigh chimed.

I stood up and sat in front of my monitor, "Yeah, something good. Abygail is showing signs of waking up."

"Wow, I can't wait to meet her," she said. "Well... If she wants to."

"I'm sure she will, she's much more intelligent than me, so, she might have an idea on how to get you out." I said, my statement making her perk up in hope. "I'd love to talk more but classes are starting tomorrow. So, I have to sleep early."

Leigh immediately encouraged me to sleep and I wished her goodnight. I crawled to my bed while I held my photo with Abygail tightly to my chest. Not wanting to get it crumpled up, I safely stored it on my drawer and closed my eyes. My lips curling into a smile while I slowly drift into a deep sleep.

I woke up and immediately notice something strange. For once, my alarm didn't wake me up this morning. I began to think the thing might be broken, I took a closer look at it and the time displayed shows '6:21'. I actually woke up before my alarm rang. I disabled the alarm for the day and did my morning routine. I put on my fresh uniform and stepped outside my room.

As I went downstairs silently, and I saw Melody smoking by the door, not letting the smoke enter the house. I'm surprised to see her up so early, I approached her slowly and she noticed me.

"Oh, you're up early," she said and puffs the last bit of smoke the cigarette had to offer and placed it in her ashtray. "Excited on going back to school?"

"Not really," I responded and rubbed the back of my head. "I'm a bit scared of going back. You know... with the thing about Aby."

"It'll be fine, I'm sure of it. Just ignore them, and well. She's also getting better, right?" She reassured me.

"Yeah. I'm just happy she's showing signs," I smiled.

She walked over to the kitchen and served food; we began eating shortly, mostly silent. She occasionally asks about school and friends I made there but other than that, it's all just part of our mornings. I went upstairs and found my bag on my bed, I sling it to my shoulder, and turned to head outside but something caught my attention— Premonition's feather. I decided to tuck it in my bag and quickly went outside.

"Easton, wait!" she called out while holding a wrapped container. "Don't miss lunch. I made it earlier."

I took the packed lunch eagerly as she gives me a smile. I slowly made my way to school, walking slowly and admiring the surroundings. A path I've been taking for the past 3 years, I know everything about this path. The turns, shortcuts and everything, and yet today, it felt different, maybe it's because I'm not worried about being late.

I noticed something I overlooked before, the way the gentle rays of the morning sun pierce through the leaves. It looked like spotlights for the foliage below, getting their dose of sunshine. The wind and the air seemed a lot fresher, maybe if I wake up early I can take these walks with Abygail. I should've known sooner... but it's not too late, right?

I'm going to wake up early... starting tomorrow, I thought, a smile forming in my face, knowing full well it won't last, but maybe this time, it will.

After a few more moments of walking and indulging myself with morning wonders, I eventually saw the school gate. The sparse number of students is a new sight, courtesy of me constantly arriving a little late before, it's something I don't see often. I've grown used to the rush of students pouring through the gate. It's a new experience, one that I would like to do every day... with Abygail. I smile at the thought.