Entwined

Chapter 10: Price

"Leigh...?" I asked, confused. "What happened?"

"Easton... you're home. How was school?" She responded, trying to wipe her tears.

"Did something happen?" I asked once again disregarding her question.

She shook her head in refusal, diverting her gaze. She eventually turned around and faced the window behind her. No matter what I said she refused to say anything. Even so, I stubbornly pressed on until she relented. She turned around and showed her foot. My heart sank as I saw it, her feet had started to vanish.

"When did this happen?" I questioned.

"About an hour ago," she said softly. "I tried doing everything I could to stop it, but it's been creeping very slowly."

"How does it feel?" I asked. "Are you in pain or anything?"

"I'm not, but I don't know if it'll continue to spread." She responded, and tried touching the vanished part. "I think... this is it, Easton"

"What do you mean by 'this is it'? It's not." I said, annoyed. "This is NOT it. Alright?"

I immediately opened my PC and looked up everything I could. I hear Leigh trying to stop me I didn't stop, I kept going. I don't know why I wanted to do this. I don't know her; I don't know anything about this. I'm not even that bright of a person. I kept thinking while scouring the internet for answers, and eventually I just slouched over my desk and fell asleep.

I woke up startled by my alarm, almost falling off my seat. I realized I only have 15 minutes left to get to class. I hastily freshen myself a bit and rushed out of my room still buttoning my shirt and holding both my shoes.

"Easton? Have some breakfast first before you go." Melody offered.

"I'm sorry Mel. I'm going to be late. I'll just eat after class." I replied, still in a rush and struggling to button my uniform.

Melody got close to me while holding my packed lunch, she placed it on the sofa and helped me button my uniform.

"Damn, it's a waste but it can't be helped. Here," she handed my packed lunch. "Be careful and make sure you eat, okay?" she reminded, while I rushed outside.

I looked at my phone to check for the time.

7:20, shit. Am I going to make it?

I started running faster and faster until I saw the school gate. Most of the students are already inside and the ones with me are also running like their lives depended on it. I quickly passed the gate and made my way to class. I immediately spotted the room, and seeing students still loitering inside it means the teacher has not arrived yet. Swiftly dodging oncoming students and things in the hallway. I somehow made it in time and saw Dom and Nazz waving on the back row, saving a spot for me to sit.

I walk over to the seat with heavy breaths, "Thanks guys. Damn, I overslept."

"Dude, I can tell; you look like a sleep deprived fish." Dom commented.

"I don't think fish sleep," Nazz informed.

"Right, smarty. Are you going to tell me plants talk now?" Dom said sarcastically.

"They do communicate, though." Nazz responded, not noticing the growing annoyance he's causing.

"Can you two let me breath first? My god." I interjected.

My far from steady breathing paired with my obviously racing heartrate made it hard to focus. The teacher walked in with her ever-so-bright smile, which would've been good if she wasn't such a stickler when it came to deadlines.