If I Just Dreamed

Sympathy- (2 of 13)

A massive box filled with stapled packets caught her eye as the sound of a door opened behind her. Niah lulled her head back and took in a deep breath, releasing it she positioned herself. Even through the sound from the door -- it was quiet. Devoid from any evading noise and the ambience, a lullaby of silence and isolation. Niah was jealous. Her gaze drifted out the window as she saw the parking lot bathed in sunlight. The pavement hot to the touch in the April heat, the sound of an electric fan and the scatter of other papers.

"-ah, Niah. Niah."

Her name being called as her vision was disturbed by a figure released from the figment. She leaned back in the chair, her hands folded together, Niah almost rolled her eyes. But she was also here for a reason, a troubled reason.

"Since you're back on Earth. You know why you're here."

"I do, Mrs. Amber." Niah muttered.

"Good, because what you did was inexcusable. I should have called the police, and you're very lucky his parents aren't pressing charges." Her voice was like a hot fumed as her eyes daggered into Niah. "I should expel you for that-"

"-But you're not."

"- And you're lucky I'm not because you don't deserve to be here." Mrs. Amber exaggerated. Afterwards her hands opened slightly in hindrance to catch her breath. She stayed calm, collected typically but her patience was thinned.

"Niah, you're a smart girl. But we can't keep having this back and forth continuously, regardless of how smart you are. You. We need to figure something out."

Niah let her hands rub against her face, this time she really did roll her eyes in vexation. "So you are expelling me?" She let out a bitter laugh. Throwing herself out of the seat -- she paced, one foot in front of the other as she flexed her fingers in indignation. Niah was almost tempted to shout.

"I'm not expelling you. I'm-", Mrs.Amber breathed in, "You broke someone's nose, and usually that does justify you to be expelled. However, because of your father, I'm only forcing a two week suspension. Go home."

"But-!"

"Go home."

_____/\_____

She refused to open her eyes -- Niah's vision would be like an ocean. Moving in waves and from her delirious state she felt a cool cloth pressed against her forehead. It was damp compared to the heat that surrounded her. Even her eyes wouldn't open and more than likely for the best as the sudden soft sound of whispers tangled her thoughts. The noise didn't feel somber but in fact welcoming as her head throbbed and when she swallowed -- her throat was rasp as Niah's voice refused to make way into the lucidity.

"I think she's waking up." An unfamiliar voice whispered, it sounded tender, almost like a child.

"I wouldn't be surprised Colin, her fever broke not too long ago. Her body wants to move." Another voice, but this time -- it was deeper, more rich in their tone. Desperately she silently pleaded for her eyes to open so she could face the two people that had found her body. But her muscles and mentality seared in distant pain and ache. They refused to move. Who knew what these two had plans for. Niah had no strength to even defend herself if things went awry. She felt defenseless as she was paralysed by her own will and prowess. Niah had to think, long and hard. What would be her final statement to a cold... uncaring world.

"Link," The voice of Colin picked up again. "I think she's waking up." Niah could hear the footsteps creak against wooden floors. They were in no haste. In fact -- Link, seemed to methodically pace towards her.