Lego House | ✓

2. lost

It really was probably one of the worst assignments Kayla could receive. Ms. Andrews was a sweet teacher, but this assignment was a little too... free for Kayla.

There were practically no boundaries and too many options for her. She'd much rather have a set topic to write about. She sat there, for about a half an hour before realizing she should take a shower and get her thoughts flowing.

Kayla sighed. Many ideas flooded to her— her parents, the end of friendships, the new school, and the mysterious boy at lunch, whom she had forgot to ask for his name. None were topics that an essay could be based off of, however. It'd be too revealing and unmasking for her own taste.

Soon enough, she sat at her desk once again. The house was silent and empty, (except for Kayla, of course,) which typically wouldn't be a problem. Incredulously, she wanted someone to guide her through the unmapped landmine. Her father— her old father, the person he used to be— would've taken the hand of her lost self and lead the way. He had been replaced with a far more dangerous being.

Her father. Her goddamn father. He's never home anymore, probably just out and about, going to clubs and getting drunk. Even if he was home, she'd get beaten and battered.

She didn't have anyone left for her, not anymore at least. Her brother was once a part of her life, but when he left for college, he had packed his bags and departed the state— and Kayla's life. She hadn't heard anything from him since two Christmases ago.

Alone, Kayla was alone and living in solitude. She hadn't minded in the past, distracted herself and moved on, but it finally caught up with her. She only had one consolation, well, two technically. Her high definition camera and nature— the preferred subject of her photos.

***

Vik had a migraine— a long term migraine that could quite literally be the death of him. It was always chasing after him and Vik just couldn't seem to leave it behind. The pain became sharper and hungrier day by day and was ready to attack his saneness.

It was really strange, however, his typical headache wasn't driving him to the brink of insanity. His mind was wandering and focused on Kayla. She stood out and not in a negative way. She was different, her own person who didn't rely on other's opinions and judgement.

He shook his head. Vik was just being silly; things just don't work that way, but clearly Kayla was special if his depressing mental state was less intense.

He didn't have any friends at school. He used to, his name was Lachlan, but he revealed his sexuality— gay, and homophobic comments chased him around like a cheetah hunting down its prey. It was rumored that Lachlan and Vik were secretly a thing, but Vik was straight. That didn't matter to him though, Vik was his friend and he'd stand by Lachlan's side, no matter what.

It did matter to Lachlan and one dismal Sunday night, he committed suicide. Vik, once again, was alone. Alone, it's kind of scary in a way. You're just left there and it's solely you to fight, fight for life, your family, what you stand for.

Lachlan's death had haunted him for the past year. His best friend was the one person who he confided in, the only one he felt that could be trusted. Even though Lachlan never directly betrayed Vik, he did in an interesting way when he committed suicide.

He had left Vik, who now had to face the world by himself. Lachlan had been his backbone; Vik wouldn't have ever been strong if it weren't for him. He's long gone now and Vik doesn't have any support anymore.

Vik had been stuck in the battle in his mind for over a year and it has been tearing him apart. It was breaking his walls, his defense, and weakening his offense. He was slowly being drained day by day.

***

Kayla handed the assignment to the teacher and turned to face Vik. "Um," she started, "I realize that I never got your name yesterday."

His eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Vik, I'm Victor Bonth."

"I'm Kayla."

Vik already knew, but he decided not to share that knowledge, so he wouldn't scare her away and come off as some stalker. He simply responded with a light nod of his head.

"Vik, Victor Bonth," Kayla repeated over and over again in her brain. "It's a nice name," she thought to herself.