Let the Sky Fall

Chapter 6: Seeing Double

A/N: Yes I like cliffhangers, and your going to have to hang for a bit longer, because I'm introducing the second Sidney's timeline in this chapter. It starts with that first night at synchro practice and will at some point feature the Doctor. I know that there are plenty of loose ends out there, but I will be answering all of them eventually. Still, feel free to ask questions, or tell me your theories. Hang in there, I love you and appreciate all your support!!!

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Today had been a busy day, but it could've been busier. At least I'm not on the NJHS teacher appreciation day committee, they're still at the school trying to figure it out, and school ended two hours ago. I'm okay with not going, because I'd have to skip the last hour and a half of practice. Even though synchro's a pain sometimes, its January, and I don't want to get out of the nice heated pool any earlier than I have to. And by heated I mean its just a warmer temperature in the pool than out, which means its about 68 degrees rather than today's Arizona low 43.

As I'm warming up in the pool, I have the strangest feeling. Its like something is supposed to be happening right now, something important. Its an intense feeling of urgency with the tiniest bit of regret, like everyone is involved but I'm going to miss it by being someone else. I shrug it off and focus on practice, we have a meet coming up, and I need to be my best. But it won't stop nagging in the back of my head, it follows me all practice and all the way home, and bleeding into my dreams.

The next morning I find out what all the fuss is about. I can hear my mother in her bedroom, asking someone what outfit to wear, while my dad's asking someone which spice blend to put in the omelets, while my brother's playing video games with someone else in the other room. But last time I counted, there is only three other people living in this house. Upon further inspection, I discover that they are all talking to thin air. There is no one else here.

I sit there, confounded. Then my dad calls us all in for breakfast, and we sit.

"Its great that they don't have to eat, but its a shame that they can't touch anything." Dad remarks.

"Yes, but they can still give great advice. I think they are wonderful." Mum replies.

"I'm sorry what are on Earth are you talking about." I snap, this is really starting to creep me out. They all stare at me, like I've got an elbow sticking out of my forehead.

"You mean you can't see them?" My mum sounds like someone has died, so solemn and out of character for her.

"No, I can't see them. Can you explain to me what's going on?" She goes on to explain that last night everyone, except for me, was awoken by a duplicate of themselves. The so called "Doubles" said that they were invisible devices made by all the governments that copied your thought processes and created a ghost like copy of each person. Everyone was supposed to be able to see them, even if they aren't yours.

I can't see them. And I don't have one.

Over the next week it gets worse, everyone, at school, at practice, even at home, begins to ignore me. They don't need me, not when they have their Doubles. After one week no one pays attention to me at all. I still go to school, even though no one gives me the handouts or collects my homework. I can't go to practice, because I can't walk there like I do to school. I turn to the internet, trying to find others who are in my position. There are a couple, less than thirty. A couple doctors, several nursing assistants, and eleven other girls my age who also live in Arizona. I try to contact them, but the computer freezes up and I can't get through. I remain alone. I thought I might enjoy this, being an introvert and all, but you never know how much you miss something until its gone. I spend all of February living as an island in a sea of people. I've never been more bored in my life. Or alone.

March 1st the Doubles disappear. They completely evaporate, and everyone pretty much sits there for a day or two, stuck in a stupor. I play along, pretending that I'm just a normal person like everyone else. Then the government manages to give the world a half decent explanation about some technical malfunction, and that they're trying to bring the Doubles back online. Its clear to me that the government is just as clueless as everyone else, but those that spent the month ignoring me buy into it like every other piece of crap lie the government's fed us. Everyone goes tries to adapt back into normal life, sharing stories and missing their new best friends, I make up my own. I tell them what they want to hear, because they don't really even seem like them any more. Even when they pay attention to me, I still feel alone.

The rest of March is hard, with the world trying to adjust back to what it was. Everyone around me seems distracted, dazed, and confused. They remind me of sleepwalkers, little more than zombies. I am losing my mind even more now. By March 18, we are functioning almost like we were before, except that I'm still being ignored. I really have to push for information or attention, its like people just can't see me until I bring attention to myself. Other than that though, everything is pretty much normal, and for once, I'm glad for the routine. But of course it all has to change again.

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Its Sunday the 24th, after a family night where I was actually included in the games and conversation. I've finally gotten to enjoy myself for a change, and I've forgiven my family for what happened. I fall asleep quickly, sleeping more peacefully than I have in ages. But in my dreams I hear it, a voice. I can't make out the words, but the tone is sharp and official. I follow the voice to consciousness, and the picture registers first. There is a crack in my wall. 

"Prisoner Zero has escaped."

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A/N: I know this chapter is really short, and kinda crappy, but I wanted to know what you guys thought. I might have another chapter out by tomorrow (possibly today), but definitely another by the end of the week. Please comment!!!! I love all you!!

-Skyfall327