Glass Promises

Chapter Two

The sun had already set, the night was clear and stars were visible. I could feel the rising fear and

anxiety in the pit of my stomach. It felt like my thoughts were eating away at me, and in a way, they were. I sat on my bed, it was getting late. I looked over at my digital clocking, seeing the numbers 11:45. I sighed, I felt so mentally strained. The light of the TV flickered on my face, the only source of light. Slowly, I could feel my heart begin to beat faster, All of this, I hated it. It was not a feeling that I missed. I always felt like this with him around. Zero. An explanation is needed.

Zero lived in my head, he had been gone for a while. For no known reason, he's back. I guess you could say he's the embodiment of all my insecurities, negative thoughts and worries. If only it were that simple though. He's more than that. I don't know how, but he can take over me, control my body. It's like possession I guess. He makes me feel bad about myself, makes me regret doing or not doing something, tells me I'm worthless. He used to prevent me from doing things I loved. Zero tells me to do things. Jay and Nora know about him, but I haven't had a problem with him in a while.

I put my head in my hands, running my fingers through my hair. The noises and lights of the TV began to agitate me. I turned it off, placing the controller on my bedside table. The darkness was overwhelming and if it wasn't for Zero, the quiet would be deafening.

"Your friends don't really care, they're lying" he taunted

"N-no, they're not, I trust them." I shook my head, almost trying to convince myself

"Just die already, they don't want you."

For a while I consider it. I take a moment to think and take deep breaths. Eventually, I pick up my phone and text Jay.

"Hey"

"Hey"

"Are you busy?"

"Why would I be busy at almost 12:00? What's wrong?"

"He's back..."

'What do you mean?"

"Zero."

"Don't listen to him."

"Yeah.... I'm just gonna try to sleep for now."

"Alright, text me if anything comes up."

I put my phone down on the table and leaned back, letting the pillows absorb me. I stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Of course I wouldn't be able to sleep with Zero harassing me, I just didn't want to bother Jay. At night all the shadows came alive and your mind plays tricks on you. It's so strange how things can change so quickly. What if there's something more to all this? I continue to ask myself these tedious questions. My heart feels like it might burst out but I'm ready to sleep now. I close my eyes and let the blackness of sleep wash over me. Sleep used to be my best friend, it always shut Zero up. It was a relief.

I woke up in a cold sweat, sometime in the early morning, probably around 2-3 o'clock. I didn't bother to check, it didn't really matter anyway. I sat up, heart pounding. For a while I sat, stunned but after a few minutes I became annoyed. "Why can't you just let me sleep?" I mumbled tiredly, rubbing my eyes. "Another cloudy day..." I said quietly. I guess the clouds had come back. At least they were gone long enough for me to see the night sky clearly. The sun wasn't even up, yet, the sky was dark grey. "Saturday..." I took a deep breath in, making an attempt to clear my mind. "Alright." I said a bit louder, getting up. I figured I would do something since it was pointless to go back to sleep. I pulled out my phone and put some music on as I made myself some breakfast. I placed my phone down and poured the cereal into a bowl, humming quietly to myself as I did so. I smiled slightly, it was so nice and quiet aside from the music and the soft sound of cereal falling into my bowl. I added the milk and a spoon and started to enjoy. It was nice to get to enjoy an early morning to myself, especially after the previous night's disaster. I was good for now, maybe it was just a temporary relapse. I have my friends around so either way, I'm prepared. I hope. I shook my head, I was letting my thoughts get in the way. Nope. Not now, I wasn't going to ruin my own morning. I glanced at the clock on the wall and put another spoonful of cereal into my mouth. Slowly the sun began to rise, making the grey clouds appear to be glowing. I looked around, admiring the darkness in the house. Cloudy days motivated me on weekends. Although, I wouldn't say I'm motivated to do useful things.

I finished my breakfast and immediately went into the closets. One by one, I began pulling various blankets and pillows out. In the parlor I set up a few chairs, tables and anything else that could be used as a base. I started to place the blankets around and on top of the chairs and tables. There was an opening facing the TV for optimal movie viewing. Now for my favourite part, interior. I placed a few layers of blankets on the floor and pillows scattered about. I went into the kitchen and grabbed an array of snacks. For easy reach and availability, I put them in the corner, beside the pillows. I sat in my newly made fort, happy and comfortable. It was great to be distracted. I put a movie on and leaned back into the pillows. A soft rain had begun to fall, pattering softly on the windows and the roof. I saw a flash of lighting light up the sky briefly. I smiled to myself, a warm feeling inside me.