✓ Wake Up, Mike ⇔ Mileven {1st - "Wake Up, Mike" Trilogy}

One

Dustin.

We met up in the morning, as usual, but Mike didn't show up. So, we went to school anyway, hoping to see him there. He was there, he was just about twenty minutes early and sitting outside the school doors. We all gave each other a knowing glance before approaching him.

"Hey, Mike, why so early?" I spoke up, but he just shrugged. He was staring ahead at nothing with his eyes half closed. His shoulders were more slumped than usual and I sighed deeply. "How bad was it this time?"

"Worst one yet," He stated bluntly, and the three of us shared another look. We didn't say anything else, we just let him sit. There's nothing you can do to make Mike feel better when he's sad over Eleven. He just becomes this robot, almost. Going through the motions of the day with no real emotions.

Soon, the bell rang, and he walked ahead of us into the school.

"We need to do something about this, he's suffering," Will spoke up when he was out of ear shot. Lucas and I agreed immediately.

-

Mike.

I know they're talking about me, but I don't care. I'm fine, just a bit down. Who wouldn't be after such bad nightmares?

When we got to our class, they kept looking at me with worried eyes. It got annoying very quickly.

"Guys, I'm fine," Was all I said, but it wasn't enough.

"Mike, we're worried. It's been months, you shouldn't still be so-" I turned my head to look at Dustin with a dull look, making him stop mid sentence. "We're just worried about you, we want to help stop the nightmares."

"Ok, well, get back to me when you find her," I spoke bitterly, not really meaning to. I'm just so tense lately and it doesn't help that I'm getting such little sleep.

The bell rang again after a few minutes of awkward silence, which I was thankful for. I can't stand being quiet around them, it's just so odd. Now we literally have to be quiet, or we'll get in trouble.

I couldn't pay attention, though. My mind kept drifting back to my dream. It was wonderful to have her in my arms, it felt so real. That's why it hurts so much, it feels so real. It's painful and it's every night.

I know my friends are just worried about me, but I can't help but be a bit rude about it. They can't help, they know that. Or, they should. Nothing is going to help me. Nothing except her.

It's been almost a year since she left and about five months with constant nightmares. It started off with denial, which I guess are the stages. I was sure she'd come back, which just made things worse in the end. She didn't come back and she isn't coming back.

"Mike, are you listening?" Mr. Clarke spoke loudly, and I looked up at him with a hint of guilt.

"No, sorry," I was honest, why wouldn't I be? He just nodded with a worried smile. Great, now everyone is worried about me.

He gave us time to work in silence while he worked on some stuff. He was writing for a long time before he put the letter in an envelope and asked Will to take it to the office. Will really likes doing runs so he can get out of class and walk around. He's been really into walking ever since he came back.

Not long after Will got back, I was called to the office. Oh no. Please tell me Mr. Clarke didn't report my behavior. I spaced out once, everyone does that!

This just isn't my day.

~

edit, 12-14-18: why do y'all read this shit? It's so boring lol