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

Two

Mike.

I entered the office slowly, not really knowing what to expect. I've only been here a few times, and it was usually only to see the nurse. The only time I went to the principals office was when Chief Hopper was asking us about Will. That seems like a lifetime ago.

The front desk lady told me to go into the principals office and I just knew it wouldn't end well.

I got inside and was met with the principal and the school counselor. I awkwardly shuffled towards the desk and took a seat in the springy, uncomfortable chair.

"Hello, Michael, I'm glad you could join us. You're probably very confused, so let me explain. Mr. Clarke sent me a letter and told me that he's worried about you. He says that you're very distant and you don't listen in class anymore. You don't always do the work and and when you do, it's poorly done. He's worried you might be experiencing depression of some kind, and we'd like to help you. This is Mrs. Anderson and she's here for you, she's here to listen to you," He explained slowly, acting like I was a toddler that couldn't understand him. That just irritated me even more than I already was, making me speak before thinking.

"No way, I'm not talking to her," I burst out, and they gave me a surprised look.

"Why not, Michael? I'd really love to help you," She spoke in a sweet tone, and I feel bad for being so harsh, but I'm not telling her anything.

"Because you'll just turn around and tell my mom. If you want me to talk to someone, get me a real person. A professional, or something. I know they can't tell anyone anything unless I say so," I explained quickly, not making much sense but just going for it. I was already partially in trouble, what's the point in beating around the bush?

"Would you like that? To talk to someone?" Mrs. Anderson asked me, and I stopped everything for a moment. I hadn't really thought of that before, I know it would help me a bit. And I could just go in, tell them everything, then leave and never go back. Or I could go back if they were helping me feel better.

I looked up at her with nervous eyes. "I think that would help, yes."

She promised to talk to my mom and talk to some of her friends. I didn't really care who I talked to, but I will admit that I hope it's a girl. I feel like a girl will listen more and try to understand better than a boy would. That's how it is with my friends. None of them get why I'm feeling this way, and they don't try to understand. But Nancy gets it, she talks to me and makes sure I'm ok. I still lie, of course, but at least she tries.

By the time they let me leave, everyone was outside for recess. I pulled my coat out of my backpack(I stuffed it in there earlier, I wasn't thinking; I ruined my notebook) and slipped it on. It was really cold out lately, considering it's the beginning of November.

I quickly found my friends in the corner of the field, where we always hang out. It's just quieter and people rarely bother us.

When I approached them, they all stopped talking and turned to me.

"What did they want with you?" Lucas burst out, and I just shrugged lazily.

"I'm gonna start talking to a professional counselor, I can't remember what they're called."

"A psychologist?" Will asked, and I nodded.

"You think you need that? I mean, you aren't depressed or anything, are you?" Dustin asked with big eyes, and I continued to glance around at all of their faces. They all looked so worried and shocked.

"I think I am, but that's ok. I'll survive." I shrugged again, and they reluctantly moved on from the subject. And for once in my life, I wish I could be completely alone with no friends. No family. I just want to be alone. "Guys, I don't feel good, I'm going to the nurse."

They started to ask questions but I walked away before they could finish. I don't have the energy today, I really don't.