Realm

O N E

2/2/17

I wake up to my alarm screaming in my ears. Shoot. I forgot to take my headphone out last night. As I sit up, my ears throb. I pull out my headphone as I check my social media. When I'm done, I get out of bed, strip and put on my running clothes and training shoes. I put my headphone back in, wincing as I do so, and turning on my running playlist. I leave the house running my normal three mile route.

I get back to my house at 5:45. I head upstairs and go through with my normal routine: shower, dry and curl my hair, put on my makeup, make sure I have all my homework and books, get dressed, go down for my breakfast smoothie, grab the lunch I made last night, and head out for school. I leave early; 6:50 early, since I walk. Even on the rainy days, I just bring my umbrella. I get to school at 7:30 like normal.

I walk down the empty, dark hallway, my steps echoing off the walls. There are a few teachers in their rooms, getting prepared-mentally and physically-for the day to begin. I head up the stairs to my locker. Raising my eyebrows when I see a note taped to my locker, I quickly tear it off and read it.

Dear Adeline,

I know how you feel about the world.

I can make you like it more.

Meet me in History class.

All you have to do is fall asleep.

Sincerely,

Elliot

P.S. Can't wait to see you ;)

What the actual hell? I walk over  to the trash can and throw the note in.

I've known Elliot since Pre-K. We used to pretty good friend until the sixth grade, when he told me he was in love with me. After slapping him, I never talked to him again. The next year he got more and more depressed; starting drinking and doing drugs. At least, that's what the rumors said about him. I never approached him. We don't share any classes. So I don't know what he means about meeting me. And the falling asleep thing was very weird.

After unpacking my backpack, I walk to my homeroom, hearing people start clamoring in. I bump shoulders with someone and mutter a vague apology. Then a hand pulls on my wrist, causing me to stop and turn abruptly. I look up into the mossy eyes of an ex-friend.

"Adeline," Elliot says.

He has such dark circles under his eyes. His black clothes are baggy on his thinner six foot frame. But he looks better than the last time I talked to him.

"Yes?" I reply harshly than I should have.

"Why?"

Elliot holds out a letter written in my handwriting. I raise an eyebrow as I look back at him.

"I could ask you the same thing."

He cocks his head to side, reminding me of his old dog, Dorito.

"No, Elliot, I didn't write you a letter. Why'd you write me one?"

"No. Adeline, I don't know what-"

He's cut off by someone yelling his name. A girl runs up to him, dressed in a black dress with patterned black and grey leggings and black UGGs. Her hair is in two mickey ear buns at the top of her head. He wraps her arm around his waist. He kisses the top of her head. Something inside me that I didn't know I was holding on to breaks.