A Little Too Much

Chapter 24

Alice's POV

       I awoke in Riley's bed. I was in a pool of my own sweat. I was breathing in gasps of air.
       Was all of that a dream? Did I actually fall asleep?
       "Hey are, you alright? You've been tossing and turning and murmuring for the past hour." I heard Riley say.
       I turned my head toward the direction of her voice, my eyes slowly adjusting to my surroundings.
       "I-I, I don't know." I spoke with a strangled voice, settling back down into the pillow.
       "It'd probably be a good idea to tell you that you've been asleep the whole day. You missed school." Riley spoke, sitting down on the bed next to me. "I guess you needed it." She giggled. I half-smiled at her comment.
       "I had the most realistic dream. It was crazy." I spoke.
       "I guess that explains the pool of sweat around you. I guess I'll have dad wash it before we go to bed." Riley chuckled.
       I looked at her. She was so innocent. If only she knew what's been going on with me the past few days.

------if you don't understand what's happening yet, basically Alice dreamed the whole passing out thing and the whole Monday.-------

       After we both sat next to each other the next few minutes, dad called out that dinner was ready. I sat up on my elbows. My stomach growled immediately, causing Riley to laugh. We both got up and went toward the kitchen.
       "So, you've awakened finally!" Dad laughed.
       I gave a smile, "What are we having?" I spoke quietly, my voice still rusty.
       "Your favorite, mac and cheese!" He said, his smile growing. My eyes lit up.
       Soon, we all got the meal scooped into our bowls, and sat down at the table. I immediately dig into the food, delighting in the delicious gooey-cheesy-ness. I really needed this.
       Once my brain was supplied with enough food to function properly, I was faced with an important matter. I have to tell my dad and Riley  what's been happening.
       Setting my spoon down, I cleared my throat. Dad and Riley looked up.
       "Guys, I have something really important you both have to know. I've been hiding it for a long time." I said, looking at my bowl.
       Both Riley and dad set their spoons down and gave me their full attention.
       I told them everything. I began with the trip with Justin, I told them about how long I haven't slept, I told them why I haven't slept, I told them about my nightmare, everything.
       By the time I was finished, both of their faces were painted with shock and confusion.
       "I'm sorry." I finished in a whisper. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm sorry I'm such a burden."
       "You're not a burden," Riley and dad said one after the other. "But, I'm not sure what to do," dad said. "The only thing I can think of is for you to see a therapist perhaps." I nodded glumly.
       I didn't want to, but if it was the only option, I would.
       Dad leaned over and reached his hand to hold mine. "Don't worry, Alice, we will get through all of this."

____________the next day

        Before going to a therapist, my dad decided that I would just try to sleep every night and see what happens when I do. If I can't have a night of at least mostly peaceful sleep, then we would schedule an appointment.
       Due to being asleep all day, I only slept about an hour last night. The good news is, though, there was no nightmares.
       The weird part of today, though, is that everything that happened in my nightmare on Monday where I passed out, is happening today. I've had the same breakfast, Justin is wearing the same shirt, etc. The only difference is that I'm not deathly tired. I feel normal for once. And for now, that's all I could ask for.

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Sorry for the long wait! Thanks for reading, have a great week...
-Sara