The Unknown Other

Chapter Three: Ditching School

      Kelsey remained silent after I finished talking. I looked at her.

      "Kelsey?" I figured that she might not believe me, but did not want to laugh since I acted like I was so traumatized. Well, I AM traumatized.

      She shook her head slowly. I couldn't make out what she was trying to say.

      "Did you say imaginary friend? What's her name again?"

      "Abby."

      "Right. Abby." she replied, then stared at me hard. I just stared back. I had no clue why, but the fact that I noticed an anxious look on her face made my heart race. Kelsey had never been afraid.

      "I-I-" she couldn't make out her words properly, which made me grew impatient.

     "You what?"

      "I've seen her before."

      My heart stopped. It felt like the entire universe had sunk into my chest. I could feel my face grow pale.

"I've talked to her. In my dream." she continued. "But it was quite a while ago, and it probably wasn't the same Abby?" I could tell that she was trying to comfort me, but something told me it wasn't a coincidence. Again.

"Okay, we're here."

I looked at the car window. Right. My whole 'extraordinary' story made me forget that I was actually on my way to school. I really wasn't in the mood to talk to people right now. I just wanted to go home.

"Kelsey?"

"Hmm?"

I didn't know how to start. She was pulling into the parking lot where she usually parks her car. "I... I don't wanna go in."

She looked at me right in the eyes, which made me feel uncomfortable.

"Margie... You have to."

"But I don't want to!"

"You can't miss school today," she said. "Your brother would-"

"I don't care," I snapped, attempting to open the locked car door. "Let me out!"

      "Where do you think you're going?"

      "Somewhere. I don't want to be in school."

      I keep trying to unlock the door until I felt my body fell against the seat. Kelsey was pulling into the driveway again. Where is she going? I thought. She has a Science test today. I stared and her in disbelief.

      "Kelsey what the heck-"

      "Be quiet and buckle up," she shot me a stern look that made me obey. "I'm going in a high speed."

      I laid back against the seat and watch Kelsey sped over the empty roads and into a block of houses. The sky was so bright; I could barely spot any clouds. I kept my eyes out the window until I felt something wet landed on my forearm. I didn't realize I was crying. I quickly wiped my tears with my bare hands and pretended nothing happened.

      I watched as Kelsey pulled into a small cottage's driveway. Where are we? And what is she trying to do? I thought to myself. But I kept my mouth shut anyway.

      We hopped off the car. Even though the place seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, I didn't feel suspicious at all. Now I kind of feel bad that Kelsey had to skip school to accompany me. Oh boy. Can I stop being such a pest to everybody?

      Kelsey knocked on the door. There was no response at first, so she tried another knock. No response. I decided to ask Kelsey.

      "Kels, where are we?"

      Instead of replying me, she mouthed the word "coun-se-lor" then put a finger over her mouth indicating to keep my voice down.