Obsessive Reality

Chapter 5: Dreaming

The day flew by with a blazing fury. Almost every one of my classes I had was with Triston. (What a coincidence!) I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t it strange and awkward between you two because you just met and you’ve wanted to know about one another for as long as you can remember and there’s obviously something inhuman going on here? Well the logical part of my brain thought yes, but the other part of me said no. It’s not strange or awkward. It feels as though we’ve known each other forever... maybe because, technically we have.

Now I was walking with Triston towards the dorms. He’s really an amazing guy. Not just another pretty face either. He’s smart and funny and outgoing ... the complete opposite of me. So why am I so drawn to him? I told myself it had something to do with the dreams and stuff. But deep down I knew I was lying. The whole day my face had been in flames as I went into the details of my dreams about him. (Most of the time I was ready crawl into a hole and die of embarrassment. Sometimes I even wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole! I know the dreams aren’t that detailed or personal but... all my emotions in those moments read loud and clear... You understand my pain now?)

But of course, I’m not an idiot. I could see the sneers and glares coming from almost every girl we passed. Though I pretended not to notice, I was bothered. Why did all these girls care if Triston was hanging out with someone? Had he dated any of them? Did he like any of them? The thought made me stop short. I stood there for a second right in the middle of the area. Slowly I sat down on the large fountain. (I know, boarding school, large marble fountain? So typical...) Somehow, the idea of Triston liking someone made me want to cry. Oh God. Do I like him?

Triston looked at me and came back over. “Hey what’s wrong?” I mean, we just met! I shook my head, silently cursing myself. Boys will only distract you from school and you and can’t be here unless you’re doing well in school. A small voice in my head whispered.

“Nothing. It’s nothing.” I said and pulled back up from the fountain. “Let’s just go.” I said and forced a smile.

“Oh-kay...” Triston replied in a wondering tone. Triston is my friend. FRIEND. Nothing more, nothing less.

After what seemed like hours, we arrived at the splitting of halls. I’ve never been so relieved to stop being with someone! Well maybe when I was with Samantha...

“Well, this is my stop.” I said. Ready to bolt, Triston called after me.

“Hey! Brook! What room are you in?” I felt my stomach twist of the idea of having a boy in my room. I am such a fourth grader!

 Trying hard not to slap myself, I replied “Uh...” It took a second for me to remember. “Oh yeah! 13A!” I said and watched as Triston froze and his smile faded for a fraction of a second. When it returned it looked strained and expressionless.

“Okay. Mind if I come by some time? Say seven -ish?” I swear he hesitated. Then, seeming to remember something, he relaxed, a little.

“Um... okay. See you then.” And being the giant nerd I am, I blushed and had to turn away with the risk he might see.  Completely forgetting Triston’s sudden change in mood.  Hearing him leave, I wandered down the hall. Do I have a date? On my first day? With Triston Knight? A goofy smile played on my face. Little did I know that Triston had the same expression on his lips.

I was almost at my room when I heard yelling. Well, hushed yelling.  It was coming from a closet, not too far from my room. Slowly, I moved towards it.  “I don’t care who she is. I want her gone. It doesn’t matter how you do it just do! You have a month. This is the last exception. I want all three of them destroyed. Do you understand? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a murder to plot.” This voice was followed by a hiss of wind. Then someone was clambering to get out of the closet. I bolted for my room, mind reeling. All my happy thoughts drained away along with the colour in my face.