The Academy: Ashland

Lectures from Kelsey

            I had Seth climb on the aerial jungle gym until he was so tired he nearly collapsed. Then we took the elevator up to our floor and he drank three bottles of water. I felt bad when he fell asleep at the table and I had to wake him up so I led him to his room, where he collapsed on the bed. After I left Seth's room, I walked to my room to find Kelsey waiting outside.

            “Hey Kelsey,” I said, shoving the door open. “It's kind of late.”

            Kelsey nodded, “Yeah, I know.”

            I walked into my room and tossed my hoodie and hat onto the desk, “Is there something you need?” I asked.

            “I was looking for Seth, but Jack told me he went with you,” Kelsey said.

            “Yeah. He just crashed, you probably shouldn't wake him up,” I said.

            “What did you do?” Kelsey asked.

            “We ran around on the jungle gym,” I said.

            Kelsey nodded and gave me an odd look, “Why are you helping him?”

            I sighed, “Because I've been through what he''s been going through.”

            “You have nightmares?” Kelsey asked.

            I nodded.

            “What happened?”

            “I killed people.”

            “Oh,” Kelsey breathed.

            I shrugged, “I'm over it now.”

            Kelsey gave me a shocked look that I ignored, “You act tough.”

            “I am tough,” I said back.

            “You're broken,” Kelsey said.

            “I know,” I whispered.

            Kelsey watched me for a minute before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small black leather notebook, “Here,” she said. “You'll have to write in that.”

            “I don't have to do anything,” I said not taking the book.

            Kelsey sighed and placed the book on my desk, “I didn't mean to say it like that. I meant you should,” she said.

            “Why?” I asked.

            “Cause one day it might be the only thing left of you,” Kelsey said.

            “Could you leave?” I asked after a moment. “I need to try and sleep.”

           Kelsey nodded and walked over to the door, but, right before she left the room, she paused, “One more thing, don't give anyone the wrong idea,” she said without turning around. “I don't want them to get hurt if they have the wrong idea.”

            Then she walked out of my room and shut the door behind her before I groaned and tossed myself on to my bed.

            Sleep didn't come as easily as I hoped.