Passing Through

Chapter 5: Late Night

   I guess the incidents of the day had taken a big toll on my roommates, because before long, they were all snoozing in harmony. I was the only one awake, staring at the roof like it was the most interesting thing I had ever seen in my entire 14 years of wonderful life. I stared unblinkingly at the whiteness above me, my brain spiraling out of control. So, so interesting, aren't you? You're so wonderful to look at, Roof. Without you, I would be in big trouble; I wouldn't have anything else to stare at. Well, there's always the floor. And the walls. But you feel better to look at, Roof. Let's be BFFs, okay? I could use another best friend. My other one broke herself apart, and she's sad. But now that I think about it, you can break apart too. You could crack straight across your middle. That wouldn't be nice. But you could crack if you weren't a good roof. Are you a good roof? Or are you a bad friend? Are you my friend, Roof? I think you could-

   I violently shook my head, trying to get rid of the blabbering thoughts. What's wrong with you, Skylar? You're talking to a FREAKING ROOF. Get yourself together. Now isn't the time to go insane, okay? 

 Got that right. Thanks, brain. Couldn't have said it better. I sighed loudly and rolled onto my side, tearing my gaze from the ceiling above me. I felt restless, even though it was practically midnight. Well, at least I thought it was midnight. I didn't feel like craning my neck to steal a glance at the clock. Who cared what time it was, anyway? Not me. Nope. I shut my eyes tightly, and tried to take deep breaths. I needed to sleep, like every sane person around me was doing. But I couldn't.

   I tried everything. I hummed to myself; I tried to make up stories in my head; I whispered to the stars outside. I rolled onto my stomach; I stretched my arms apart, and then did the same to my legs; I punched my pillow, and then re-fluffed it; I dug my face into the crisp white sheets of the bed; I counted imaginary sheep. I rolled onto my other side;  I tried to touch my nose with the tip of my tongue; I tried to make out the objects in the room through the darkness; I stared cross-eyed at my nose, until my eyes hurt. Finally, I sat up straight and leaned against the wooden headboard. I needed to do something. Anything. I ran my fingers through my hair, yanking at the tangles. I braided a lock on either side of my face, and then tucked the thin braids behind my ears, needing something to do.

   I couldn't stand to sit here any longer. I had to go somewhere. I got up and staggered into the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face multiple times, I shivered slightly. After becoming more alert, I wiped my face dry with a towel, and strode back into the bedroom. Grabbing Reese's hoodie from the closet and yanking on some sneakers, I started out of the room. I hadn't changed clothes since the morning; I was still wearing the same t-shirt and jeans from testing, which had been hours ago, but I didn't care. I just needed to walk around. I was too paranoid to go outside, though; people could be slinking around in the shadows, just waiting for an innocent girl to step out of the safety of her bedroom. Besides, the school had a security system. If I happened to crack open a door that led outside, the whole school would be filled with flashing red lights, with wailing sirens echoing through the halls. Silently, I pulled on the hoodie, zipped it up, and started down the hall.

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   The halls were dimly lighted, but enough to navigate by. I guess no one really needed any lighting during these late night hours. Or was it early morning hours? Since, technically, it was already Saturday morning. But what WOULD these hours be called? I didn't have any idea. Dang, why does life have to be so confusing? I kept walking, keeping my footsteps light, trying not to make any sounds. If I got caught wandering the halls late at night, I would be in BIG trouble. It was already strange enough that I had died and come back. Now people will think I'm some retarded stalker from the underworld who sneaks around the halls after midnight. Ugh. Children these days will believe anything. You're still one of them, a voice in my head pointed out. Well, yeah, technically I was still a kid, but still. Some of my classmates were ridiculously immature, and compared to them, I was a full grown adult. I think I acted maturely, anyhow. Feeling myself start to drift off into another world of thought, I pressed my fingers against my temples. I needed to stop thinking so much. I was starting to go on a think-about-anything-you-want-no-matter-how-ridiculous spree. I needed to clear my mind. I stopped by a water fountain, and ducked down for a few gulps of water. Refreshed, I started walking again. I turned random corners, carefully keeping away from any places where bumping into school staff was possible. Even though it was late, you could never be too careful. Teachers were weird. 'Nuff said.