New Perspective [A Jessie J Fanfiction]

Chapter 3 - Pain

I stared at the small rectangular block on the wall which was lit up by the projector, finding it impossible to focus. My eyes hurt and my body ached. Winter was almost here now and even with the heating system set up in my college building, I found myself half frozen to death.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by the quiet buzzing sound of my cellphone. I reached into my pocket lazily, wondering who it could be. Three little letters flashed across the screen, "mom". I looked up to see my lecturer staring intently at me, with what looked like a tinge of annoyance. I quickly slipped my phone back into my pocket and pretended to pay attention. 10 more minutes Mia, then you're all free.

My mental pep talk seemed to continue for ages until class was finally over. I grabbed my books and shoved them into my backpack, eager to leave. I slung my bag over my shoulder as headed for the gate, once again bracing myself for the cold. It was then that I remembered my mom had been trying to call me. I pulled my phone out of my coat jacket in an attempt to return the call. The screen flashed, "6 missed calls". Wow, I thought to myself, what could she want?

I quickly dialed the number, holding my phone up to my ear. She picked up in the first ring and her voice chimed over the phone, "Mia where are you?! You need to come home right now," she said. My body suddenly grew rigid as I detected worry in her voice.

"What's wrong mom?", I asked, waiting for a reply which was greeted only by silence.

"We will talk when you get home. Just..please hurry."

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and started walking as fast as my legs allowed me to and after what seemed like forever, the front door of our apartment building was finally in sight.

I heaved and struggled to get up the stairs as my chest felt like it was gonna collapse any minute. I took a deep breath before turning the knob on the door, hoping whatever was wrong could be fixed.

As I stepped into the living room, I was taken aback by what I saw. My mom's lifeless body laid on the couch. As I got closer I noticed her cheeks were stained from dry tears and fresh tears sprung in her eyes, threatening to spill. "Mom?" I said in a low, gentle voice. "What's wrong?" Once again I was greeted by silence. "Mom what happened? Please talk to me." I reached out and touched her hand and it was only then that she acknowledged my presence.

She stared at me, her eyes still drowning in tears. I squeezed her hand gently, encouraging her to speak. "Mi..." She tried to speak but was interrupted by a well of tears which escaped her eyes. She cleared her throat before attempting to speak once again. "Mia something terrible has happened. Your Dad...he's...he's dead."

"What??!" I jumped back, my eyes reflecting hers, welling up with tears. "No he can't be dead I saw him this morning he was fine!! Mom no don't say that please." At this point, the tears were running freely down my face and my chest was heaving, as it had earlier. I needed air. I needed to get out of here.

I started walking towards the door and before I know it, my steps became faster and faster until I was running. I needed to get away from here. This couldn't be real. It couldn't be happening.