There's No Such Thing As Happy Endings - Book Three of the Why I Run Series

Chapter Twelve

I literally have no idea if this chapter is even half decent, but I hope you like it :)

Also, this chapter should be viewed on a computer - if not, then I'll write what some things say in the comments :)

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Point of View: Thomas, First Person
Timeline: Present Day

I woke up, wincing at the bright sunlight coming through my window, hitting me like a slap in the face.  I groaned, pressing my face back into my pillow in denial, already wanting to go back to sleep.  Wha...

My eyes immediately flew open as I remembered what happened last night.

Joan didn't believe me.  They didn't believe me.

I sat up and sighed, now fully awake as the train of thought started racing all over my mind.  I ran a hand through my hair, unsure of what to do.

I knew that I was the only one that could see the sides - that wasn't new information for me.  I wasn't sure for a long time, as the sides made sure not to keep themselves visible when other people were near, but in the rare instances that they did, it became obvious that they were only for my eyes.  I'm not really surprised to be completely honest, I mean, I guess it makes sense.

What surprised me is that Joan was so quick not to believe me.

Geez, why does this bother me so much?

Because Joan doesn't trust you.  The one person you would trust with anything doesn't believe you, I thought - instantly feeling guilty even though it was just a thought.

This isn't about trust, I thought back angrily. Who cares if Joan believes me? They only want to help me, that's the only thing that should matter.

"Should," I muttered aimlessly to myself, hating how much this was bothering me.  Maybe I should just stay up in my room, editing here for the day.  I don't know how I could face Joan or Talyn today, knowing what they honestly thought about it.

I threw off the sheets and made myself decent - not that I usually felt I had to for Joan or Talyn, but... after yesterday -

"Hey," a voice said, a delayed knock on my door.  "How are ya feelin'?" Joan asked, eyes dark with concern.  They adjusted their orange beanie before smiling brightly at me.

"'M fine," I said with a forced smile.  "Where are you guys at editing wise?" I asked, turning away walking over to my computer, logging in.

"... Are you sure?" Joan asked.  "You seemed really worried yesterday," they pointed out.

"Really, I'm fine," I said.  "Are you guys ready to send me your parts?"

"Thomas - please don't brush me off," Joan said, setting a hand on my shoulder and forcing me to look at them.

"I'm not," I lied.  "I'm just excited and want to post this video by tomorrow."

Joan looked wary, not sure if I was lying or not.  "But you said yesterday that -"

"Oh yesterday," I said, clearing my throat.  "Sometimes I just act a little bit silly sometimes, Joan, you know me," I said with a smile.  "I'll be all back to myself once this video is up!" I said.  Good thing I was good actor.

Joan looked confused, and admittedly a little hurt.  "O-Okay," they said finally, a bit uncertainly.  "Um, Talyn's ready, I'll tell them to send you their part and I'm almost done mine.  Are you done your part?"

"Just about," I said, happily accepting the subject change.  "Let me know when you send them," I said, turning away from them and back to my screen.