Dead Inside

Chapter Five Can't deny what is real

I beat Auntie Meg up the next morning. I stumble into the kitchen and blunder my way through making coffee. I take it out onto the balcony and take a seat on the sun lounger. I take a sip of the coffee and lay my head back to enjoy the sun. I can't help but sigh. I feel so relaxed.

Auntie Meg doesn't appear until two in the afternoon. She is looking a lot better than the night before. I'm still sitting in the same place as before. It's so nice not to have to worry about what I have to do today. After a cup of coffee we head down to the local markets and buy food.

When we get back I cook up a late lunch and we sit on the couch watching bad chick flicks. It doesn't take long before Auntie Meg falls asleep and I use that opportunity to escape to my room. It's not that I don't enjoy hanging out with her but all she talks about is work and when she does ask me a question she barely listens to the answer. She's asked me about what classes I'm taking this year six times.

Hey Riley. Please save me from my boredom.

I can't control the smile as I send the text. It's a long time since I've had a friend. I am well aware that he has his own agenda in this but we are both getting what we want and we have been honest about it so I don't really mind. It takes my thoughts away from what happened last time I called someone a friend.

You think you're bored. I'm currently sitting through dinner with my mum, dad, little sister, and grandparents. I've been asked a hundred times why I don't have a job or girlfriend. And it's only entrees ☹

Riley's text comes just in time before I sink into the pits of despair again.

Well that sounds like fun. I better leave you to it. Wouldn't want to interrupt your family time.

Don't you dare. I need you. This conversation might be the only thing that prevents me from dying.

Rox. Please answer. I know you're there. Just torturing me.

ROX!!!!!! This isn't funny. If you don't answer I won't come with you tomorrow...

Ok fine I'm here. I must admit your desperation is a little funny.

No, it's not. Anyway, what have you been up to today?

Just hanging out with Auntie Meg. She's so tired she keeps falling asleep and all she talks about is work. It's so boring. I want you to promise me if I ever turn into an adult you'll put me out of my misery

I think I can manage that. What's the plan tomorrow?

The natural history museum. Apparently they have some great exhibition on.

Sounds boring but challenging.

Yeah will definitely be a challenge.

Riley and I text about all sorts of random things until almost midnight before saying our goodbyes. I wander out to the lounge and see that Auntie Meg has moved herself to her room. I clean up in the kitchen and head to bed. Another interesting day tomorrow.

I wake to an almost exact replica of Saturday morning. Auntie Meg entering my room with a steaming mug of coffee while I try to make my bleary eyes focus. The only reason I know it's a different day is because she's wearing a red blouse instead of the blue one. I grunt in response to her good morning and soon she's rushing out the door. I drag myself from the bed and take my coffee on the balcony. It really is a surprisingly peaceful spot. The sounds of rush hour all blend together and create a kind of soothing music. I take the last mouthful of coffee and sigh savouring the moment. I hate to admit it but I am looking forward to hanging out with Riley.