Elpis (A One Shot)

Elpis

Staring down the edge of the building, I watched as car after car sped down the street to their respective destinations. I was sitting on the very edge of a roof that belonged to a tall, multi-storey apartment building situated in the city. I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them.

It would be so easy to lose my balance and tip over the edge right now. Perhaps even a strong gust of wind may cause that to happen. Anyone sane would immediately leapt away from my current position but... Am I sane?

A choice. No one was there yet, I could easily make the decision to do the unthinkable and no one would be able to do anything until my body hits the ground. Decisions, decisions, which one should I make? To take the fall or not?

As I pondered on which choice to make, memories of the past 24 hours floated through my mind.

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[24 hours ago]

"Mom, I'm leaving the house now! See you after school!" I hollered up the stairs before I left. I didn't wait for a reply before I was out the door. It was always nice to leave the almost always empty house to be somewhere more lively.

I took in a deep breath and waited for the bus to arrive. It should be here any minute now. I was right, the familiar orange vehicle appeared from a corner and pulled to a stop right in front of me. I boarded the bus and flashed the driver a friendly smile like always.

I sat by the window and stared out of it waiting for the driver to pick up the other students before reaching our final stop, the school. Finally we were there. Slowly, one by one each of us on the bus filed out. Everyone else rushed to meet up with their friends or to somewhere else to complete unfinished homework except for me.

I strolled somewhat leisurely until I reached my locker and began to pull out books that I will need. Throughout the entire process, no one interrupted me. It was like that every day. No one would bother me but no one would go out of their way to talk to me either. I was used to it. Perhaps most would think it's lonely but I rather be lonely than burdened with other people's problems, I already have my own share to deal with.

I made it to the classroom just in time before the bell rang. The teacher entered the classroom and my average school day officially begun. Class after class, I made it through the lessons before recess without any problems. I slowly packed up my things as everyone else raced to get out. I was the last to shuffle out of the place.

I decided to make a detour to the washroom before I made my way to the cafeteria. That was when things started going downhill.

I should've turned my back the moment I heard their voices but I didn't. Curiosity killed the cat, I should've walked away when my instinct told me too but just like Alice, I couldn't resist temptation  and followed the white rabbit down the hole. Except that it wasn't Wonderland that greeted me, but the beginning of hell.

Two boys stood together in a corner in the empty hallway. One was tall and dark, the other slightly shorter but bulkier. I recognised them. They were the school bullies, Liam and Jake. They seemed to be in some heated discussion. I froze in the middle of my path, unsure what to do.

"Have you got it?" I heard Liam asked.

"Yeah, it's here. You wanna check?" Jake replied as he dug through his pocket and produced a small packet. I couldn't see clearly what it was but I got the feeling it wasn't anything good.

"Oh yeah that's real. This is good stuff." Liam brought the packet to his nostrils and took a small whiff. Jake smirked in reply. At that moment, I had a rough idea what it was they were holding. I knew I had to leave before they noticed me. I immediately turned around but as predictable as any horror movie, my sneakers squeaked on the ground.