The Other Side

Hallucinations

 I shake away the lethargic feeling and get out of my bed. Just like every day I monotonously pick up the next top in my closet and pair it with a navy blue jeans. I brush my teeth staring at my tired and haggard reflection. I take a quick shower, dress and go down for breakfast. 

I tread across the floor as if I am afraid of waking up someone. I like to pretend that I am not alone, that my family is still here. I gulp down a glass of milk and grab an apple on my way out. 

I slip into the same sneakers and put on the same jacket and go down the same route to school.

I enter the school building reluctantly sensing something weird. There was hardly anybody around and the security guards were absent. This place is giving me bad vibes today. I heave my backpack and still head in.

I walk towards my classroom trying to avoid any kind of civilization roaming around in the school.

Suddenly my phone vibrated in my back pocket. Signing, I took it out and unlocked it.

BFF 👭💖Lifeline

Hey, u coming to the library?

I smiled to myself. No matter how hard I try to stay away from people. If I ignore her, she will beat me bloody.

Me

Ofc. Did u even have to ask?

I turned around and went towards the library. I saw her standing outside, leaning against the wall. I sauntered towards her. I took a deep breath and put on a smug smile.

"Why? You couldn't survive a day without seeing my face in the morning?"

"Ah! Babe, you know me.."

I hugged her and we both entered the library. Finding a remote, quiet corner, I pulled her beside me.

I looked over to her and stared back into my hands

"Sooo....," she initiated the conversation.

"I died again, Olly. I could not protect myself. I was stupid."

The library got quieter. There was pin-drop silence. I looked away from her into my lap.

Olivia spoke up. "You don't have to beat yourself to it. It's just a dream. You will get another chance tomorrow, si?

I looked up from my lap at her expression. Her casual "don't worry be happy" expression irritated me for some reason today.

"You don't get it, Olly, do you? This ain't a game. It's all real."

"Hush! You girls are in the library!!", the librarian whisper-yelled at us. I swear she hates me...

I was frustrated. No matter how many times I explained to her. She just couldn't understand. "Let's not talk about it", I added slowly. I should be grateful that she didn't register me in a mental asylum.

I just got a meek nod in return. I suddenly feel guilty. I leaned against the bookcase and closed my eyes. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just that I didn't get enough sleep yesterday night", I apologize. 

I put my head in my hands. I felt my best friend lean into my side. I felt home and safe. I savored moments like this. We both sat there in silence enjoying each other's company until the bell rang, signaling the start of the school.

We parted ways at the cafeteria, I turned around to go to my Spanish Class. I internally groaned as I remembered all the assholes in this class. 

I reluctantly entered the classroom. I was immediately greeted with my Spanish teacher's excited voice. No one can ever match her enthusiasm. I don't really get why she likes me though. I never participate in her class, I don't speak or reply to her questions. And I probably look like an anti-social emo that does not sleep at night.