Insane

Chapter 4: Bookings

Sunday

When Tia found me, I was a wreck. She helped me up, got me talking again and before I knew it we were laughing about a fat dude she saw in the physio office the other day. Tia had always been so patient and helpful. Time went by pretty quickly, so we headed home and got set up for bed. I hated having to spend another night without my family. You'd think I'd be over it after two years. That was my last thought I was plunged into darkness.

~Dream~

It was the day of Tia's accident. Our feet were dangling over the suspened cliff. We were all laughing over some joke Brett had made, when Tia stood up. She announced that she was going to the bathroom blankly, and headed off. The rest of us exchanged worried glances. Brett was the first to stand, saying that he was going to make sure that she was okay. The rest of us, Being my friends Tara, Chase and Byron, shrugged it off and carried on telling jokes. After a while, we got bored and decided to get back to cliffjumping. I was first to jump. A rush of adrenaline passed through my veins as I jumped off the cliff and into the Crystalline water. There was barely even a splash as I hit the water below. The liquid embraced me quickly. I had always been fascinated by water. It was so tranquil. I nearly let myself suffocate if it weren't for my human reflexes. I emerged from the water, my head bobbing on the surface, and I smiled in triumph as my friends applauded me. They were cut short though by screaming. It sounded like it was Tia, and I swam from the water and reached the land. I looked up at the surface, and saw a figure flailing their arms at the edge of the cliff. She fell. Terror riddled her cries as we watched gravity pull her forcefully to the land. She missed the water by an inch, and landed on the surface below with a sickening crunch from her bones. I was frozen in place. At this point, I was sure that Tia wouldn't make it. Tears stung my eyes but I couldn't move. Figures that resembled my friends pushed past me to mend Tia. Dizziness took me, and I watched as the floor quickly rushed to my face and I passed out.

~End of dream~

I woke up in a cold sweat. Rolling over, I saw Tia laying peacefully in her bed. I sighed, recognising that it was all just a dream, and sat up. I made myself some cereal and reflected on my dream. Well, it wasn't a dream, it was a memory. Tia was pushed off that cliff, she didn't trip. It didn't add up that Brett pushed her though. He wasn't like that. None of my friends would do that either though. Who pushed her? And more importantly, why? My thoughts were interrupted by a thud coming from the bedroom. I grinned to myself, knowing that Tia had probably just rolled off the bed in her sleep. A groan followed the thud, and the clicking of her crutches slowly grew louder. Soon, the door to the kitchen swung open, revealing a very pissed looking Tia.
"I hate you." She said, probably regarding to my smirk.
"Morning miss Sunshine." I replied mockingly. She pushed past me and grabbed the cereal box, knocking over the milk in the process.
"Tia!" I yelled as the white substance seeped across the table towards me. She completely ignored the milk and continued to pour herself a bowl of dry cereal. I grunted, standing the milk carton up and cleaning the mess. Once I was done, I left the kitchen and threw open my laptop.
"Suuuuuuuka!" Tia called in almost a singsongy voice. Mood swings much?
"I'm busy!" A mimicked her tone, as the computer switched on. Straight away, a notification came up for a new email. I opened it, ignoring Tia's distressed voice.

Dear Suka

Here at Mount Hearth University, we own an early bird program for those willing to get a head start on the year. The first class will be commencing in three weeks, and will be free of charge! Think of it as a gift. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely
K. Sheppard

I closed the window and gave in to Tia's beckoning calls. I trudged out of the comfort of my room and faced her in the kitchen.
"Hi." She said cheekily and I shot her a glare, plopping down on a chair.
"Tia didn't you mention that your sister did the psychology course?" I asked her, staring deep into space. She nodded. "And you said that she went on a feild trip to an asylum?"
"Yeah? And?"
"Do you know where this asylum is?" I asked, turning to watch her expressions change from curious to a devious grin. She nodded eagerly and I beamed.
"Let's go."

We pulled into the driveway of an ancient, brick building that looked severely weathered. The building in itself was massive. There was a barbed wire fence surrounding the place. A guard stood by the gate, looking bored but stern. Tia stretched her hand out the car with her ID in it. The guard nodded and we came through. The closer we got to the asylum, the more eerie the atmosphere became. There were vines creeping up the outside walls, and colourful splashes of graffitti were littered all around the place. A chill went down my spine. Tia turned a corner into the car park. There was about two other cars in the massive parking area. The place looked almost abandoned. It gave me a woozy feeling; nausea almost.
"Are you sure that this is the place?" I asked quietly, as if someone was listening.
"Pretty sure." She replied in an equally nervous tone. She parked the car but neither of us moved. I was the first to speak up.
"We didn't come out here just to sit in the car. We need to go inside at least." She looked at me fearfully but opened the car door. I helped her out and we made our way to the front door. It was wooden and looked scratched. I pushed it open slowly, and walked inside. It was no better. There was a concrete staircase accompanied by a cold, metal railing. The chairs inside the waiting room had patches and holes in them. The place looked completely overrun by old flaws that no one had bothered to clean up. Finally, my gaze met that of the surprised looking lady at the front table. Tia clutched my arm as I bravely approached the lady. Her face relaxed when she saw that we weren't official. As I a stood atthe front table, I realised I had no reason for being there. I just stood there for a moment, before she perked up,
"Can I help you?"
"Hi, I'm Suka and this is Tia, we were wondering if..." I trailed off, unsure of what to say.
"... We could have a tour of the place?" Tia piped. I shot her a thankful look and she gave me a Thank-me-later one back in return. My eyes met with the lady again as she searched through the computer.
"I'm afraid we can't have you today, but I can scheduel an appointment for a tour tomorrow if you'd like?" she said with her eyes glued to the screen.
"We'd be glad to. Thank you."I said with a friendly smile and she returned one. As I left I felt almost as if this place wasn't new to me. Like I had been here before. Tia and I hopped back in the car in silence.
"Tia I feel like I've been here before." I said, breaking the silence. She looked at me weirdly and I just stared blankly back at her.
"Your mother was stuck here for the first five or so years of your life. You used to come here all the time." She said. I sighed as she started the engine and we left. On the way home, I called my manager and told him that I wasn't going to make it to work tomorrow. He said I was fine. I went to bed early that night, making sure that I was ready for tomorrow.

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Hey there guys! Do you like the story so far? It's pretty boring right now but DON'T COMPLAIN IT WILL GET BETTER! There are a couple of things that you're probably like "wtf" about, but it's my attempt at being clever so just roll with it. Also I was going to have long chapters but goddamn, I think that this is good! I know I haven't really been leaving author's notes, I just don't have much to say. Well there you have it. LEAVE A COMMENT PLEEEEEEEASE?! I feel so lonely! But yeah, keep reading and voting folks, and have a pie filled day. Because pie is great.
-L