Two

10. Awake

       - Change, wake up. And for the love of God, take a shower. You smell awful. You don't want Jess to think you're dirty and lazy, do you?

       Mom couldn't ever help teasing me about her. She probably knew deep down it was as realistic as me growing another head.

       - Alright, whatever.

       I had to pass by the kitchen in order to reach the bathroom. There were Rachel and dad, talking. He looked worried and dark, a stance I'd rarely gotten to witness. None noticed me, so I just kept going my way.

       I looked at the clock above the front door. I was going to be late. Again. I was hoping no other me had the plan to pop up before me in class. Again.

       I took my clothes off and got into the shower. The water felt heavier than usual. I always thought having a clone was different. More fun, I guess. He seemed like someone else. We had similarities, but what created the differences? He tried to kill me. He looked so desperate for Rachel. Everything felt so exhausting about the situation.

       I promptly got over with the shower. Also had come to the realization that my clothes were in... my room. I thought of asking Rachel to get my things, but I bit the bullet and discreetly opened the door.

       Just like a few minuets ago, he was sleeping on his back. Paying more attention, he was mumbling something. Traces of tears were all over his face. His hands were trembling. As twisted as this was, I was low on time. And I was very comfortable leaving him home than dragging him with me. Fortunately, I managed to pack everything and snatch the clothes quietly.

       I made one last visit to the Kitchen. Dad had already left for work. Only Rachel was there.

       - Rach, you good?

       - Yeah, just really low on sleep. Talked a lot with... this Change, last night. It was near 3 a.m. when he nagged me to wake up.

       - What was it about?

      - The past, apparently. He got all emotional talking about memories that belonged to... us.

       - ...

       - He knows everything, Change. Everything. Who is he?

       Not something I had an answer to.