Character Unlocked

Chapter 1

I was awake, I knew that. I felt that, my body starting to warm up for the day. I felt my heartbeat in my chest. I felt my blood rushing through my veins, a steady stream carrying my life force through me. I felt all these things, and yet I felt dead. I was alive and breathing, I had a pulse but my body felt useless, without a soul.

I finally opened my eyes and glared against the blurry rays of sunlight coming through my window. I heaved a heavy sigh and reached over for my glasses, slowly sliding them onto my face. I turned my head, looking at her side of the bed; I stared for a while, just imagining her sleeping there. Her calm breathing, peaceful facial expression, her hand clinging desperately to mine.

My heart lurched and I sat up in bed, tossing my covers delicately so not to disturb her side. I got up, trudging my way downstairs and into my office, each step feeling like I was weighed down by cement.

I left my phone down in my office now-a-days, making it easier to ignore. I went over to it, sitting in my desk chair as well, and read through the messages I knew I’d end up ignoring regardless.

Wade: Mark, buddy, I hope you’re feeling better today. Call me if you wanna talk.

 

Mom: Sweetie, I wish you’d call me back. I’m worried.

 

Tom: Call mom.

 

Jenn: I know things are tough, but call me. We need to catch up. I’ll be in LA this weekend, house hunting and shit. Let me know where to meet you.

 

I stared at my phone, a perplexed expression on my face.

Jenn is coming into town?

The next thing I knew, I had the phone to my ear, calling her.

“Holy shit, you actually called. I’ve been sending that message since I decided to move to LA.”

“I-” my voice cracked and I quickly cleared my throat. “I’ve been.. busy..” I mumbled as I looked down at my disheveled state. I had a mysterious stain on my torso and a rip near the bottom edge of my shirt. I cringed slightly.

“Bullshit, I know what you’ve been doing. But I’m not gonna talk about that. I’ll be there this weekend, where are we gonna meet?”

I stared at my desk, shock on my face.

“Why do you wanna see me?” I blurted out on accident. She was silent for a few moments.

“Well.. We’ve been friends a long time, Mark. I haven’t heard from you since.. you know. I’ve been just as worried as everyone else. I figure I’m the only one able to get you out of the house though.”

“O-Oh.. Okay..”

We talked for at least an hour, and that gave me enough energy to call my mom back. She had me on the phone for at least 2 hours, crying and begging me to call her more to let her know I’m okay. I called everyone, even my brother. I knew he would wanna talk to me too, even if he didn’t say so.

 

The week went by faster than it usually did, I guess because I was actually excited for once. It wasn’t something my body was used to anymore. My videos picked up in quality, making my fans think I was feeling better. I received many comments on the color back in my face, the way my voice sounded happier. I wish I really did feel better, that it wasn’t just a facade. That it wouldn’t be over the minute Jenn left.

Sooner rather than later, I was getting a call from Jenn asking where I was. Truth be told, she had woken me up. I explained I was hopping in the shower and I’d be there soon.

I stood in front of my door, my hand laid on the handle gently. My heart was racing and this was the most alive I’d felt in years.

I walked out the door with a hope that this wouldn’t all come crashing down around me.