PURGATORY

Chapter 4: Isolation

     Days passed by in a monotonous haze. The demon that spoke to Isabella haunted her mind. She was terrified of the thought that it might be watching her. She didn't look at her newfound ability as a gift, instead it felt more like a curse. She slept recklessly. Each night she would keep herself awake in fear of accidentally entering Purgatory. Of course, she couldn't keep herself awake forever. Her body and mind were drained. How could she live like this? One experience with a demented being forced her into submission. A paralyzing fear of being tormented by the fowl demon reeked her mind. Something had to be done, but what could she possibly do? 

     A blaring sound rang through Isabella's ears. She jolted from her sleep. Her classmates scurried around her and left the class as fast as they could. They didn't seem to notice her even though she had slept through most of the class. However, one person did notice her and he was quite irritated with her snoozing. 

     The man leaned back in his chair, he had a cocky look on his face. "Miss Reeves." He said as he stood from his desk. He casually strolled over to her seat. His fingers ran across the empty desk as he walked. He wore a brown sweater vest with a pink tie tucked behind it. He stood over her, a little too close for comfort. "I've noticed you have been sleeping in class. Is everything alright at home?"

     Isabella didn't look at him. She didn't have the energy to explain herself. "Everything's fine Mr. Walker. I just didn't sleep well last night."

     He gripped her shoulder and said, "Come on, you know I'm not stupid. You've been sleeping in class everyday this week." His hand slowly rubbed down her shoulder and behind her neck. "You know you can talk to me if you need to. I'm always available for my students. Especially for someone as special as you." 

     A chill ran down Isabella's spine. His words and their seductive undertone repulsed her. She moved away from his unwelcome palm and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry. I'll be fine once I get a good night's rest." Isabella was not one to open up about her feelings. Especially to someone as creepy as Mr. Walker. 

     She stood up and tried to leave, but Mr. Walker didn't move. "Maybe you should see me after school. Your grades aren't  doing very good, Isabel." He tucked a strand of hair behind Isabella's ear. His cologne reeked. Everything about his appearance and posture made her sick. She squeezed her way past his statued stance. He called out, "I hope you reconsider Isabel. I wouldn't want you to fail my class." 

     She was relieved to be out of the classroom and away from Walker's not so subtle obsession with her. The halls were almost empty. Only a few students straggled, goofing off before the bell rang. Two boys stood near a water fountain. One of them said, "Check out that chick. She's kinda cute." 

     The other boy laughed and said, "Whatever man look what she's wearing. You need to raise your standards. My girl Jessica is way hotter."

     Their words barely registered to Isabella. She seemed like a zombie as she walked down the halls. Her eyes had dark bags under them. She didn't wear any makeup. She wore a grey sweatshirt with slightly darker sweatpants. Her hair was messy and untamed. Her hygiene was fleeting. Nothing mattered to her anymore. 

     The bell sang its vexatious tune. Isabella was going to be late to her next class. As soon as she arrived a skinny woman in a black dress said, "Isabel, any reason why you are late for class?"

     Isabella's eyes fell to the floor. "Sorry." Her voice was soft and sorrowful. 

     The woman's posture changed from strict to sympathetic. "Have a seat." She then gestured to the back of the class. Misty was sitting next to an empty desk. Isabella took her place next to her. Misty's skin glowed in the sunlight so beautifully. She had on many bright colors. The two girls were polar opposites when it came to their appearance.