Phantom

Missing in Action

Chapter 10: Missing in Action

"Anna! You're finally here, hurry, look at this lunatic on the news!"

My mother yelled from our living room. I went in and saw my mother cuddled on the couch with a multitude of blankets and pillows. The dim glow of our ancient television illuminated the otherwise dark room. The "lunatic" she had mentioned was the person I had already seen in window shop televisions on my way home at least fifty times; me. I wasn't as surprised as mom had expected me to be.

"Hurry! They're about to play the video again!"

I hopped onto the couch and watched what I had done. It was exactly the same, just a different angle. I had tried to sound as comfortable as possible, but now I thought I sounded cocky and arrogant. My mother probably thought the same.

"So, um, that's cool."

"Are you kidding? It's crazy! Are we supposed to trust that- that person? I think they said it's a girl!"

Now that was just insulting.

"Yeah- I think she's a girl. You don't like her?"

"And you do? Are you out of your mind?"

I frowned at this. She noted my distaste to her comment.

"Oh sorry sweetheart, I didn't mean it like that. I just don't think it was a good idea to let it- I mean, her go."

This made me sigh. Of course I just happened to be the person she hated. Thankfully she doesn't know that that lunatic was me.

"Yeah, but I'm tired, I going to bed. Goodnight."

***

As I was packing up for my last class, spanish, I was telling Raven how my mom doesn't like the "other me." As we chatted, my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Hutchinson, began to approach.

"Hey, Mrs. H, what's up?"

"Oh hello Anna. Yes, could I ask a favor of you?"

"Um, sure, what do you need?"

"I was just wondering if you could tutor the newer student- Joe. I hope it's not too much to ask."

"Oh no! That's fine, not a problem."

"Great. Here are some papers you can go over with him. Thanks again!"

She turned and left Raven and I in the empty class room.

"Oh my gosh, Joe's sooo cute; you lucky duck."

I could tell she was attempting to lighten the mood from our previous conversation.

"Yeah, I guess. I'll see you later."

"Hey, it's gonna be alright. I'll be there for you, no matter what. You can do it."

***

I walked to my locker and saw Joe waiting near it. He looked extremely anxious; probably embarrassed about having a tutor.

"Hey! You're Anna- my tutor, right?"

"Yep! Where do you want to study?"

"We could go to my house- my uh, my dad's home- he'll probably have some snacks or something."

"Umm, okay, sure. Lead the way."

I followed him to his small house. It was very similar to my own, only it was painted white, and in worse shape. I followed him into his small living room. It had ugly floral print wallpaper and stained green carpet. The strange thing was there was no furniture except an armchair and television.

"Um- I'm going to- get the, snacks..."

"Alright..."

He left and went through the adjoining door, which I assumed led to the kitchen. He quickly returned carrying a tray with a pitcher of red colored liquid and two glasses.

"Um here, have some juice."

"Oh thanks!"

I graciously took a cup full of the juice. It tasted like cough drop medicine- which I hated. I took one more big gulp as to not be rude, then set it down on the television. I grabbed the Spanish papers the teacher had given me.

"So I think we should start with the- with- wi-"

I suddenly became extremely light headed. The room began to spin, and I could feel myself aimlessly stumble around. My vision began to blur. Before I passed out completely, I saw the figure of Joe and another unknown man appear. Then all the feeling and sense left my body, and the strange room disappeared into blackness.

{Hello! Sorry this chapter is short- but the story is getting exciting now!!! I hope everyone is enjoying it :) }