Lost in Worlds

Change

"Wake up, sweetie. It's time you get ready for school or you'll be late." Avery's mum turned the sheets over only to find a lump of pillows replacing her darling daughter.

"Oh." She said as she walked down the stairs in a rather gloomy mood. "I wonder–," before she could finish her sentence her eyes perked up, brightening as she took in the view before her. Juicy, choc-chip pancakes were on the table before her and behind the kitchen bench was her darling daughter.

"Sweetie! You've never made breakfast before but I can't wait to taste what I now will be a delicious meal," her mother exclaimed rather too enthusiastically.

It was the day after her experience with the time capsule and the events occurring around her still confused Avery.

A caring family, a sister who took her to Macca's yesterday to buy her a hot fudge sundae and congratulations from her parents for trying her best on a school test. The same test that originally got her in trouble.

The drastic change was causing her head to spin and just as her mother tucked in to eat, she excused herself to dress for school.

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Her wardrobe. It was...magical. Avery didn't have the words. It was impossible to describe the beautiful sight in front of her daring eyes.

No longer were there dresses full of a variety of princess colours, instead sat green hoodies, black pants and striped neon t-shirts. Just what she loved to wear!

She couldn't hold back her patience as she grasped for the closest clothes she could find and hurried to put them on. They fitted perfected and the corners of her lips threatened to rise, but Avery quickly shut them down. Not yet, she wasn't ready to grasp happiness yet.

"Avery! Caleb is at the door waiting for you. You don't want to be late for school! Have a nice day."

The moment the second word of that sentence exited her mother's mouth she sprinted down the stairs at an alarming speed if only to hit something in return. It was broad and soft but also muscly. Her eyes travelled upwards to meet his blue, bell eyes and his silky, brunette hair. Avery stifled a sob, and she gulped down air as Caleb, in his black leather jacket and pants, met her eyes and muttered a quick sentence.

"Watch it there, sleepyhead. You might knock someone's eye out."

Caleb wrapped his arms around her torso and pulled her in for a tight squeeze. As he let go, his hands cupped her cheeks to pull her in close. So close. And–. Avery didn't finish her thought before her lips were lightly brushing Caleb's, his scent soothing her anxious body.

Her eyes widened but soon softened and closed ever so slowly as she realised, if this was a dream, it was a fantasy she didn't want to lose or ever forget.

"Get a room, you too. Come on, we've got to get to school." Avery pushed her hands against Caleb's torso as she took in her surroundings. Her whole family was there. Mum. Dad. Elernina. Heat rose to her face as her eyes fell to the ground and she circled an invisible shape with her feet on the floor.

"I-It's not what it looks like. I just um," Avery was speechless and couldn't finish her sentence in time before someone else butted in and ended it for her.

"Had to taste him?" Elernina questioned, eyebrows raised whilst a smirk lightened her face.

Avery decided she had enough. As she took Caleb by the hand and led him out the door swearing colourfully along the way, she grabbed her bag and prayed the end of the world would come soon so she could bury herself deep in a hole.

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Avery's school remained the boring same.

The same brick surrounding the metal gates that she entered reluctantly, if only to meet the same wooden stairs that met her miserable life.