The Other Side

Chapter 5

Sorry for the slow update! This is just going to be more explaining and dialogue. Hope you enjoy it!!

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"What!?"

"Its kind of a long story." While the woman explained Helena just sat and took it all in.

"So, you're my real mom? My 'mom' lied to me this entire time."

"Well its understandable, finding out your real mother's dead would be a lot to take in at a young age. Much sadder than being adopted from alive parents."

"Good point, but still, it seems unfair she didn't tell me this sooner. But, I have some questions for you. First of all, what's your name?"

"My name is Jane, but if it's alright with you, you could call me mom." She smiled nervously.

"Of course I'll call you mom!" Helena threw her arms around her.

"I'm glad. Do you have any other questions?"

"Well...who was my father?" Immediately, Jane's smile was wiped from her face.

"Well that's one question that's going to be hard to answer. You see, your 'father' was a terrible man and eventually when I earned enough money, I used it to divorce him and move out of the apartment we shared. Believe me, you don't want to know anymore."

"Oh...I see. Well at least I know that much."

"Come on, let's move on to happier topics. Since I only caught glimpses of your life, I want to know more. I missed 15 years of seeing my daughter grow up."

"Alright, but my social life isn't exactly the best life in the world."

"Why? I'm sure you have lots of nice friends."

"Well...you see...how do I put this... I'm the school goth girl." She blushed having to say such a thing.

"Oh sweetie." Jane wrapped her arms around her,"I could never think of you like that. I bet they're just jealous of you."

"Yeah right, that's what all moms say. They just need someone to pick on, so they chose me. It's no big deal."

"Still, I don't like to see you bullied. But I think we should finally move on to more pressing matters."

"What do you mean?"

"You shouldn't be here. This place is practically a living hell. I only came here so you could be safe, I don't want that to be for nothing."

"Don't worry I'll find a way out for the both of us."

"Well that's the problem. They already buried my body, and if I go back to the real world I'll wake up in a coffin and run out of breath. Only you have a chance to escape this place."

"But..."

"I'm sorry that's how its going to be. But I'm not even sure you can get out. The house disappears as soon as you enter, making sure that you can't escape. However... No it's impossible!"

"What is it!?" Jane looked away then looked back at her with a sad expression.

"Someone will have to give up their soul for yours. That's how I saved you, but at the cost of my own." Helena slowly looked at the ground.

"Oh..."

"I'm sorry Helena." Helena looked up with sad eyes, but tried to put on a smile.

"It's okay. We'll find another way." Seeing her daughter in such a state brought tears to Jane's eyes.

"Oh, I truly am sorry sweetie." Helena and her mother hugged while shedding more tears.Jane was the first to break from the wet hug. "Well I still have some things to explain about this world. Actually a lot, but there are still some things I don't understand."

"Like what?"

"First of all, when you come here you don't age or need to eat, but for some reason you have to sleep. Also, it doesn't change from day to night, it just stays cloudy. All the plumbing and electricity still work, so that's one thing we don't have to worry about. But the thing that's strange are the nightmares I had when I first arrived here."

"What do you mean nightmares?"

"Well, it started out with me holding you in my arms and running from some sort of shadow monster. I ended up tripping and it caught up with me. As it was about to take you from me, I woke up. It was terrifying because it was the same dream over and over again. Eventually, I just stopped dreaming altogether. It was very strange."

"Do you think I'll have the same kind of dreams too?"

"Yes. The other strange thing is that...occasionally I find..."

"What? What do you find?"

Jame looked up with a scared expression,"I find old skeletons." Helena looked at her with disbelief.

This place is getting worse by the second , Helena thought.

*****

17 years ago...

"Jane Ann Grace."

Jane stood up and walked to the stage to receive her diploma. She smiled as she shook the headmaster's hand and walked back to her seat. She sighed, relieved that the moment was over. Her friend next to her smiled and turned to her.

"So, how does it feel to have your Masters degree?" Jane smiled wide back at her.

"It's a relief! After all those years of hardwork and cramming, we finally made it! Of course we're still gonna have to keep our jobs for awhile Rachel."

"No need to rub that in, I can't wait till I find a better job." They smiled at each other, thinking of their bright future ahead of them.

After the ceremony, Jane and Rachel drove to a bar to celebrate. They sat down at the counter and ordered a drink.

"To a new and better life!" They clinked glasses and toasted to their future.

"I'm going to use the bathroom, be right back." Jane walked to the bathroom in the back. As she walked past the tables, she saw an intriguing young man sitting in the corner of the bar. He was skinny and wore all black.

Now he seems interesting. I wonder who he is.

Jane walked over to that side of the bar and sat at a table near his. He seemed to be on his phone. She found herself staring at him and him staring back. She blushed and quickly looked away.

"Hey." She looked to see the guy smirking at her.

"Oh um, hi"

"So, who do I owe the pleasure of being stared at?"

"I'm not saying unless you say."

"Alright, my name is John. Now what's yours?"

"My name is Jane."

"Well hello Jane." He smirked again.

"Hello John." And she smiled back.

*****

Omg sorry for the slow update! After school started again I didn't have time but here it is and I hope you guys liked it!