Days to Insanity

Chapter Ten

Julian Hunter

I wake up to the sound of my parents opening my room door carefully. When I slowly sit up, they tell me that they're going to be leaving for their trip now, just like they've been doing for the past God-knows-how-many days. When I say bye to them, I slowly get out of bed and stare down at my phone.

It's January 30th again.

I picture myself, just barely five minutes ago, holding onto Nate. He was struggling and I didn't want him to be in pain anymore, so I had to blow my cover. I'm in the loop too. I was planning on telling both of them sooner or later, but for now, I wanted to enjoy myself and maybe test a couple of theories on my own.

Going downstairs, I nod at Mark who's just returned from seeing off my parents.

"Still awake?" he asks, probably realizing that if I'm awake, he'll need to be too.

"Just getting some water. You can go to your room now," I tell him, smiling. He nods gratefully and walks over to the staffs' wing of the mansion.

I wouldn't say my family's really rich, but then again... they're pretty rich. I remember Nate used to call me humble, but after freshman year, he called me spoiled and entitled. I still don't know what caused our friendship to end, and he's too stubborn to tell me why.

Sighing to myself, I sit in the kitchen, staring at the now empty glass of water in front of me. Despite my mask, I'm getting quite sick and tired of January 30th, too. At first, I didn't want to tell Charlie and Nate because I was hesitant to talk to Nate properly, but the past few days, I feel as if telling them that I'm in the loop too will only disappoint them, and they both already seem so down.

Especially Charlie. She seems quite hurt over the whole situation with Finn and Rye, but also, we both have done some things that if she finds out I remember all of it, it could get pretty awkward quickly.

Yesterday was probably one of my favorite days. I got to hang out with Nate again, and it didn't feel forced. Sure, we were both drunk, but I felt as if I had him back, even if it was only for one night, and I didn't know how much I needed that until this moment when it's over. I know for sure he's going to be so mad at me. Maybe I should just stay at home. I'm sick of Nate being mad at me.

Sighing, I go back to bed but make no attempt to fall asleep, scrolling through my phone.

***

I don't remember falling asleep last night, but I wake up to my phone on my chest and someone knocking on my door.

"Mr. Julian?"

"Yeah," I groan, rubbing my eyes, "Come in."

The butler, Lawrence, enters hesitantly. "Mr. Julian, you are going to be late for school this morning."

"What?" I look over at my clock and jump when I notice it's 8:00. There's no way I can make it by 8:30! "Why didn't you wake me up sooner?"

"I imagined you would be awake already."

"Alright, fine. Go get the car ready," I say, pulling on a jumper and quickly changing into a pair of jeans when Lawrence leaves. Though there's really no consequence of me being late - literally - I've been late to Spanish way too many times this year. And no one wants another scolding from Ms. Lopez, who hates me already. Surprisingly enough, Nate's not the only one who thinks I'm spoiled and arrogant.

I end up making it to school by 8:25, running into the hallway, and eventually making it to my locker. Most of the hallways are empty by now. Quickly dumping in my coat, I grab my Spanish textbook and shut my locker, turning to leave.