What They Didn't Tell Us

Chapter 10 HIM

The dark night sky is visible through the windows as I work diligently on researching the notebook I "borrowed" from the hospital. I just want to point out that I did not steal it. It just... followed me home.

Ugh.

I could have left it there...

But I was too shocked, too intrigued by the image of the flower I am named after.

The chrysanthemum...

Who in their right mind would name their child chrysanthemum? No one. Though, my parents were never in the right mindset when it came to me. I learned that over the years.

But Chrysanthemum is my name and I got used to it. Though, seeing it in this journal surprised me.

I look at the brown journal, a compass engraved into the smooth cover. I open the book again.

I have been flipping through the book and have seen many different interesting and beautifully drawn flowers, and a few pages with what seem to be letters. Though, I have been mostly focused on the Chrysanthemum. Trying to learn more about this flower.

I look up at the clock. 2:21 AM. I have not found enough information to satisfy the need of knowledge I so strongly feel.

I need to do more. Why was this journal even in the hospital? And in the cabinet about the HTLPS disease.

PING

My phone rings with a text.

It's Ryder.

"Dude. Go to bed."

I blink twice. How does he-

PING

"I saw that you were on Snappingyat.🙄"

Shoot.

I knew I shouldn't have been looking through social media instead of researching... it was just so tempting...

Wait... he's not sleeping either, though...

I send a text back: "Look who's talking?"

PING

"Whatever, I'll go to sleep if you go to sleep. Though, you don't want to see me without sleep again. Lol. You better not make us both sleep deprived.🤷‍♂️"

I sigh. I definitely don't want to relive his senior year when he would pull all nighters studying with me before finals. The day after was always... traumatic.

I send him a final text: "Jeez fine. But you better do the same."

Ping.

"😉"

I turn my phone off and sigh.

Guess it's time to get to bed. This can wait until tomorrow. I just hope nothing happens beforehand.

...

I run my hand through my hair as I look through my clipboard. A bunch of chores... and more tests for Protea...

Test 25 and now tests 37 and 38...

Ugh, test 37 and 38 are already listed to be taken today.

"Hey!"

I turn around. It's Ryder.

"Hey! I can tell you got some sleep." I say, laughing.

"Well, only because you did... But hey, I noticed how nervous you were last week during the first test on Protea. Are you ok?" He says, looking concerned, but serious.