Scattered Souls

Chapter 13 - Imaginary Friend

I felt like death. I was a walking zombie at campus today. A result of binge watching episodes of Lucifer with Xypher last night, we spent a lot of the night chatting and joking around as well. He was obviously in need of some human interaction, considering where he spends most of his time.

"You look like death." Scott pointed out.

"Does it look like I need your honesty today?" I deadpanned, causing him to hold up his hands in surrender.

"Rough night?" Alexa teased. "Did Jordan sneak in?"

"What? No! I just stayed up late watching Lucifer."

"All alone?" it was Scott teasing me this time.

"With my imaginary friend." I said giving them my craziest smile.

In a way Xypher was my imaginary friend. I'm the only one that's seen him and I'm still not sure how that's even possible.

The day seemed to be going at a painstakingly slow rate. Or maybe it was my sleep deprivation. By lunch time I had already consumed my third cup of coffee.

"Have you heard?" Alexa asked as I was dipping a rusk in my fourth cup of coffee, her tone was laced with concern.

"Heard about what exactly?" I wondered.

"Jordan. He's in hospital. He was hit by a car." she said slowly, placing emphasis on each word.

That didn't make it any easier for me to process it.

Jordan was in hospital. He was in hospital. And Xypher was responsible for it. He had to be. He even smugly said Jordan got what he deserved. That was all I could think about.

I thought back to the night before, I thought Xypher was becoming a friend. But I couldn't have been more wrong about something. He was a monster. That had to be the reason his soul is trapped.

"Robyn, are you okay?" Alexa asked.

"Yeah, you look really pale." Scott pointed out.

"Do you want to go see him?" she asked.

I contemplated it for a few seconds, but I felt responsible for Jordan's condition in some way. If I hadn't blabbed to Xypher none of this would he happening.

"No. It's just a shocker, that's all."

Alexa gently squeezed my hand.

If only she knew the turmoil my mind was in.

As soon as I got home, I ran to my room and tapped on the teapot three times, like Xypher said I should when I wanted him to appear.

"At your service." He had the audacity to wink.

"You're a monster!" I screeched. "Do you know that Jordan's in hospital?"

"Just a few minor bruises. He'll be out in no time." he showed no signs of remorse.

"So it was you." I said in disbelief. "You did that to him!"

A part of me wanted to believe that perhaps it was just an accident. A mere coincidence. That Xypher had no part to play in it. However, his reaction confirmed that he did.

"Well, I did say I'd take care of him."

"Jordan was just being a typical guy. The creepier type, there was really no need for you to get involved."

"I believe there was. What if he went on to do something much worse?" he sounded so genuine.

"So you sent him to hospital on the probability of him doing something worse?" I didn't understand his logic.

"How does this make you any better?"

"I was just making sure you were safe."

Was it just me? Or was this guy really not making any sense at the moment?

"Safe from what?" Confusion evident in my tone. "I was in no immediate danger."

"But you could have been." he insisted. "Maybe not right now, but eventually."

"You're just trying to hide the fact that you're a monster."

"A monster?" He questioned, with a pained expression on his face.

"Yes! That's exactly what you are."

"You didn't do that to protect me." I added. "I wasn't in any danger."

"I was only trying to help, Robyn."

"I didn't need you to help or do anything. I just needed someone to listen to what a creep Jordan was being. That's the only reason I told you. I didn't want you to do anything. And now Jordan is in hospital."

"I'm sorry, but I assure you he will recover. It's not that big of a deal."

That did it. A guy was in hospital and it was no big deal to him? I reached for the teapot in my angry state. However, I fell to the floor as I was engulfed in darkness again.

The exhaustion I felt this time was far worse. I could barely even open my eyes. When I finally did, I realized I was in my bed.

How did I get here? I was sure I could remember passing out on the floor, in front of the teapot.

"Thank God you're up. What happened, honey?" mom asked as she entered my room. I didn't even realize the door was open in my groggy state.

"Just a little sleep deprived I suppose."

"You were out cold on the floor, sweetheart. Dad had to carry you to the bed." I could tell how concerned she was.

"Didn't mean to give you a scare mom. " I assured her. "I just didn't get enough sleep last night."

"Make sure you get some rest tonight. I'll bring dinner to your room."

They ordered pizza for dinner, mom was too troubled to cook. I ate about five slices, passing out really gave me an appetite.

As I was sipping on some apple juice, in between bites of pizza, I suddenly had a brilliant idea.

I knew exactly what I needed to do with Xypher.