I Know What You're Afraid Of

Chapter 25

    "We're back!" Ricky yelled, turning the corner. "Are you guys okay? Is it over?"

   Miles glanced to the spot where Quint's body disappeared. "I think so." He smiled at Mary, and grabbed her hand. "We're all okay now." He gave her hand a soft squeeze before turning his gaze to Ricky and Sydney. "Thank you, guys. For saving me."

   "Well," Sydney began. "It was really Marianne," She said, gesturing in er direction. "Ricky and I just kinda... walked around."

   Miles smiled. "Still. Thank you." There was something different about him. About his eyes. They showed no signs of darkness or anger. They were bright. Maybe even a lighter shade of brown. The life returned to them, they were no longer dead. For the first time since she'd known him, he looked... happy. At that moment, she decided she liked this side of Miles. She never wanted to see him sad or angry. Only happy and content. Comfortable.

   "So," Marianne said. "What now?"

   As if it could hear her, the lady's voice was heard over invisible speakers. Hopefully for the last time. "Congratulations! You have successfully beat the game. You are free to go. Please return to your rooms."

   Her heart nearly beat out of her chest. They all breathed a sigh of relief and shared the same look as they did the first day. Miles stood first, holding his hand out for her to grab. Once she was on her feet, they made their way over to the stairs. Marianne stopped and turned to the others. "If this was all a dream, I'm going to be pissed."

   They all laughed; something they hadn't done since they got there. Marianne began climbing up the stairs as slowly as she could without holding up the line. The top of the stairs seemed to come faster than usual. Were they just supposed to go to sleep? Wake up and find out it was all a dream? That might be the worst ending in the history of endings. What is this? A fifth grade fictional narrative assignment? (I will actually deck myself if this is how it ends. I am still figuring things out. - Maddy)

   When they reached the top, they all went to stand in front of their bedroom doors. Sydney - being the bravest at the moment - opened her door. "What?" She stepped back. "That's my room... back home."

   What? Miles opened his door, and sighed. "What the hell is this?" Marianne peaked into his room. It was bigger than the other room, which didn't make any sense. There were band posters and bookshelves and his bed was just a mattress on the floor. It looked just like she had imagined. Dirty clothes and all.

   Lastly, she opened her own door to reveal the familiar rose pink walls of her bedroom. Miles peaked his head through her door. He chuckled and sent her a playful smirk. "What's so funny?"

   He shrugged. "Nothing. I just didn't think you were a fan of pink."

   "Oh, shut up! It's a nice shade." She mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest like a child.

   "Well, I guess this is it," Ricky said. "This was... an experience?" He laughed.

   "Yeah," Sydney smiled. "It wasn't fun. Definitely not."

   "No," Marianne laughed. "But it was worth it. Made some pretty great friends." She smiled. "We know where to find each other. If we can even remember."

   "See you later." Ricky said before walking into the room and shutting the door behind him. His initials on the door faded to nothing.

   Sydney walked to Marianne and pulled her into a hug. "I'll miss you. Come and visit."

   "I will, I promise."

   She pulled away and turned to Miles, giving him a small wave and a nod. "See you... dude."

   "Bye, Syd." He smiled. We watched her Initials disappear. "And then there were two."

   A sudden sadness washed over her and the same question played over and over in her head. Will he be alright? It was silly to believe he couldn't look after himself. Of course he could. But she had seen first hand how horrible his breakdowns were. All she could do was pray that Quint was gone for good and could no longer corrupt the poor boy.

   "Mary?" She was pulled out of her thoughts. "You okay?" The look of genuine concern in Miles' eyes made her want to curl up into a ball on the floor.

   "Yeah, I just..." She took a deep breath. "I suck at goodbyes."

   He pulled her into a tight hug and rested his head no top of hers. "Then let's not say goodbye, hmm? What do you think about that?" He planted a kiss on her head. When she didn't respond, he said, "Who knows, maybe we'll see each other soon. You know where to find me."

   "What if we forget?" She mumbled, trying her best to not shed a tear.

   "You changed me, Mary," He whispered. "I don't think I could ever forget you."

   Finally, they pulled away. "I'll see you later, Mary."

   "See you later, Miles." She smiled. "Together?"

   He nodded. "Together."

   

   And off they went... together.