Glitched: An OC Character Story

Chapter 7: Edith

]{sorry was too lazy to draw in a photo, i have a LOT of studying ;-;}

{but anyways, enjoy :)}

No...no, NO!" I suddenly screamed, jolting up. My back was sweaty and my hair stuck to my face.

Mom... I remembered her face. She smiled at me, her eyes emitting a grin brighter than her own. She was tucking me into bed slowly, whispering comforting words I couldn't understand, but they made me feel better anyway.

Then a bang, then another, then another and another and another. She turned away from me, looking towards the door to my bedroom that is seemingly down the longest hallway I've ever seen. She turns back at me... her eyes are wide in fear, her face contorted into a maze of creases. No...

And her face breaks. It shatters into pieces.

I try to reach out, but my hand only catches the scrapes and shards of what used to be her.

The sunlight streamed down on my face, masking my eyes from the world with it's shine. My back and neck both ached immensely from lying on the floor. Tel was still sleeping quietly in my arms, so I stood up shakily and took him up the short stairs to my bedroom so he could keep resting. My aunt was still sleeping on the couch when I came back downstairs. She would probably be out until noon.. I stood there for a few more moments, still trying to comprehend everything that happened yesterday.

The start of cars and the train moving snapped me out of my trance, a signal that the day was still moving on. So instead of mellowing in my thoughts, I picked up the last remaining things on the floor, including the books and letters I had dropped. My foot nearly got pierced when I noticed a bit of glass still sitting on the ground.

Afterward, I went into the bathroom to take a shower. It must have been the longest shower I ever remember taking. It was nice, just to stand in the stall, and let the water run down you.

When I came out, my hands were pruned to the max. I changed into clean clothes, a simple black Legends of Zelda T-shirt with some high waisted jean shorts. I hoped it didn't look too messy as I tucked the bottom of my shirt in. Brushing my now red-fiery hair (did it ever stop changing?), I walked down the stairs and started making breakfast for myself.

I sat at our old wooden dining table. Carves in the wood were worn away with time, and the table was squeaky and unstable. I set down my plate of toast and coffee, looking out the apartment window as I sipped a little bit of the bitter liquid.

The sunlight streaming from the window like it did this morning didn't blind me this time. Instead, it made the world around me sparkle. Time seemed to be non-existent, as I was in this... own bubble of mine that nothing could penetrate. It was like running. Nothing could stop you, nothing was in your way, there were no problems. Only running forward.

Before I knew it, I had daydreamed until it was Saturday afternoon. Surely enough, my aunt groggily awoke, rubbing her head. When she got up, her hazel eyes met mine, always so sure and kind. Now, they seemed to be sad and confused. She looked around the room, as if she didn't remember where she was. When she tried to stand, her feet tangled up in between themselves. Suddenly, her hand went up to her mouth as she ran for the bathroom. I could hear her throwing up last night from downstairs.

I shut my eyes. My hands were trembling, and I could feel the tips of my fingers glow. I put the coffee cup down with a tink. I stood. When she came stumbling down the stairs, she looked at me again. From the solemn look on my face, the realization dawned on her that I saw what happened last night.

"Edith, honey.." she started, looking devastated. "I'm so sorry..." I didn't say anything, suddenly disappointed and angry at her for putting me through all of this. I turned away, not being able to look her in the eye. But when she walked over to embrace me into a huge hug, I didn't stop her, but I didn't lift my arms to meet hers. We stood there, her arms wrapped around me for a long time. When the moment was broken, I could see the glossy tears stream down her face silently.

She made herself her own breakfast (eggs and bacon) and we sat at the small table, silent. Aunt Helen clutched her coffee mug like it was the death of her. There was a tense silence again, both of us wondering who would break it. I took a stand first.

"I'm gonna start homework-"

"Don't worry, Edith. I'll fix this, I promise." Her voice barely above a whisper. We made eye contact, but it still didn't feel right. She tried to give me a reassuring smile, and even though I knew it was fake, I felt a warmth spread throughout my chest. I tried to give her one back.

But just like that, the day kept moving. Aunt Helen got ready for work, dressing in a black shirt and trousers, her hair up in a bun. Before she left, she looked at me, smiling brighter this time.

Then, she left. It was quiet again in the apartment, and the air felt thick around the tiny perimeter. I walked over to the table and picked up the letter again. 7,000 dollars... that was so much money. It wasn't like it was going to appear right in front of us either. I still can't do anything either.. but..

"I'll fix this.." I said to myself quietly. Even though the words came from her mouth, me saying them to myself made me feel like I had some sort of control. Some sort of control over both our lives. How cruel was this society to do this to me and Aunt Helen anyway? Who were they to determine if we could live in the house she worked so hard for? Who were they to control our lives with damn financial problems-

Wait.

Control.

That... that was it!

Control, that's what I needed. Where was the most common place of control for money? I stared at the letter, processing what I was thinking. It was dangerous and stupid, but what did I have to lose? No one would be worried except Aunt Helen, but this is for her. This is for us. Suddenly, I felt a rush through my skin. I clutched the letter so hard in my hand until it crinkled in the center. I had an idea. It was a crazy one, but it was the only solution we had. I ran upstairs to my room to see Tel sitting at the edge of my bed. He looked confused as I came inside with a smile on my face.

*What's wrong Edi?* Tel looked worried.

"I know how we can earn our apartment back." I told Tel.

Word Count: 1193