Kaleidoscope

Chapter-13

13. Waking up

Alec:

"I have a dependency problem."

"Alcohol or drugs?" She asked.

"People."

I didn't want to let her go. I wanted to hold her. Disappear in her. But the look on her face made it clear that she didn't want that. It hurt but knowing that she was still alive made it better for me to breathe. I was watching her, barely able to keep my eyes open. My whole body felt heavy especially my eyelids. But I didn't want to stop looking at her, I was scared I was gonna wake up from this dream soon so I wanted to make the most of it. She made me eat porridge but I ended up running into the washroom and throwing up. And she stayed there rubbing my back.

"I think we should go to the hospital." She said her voice laced with worry. I was sitting on the floor my back to the wall. I rested my head on it.

"I am okay." I said in a hoarse voice. She helped me up.

"Can I hold you?" I asked making her eyes go wide. "Please."

She smiled a sad smile and slowly wrapped her arms around me. She was so small compared to me. I rested my chin on her head. I could feel the warmth emitting from her body. I don't know how long we stayed that way. It felt like both of us completed each other like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

***

I don't know when I fell asleep again but when I woke up she wasn't there anymore and somehow I ended up with tears streaming down my cheeks. This was so messed up. I got up then. Freshening up I found a note on the table with Iris's name on it with a number.

This has to be a joke. Did I write this down while asleep? What? What the hell? What is the meaning of this? I took out my phone with unsteady hands and switched it on. And saved the number ignoring the many messages and calls from Nyla.

I wanted to call and say, I love you. If you are real. If this is all not a dream if I am not going insane. Iris, I am madly in love with you.

Nyla:

The bell rang and I ran towards the door, my heart racing hoping it's Alec. Opening the door I gasped seeing him.

"What have you done?" He was holding the wall for support. He took a step forward and lost his balance a little like his body couldn't hold his weight. I took his hand letting him lean on me and made him sit on the couch. "Were you with Lolita?" I asked feeling a tightness in my chest.

"No." He said. I didn't know what to feel relief or fright.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so." He laid down on my laps surprising me.

"Why did you leave?"

"I wanted to be alone."

"You wanted to be away from me?" I asked feeling like the world felt heavy all of a sudden.

"It's not like that." He said looking at me, through me.

"Then what is it like?"

"I wanted to be with Iris." He said making me feel jealous of a girl who doesn't even exist. I wanted to laugh but didn't.

"And was she there with you?" I asked closing his eyes with my hands, not wanting him to see the expressions that were giving me away.

"I'll tell you when I wake up. I am tired." He said sounding a bit breathless.

"What is up with you?" I asked but he was already asleep.