A Purple Flame in the Darkness

Chapter 6

I stared and scowled at the floor the whole way while striding towards the nurse's office; completely ignoring the new artworks adorning the massive hall, completely ignoring the confused looks I received from passers-by.

My mind was whirling with questions and headache. I kept on feeling a sting in my innards with every single step I took. I felt as if a chunk of lead had been dumped onto my chest, and my heart was beating three times its normal speed. I felt ready to throw up. The only problem was that I couldn't.

Still stomping down the corridors, I heard a voice different than the one inside my head behind me.

'Luna! Wait!'

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. Sadly, the person caught up to me.

'Look, about what happened in biology class-'

'Please shut up, Zayn.' I hissed. 'It's not a big deal.'

'You don't even know what I'm going to say! So, you're going to let Mrs. Ice pack cheer you up instead of me? I have chocolate, you know. A gift to you from Esmeralde.'

'I'm only going to Mrs. Ice pack's office because I have to and want to catch a break. You, however, are sneaking out of class and smuggling chocolate like it's illegal.'

I had no idea what was going on with me, or why I suddenly felt so ill. All I knew was that chocolate and a friendly chat with Zayn would not help at all.

'It kinda is, though...and since Esmeralde would seem suspicious if she went to the bathroom right after her best friend left, Mrs Williams would definitely suspect that she would distract you from your health or something. But, to be honest, the nurse doesn't really improve illness either. So just relax!' he ranted on. It only worsened my headache.

'I don't need chocolate right now. Or a so-called friend of mine who only befriended me to get closer to Esmeralde. Just go away,' I snapped, looking him right in the eye.

'Why would I-'

'Don't miss a lesson for somebody you don't even care about.' My fists clenched. I felt like I was going to faint, but at the same time, I just wanted to punch something. Anger and illness do not mix well.

'But-'

'Do I really need to say it again? Go. A-w-a-y!'

'No, I won't.' Zayn replied, lifting his head. Determination sparkled in his eyes. 'I want to help.'

'What do you not understand? You can't help me! Go!'

I sensed my arms trembling. I felt dizzy.

'How about we just sit outside and get some fresh air? The weather seems nice.'

'No! Leave! I don't know what's going on with me...' I shouted. Now both sickness and a strange fury were boiling inside me like the magma in a volcano.

'No. You need to calm down,' he told me.

'I told you to go!'

I really couldn't take this anymore.

'I won't, Luna. Not until you become yourself again.' He was still as calm as somebody who just meditated!

'Go. Now!' An iron fist now clutched my heart. I swear, if he says one more word...

'I'm not going anywhere.'

Breathe, Luna, breathe!

Zayn didn't do anything to you! Why are you angry?

You're only human. Everybody makes mistakes.

Kill him.

It's going to be okay. You're going to be okay.