Nightmares, Good Friends, and Bad Puns
'Remember, never forget.' I lay on my bed with my long, dark Brown hair sprawling out over tangled sheets as I read through my diary I have had since I was six. My Brown eyes scan the pages continuously. It's already past midnight and I can't get a wink of sleep. Sighing, I try to relay the plans I have for today through my head to avoid the negative thoughts that are beginning to surface. 'In the morning I'm going to meet up with my friends at Dunkin' Doughnuts, then I have to go to my job at Starbucks, and go to that job interview for that clerk position at Wal-Mart... Yup, today's gonna be just great, especially with all the sleep I'm getting, hehe. Well, there's a silver lining to every cloud. I'm getting paid and have a home to live in. Plus, it's my day off from the university.' I place my diary back on my nightstand and turn out the light then try to close my eyes to relax. Sleep slowly takes over me.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" I see my mother wearing her blue, satin nightgown standing before me. We stand on the balcony of the apartment we lived in when I was younger.
"All your fault..." She mumbles incoherently as I am barely able to make out the words she says.
"H-huh?" I stare at her worryingly. She lifts her face up to stare at me, giving the most intimidating and angry glare. I step back and flinch.
"It's all your fault! You useless child... You could have done something, anything! But instead you sat idly by the wall and watched me suffer..." She walks closer in a threatening manner.
"No, mom, I didn't mean to I-I-"
"You what? You were scared? Afraid your father would come back to haunt you? Pathetic..." she walks away from me, then steps onto the railing.
"W-wait, please... please don't do this, I can't lose you... I just can't... I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry, please..." I sob and choke on my words.
"I know, but it's too late for that..." she whispers in regret, then steps off.
"NO!" I try to quickly reach over and save her, but I am not quick enough as I watch her plummet to the Earth. Someone shouts In my direction. Dad calls out to me with a scowl on his face, "You fucking bitch... you're just a waste of space. A complete mistake. It's your fault that I had to suffer. Now it's time for you to pay me back, with your life!" he steps closer. I put my hands up defensively, "D-don't come any closer!"
"Like you could do anything about it. You can't fight back for jack shit." I step back as he comes closer.
"Please, I'm sorry I'll-" the railing behind me disappears and My foot slips off the edge, causing me to fall to my death As I fall I hear a familiar voice calling out to me "Sis, help! Don't let them take me away!" then everything goes dark.
I jolt up from my bed, drenching in sweat with my body shaking. I look over to my clock. 3:15AM. 'Shit. I barely even got any sleep. Stupid nightmares. It's been the same one since last month.' Deciding that I probably won't be able to get more sleep I climb out of bed and turn on the lamp on my nightstand then grab my glasses from its case. 'And looks like I'll be passing out later today from sleep deprivation. Great.' I stand up and walk over to my closet. "What should I wear today? This shirt? Nah, too casual... This one? Not casual enough... Ah, perfect. This should do." I speak my thoughts to myself as I go through my shirts and tank tops of various blues, purples, greens, and pinks then stop when I see a blue v-neck t-shirt with a beautiful design of angel wings with a halo on the front. Then I pick out some white skinny jeans, an aquamarine scarf, some socks, and my bluish gray jacket. I lay the clothes out on my bed then walk to the bathroom across the hall from my room. I take a shower, brush my teeth, and comb out my hair. When I am done I go back to change into the outfit I picked. 'I guess I could spend some time on my computer to pass the time or watch some tv in the living room... Hmm...' I decide to get on my computer and browse the internet for fan art and fanfics. About half an hour later I get bored and start playing some pc games. Three hours pass by and I decide to shut down my computer. I walk out into the kitchen to grab myself a water bottle then go to the living room and plop onto the couch. I turn on the tv and browse through the channels until I reach the news station.
"Hello, and welcome to Channel 8 News. I'm Casey Peters bringing you the 6:00 morning news." my conscious starts to drift off After listening to the weather until something on tv catches my eyes. On the screen was a news reporter interviewing some sort of humanoid host creatures wearing purple robes and a teen that looks oddly familiar. She has short brown hair and blue eyes and wears a blue and purple striped sweater. What really catches me off guard are the creatures standing beside her. They look like something out of the old fairy tales and legends I used to hear about when I was a kid. Both of them have some sort of regal aura, one being a bit more masculine and slightly taller than the other.
"Hello, I am Stacey Beckham here reporting live from Dauphin County interviewing the queen and soon to be king of monsters."
'Queen and soon to be king of monsters? What the heck is going on?' I time into listen with my eyes glued into the screen.
"Years ago, surprise and shock had swept the nation when a group of strange and different creatures, claiming to be monsters, had appeared from Mt. Ebott in Washington D.C. in 2002."
'That's right Monica told me about this fifteen years ago when I was still with my parents. I thought she was only joking around, but I guess now what she had told me was true. I feel kinda bad for doubting her now...'
"Now they are coming over into Pennsylvania looking for a new home away from the nation's capital to try and escape the riots and growing tension within the city. Now then, your highnesses, what are your plans for moving to Pennsylvania's capital?"
"Please, there's no need for formalities. Just Toriel is fine." the creature's voice is sweet and soothing, much like a mother's tone. Judging by the pitch and physicality it is probably female.
"Ah, sorry, Toriel."
"It is alright, dear. As for plans we wish to promote peace and unity between humans and monsters. However, it is not that easy in this country's capital to do so at the moment, so we have decided to move somewhere a bit more... tolerant? I suppose. Especially with the current issues we have been having." Toriel answers politely, folding her hand- er, paws together.
"Ah, yes. The riots against monsters. Have there been any incidents where you or your children have been afflicted by rising gang members or anti-monster supporters?"
"We have ran into a few complications, yes. But neither my daughter, Frisk" I freeze up at the name, 'Frisk... It can't be, can it? No, it's not possible. They took her away years ago from me. If it is her then why would she be back here? Did they abandon her? If so was she taken in by these people? No, no. She's probably still back at the orphanage. This is probably a different Frisk, but she does look slightly similar with that sweater on...' I pause then cast my attention back onto the news, "nor my son, Asriel, have caused any harm to a human whatsoever. In fact, as far as I know, no monster has ever harmed a human ever since the war..." her voice fades into a quiet whisper.
"If I'm not mistaken, the monster war had happened twenty-eight years ago in 2002 and the monsters won the war eight years later. What exactly caused this to happen, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I... I'm sorry. I'd rather not talk about it..." Toriel's eyes begin to form tears as she looks down depressingly.
"Mom... I'm sorry, ma'am, but that subject is very personal to my mother and I. A lot of lives were lost, especially some of our own family members." The other goat creature speaks with a clear and soft masculine voice. At the moment I feel pity towards her and her children.
"Ah, I see. Sorry, Asriel, Toriel. I did not know how personal that topic is to you..."
The queen wipes away her tears as her son and Frisk comforts her, "It is alright, child. You did not know any better." Then Frisk makes out certain hand gestures. 'Funny... The Frisk I knew would always use sign language to communicate just like this one.'
"Um, I'm sorry, but I don't exactly know what you're trying to say."
"Frisk says that she's willing to answer any questions you have for her and that you're forgiven." Asriel replies.
"Yes, well thank you, Frisk. So I have a question regarding your position as ambassador of humans and monsters..." Suddenly I hear a knock on my door. I get up and open it to reveal my friend, Oliver, standing on the porch, arms crossed, wearing a green sweater that complimented his onyx eyes, jeans, and scarf, "There you are. I was starting to get worried. The others were starting to wonder if you'd ever meet up with us."
"Oh, oooooh. Crap, is it time already?" Oliver nodded his head, "I am so sorry. Looks like I lost track of time, hehe." nervously scratch the back of my head.
"It's okay. I'm just glad you're okay, especially after what happened last time I came to visit..." I froze in fear as I recall the panic attack I had gone through the last time he came to check up on me, "Oh, right... sorry for, um... bringing that up."
"No, no. It's okay. I understand." I speak as a soft, kind, and patient smile forms on my lips.
"Uh, thanks." I notice a blush form on his face and chuckle, 'Cute.' "Well, shall we?" I grin and hold out my hand to him, "We don't want the others to wait any longer than they have to. Besides they'd probably think some horrible freak accident has happened to me if we don't show up soon."
"Jill! You shouldn't joke like that. What if... what if something were to actually happen to you?" he looks down with despair.
"Whoa, Oliver, calm down. I'll be fine. You know me, I don't get rattled easily. I promise I'll always be there for you guys. Besides if something does happen I'll always have you and the others to help me get back on my feet." I give him a small smile and a hug. "But we won't always be there for you..." he whispers softly.
"I know." I whisper back.
We stay like this for about a minute or two then I let go as I tell him, "Let's get going before everyone has a conniption." I take his hand and lead him to his car. He gets in the driver's seat and I sit beside him. The ride is mostly quiet, though I do not mind it. I glance out the window observing the scenery, noting that it had snowed last night and ice covered the ground. I sit in comfortable silence until Oliver breaks it by asking how my studies and classes were at the university, how my job was, and if I made any new friends. I tell him that my classes were going smoothly so far, my job was okay despite some obnoxious and rude co-workers that would occasionally make comments about me, and that I had met a few people, but I am not as close to them as I am with him and the others. He smiles knowingly then says, "By the way, I heard you applied for an internship as a lab assistant at an institute not too far from here. Have you gotten a letter back from them yet?"
I respond with a nod and say, "The letter read that I'm going to start it next Thursday in the evening. Apparently, I'm going to be working with another student under the apprenticeship of some new research team. To be honest, though, I'm kinda nervous about meeting them."
"Why's that?" he asks.
"Well, you know how I am when meeting new people. I tend to over think things and worry about what they think of me and sometimes that caused me to just stand there like an idiot in awkward silence." I let out an exasperated sigh and slouch over.
He chuckles and tried to reassure me, "You'll be fine. You normally do well under difficult situations. Besides, your pretty approachable."
"What makes you say that?" I glance over to his side questioningly.
"Well, for starters you're really nice and understanding. You're willing to listen and help out others, you're loyal, honest, diligent, and overall easygoing. Sure, you might lash out on others when you're really stressed or upset, you have issues managing your budget, can be easily manipulated by others, and be occasionally lazy,"
"Well that's reassuring."
"But you're charming to the point where others are hypnotized by you and your words, Jill. You have a sense of integrity, justice, patience, kindness, and perseverance that is unwavering... p-plus y-you're really, um... cu-cute..." he blushes profusely as I register what he just said to me. 'He thinks I'm cute? Hahaha, oh boy... if anyone's the cute one here it's you, Ollie boy.' I smile mischievously, "Aw, Ollie, you flatter me. Though, I'm sure we all know who the cutest one is here." I smirk as I state at him.
"O-oh? Who are you talking about?"
"I'm sure you know who it is that I am referring to, but I suppose I could tell you," I lean over closer to his ear as he's driving and whisper, "You, hun, are adorable." As I lean back into my seat and wink at him I notice his blush darken and I chuckle to myself, 'Looks like someone gets easily flustered.'
"W-well, would you look at that. Looks like we're here. Seems the others have been waiting outside for us." Oliver finds a parking space in front of the restaurant and quickly gets out of the car. I follow him out and notice five familiar faces at a table outside the fast food place. I call out to them as I approach them closer, "Hey, guys! Sorry for keeping you waiting."
"Jill!" Three of them run over to my side while Oliver brushes past and takes a seat by the other two. Monica, the girl with black hair tied into buns and wears black flats, a blue long sleeve top and light pink skirt, nearly knocks me over my feet when she pills me in for a hug, "What took you so long? You had us all worried sick. You didn't have another panic attack, did you? Normally you're pretty punctual when it comes to social gatherings and the like."
"Sorry. I kinda lost track of time this morning from watching the news, hehe." I smile and shrug.
"Really? You got distracted by watching the news? And here I was thinking it was because some bad people had kidnapped you and I would have to go kick some ass." Like, the brunette wearing a bandana, biker gloves, and orange jacket smirks with his arms crossed.
"Luke, seriously? Although, I guess if that does actually happen then I would be there just so that I can give them whatever treatment they deserved." The other brunette girl with braided hair, a Brown scarf, yellow sweater best, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots speaks up.
"Hey, Jacklyn and Luke. How've you guys been?" I ask.
"Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Elise is working as a teacher in the newest elementary school they built, Allen's spending his time working as an astrophysicist, Monica is taking ballet lessons and performing at local theatres, I'm working out a few murder and theft cases, and Luke over here got a job as a daredevil stunt for a local motorcyclist group." Jacklyn replies.
"Sweet." I give a thumbs up and grin.
"I know, right?! I get to do tons of dangerous stunts in front of thousands of other people and experience a hella adrenaline all at the same time! It's gonna be sick!" Like dust bumps the air in excitement. I chuckle at his response, "Just make sure you don't throw up while you're doing sick stunts. Wouldn't want others to feel gnarly, right?" I budge Monica's elbow earning a few stifled giggles from her. The others just groan in response. "Aw, come on guys, that one wasn't that bad. In fact, I'd say it was pretty ice if you ask me." They begin to turn and walk away from me, "Yeesh, no need to give me the cold shoulder."
Monica bursts into fits of laughter, "Icy what you did there."
"Wow, that was good. Very punny, but I've got a better one." I say.
"Really? Lay it on me." she confidently says.
I clear my throat and say, "Knock knock."
"Who's there?" she asks.
"Scold." My grin grows wider as I respond.
Monica looks at me with puzzlement, "Scold who?"
"Scold enough out here to go ice skating." And with that we both burst into fits of giggles at our childish, bad puns.
"Ugh, are you two done yet?" Luke groans.
"Hey, it's not my fault my puns are so punderful. Besides, seven days without a pun makes one weak." I shrug and Monica chuckles as Jacklyn and Luke sigh, "Alright, I'm done. For now. Let's go take a seat and order up some donuts and coffee. I'm starving!"
I walk up to the table and sit between Oliver and Elise, a strawberry blonde wearing a red ribbon and aqua blue dress. She is sitting with her hands folded and legs crossed as she reads a book about myths and legends. Across from her is Allen, a blonde wearing glasses, a purple turtleneck sweater, and white coat. He is tapping on the table pensively with a pencil, occasionally scribbling notes in his notebook he always carries around. Jacklyn sits down beside Oliver and Luke sits next to her.
I ask, "So, does everyone know what they want?" Elise and Allen nod and speak, "Bagel with cream cheese and medium Hazelnut coffee."
"Bacon, egg, and cheese wrap, hash browns, and medium got latte." Luke answers.
"Medium iced tea with scrambled egg and cheese with sausage served on an English muffin." Jacklyn replies.
"A medium cappuccino with a blueberry muffin." Monica says.
"I'll have a turkey, cheddar, and bacon flatbread sandwich with a medium iced tea, please." Oliver politely asks.
"Okay, so two bagels with cream cheese, two medium Hazelnut coffees, one bacon, egg and cheese with sausage on an English muffin, two medium iced teas, one blueberry muffin, and a medium cappuccino." I breathe in deeply by the time I finish the orders, trying to refill my lungs with air, "Alright, which one of you wants to come with me to help get the stuff and make sure I don't screw up any orders?" Oliver opens his mouth, but Allen responds quicker after shutting his notebook, "I'll go. Only if that's alright with you, of course." He pushes his glasses up firmly with his index finger.
"Sure thing, Al." Without warning, he takes my hand and leads me into the shop. Just as I enter I see a very familiar face. Someone I had not seen in a very, very long time. Allen walks ahead, letting go of my hand as I freeze in place as I watch the familiar person approach me. He stops right in front of me and I address him by his name, "Chara?"