Dreaming Up Reality
Ch. 2.
'CLASSSSH!' The plate fell to the ground, shattering into just about a million tiny peices. As soon as it happened Aleice looked to the ceiling, closed her eyes, and sighed knowing what was coming next. "What the hell was that?" Her mothers loud booming voice echoed in from the living room. "Sorry mom.. It slipped. We have tons of plates though,.." She was trying to sound apologetic, but really she couldn't care less. She had dropped the plate trying to remember what she had dreamed about earlier. She knew it had been a good one but couldn't quite recall the events. Ah well.
Finishing up the dishes took another hour. And then dinner was afterwards. She never ate dinner with the rest of them. Not only becuase one of the dining table chairs was broke, but it was just awkward. She knew exactly how her family felt about her, and knowing you're not welcome is never a good feeling. Taking her late she began to walk back to the living room, catching glimpses of everyone having a nice little conversation around the table. There was her mother, Kristie; the homecomming queen of her time, the one all the guys went for, the cheerleader, and the cheater. There was her boyfriend of five years and the guy she cheated on her father with, Christopher; the hunter, the redneck, the dumbass, the lazy one for which she had no idea why her mother picked. Then there was the fourteen year old brother, Trevor; one of the most foul little boys you could ever meet, the disgusting, the ill-tempered, the one she wished didn't exist. Finally, there were the two little sisters, Harlie and Miranda; the most annoying little sisters anyone could ever have, even if they were the lesser of evils in that house.
That was the family, if that's what you could call it. All they considered her was a waste of space. It's hard to disguise that feeling. Was it too much to ask to just feel wanted? Just a little? Aleice sighed and looked down, taking a seat on the couch and starting to eat.
After dinner was the same routine: do the dishes, take a shower, don't speak a word until everyone went to bed, leaving her alone in the living room to rot. At least, that's how she felt. Or maybe it was this damn headache? Ugh. She needed some fresh air. Silently slipping into her favorite Ohio State hoodie, she grabbed a flashlight and her cell phone and stepped out onto the porch. It was a cool night tonight, nothing but cornfields and the sounds of the wind blowing around her tonight. The moon was a nice little crescent shape, but it was enough to light her path as she began to walk out of the yard and onto the small highway beside her house. Nightly walks were peaceful to her, it gave her time to think and be alone. It also gave her time to call her aunt, Tammy. Her aunt was really the only one in her life who didn't think she was a waste. Tammy was the one there for her as a kid when her parents fought or were a long ways from home. She was a saint. But her days were numbered, for she had heart disease and wasn't doing very well.
Carefully dialing her aunts numbers, the phone rang.
"Heeyyy kiddo!" "Hey Tammy" "What's up babe? Why are you calling so late? Lucky I was still up haha." "I know.. I'm sorry.. I just haven't heard your voice for a while. And I need to talk to someone.." There was a silence. "Aleice.. you know I'm always here for you." Aleice smiled and felt a tear roll down her cheek. Her aunt wouldn't always be there.. every moment away from her was a moment lost. "I know.. I love you." "I love you too kiddo. Now what's up?" Aleice went on to tell her what was happening, how she hadn't been able to find work yet, how she hated living in the Hell hole she did now, how she felt lost and would give anything to be a kid again. Her aunt had little to say, even she knew there was nothing more she could do but comfort her.
After another few minutes they said their goodbyes and Aleice was alone again, nothing but the cool air and a throbbing headache to keep her company. Her headache had gotten worse, now her nose was congested and her head was full of pressure. It was getting bad actually. She decided it'd be best to turn back, but her house was a good two miles away.
Slowly, her vision began to fade. The wind was no longer audible.. only the thumping of her brain against the sides of her skull. Oh how painful it was.. She needed to get home and take some medicine, but no matter how much she walked it just seemed to get further away. She knew she couldn't go on, she needed to call for help. Shaky and out of energy, she slowly pulled her phone out of her pocket and tried dialing in her home number. Just as she was about to hit call her vision gave out, along with her legs. All in one motion she blacked out, dropping her phone and rolling into the ditch on the side of the road.