I woke up late on Saturday Morning. Mum, Sid, Ellie and Dad were in the kitchen, laughing and joking like a happy family. A happy family, which doesn't include me. I stayed in bed, not wanting to come with them to the cinema. Not wanting to go out for pizza. Not wanting to go to the park. Not with him, anyway.
Some may say I'm over reacting, that he's changed and I should forgive him. He said he'd changed before. He said he'd changed when we were five, that he wouldn't drink or smoke again. He did of course, so why should I believe he's changed now.
On the other hand, perhaps he has changed. Perhaps he's changed for the better. Perhaps he no longer drinks or smokes but that doesn't explain why he smells of stale beer. Maybe I'm being unfair but it was him who left us.
I hear the door shut and everyone is gone. Mum didn't even ask if I was coming or if I was aright. She hasn't spoken to me since last night when I disappeared off to my room. I think she's disappointed in me.
At 9.30, I climb out of bed, shower and pull on leggings and a t-shirt. It doesn't matter what I wear today; I'm not going out. I sit down in front of the T.V but there's nothing on. I go on the computer but the computer games aren't working and the Internets playing up. In the end, I sit down with a book but I can't concentrate.
I decide it's time for the last resort and pick up my school bag. I dig out the sheet of paper with the homework on from the dark depths of the bag. It's crumpled but the writing is big so the likes of Erbert can read it.
Our task is to find out about an unusual disease; a rather complicated homework compared to the ones we normally get. I rack my brain for weird diseases but I can't think of any, so instead I have to sit and wait for the Internet to come back on. When it does, it's slow and freezes.
I type in 'unusual diseases' and come across one called 'maladaptive daydreaming'. It sounded unusual enough. Task two on the sheet was to write down what it was. I clicked on the link to find the definition:
Maladaptive daydreaming is when someone daydreams obsessively. They create fantasy worlds in their heads and find it difficult to concentrate. It is often caused by a trauma in their life. They tend to pace backwards and forward and certain types of music often trigger daydreams. Maladaptive Daydreaming can cause problems in life and daydreaming becomes an addiction. The symptoms are:
Daydreaming excessively in a way that is often compared to an addiction.
The daydreaming usually begins in childhood
Books, movies, music, video games and other media sometimes trigger daydreams
The daydreaming is detailed and can sometimes be compared to a book or a movie
Pacing, rocking, spinning or shaking something in their hand as they daydream (this does not always affect everyone)
They may talk, laugh, cry or make facial expressions as they daydream. People who suffer this know the difference between daydreaming and reality so it is not like schizophrenia
Some people may lie in bed for hours daydreaming and may either have trouble going to sleep or difficulty getting out of bed because they are daydreaming.
The daydreaming may cause problems in their day-to-day lives as it causes them to be distracted and not pay full attention.
I wrote all the information down and put it back in my book. I think it would kind of fun to live I a fantasy world, away from reality. Away from real life, where there is problems, upsets and difficulties.
At 3.30 I see everyone walk up the path to the flat. Sid and Ellie are running ahead, laughing and having fun whilst Dad is walking behind Mum, arm around her, smiling and talking.
Have you ever felt as though you're sitting on the sidelines, watching everyone else have fun, but you have no way of joining them?
This chapter's really random. :) Please review!11