Jynx

by Magi the Writer

Deciding to take a bath spontaneously in the night couldn't lead to anything horrible, right? Well, undoubtably, you were wrong, very wrong. Freezing and naked, you only had a brown towel to salvage your dignity. At least you weren't alone, a black-haired boy was there you. Soaked in water—what an awkward way to being Isakaied into a new world.

JYNX

CHAPTER ONE:

Rubba-dub-dub in the tub

Yawning loudly, I lifted my arms above my head—stretching as my fingers laced together. Arching my back as a rumbling whine slipped from my chest.

I could feel the muscles around my tense shoulders harden at the action. My legs lifted straight, the building burn within my calf's grew as I released.

Letting my legs slump upon the floor, and my arms hanging by my sides. I sluggishly fluttered my lashes, the tiny tears that clung upon them nearly slipped through the cracks. But I swiftly swatted them away with my hand.

Rubbing my tongue to the roof of my mouth; the taste of tea stained my tastebuds as the large mug sat on a ceramic plate.

The large mug held the half-drunken substance, but it had long since gone cold. Chill to the touch, the surface held that icky skin that'd form along the top.

I lazily lifted my arms, laying them onto the desk. I readied myself to slave away at my keyboard once again.

But all I did was just blankly stare at the bright screen.

The PowerPoint that I've been working on was green and white. The endless boxes that took the point was in a small font. The mindless monotonous sentences described WW2, and the historical use of animals.

Tiredly humming to myself like a zombie, my heavy gaze drifted from the screen. Settling upon my Bluetooth earphones.

The device sat abandoned, laying there haphazardly on the desk intertwined with one another thanks to the magnets.

The music that once played from the pieces were silenced. I had stopped listening indefinitely to any music or background sounds. (Seeing as it did nothing but distract me from my current task) The black plastic shone dully in the light of my lamp.

Scratching my head, the wonderful sensation had me turning into a puddle. My (Eye colour) eyes were half-lidded, thanks to the constant lack of sleep.

Only staying open thanks to the shear motivation to complete my presentation…

Though that motivation was slowly—okay, quickly dwindling.

I honestly wanted to quit, crawl into my bed and worry about it later on tomorrow. But then I start thinking about the other projects I have, work that need to be hand up.

'Yeah…' Drawing that thought out, I'd rather not expand this project to the next day. But, what can you do when it's the last year of high school? I may have less lessons in a day, but the work load is weighted the same as a full school day.

"Eeeeerrrrrr" I groaned out as I slumped back in my chair. The back-rest flung backwards as it came to a sudden halt.

I wanted nothing more than to sleep as I peered up at the ceiling. Unblinking as my eyes flickered towards the time.

"12:23—fffffffuuuuuuuuccccccckkkkkkk." I groaned, knowing that I was nowhere near done for my history presentation.

I still needed to complete four more slides, fill out all the references within my last slide. Also, to ensure that the pictures are there. Then go back through all of the slides, just to ensure that all is spelt correctly and any technical issues are fixed.

And if I have any time left from all of that, make the PowerPoint have transitions and animations.

Just to make the slide snazzier for those who are to watch the screen.

Moving my hands away from the keyboard, I placed my elbows upon the desk. Placing my fingers on the sides of my head, I moved them in a circular motion. Massaging my head—trying to ease the headache that had formed.

My eyes were straining to read the text, hurting and dry—wanting nothing more than to close for a few hours.

But I continued to be stubborn and march onwards for a fruitless endeavour.

Reading my work, it was obvious that there were some misspelled words throughout.

"Ah, mistakes." I muttered under my breath.

Puffing at the sight as it just made my job harder—and longer as I swiftly fixed it. Watching as the red, squiggly lines that highlighted the words disappeared.

Busying myself into editing the blue lines, fixing them up as I went. Once finished, I pressed the Enter key. Watching as the blinking stick move down the box, my fingers pressed the keys swiftly.

Continuing with filling out the points, I paused as I was quick to delete the words. Watching the screen as the letters disappeared as I rewrote the sentence, but in another way.

Reading along with what I written, just to check for any spelling mistakes. But in my sleep-deprived state—many small things would just slip through the cracks.

And my ever-decreasing determination to finish this presentation didn't provide any help.

"Yeah… that's okay…" I declared softly.

Not spotting anything wrong as my [right/left] hand grabbed the mouse. Moving it across the desk as I watched the white arrow glide.

Zooming across the screen, only for it to land on the Microsoft Explora icon.

I clicked the blue swirl, observing the application that took over the screen. Covering the PowerPoint up as a wall of text appeared.

Filled with information about the war; a few images broke the large paragraphs up, just to help ease the brain.

And already awaiting me was a highlighted part of a sentence. It was highlighted in a grey block, I moved my gaze over the words.

Quickly finding where I left off, I started to read the next sentence. Just looking for more information that I could use and add to my work.

With the hope that it'd gander extra points, I scratched my nose with the back of my hand. The itch still remained present, but I decided to ignore it, for now at least.

'There is another story regarding the reason why Pollyanna was given to HMS Trident. This version states that the reindeer was given to the crew in recognition of their fight against German forces in the Arctic Circle. The Russians were thankful for the help and so gave the reindeer to the submarine crew as a gift.' I read, highlighting this sentence as I then closed explorer.

With the sentence fresh in my mind, I returned to the PowerPoint.

Quickly typing in what I found, I finished writing as I re-read what I had added. Nodding mindlessly afterwards, satisfied with my work.

But not particularly caring that this sentence was much shorter and condensed then the websites version.

Then again, such tid-bits would be fixed by a future me. Most likely in history class; shifting the mouse, I followed it as the curser glided back to the Microsoft explorer.

My eyes moved to stare at the top of my screen. Peering at the many tabs that I had opened. It was an organised mess; searching for a specific one, I honestly didn't know which tab was what. I've opened so many, I was clueless.

So, I took a gander and selected one of the last tabs. They were all so congested—it was a mystery of which was what for what project.

But, within an instant, the screen changed. Showing off a new page—this one was already half-way down the site, the paragraph that was displayed held a highlighted sentence.

Like many other tabs within my browser.

But my attention was immediately directed to reading.

Skimming over the information, I used the scroll in my mouse, looking at the next part. It was ladled with a number on the side and in bold writing, showing just were in the list I was.

'Mules huh. So, no more reindeers?' I dryly joked to myself. But swift to rolling down to the first paragraph, I began to read.

'Mules provided the backbone of British Army logistics over difficult terrain transporting ammunition, equipment, medical panniers and even the wounded over what amounted to thousands of miles during the course of the war.' I read in my head slowly.

The lack of pause within this sentence had me a bit breathless.

'God I'm tired.' I stated to myself, chewing the inside of my lip as I rubbed my eye.

I highlighted the paragraph, making sure that the sentence was covered in blue. I pressed down Control along withthe letter C, I moved the mouse down, going to the search bar below.

Watching blankly as a large, white box opened. Revealing the last searched applications, I skimmed through them. Sliding the little arrow towards the little digital pad that sat off to the right.

I double clicked it.

Waiting for the black box that appeared to load, a yellow notepad appeared at the top right corner of my screen.

It held a bunch of writing inside, I ignored what it said. Seeing as it was more information that was stored for the potential use in my PowerPoint.

Pressing control, I then followed it up with the letter V this time.

A small wall of text manifested. It was a copy of the sentence prier had appeared, because the note was slimmed, the sentence was forced to squish within the box. Making the small sentence look larger than it was.

Hitting enter, the blinking stick move below the sentence.

Holding down the dash button, a flurry of little dashes line the bottom of my copied sentence. Only releasing my finger from the dash when it passed down into another row.

Tidying it up swiftly by deleting the extra dashes—they weren't needed as I returned to Explora. The pad disappeared, joining the PowerPoint in the background as I once again, began reading from where I left off.

I sighed,

'God, this one's worse than the other fuckin' one!' I cursed in my head.

'At least the paragraph before had a comer in it.' I complained—being something I did a lot during studying. I finished reading the block of text, just thinking about mules reminded me of a childhood memory.

Back when I was a little kid. Going on an excursion, traveling through the city by foot to visit the botanic gardens. And around there, while walking the city streets, was a statue.

Somewhere around there, it held a mule and a man.

The statue sat on a large, stone podium as the man was slumped over the mule. At least that's what I can remember.

However, I couldn't for the life of me remember what the street was called. Much less, where in the city was that statue, and the garden.

I didn't have a clue,

So, I was quick to move the mouse up to the tabs. Sending the arrow to the right, towards the little plus icon.

I clicked open a new tab, the pretty background was what met me from the search engine, there was a search bar within the middle.

My thumb thumped against the edge of the keyboard. Pressing my lips together in thought,

'Man, I can't remember what the statue was called—much less where in the city it's located in…' I sighed to myself.

Slightly miffed at my inability to recall simple memories, I ducked my head down slightly. Staring at my lap as it's been so long since I've been in the city. It's like a dream when I try and think back on it all…

I can remember certain things, but small details just escape me.

Eyes locking upon the figurine that held my phone. It was of Jack the Skeleton from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Originally the little statue was to hold a Play Station controller. But I found a better use for it by holding my phone. Not because we don't have a PlayStation; we do, it's down in the lounge room.

But there isn't a proper place for it to sit without risking the statute to fall over. So, it sat in my room. I used it to watch video's while I'm working on projects.

'I'd ask my parents… but—I'd rather not wake them up.' Pouting, I wasn't dumb enough to barge in and demand answer. It the middle of the night—everyone's asleep.

'Looks like I'll have to address google for this problem.' I mused, cracking a smile as I dismissed my thoughts, I clicked the search bar.

Releasing my mouse, I moved my hand to join the other to the keypad. Pressing the buttons swiftly, my eyes trailed after the letters that began to form words within the box.

Filling it with a blank sentence, one I was hoping that the algorithm would know what I was talking about.

The screen suddenly changed after I pressed enter. A line of different sites filled the screen, one after the other—from the most popular to the least—each site held a blurb below the title about what was inside.

Flicking my eyes through the ever-long list.

'This one will do,' I settled quickly.

Clicking it with the right side of my mouse, a small menu opened up as I looked though the options.

Finding the one I wanted, I selected the one that said: 'Open in new tab.' A new file took over the screen. Joining the rest of them and making the files all squashed together.

I slid the mouse, selecting the new tab as it loaded. The site was filled with adds as it took them awhile to load fully. Especially the ones with moving gif's; drifting to the title, I didn't bother reading it.

The font was bold and black as just under it was an image below.

Completely ignoring the majority of the sight, I sent the long page spiralling as I looked at the photos.

Taking a second to observe each picture, they were all really good. But none of the images held what I was looking for.

But I still continued down to the bottom of the website. With the hope that I'll find the memory in my head; following the numbered link to the next page.

And before I knew it. I had reached the end of the site; I had come up empty. No images of the statue were there—and sure, there were a few that looked similar.

Groaning softly, I looked down at the time in the corner of my screen. Reading the black numbers as they lingered within my head.

"12:34… God, this is taking too long." I groaned—losing patients; even when it's only been about ten minutes.

I was tired, exhausted—I wanted to sleep. To curl up into a tight ball so then I don't feel like a grump in the morning.

Bringing my face to the palms of my hand. I rubbed, trying to sober myself just a little. To just get through this.

But it didn't work, so I gave up. After only a small while of working on my slide, I gave up.

Closing both of the tabs, not even bothering to look through the others. The original sight I was reading popped right back up as I then made a swift decision.

"Fuck it, I'm taking a bath." I stated out loudly.

Quickly clamping my mouth shut, I sat there in my room.

Body tensing straight as I sat in the silence. Straining to listen for any wall banging from my siblings or heavy stomping from my parents.

But none came as I sighed in relief. Not wanting to awake my siblings or worse, my mother.

That is if she's home…

Sliding the mouse, the arrow on the screen flung itself towards the direction I wanted it to go. Stopping over the now, red X in the right corner. And with a click to my mouse, a sudden rectangle popped up in the middle of my computer.

I didn't care for what it said, all the opened tabs will be there anyways. So, I shrugged it off; selecting yes as the app closed down.

Faced with my PowerPoint, flinging the arrow once again, but off to the left. I then stopped on the icon at the end, the save button was highlighted grey as I gave it a click.

The arrow suddenly turned into a swirling circle of blue as it suddenly changed back. And with that, I moved the mouse once again.

Going back to the X I selected it, the app shut down. Only now leaving my opened notepad that was still sat within the top right corner. Along with a file that I had lazily chucked off to the left.

It took half of the screen up; showing off many other files that were present in my computer. But the opened file held three other files.

'Completed PowerPoints', 'Completed word assessments' and 'Given Assessments'. But that didn't matter as of now. Seeing as I was shutting off things rather than opening things.

Closing the pad and the file down, I watched as they disappeared from the screen.

The only thing that was showing off was my wallpaper. It held a rough, but coloured sketch of a neko Enmu from Demon Slayer.

Shifting my attention towards the windows icon down on the left, I clicked it.

Watching as a large, white rectangle appear on the left, bottom of the screen. Many apps filled the space as I moved towards the power button.

Pressing it, three options appeared: sleep, shut down and reset. I selected the shut-down option, it took my computer a moment to register what I wanted. The screen was quick to turn blue, shutting everything off with the words: Shutting down.

A circle sat under it, the little bubbles spun around and around.

Placing my hands onto my desk, I used my feet to push myself out from under the table. My butt-cheeks felt completely numb, no feeling was there as my muscles felt tight. Stiff even from the lack of movement as the cold nibbled at my bear feet.

Stretching my arms above my head, I looked down to my earphones.

'I should put them into their doc,' I thought. Realizing that tomorrow I'll need them.

Unless I wanted to be seated on the bus, forced to listen to chatty people. Talking obnoxiously loud like there isn't anyone else on the bus. Or the poor screaming children that just won't shut it; either way, that sounds like a nightmare.

Plucking the buds into my hand, the clunky things were currently turned off. Shifting my attention towards the cords, they were tangled with each other. Carefully moving them around, I found the one I was looking for.

Grabbing it, the sleek case was plugged in with a grey cord. One that wasn't provided by the manufacture. Clearly as the colour—or shade were completely different than the case. But it held the same port—so no harm, no-foul to me.

It charges all the same in the end.

Popping the top open with my thumb, I placed the pieces into the correct slot. Making sure they were placed in properly as both pieces lit up.

The sudden, red light informed me that they were plugged in. Satisfied, I returned the port back onto the desk.

Making sure that it wouldn't suddenly slide off and onto the floor. I grabbed my phone from the Jack Skeletons statue, placing it on my bedside table.

It held a lamp, a coaster and a book—a manga more specifically.

It was number seven of Demon Slayer; a book mark was stuck within the wedge of the pages. The little tussle of string stuck out from the top, laying against the wood as it was a lime green.

Plugging my phone in, the black screen lit up. Showing my background off as I copied the sound that I heard a thousand times before.

"Bu-dop" I smiled at the sound. The little ring was drowned out by my voice as I shifted my hold. Tracing the side as I looked for the button as I pressed it.

Turning the phone off as I placed it onto the table. A sudden yawn crawled its way out from my mouth.

I turned my head towards my bed.

The thick quilt on top was coloured a light purple and an off-white. The pattern that was printed on top was of diamond shaped squares. Scrunched up, folded over and crinkled as that was how I left it this morning.

But it seemed as if my laziness was well appreciated by my cat. They were napping on my blanket, it's missed-matched fur was long and thick. They were all huddled up. Curled with their head tucked between their legs.

Their chest raised and fell, their ears were pinned back. Napping peacefully as I grabbed my pyjama's that was tossed within the corner between my pillows.

Chuckling at the animal, I placed my hand onto the tubby cat. Petting its head softly, the animal let out an abrupt meow that slipped from its throat.

The animal started off as a purr, then to a small squeak.

"Aaawww," I softly let out. Watching as the cat lifted its fluffy head—staring up at me with droopy eyes. And with a scratch of its head, I removed my hand.

Where I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. Shifting my hold on the crinkled articles of clothing, I moved them to my [right/left] arm. Holding them close to my chest as I stifled another yawn.

"Imma bathe," I muttered out to the cat. Telling them where I was going, it all but stared at me with half-lidded eyes.

There dull, green orbs blinked owlishly towards me. Only to open its maw, yawning silently and laying their head back down into the blanket.

Rolling my [left/right] shoulder, I once again spoke up.

"Mmmaaaannnn, all this homework really is putting a number on my muscles." I mumbled under my breath, remembering how for hours I was hunched over my desk.

Typing away like some sleep deprived goblin, peering into the screen. Reading and watching all kind of things. Especially committing all the formulas for fractions into my memory for the up-coming quiz.

Shuffling slowly, I made my way across the floor. Heading towards my bedroom door, where I grabbed onto the nob. Twisting it as I opened the door, the light squeal that came from the hinges were heard.

The light in my room poured into the dark hallway, lighting the space up. The paint on the walls were a plain white as the floor was made from wood. The light colour shone dully thanks to the light as I sniffed.

Pulling the snot in my nose up, I stepped out. Looking down the left—there were a few doors that were spaced out on the walls. Four to be exact; all the same colour as mine—all except one. That one was my older sister's room.

They shared a bedroom with each other—though they aren't too happy about that. Seeing as they are complete opposites to each other.

But, none-the-less, I closed my door.

Just leaving a small gap between, allowing a small sliver of light to pierce the crack. Just in case the cat in my bed wanted to leave, they can by pawing at the cracked door.

Making my way down the hall; I shuffled forwards, cautious as to not stab my toe against the wall. Or kick something like a potted plant—hell even a toy that was left there by my younger brother.

Even when I was shuffling slowly; trying to find my way to the bathroom. I used my other hand; laying my fingers against the wall, running my tips to travel with only touch in the darkness.

The creaking of the wood epeed out—sounding louder now that it's quiet. But I didn't care much—this isn't enough to wake up my family.

Going over a door frame, I passed my parent's bedroom. The crack under the door was pitch black.

Clearly showing that someone went to bed. Or they were down on the ground floor, watching TV. But none-the-less, I continued onwards—walking past the door.

Just being more cautious as to not wake them up.

'A bath sounds nice; before I go to bed and wake up for school…' I sighed, dreaming of how lovely a nice, hot bath will feel against my skin.

And the lovely smell of honey and milk—my favourite bubble-bath soap would smell.

"Hhhmmmm," I hummed. Loving that idea very much; the little bumps in the paint vibrated under my fingertips. And before I knew it, I had my fingers brushing against another doorframe.

A small smile pulled at the corners of my lips. I knew this was the bathroom; dragging my hand across the wood, I searched for the handle to the door.

My fingers brushed against the metal; I was quick to return to the nob.

Grasping the handle and wrapping my hand around it. Giving the nob a twist, I pushed the door open. The cool, midnight air brushed against my skin; my hand slid against the smooth tiling on the wall as I searched for the switch.

Finding it, I flicked the switch on the wall. The bulb above flickered to life, lighting the space in a soft glow. The clean space smelt like lemon and vinegar as the all-ceramic surfaces shone.

'Looks like my sister cleaned the bathroom.' I noted as I stepped in.

Closing the door behind me, I pushed the pop-lock into the knob—locking it shut.

Even though no one would be walking in blindly, I just wanted to be sure.

Taking a look around. I stared at the tub that was on the right—stuck within the corner.

The sides were covered with brown slabs as there was a ledge between the tub and the wall. It held all the liquid soaps and shampoos—along with the conditioner.

And to the side of the tub, stuck into the wall was a large rack. It contained a few towels. Fluffy and large as I looked them over.

One was a dark blue—which belonged to my mother. Then a light green one—this one belonged to my older sister and the light brown one belonged to me. The dark green one was of my other, older sister—however, it wasn't present with the other towels.

She normally takes hers into her room—not wanting one of us to mistaken who's who. Even though all our towels were colour coded.

Then there's the dark maroon one—this one belongs to my father. And lastly, was my baby brother. He had a small pink towel-as to not trip over his own feet when it's chucked over his shoulder.

Moving my gaze, there on the left was both a toilet. And next to the toilet was a sink, it was built into the counter. Where it held more soaps and other cleaning chemicals within the cabinets.

Returning my gaze to the rack, I walked forwards.

The soft patting of my feet echoed in the silent room; further into the bathroom as I then reached the other side. Hanging my pyjamas onto the rack; on top of the towels, I made sure it was hooked on properly.

The cool slabs beneath my bare feet sent a shiver up my legs.

Making the little hairs on my skin to stand tall.

Shifting over to the tub. I stepped onto the bathmat that was placed near the bathtub.

The thick numbs were squished down under my foot as I knelt onto my knee. Looking at the corner, I spotted the black plug.

Picking it off from the side, I then stuck it into the drain. Closing it off as I stood back up to my feet—walking over towards the door.

I stared at the little panel box that was stuck to the wall. I pressed the 'on' button; the loud beep that came from the device sounded out. It echoed as the little, green light shone brightly.

The little screen was a lit number, showing the tempture that it was set on.

"Forty-three," I muttered under my breath.

Shaking my head as I sighed.

"Mum really likes hot showers…" I mused. "I do enjoy hot baths sometimes to. But God, I couldn't do it every day—much less in the shower." I finished off muttering to myself.

Even though no one was there; pressing the little arrow, I watched the number count down.

'Forty-two, forty-one, forty, thirty-nine.' I counted, but paused as I moved my finger to the arrow pointing up.

Making the number return to forty, I was happy with the temperature set. I then turned my attention to the light switches.

It sat next to the door—running my fingers over the options, I was quick to flick the fan on.

The whirling of the air being suck up began to play—cutting the silence as I turned back around. Returning to the tub as I knelt back on my knee, grabbing the faucet, I began to twist it.

I was struggling as my arm trembled a little, mum also really liked tightening the faucets.

To prevent leakage, but I was able to turn it on. A gargle rung out from the tap as a splurge of clear water shot out.

Pouring down into the tub and directly onto the plug. The little droplets splashed against the walls, slowly sliding down back into the water. The sound echoed within the bathroom and most-likely down the hall.

Without a doubt, the sound most likely woke somebody as I stood to my feet. Turning around, I began to walk to the left side of the room.

Stripping down, I dumped each article into a hamper. It was half-way filled with clothes—a mix of mine, my sibling and my parents; though it's not like it mattered anyways. It all get brought back to us… eventually.

I shivered as the cold kissed my skin.

The little bumps mostly appeared on my legs and arms. My [pink/brown/red/black] nipples were perked up, all excited to be exposed.

'Man, I'm freezing.' I sighed as I turned back around. Walking towards the tub; the water that ran from the tap was no longer clear as it was cloudy—from the heat.

Placing my hand under the flowing water, I felt it burn my skin—making me pull away.

"Yep, that's perfect." I nodded as I stood to my feet; walking back towards the left as I stood before the mirror.

My (HL), (HC) hair was [brushed back/held in a pony-tail/tied in a bun/placed in pig-tails]. The [clips/hair-ties/scrunchy/rubber-bands/Head-band) was a (Favourite colour) hue. I removed the [scrunchy/rubber-band/hair-ties/clips/head-band] from my hair.

Running my hand through my hair, I ruffled the strands as I placed the accessories down. Stacking them with the many other accessories that were in fact, not my own.

Staring down at the sink in front of me, it was clean. No mould, paste stains or algae could be seen around the drain. Nor within the sink along with any hair that somehow fell in.

It was taken out and scrubbed away,

The shiny coat to the porcelain sink reflected the light. But behind the faucets on the right-hand side of the sink, was a short, glass cup.

It held the colourful plastic called toothbrushes… Well, most of them were plastic. The wooden one was my oldest sisters.

But next to the cup was two tubes of tooth paste.

The first one was a large tube. It was a bright red as it was placed on its cap. This was the Colgate brand that whitened one's teeth.

This one was mostly used by me, my dad and my other older sister.

But the second one was smaller—more environmentally friendly and is used by my other older sister, my mother and little brother.

Looking at the glass cup, I spotted my toothbrush.

It was the pink one as I plucked it from the cup. Turning on the sink's faucet, I held my toothbrush under the stream. Plucking the toothpaste from the counter, I popped open the top. Squeezing the tube, I smeared the white paste onto the bristles.

Quickly closing the cap with the back of my hand. I returned the Colgate tub back onto its original spot. Staring at my reflection, my lips parted into a weird snarl—one that showed off my slightly yellow teeth.

Stained from the tea I was sipping on through-out the afternoon and night. I began to brush my teeth with a lazy vigour; the white troth had already begun to build in my mouth. I removed my toothbrush, leaning forwards, I spat into the sink.

Watching as the now hot water washed the foam away and down the drain. But I wasn't done, I went back a second time. Making sure I cleaned every inch of my mouth, I spat it out.

Rinsing the bristles under the water, I made sure the toothbrush was clean. Tapping it against the sink to rid it of the access water, I dropped it back into the cup.

Holding my hand under the water, I hissed at the heat. Collecting a palm full as I brought it to my lips. Sucking up the hot liquid as I cleaned my mouth from the left-over toothpaste.

Swishing the water around in my mouth, I could feel the hot water. Burning at my gums, I continued as I spat it all out.

Turning off the water, I reached over to grabbed the facial towel that rested on the counter. Using it to dry my lips and chin, I threw it back onto the counter.

'I should check the tub.' I thought to myself.

Spinning around, I returned to the bathtub side. Staring down into it, the bottom of the tub was completely filled with water.

The steam that came off it was enough proof as I moved to the ledge. Looking through all the soaps, searching for mine.

'Lavender, coconut—ew, passionfruit, Chocolate? Why—never mind.' I thought, listing off each soap that wasn't mine. But it wasn't long until I spotted what I was looking for amongst the others.

It was in a white bottle, honey and milk—soft on the skin and the smell was really gentle. Not overpowering to the point where it makes any other applicants. Like perfumes or cream,

Plucking it from amongst the crowd, I fiddled with it for a short bit.

Popping the cap opened, I began to poor the liquid soap in. The off-white soap fell in a long line, plunging into the water and sinking to the bottom of the tub.

Pulling away, I stopped squeezing the tube as I closed the cap.

Placing it back by slowly sliding it amongst the others. Small bumps littered my skin—making me shiver as I watched the steam swirling up into the air.

The soap inside the water began to dissolve—especially around the plug as bubbles began to form. Taking over the surface of the water, I leaned over the edge.

Sticking my hand into the scorching water, I sucked in a breath of pain. Swishing my arm around, I began to move the soapy water. Memorised as it began to form into a small, and weak whirl hole within the centre.

Pulling my hand out, I took a seat on the edge of the tub, my eyes trailed to the wall. Staring at the tiling—feeling a little awkward and cold.

My blunt nails tapped against the edge of the bathtub, thinking to myself.

'I wonder what book we'll be reading for English…' I blinked as I continued. 'It could be The Mocking Bird… or it might be the Hunger Games…' I pondered. Rolling my eyes at the mear mention of those books, why does it have to be that book.

I wish that we could just choose what we wanted to read.

But, no. It has to be whatever the government deems 'appropriate' for those around the ages seventeen, eighteen and on rare occasions, nineteen.

The water that coated my arm, rolled down my skin, resting against the lip of the tub. And the once burning water had gone cold quickly.

Kissed by the chilling room as I looked behind me, staring at the water level of the tub.

"Eh," I whispered. "The water is a quarter of the way…" I hummed, watching as the steam continued to waft into the air.

The only warm place was inside the tub that is filling with water.

'Bbbbbbuuuuuutttttt, if I'm remembering correctly. At the end of the year—for graduation we'll be going camping!' I thought. Feeling quite excited about camping; I just hoped that it'd be in a cabin, and not in a tent.

I'd rather not sleep—much less within a fallen tent again. Like the last time I went camping…

With a pitiful sigh at the memory—it was a nightmare as I stood up from the edge. Stretching as I bent over, my fingertips touched my toes. I stood like that for a while, enjoying the burning within the back of my thighs.

I stood straight, licking my dry lips as I turned to face the bathtub. Eyeing the water level closely, I shrugged my shoulders. Deeming the volume high enough as I climbed inside, not wanting to somehow slip and crack my skull open… Or break my elbows, my arm, knees or any-other bones.

My grip on the edge tightened as I began to sink down slowly. Easing myself into the water, I took my time as the pain that came from the heat made me hiss softly.

It turned my skin red,

"Ow," I let out softly; trying to relax in the water and ignore the burning heat.

I felt myself shiver, more bumps formed on my arms and my exposed chest. I shifted in the tub, letting go of the edge as I crossed my arms under my chest. Rubbing my arms as I tried to keep warmth within my chest, I sat there.

Staring down at the water as it slowly rose higher.

'My history presentation is taking too long,' I sighed.

Once again, thinking about this stupid project. I wanted nothing more than to believe it doesn't exist entirely.

'I know it's dew next fortnight, but still. With the other two to do. It will probably be a close-call.' Closing my eyes, I continued to ponder about my homework.

'But I'm glad my English is done and handed up… I'd be able to work on my history project. But I know reading a book is coming up. And I'm going to despise that.' I sighed, sliding a little deeper into the tub.

"I don't get why people like reading…" I mumbled out to no one in particular.

"It's much easier just to watch TV or YouTube over reading a book—I do enough of that at school. Reading all different websites for shit that I mostly won't use." Looking down into the tub, the water inside was close to covering my legs.

The bubbles floated on the top of the water as the ripples glided across the surface.

'And I still need to decide what I'm cooking for hospitality class… And finish off that review of my last meal…' I groan, remembering how that one is far to close in being overdue. 'Crap. Right, so in English it looks like I'll have to work on the review. And in my break, I'll do my history project. But what about maths?' I questioned.

Thinking as to what to do; chewing at my lip, I slipped down into the tub.

'History in my break within the morning, and continue through my history class.' Narrowing my eyes, I continued. 'Then, in cooking I won't be able to do my review… Mostly because I need to find a new recipe and go through the new assignment…' Chewing at the skin around my thumb.

My brows tucked between the bridge of my nose, crinkling the skin.

'So, in English I'll ask Mr. Jaheem if I could do my review.' Taking a breath in, Mr. Jaheem appeared in my head. 'He'll probably let me—seeing as I've finished. But, as for maths well…' Trying to figure out just where that part comes into my schedule.

'I can always do that in class and then at home—or after my review.' Cracking my eyes opened, I stared at the flowing water.

Watching as it poured from the tap, the back-splash landed onto the tubs wall.

"Life is too hard." I stated with no real context as I sagged into the bathtub.

Closing my eyes as I practically turned into gloop—I stared through hooded eyes. Blankly staring as the water swiftly covered my stomach. My feet became numbed to the pain.

"And decisions are too complicated." Sliding down further into the tub, my knees bended to accommodate my upper half. I closed my eyes, dipping my head under the water.

'I have no clue as to what University or job I want to get into. Much less where in life I want to be…' Running my fingers through my hair.

The strands were wet—floating through the water as I continued thinking.

'I'm eligible to join a university—thanks to my constant studying. And the virus, but I'm sick of studying. I've been doing this for years… But what would I do?' Scrunching my face at the question.

It was something that was hovering over me, mocking me as I had no answer to it.

'Probably be a fast-food worker for someplace like Macca's. Or even Hungry Jacks.' I mused, coming up with the likelihood on the spot as I ran my fingers through my hair.

Pulling at the soaked strands as they floated in the water.

I could feel my throat tightening from the lack of oxygen. Pressure was building up within my mouth as my lungs were slowly clenching.

'Hell, maybe I could be a E-girl on twitch—or better yet, a V-tuber.' I imagened, finding such a thing funny.

Streaming with tight revealing clothing, baiting many—or having an adorable character and a strange backstory.

Either way, both were a fever dream that I knew I couldn't handle. I slowly rose from the water, Sitting back up as I flicked my hair back.

Removing it from my face as the water drained, making the strands cling to my skin. I breathed out, swiftly following it up with an inhale.

I scooted myself forwards, leaning as I turned the tap off. I slid back into laying within the tub, soaking in the burning water.

I could feel my stiff muscles relaxing, unknotting from the daily grind. A sudden frown made its way to my face.

"I feel like I've forgotten something…" I muttered out, squinting my eyes as I tried to remember what it was.

'It's not my homework. I know what I have to do for that. Nor is it anything from school—I don't need to bring anything…' Tilting my head, I picked up my hair. Drained it from the water that clung to it.

'I wasn't given any forms for my parents either… I don't have a meeting with any of my teachers…' Throwing my hair to the side.

I was clueless—I could figure out just what I was forgetting. I began to nibble on my nail,

'Is it anything from home? I don't think so; no—I don't.' I sighed softly. Shaking my head as I just couldn't remember what it was.

Pulling my thumb away from my mouth, I sagged.

"Oh well," I mumbled. "It doesn't matter—I'll remember it tomorrow… maybe." I breathlessly stated, finding the bath relaxing as my skin no longer burnt.

Finally adjusted to the heat in the water. I rubbed my eye with the back of my hand, the fatigued was making my brain hazy.

Thinking was becoming harder as my brain could only focus on the things within the present. And the only future that it can see was sleep. Nothing else.

I just wanted to lay down in my bed, drift away into dream-land as my eyes began to droop.

Sight slowly blurring, becoming dark as I sunk into the tub. My head was drifting off to the side as my [thick/thin/plump] lips began to part.

My breathing became slow and shallow as I lulled off into the between.

Still awake, but drifting down to slumber as the water stilled. Not a ripple was seen—nor felt as the only sound was the whirl of the fan.

It was peaceful, but dangerous—I could drown. But my concern for self-preservation was pretty much pushed to the back of my mind.

My arms laid on the rests built in the tub as the water that clung to my hair became frigid.

Damp and cold,

"What the—" I suddenly spoke, becoming alerted by the sudden movement of the water.

Something brushed against the skin of my toes. I fluttered open my eyes, staring at the water I was trying to figure out why the water moved.

'Was it a spider?' I shivered at the thought. But my question was swiftly answered as I spotted a small whirly at the end of the tub.

It was small and weak—just causing a few small ripples in the water. But I just stared in confusion.

'Did I unplug the plug?' I asked myself. Bewildered by such a thing. But still feeling slothful, I used my [right/left] foot to feel the plug.

Poking around with my large toe as I felt the black plastic.

"What the fuck?" I swore as my foot ran over the stopper. It was, as it's name implies, plugged into the drain as the swirling of the water remained.

Which shouldn't be possible, yet I could only blink. Brows tucking between the bridge of my nose, I was honestly baffled.

Grabbing the edge of the tub, I sat myself up. Pulling my feet away from the end as I stared. Just observing the whirly as I tried to deduced why it was happening.

'I—is it growing?' I questioned, feeling my muscles hardening. The small swirl was in fact grew larger—spinning faster by the second, the centre was dipping deeper in the tub.

My jaw dropped, stammering over my words that got caught in my throat. The whirl was beginning to reach the walls of the tub.

"Oh yeah, it's getting bigger," I finally got out.

My chest began to clench in panic, still not understanding how it was possible. I could feel the whirl hole pulling me in.

"Oh fuck," I whispered out as I could feel, feel my foot being sucked in.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" I cursed in a whisper shout.

Still trying to keep my voice low as I tried to pull my foot out.

But I found it was becoming difficult to do so. Because each time I was able to pull it out—it was just sucking me right back in.

And with each failed attempt, the pull only grew stronger.

My fingers were wrapped tightly around the edge. Holding on for dear life as I tried my damned hardest to climb out. The water began to slap against me and the tubs walls.

Spilling over the edge as I grunted out loud. My breathing began to grow fast paste and shallow as I desperately kept trying to pull myself out from the tub.

I was quickly becoming desperate as I felt my fingers straining. The water against the ceramic didn't help as it acted like oil.

But I was able to throw my arm over the edge, just as my last finger gave out.

Holding on, I pulled my chest against the edge. Grunting as I swung my other arm around, pushing against the tiles. I pulled as hard as I could, still trying to free my leg from this whirl.

But the water was seemingly gunning for my other leg!

Pulling it in to join the other—my need to escape was clashing against the waters supposed need to pull me in.

"Come on, let go!" I spoke harshly, grunting with strain as my entire waist was being pulled in at this point!

My brain was abuzz with urgency, the panic was cluttering my critical thinking.

Growling in defiance, I could only think of grabbing something else. Something that could help pull me out from this water.

I grabbed the first hanging 'branch' I could latch onto as the edge of the tub was doing absolutely nothing for me.

And with a strained grunt, I shot my right hand out—my fingers were wide open as I grasped onto the closest thing.

Curling my fingers around it, I clenched onto it tightly with an iron grip. And for a moment a hopeful smile dazzled my face, but quickly it dimmed down into despair.

Because I only realized my mistake when I felt my entire body being wrenched from the side. Pulled down into the whirling water as in my hand, clutched tightly was my towel.

My big, brown towel as I was swallowed up and pulled under. My screams for help were quite literally drowned out.

Author: Magi the Writer Published on: ? Written on: 20/06/2022

Reviewed on: 05/10/2023, Site Published: Quotev, Wattpad, DeviantArt, ,

Edited On: 21/06/2022, 28/07/2022, 30/07/2022, 01/08/2022, 30/08/2022, 24/03/2023, 05/10/2023,