"What the hell did I get myself into…"
Not even the pouring rain could cloud out the self-hating thoughts that were beginning to fester in my brain.
"Take her home? Why?"
"Well, you know why, because she is just sitting here all alone with nobody to pick her up that's why."
"But that's not my issue! She got herself into that mess, she can figure it out herself!"
"Well right, then what? Just so then tomorrow she can say to the whole grade how I ditched her in the rain."
"Well, not exactly the rain… She seems awfully dry in that cover she's in…"
"That's still not helping justify just leaving her there, I mean what would I do if I was in that situation?"
"I would like someone to help me…"
"Exactly."
As I finished my internal mental battle I returned to reality to see Avery waving her hand in front of my face.
"Alex…? You um, alright?" She worriedly asked as she slightly peered over to give me a glance.
"Yeah, I'm good, it's just that the storm is messing with my psyche a bit," I mumbled.
"A quick lie."
"Oh is that so~ I never knew you were afraid of storms Alex, I'll keep that in mind," she teased with a giggle.
"I should just shut up next time."
"No- You misunderstand, I'm just worried about how well I will drive in this pouring rain to be honest," I admitted.
"Two lies make a truth, right?"
"I see, well you're right to be worried. I heard that the frequency of car crashes in rain increases by around 80% or so on average." she chimed rather grimly.
"Why does she know that?!"
I pulled down my hoodie and scratched the back of my now wet hair, "Well that isn't exactly something I would want to hear before driving, not even in the rain but a foggy storm now is it," I said with an uneasy chuckle as I turned to her.
She seemed almost oblivious to her saying practically a bad omen before our trek but snapped back immediately once I pointed it out before giving me a sheepish look.
"Sorry! She blurted, "I didn't mean it, I just popped up in my mind the moment when you mentioned it."
"I see…," I trailed off as I turned my attention away from the curse she put on me to how I will get in the car and not get it drenched inside due to my clothes.
"I really didn't!" she suddenly exclaimed once again, "I'm not weird or anything for knowing that, right?"
"Well…"
I turned away slightly, "Well…, I wouldn't really say that…"
"Hey!" she exclaimed once more.
"Honestly I expected that to happen so I was just asking for it."
I turned to face her again only to see her in a small pout. I gave her a nonchalant look though knowing she was not one to just let go.
She continued while slightly waving her hands, "Listen! I remember seeing this infographic about the likelihood of people dying in car crashes during rainstorms like two years ago."
"Wait- 2 years ago? Was it that one time all of the roads in the valleys got flooded and it resulted in school closures around the whole county?" I guessed.
"Well there were a couple more times where it stormed pretty badly but that's the worst one I can recall from the top of my head."
"Yeah, that one!" She chirped before getting another sheepish smile, "Sorry, but yes, I was cooped up whenever that storm passed by, and since at the time I did not have a phone, I just watched the news as it raged and also-"
Her voice seemed to drift away as I was drawn back to the memory of the storm. Loud crashes, the constant pounding of the rain, and the humidity that lingered for weeks afterward.
"I was pretty happy that I got to cut my A-day classes as at the time I had Algebra which I was not exactly and still am not fond of. Granted I still had to wake up due to my alarm, at least it was to be alleviated by my mom telling me not to fret over it. I went back to sleep listening to the sound of the pittering rain thinking I would just be able to relax…"
"If only my freshman self knew. As later I would spend most of the day tagging along with my dad for work. What's the point of a day off if you can't use it?!"
"But yeah, does that explain it, Alex?" She finished as her voice phased right back into existence conveniently as she gave me a look of wishing for… something.
I could only give a half-genuine grin in response, "Yeah, that day sure was hectic, some more for others, am I right?"
"Exactly, just like today… actually it sort of gives some Deja-vu vibes don't you think?" She asked curiously.
"Well I wouldn't say it's an exact copy-paste, but I can see it… sort of. Hm…"
"Alex?" she asked once more as she glanced over, probably due to me not answering her question.
"Oh- Yeah I can see it," I hastily responded as I mentally noted to probably get home soon.
"Right? I don't know, it's just kind of neat you know. Since, well it's not reeaallyy important exactly, but it's just… trippy, if you understand me," she vacillated.
"I do…," I coughed slightly to clear my throat and get her attention, which worked as she turned attentively towards me, "Anyways, we should probably get going, lingering any longer would just put us more at risk as is," I stated.
She spluttered suddenly, "Oh yes! Sorry for rambling, did not intend to-"
I raised my hand closest to her and spoke up, "Don't worry, it's all right, let's just get a move on now shall we?"
"I mean I guess it makes sense as she would probably be more eccentric talking about stuff that interests her than y'know, me and her working together on cataloging the current student body and much more things. Though is talking to me in the pouring rain really that… investing for her? Hell if I know."
"Hey Avery, are you a fast runner?" I asked as I slightly peered over to see the closest piece of water cover a distance away near my car.
"Um," she paused and pursed her lips as she raised her hand to her chin, "Well definitely not faster than you, but I think me scrambling throughout the school trying to get everyone's ballots for student body president gave me enough practice, right?"
"I think I vaguely remember her running through the hallways for something… I think in sophomore year if I recall correctly but I could not really tell at the time as back then I was much more introverted than now."
"Sure, I think that's good," I said with a small nod of approval before turning back to the cover and pointing at it, "We have to make a sprint over to the tarp cover over there, think you can do that?"
"Back then it was because I was shy, now it's more because I just don't want to deal with people. I come to school to get an education, not to start rumors and listen to gossip".
"That's not much to handle," she chirped, "I can do it! I think…," she finished with an uneasy tone.
"Really? You don't exactly seem all too confident now," I remarked as I gave her a glance.
"Well…," she sighed, "I'm not exactly all too confident as I saw the 'Demon Defender' just fall flat on his back not too long ago…"
"I think that was due to circumstances out of my control compared to my actual skill with my footwork Avery," I chuckled weakly.
"Oh- true," she agreed with a grin, "Again, sorry-."
"Like I said, it's all good," I cut her off, "Let's just get a move on before-"
A thunderclap roared in the sky, coincidently finishing my statement for me unintentionally.
"Yeah, let's go," she muttered quietly, almost to herself.
Wasting no time I put my hood back on and began to run out towards the next piece of cover. While the air rushing past me did make me a little chilly, especially with the wet parts of my hoodie, it was tolerable. After a few moments I reached the next piece, it being an outcrop with my truck being only a few meters away.
I turned around to hear Avery running up a little behind me, I backed up a little to not make a repeat of the last incident. She coughed a few times as she arrived, I don't blame her, the humidity sometimes just sneaks into your lungs as you run especially.
"You good?" I asked with an eyebrow raised as she continued to cough, longer than I expected.
"Y-yeah, sorry I'm just not acclimated to this kind of weather that well," she coughed.
"I don't blame you, anyways let me just get my car started and I'll signal you to come in, alright?" I asked her as I pulled out my keys from one of my backpack pouches that luckily did not meet a watery fate.
"Yeah that can work, I'll just um… stay put, yeah," she agreed as she sulked back and leaned against the wall.
Gripping my keys I pushed the unlock button, prompting the headlights to flash on. I slightly winced initially but I averted my gaze enough to avoid getting blinded by it. I then shoved the keys into my free left pocket and moved quickly to the driver side of the truck. I gave it a slight tug on the handle before pulling for it to open completely.
The rain began to pitter on the inside of the door so I quickly took off my backpack and tossed it over to the passenger seat before jumping in myself. I shut the door as I pulled my legs in.
"Well there goes the seats," I sighed dejectedly as I felt my dripping jacket begin to soak my car seat.
"There goes a whole hour of deep cleaning the inside, but whatever I guess. Still annoying though."
I turned on the window wipers and turned down the audio as the radio is set as the default when starting the car. I grabbed my phone out of one of my backpack pockets which was a bit of a struggle as it's rather bulky compared to the normal phones of today. I quickly texted my mom really quickly that I was taking a detour on the way back quickly.
"She's probably worried sick, hopefully, Avery lives nearby so I don't have to drive 20 minutes out and back. Speaking of which…"
I put my phone in my least-wet shorts pocket before leaning into the dash and waving towards Avery. She surprisingly seemed to be watching me rather intently already so there was no need to honk the horn or flash the lights or anything. She scrambled a bit but jogged over to… the passenger side.
Right as she was presumably about to open the door, I hastily grabbed my backpack laying there and quite literally threw it to the backseats. I don't think she noticed as by the time the door was opened there was no evidence other than a few wet spots of the backpack ever being there.
"Close one."
She got inside rather quickly luckily and shut the door, good for her to take initiative without me telling her. She seemed out of breath so I let her gain her bearing for a moment while I put on my seatbelt.
"Well, I shouldn't be surprised it's sort of common sense to not want your car to get wet."
"The rain sure does seem to be more turbulent than from what it looks like, especially when I can hear it hitting the roof of your truck," she said with a wry smile.
"The rain does seem much louder, well it's most likely since y'know like she said, the rain hitting a solid metal thing, but it still has the same intensity though. I can tell since I actually had to run through it with it practically assaulting me while I did so."
"Yeah, I guess so. Anyways, mind telling me your address so I can put it on the GPS? I normally can trust you to direct me but since it's rather stormy I would like to not take any chances," I spoke up.
"Oh right! I probably should have told you from the get-go," she muttered to the side.
"It's fine," I waved, before pulling up the GPS software on the middle car screen, "Just put it here, I'll pull out of the school driveway as you do so."
I put the car into reverse and began to carefully maneuver myself out of my parking spot. Normally one would be more reckless as it's quite literally empty, but it's good to put some practice in. After all, it has only been a few months since I have gotten my truck, I rather imagine there are cars and mess up now with no incident than to get sloppy down the line.
I carefully drove myself up until the stop sign which led to the exit of the school parking lot. As I did so Avery seemed to have finished up putting her address as the female robotic voice that all GPS services had suddenly spoken up.
"Please take a right in 50 feet to, Mallory Lane."
I turned my head slightly to see the screen on how long the drive will be.
"5 miles, estimated time to arrival, 12 minutes. Great, so not too long."
"I think I inserted it correctly, I don't do well with doing things while moving so sorry if it takes you to my neighbor's house or something," she apologized.
"Just tell me if we end up in the wrong house, at that point you are probably close enough to direct me hopefully, even with the amount of pouring rain," I acknowledged as I turned my steering wheel to the right and began my drive.
The roads were expectantly empty as who would want to drive through a literal storm? Either way, it was pretty calming, with only the rain pittering the car, and the rhythmic moving of the window wipers left and right. However I still made sure to stay vigilant, as even with my headlights at full blast I could only view a small distance in front of me accurately.
"At the next stoplight turn left onto, Hildens Street."
I turned my left blinker on and moved over to the turning lane as I approached the stoplight. The light was at red even though there was nobody in the opposing lanes that intersected, though I could tell that immediately the perpendicular lights turned yellow.
"I still don't know how the stoplights know that I am here. Do they have sensors or something? I mean most likely as they immediately deduced I was the only one actually here and changed colors accordingly. I'll investigate that when I get the time I guess."
As I waited for the light to turn, Avery broke the silence, "Soooo Alex, I never knew you had a truck."
"Yeah, not many people know. I don't really go out and brag about it," I monotoned.
The light turned green and I began my turn.
"Turn right onto, Bakers Road, in, 3 miles."
"Huh, I guess she lives in the same general direction as me."
"Oh, right. Of course, you wouldn't," she whispered.
I picked up the speed of my truck as we were now on a main road. I was glad that at least the street lights remained on as they helped me get a general sense of direction. I do also follow this road when going home, but not as far as 3 miles.
Most of the stop lights from what I could tell were already green and since there was a lack of anybody on the road, I just had a straight path without needing to stop ahead of me. Normally one would probably speed up, but I think sticking to the speed limit of 45 is fair, especially with the wet roads increasing my chances of… crashing.
"Sooo, Alex," Avery spoke up once more, "How was your day?"
"It was fine," I plainly said as I remained vigilant on the road, "You?"
Her voice seemed to increase in pitch slightly as she responded, "It was great! Thanks for asking! Well sort of, I mean Mr. Klein's class was rather dull in the morning but Sammy luckily kept us occupied with-"
Her words seemed to spill together and mix as I sort of ignored her. Whether it was intentional or not was still something that I wondered but did not bother to resist. Just the constant thumping of the rain, the swishing of the wipers, and the humming of the engine echoed in my ears. The road however remained the same, yellow strips of paint, white lines, it blended.
"Stay in the middle, the road is a path and you are just supposed to take it."
The words of my mom seemed to linger in my head as I drove. After all, it was not too long ago that I began to drive on my own, as my mom still insisted I drive with her in the passenger seat even when I already had my restricted license which allowed me to drive by myself.
"I mean she was always the more protective one out of my parents, which makes sense considering my dad… Well yeah."
"I'll probably get the scolding of a lifetime for this. But hey maybe I can use the excuse of Avery to make it so that I don't get crucified? Who knows, as lovable and caring as my mom is she is somewhat… gullible… to an extent. God that feels really shitty to say."
"-But then Branden mentioned that you were also there I was pleasantly surprised." She faded back in.
"Is that so?" I interjected as I gave her a glance before focusing back on the road.
"Yeah! Are you friends with Branden? I don't often see you hang out with anybody in particular so him saying you were nearby made me curious," she questioned with a hint of interest.
"First off ouch, but fair statement on her part I guess."
"I would think acquaintance would be a better way to describe our relationship. I don't really have any particularly named friends other than my teammates on the soccer team really," I explained.
"I see, why is that?" she prodded.
"What am I supposed to say? Because of drama? Because half the people in the school are unbearable? Or is it because people are just asses half the time?"
"I don't know," I shrugged.
"You don't know?" she asked again.
"Yeah, I don't know," I repeated myself.
"What do you mean you don't know?" she pressed on.
"It means I have no idea," I reiterated blankly.
"No- let me rephrase this," she said with a pause, "Why do you not hang out with anybody? Do you just lack friends? Are you shy?" she said the last part with a sense of teasing.
"No, I just… I don't know," I restated.
"I swear- is she trying to get on my nerves again?"
"You can't just- not know. How does one not know that?" She was puzzled.
"I just don't, okay?" I reaffirmed as I slightly raised my voice, "I don't think I really need or should give a definite answer to your question, it's not like I know you like that anyway."
"Oh-..." she timidly gulped, "Sorry for prying Alex."
"Like shit, I get being curious but I think after the 3rd time or so she would catch on that I just don't want to answer the damn question. Shouldn't she catch on to these social cues out of all people? Or is she just insensitive? I mean I won't really be surprised…"
An audible silence seemed to permeate in the interior of the truck as I continued my drive. We both seemed to just sit in silence as I carefully and meticulously drove and she just did… whatever she was doing. I did not bother to give her a glance since for all I know she could take that as an invitation to talk again.
"I always knew I was not exactly a person who is well with normal conversation. Unlike in debate, you have to catch onto social cues, mannerisms and slang. In debate one is left to their wits alone and their knowledge with speech that is clear and understandable."
"Turn right onto, Bakers Road, in, .5 miles."
I turned myself into the rightmost lane so that I'm prepared to turn when I got closer to the designated stoplight. I also turned up the rate in which my window wipers go as the rain seemed to pour harder throughout the drive, at first by a little but now it was definitely noticeable. No more rhythmic turning, now it's just constant and frantic swishing from left to right.
"Turn right onto, Bakers Street, now."
I turned on my right blinker and slowed down enough so I could do a crisp turn to the next street. Turns were something I struggled at when I started learning how to drive, so now that I have improved my technique I can feel a hint of accomplishment in me.
"Turn left onto, Herald Road, in, 1.5 miles."
Checking the ETA once more, there seemed to only be 4 minutes left on the trip, well for her at least. Judging from the rough location I still have to drive back still but luckily not too too far.
"Hey Alex," Avery mumbled.
"If this isn't an apology then I don't really care."
"What?" I sighed."Do you… Hate me?" She hesitantly said.
"Huh?"
"What?" I said with a bit more confusion as I gave her a passing glance.
She seems down. Not really sad but more at a loss for words as she looked back at me. Was she always looking at me? Either way, I could only look for so long before I turned my gaze back onto the road.
She cleared her throat before repeating herself, "Do you hate me?"
"Hate? Hate is a strong word. I don't hate her, what makes her think I do?"
I began, "Hate seems rather… harsh, I would not say that-"
"So you dislike me? Is that what you are trying to say?" She interrupted.
"No I-"
"Are you sure?" she interjected once more.
"What? Okay- First off let me speak please," I responded as I raised my right hand to signal her to calm down.
"Okay," she agreed.
"What makes you think I hate you? Or dislike you at all?" I asked her.
"Really how is she jumping to these thoughts, I'm confused."
She paused for a moment. I could not tell if it was due to her lack of words, her collecting her thoughts or maybe it's just that she is baffled at how dumb I am. Possibly it's all three who knows?
"I will admit I do not know you as well as I probably should Alex. I always thought that you were quiet and alone out of choice, since as you probably already know you are not exactly popular with the vast majority of the grade," she explained.
"Well no duh, it's pretty common knowledge to know that most people either distance themselves or dislike me. Mostly because of how I act and what I do, which firstly is completely justified but yeah she seems to make sense, for now."
"Yes, I know that, now how does that relate to me hating you?" I asked her in confusion.
"Because the little I do know is that you are honest. Honest and blunt to be more specific, and to be completely honest myself I like that about you. Unlike the others in the grade, you may not be a go-getter so to speak, but you always make sure to say what you really think," she further elaborated.
True, that's something I do fairly often. Which is probably why more often than not I'm excluded from grade project talks as people don't want to listen to me criticize their work. People are too soft in my opinion. But it is rather ironic that the same people want to pair up with me as I tend to get the higher end of grades for group projects thanks to my efforts.
"Yeah, and?" I bluntly asked.
"Well, it's just that. You seem so negative, I can tell that you have good intentions but you also seem to have a figurative dark cloud that festers over time. And maybe it's you just, I don't know, bottling up your anger? At first, I thought it might be because you have a bad day from time to time but you seem to do it more often than not with me. So that's why," she finished.
"Well… It's not that it's more… I don't really know how to explain but… Well, I actually do."
I let out a rather deep sigh tightening my grip on my steering wheel.
"No, I think you misunderstand," I began.
"I don't think I understand," she conceded.
"Well yeah, that's why I'm going to explain it to you, or try to at least," I continued.
"Try too? Should you not know yourself more than me?" she asked.
"It's complicated, but I'll simplify as much as I can. Since I don't want to get into the heavy details," I sighed once more.
"Alright then," Avery agreed.
"Well to be extremely frank, I just think people are fake," I stated.
"What? Like not real or-
I interrupted, "Let me finish, I mean like they are not true to oneself. Like they are not speaking nor acting like they normally would and are instead putting up a facade so to speak."
"So you are just paranoid?" she wondered/
"No, quite the contrary. I'm more or less just thinking that if people are not going to be real with me, there is no point in getting to know them," I replied.
"So you just, hate people then?" she assumed.
"I don't even know why I'm trying to explain this to her."
"Yes and no, I hate how fake people are. Have you ever met someone and they acted one way, then after you got to know them they started to act differently?" I asked her.
"Hm, a few people come to mind," she mumbled.
"Right, and how many times have you caught said people being toxic to you or other people once that happened?" I questioned.
"Oh… I think I can understand…" she concurred.
"Yeah, basically, why get involved with people who are just going to badmouth others behind your back? Or even you?" I got a sudden realization, "Avery, would you mind answering a question?"
"Sure?" she agreed.
"How many times have you found your friends talking down on one another," I interrogated.
She seemed stumped for a moment as there was a brief pause, but she seemed to come around after a bit.
"Well that's a bit personal-"
"Better yet!" I suddenly exclaimed, "How many times have you heard people bad mouth me?"
There was another long silence. I think from that I know that I have gotten my point across.
"Turn left onto, Herald Road, now."
I swiveled my steering wheel to the left and left the larger road onto a neighborhood.
"So, like I was saying. People are fake, well most are, maybe it's just due to my experiences that I feel that way, most likely. But still, it's just… sad really. And to answer your question I don't hate you, well maybe at one point but still. I don't mean to offend but you said you like my honesty, and due to that I just dislike those that are dishonest. Or those who just agree with whatever the majority thinks, I'm not trying to make any political statement but still, you should really get my point," I finished.
"Turn right onto, Farrion Avenue, in, .7 miles."
"Wow that's- a lot," Avery spoke up.
"Yeah, it's a lot, but it's true, would you not agree?" I said half actually looking for a response.
"Mmm, it's just very um, overwhelming to say the least," she faltered.
"I think I might have just hit her with a jackhammer by accident."
"It is, sorry for kind of, letting loose on you my thoughts," I apologized.
"No no- it's alright, I won't say I'm surprised. If anything it sort of just confirms my suspicions about some things, but…" she trailed off.
"But?" I asked.
"It's just kind of odd to get this side of you, I mean one second you seem normal, then you get all mad, then you get all… articulated? Is that the word? You get what I mean right? You seem really quiet in class and really only speak much when in debate or working on a group project," she said with a chuckle.
"Fair, it's just, just…" I murmured.
"Just what?" she asked.
"I don't really wish to hurt anyone really, even times when I think I have my emotions under control I just let loose and hurt those who I care about." I sighed.
There was a following silence which I took as an invitation to continue.
"You probably don't know this about me but I actually used to be way more outgoing. More lively, and less isolated, I had a good number of friends. The issue is that while I became smarter, my emotions did not. To make the story short, I ended up saying some things I regret back in middle school which led to me being isolated and alone."
I rubbed my face slightly before continuing, "It was over something dumb too, and due to that I just don't want to make as many friendly connections. Maybe I have anger issues, might have gotten them from my dad, to be honest."
The silence continued, and so did I.
"My dad does a lot for me, and I thank him for that. He feeds us, clothes us, and provides for us. Yet, he does not really show it. He loves us in a very toxic way, he shuns us for our misfalls and does not congratulate us for our winnings. Maybe it's because of what happened to my brother? Still, he is very stubborn, which leads to arguments and fights more often than not. But below all of that, he loves us, or so mom says, but even I'll admit he shows it, rarely, but he does…" I vented.
"But wait- if it's a toxic relationship then shouldn't you guys just, talk it out?" she suggested.
"Tried that, got nowhere. It just loops again after a few days. But as toxic as it may be I still owe it to him, my mom too, to work hard and make something of myself. After all, it's not like I worked two jobs, or I get up really early to work," I explained, "He works hard because he loves us, and as much as I know that I can't stop him and he can't stop me from getting mad at each other over trivial things. It's pretty stupid really."
"Turn right onto, Farrion Avenue, now."
I swiveled my steering wheel to the right, entering a closed street that seemed to go down a small hill.
"Your destination will be at the end of the road."
"I- I see," she stammered.
"Wait I just-"
"Oh sorry sorry!" I began to wave with one hand, "I didn't mean to just dump this on you sorry!"
"No, don't apologize," she stressed.
"Huh?"
"I can tell this meant a lot to you, and as much as I hate to agree everything you said beforehand also was true now thinking about it. And… I feel bad, that you feel so… afraid. I never knew that," she stated, "And now that I do, I know I have to do something about it."
I felt my cheeks slightly flush, "What? No Avery please- I'm alright it's just-"
"Up up up," she chirped in interrupted, "Please let me finish Alex. As much as you hate to admit you need some kind of help, and you just staying quiet about it won't get anything done now would it? I know a calm and… mostly collected person like yourself can know that, right?"
"Well yes but it's something I can deal with later! I promise really-"
"No, that won't do," she began once more.
"What? Listen, you don't understand-"
"I do, I really do, more than you could ever know. Please, Alex, let me help you. You already helped the class and even the grade so much, it's the least that you deserve," she said in a serious tone.
"Helped? When have I ever done that?"
"Avery, I don't think my snide remarks and critiques really got through to people when suggested by me. My rep alone usually makes it so that it's brushed aside in projects when mentioned, and even then I could hardly call me telling them some things to be helpful," I countered.
"You have arrived at your destination."
I slowed the car to a stop and put it into park.
"Well you're right, but I think that whenever I reiterated those suggestions in a different way, it gets through to them then," she brought up.
"Wait, wait, wait, what?" I stammered.
"Yep, have you ever wondered why the school banners that our grade hung up got completely redesigned?" she continued.
"No? Was that not just a last-minute change or… something?"
"I overheard the others talking about what you said to them on the banner project we were assigned earlier this year. And while they were badmouthing it sure, it was genuine good advice if you stepped back and truly understood it," she explained.
"So did you just… implement my ideas?" I said while a little baffled.
"I think it's all coming together."
"You can bet I did! And it's not just that too, whenever you suggested changing the theme of our stand for the girls' soccer team, I was the one who moved it forward to our coach who loved the suggestion!" She gleamed.
"I don't know whether to be upset that she took my ideas and just repackaged them, or proud that my ideas actually got used."
"I… did not know that," I mumbled as I rubbed my cheek.
"I think I can understand one of your problems, and actually we can take steps to remedy it already!" she chirped as she raised a finger to further her point.
I could only look on in… awe? Confusion as she talked.
I crossed my arms and leaned back into my seat, "I don't think I have an issue that needs addressing right now-"
"Well too bad! I'm addressing it now whether you like it or not!" she resolutely stated while holding a proud smile.
"Why is she doing this… AGAIN?"
"But, but why?" I stammered.
"Cause, it's only fair!" she insisted, "After all, you have done so much for the class, even the grade as a whole, intentionally or not. Since if you really did not care for us, you would have not even bothered with telling us what to fix and how to fix it, am I wrong?"
I was about to begin to speak, but nothing really came to mind in response. I could only look at her with a baffled face, which she seemed to take as me giving up as she continued.
"Now then! While I wish to help you right this moment, I think we arrived at my house," she said before pointing out the passenger window.
Peering out I can see a somewhat small house… almost semi-run down with a long driveway that sort of goes into the forest a bit. It's mostly gravel and dirt from the looks of it, and the run would probably take a good half a minute or so to get there…
"Is that her house? I did… not expect that…"
"Oh right, sorry I probably should have driven closer so that then-"
"Don't worry, it's fine. I mean you might get stuck in the mud and who would want that?" she reassured me as she directed my gaze onto multiple large puddles of mud throughout the driveway.
"True that, while I may have a truck it isn't exactly the best for offroading, and I rather not test my luck."
"Now then," she began with a small clasp of her hand to get my attention again, "Tomorrow me and you are going to talk to people."
"Wait- what?!" I yelped.
"You heard me, I'm going to get you to talk to people, and before you say it. I do know some people who are not like how you describe some others to be do not worry. I can tell you are very paranoid of people and I'm here to fix that… or try to at least," she grinned.
"I don't think that's fine, really I'm okay," I attempted to persuade her, "I would just be a bother, I mean it's not affecting me in a bad way or anything."
"True, but think about it down the line. It's better to start now than later, I mean you should know that out of everybody as your groups that you are in seem to finish their assignments first or second," she countered.
"She seems really adamant on prying into my business out of nowhere."
"Okay but… how do I know you are not setting me up or anything?" I questioned.
She seemed to pause for a moment, with her smug and adamant attitude seemingly melting.
"For all I know this might be something she tries to use against me, pull the rug under, and then use me."
"Because…" she trailed off.
"Because…?" I repeated in an expectant tone.
"Did I catch her in her bluff? Maybe she really was-"
She continued, "Listen, Alex, if you keep going like this, I don't think that your plan to fix this issue will alleviate itself."
"What?"
"Alex, be real for a second. This isn't like a thriller movie where everyone is out to get you, as much as I admire you, to an extent, I also can tell now that you have issues." she blankly stated.
"Yeah issues that don't really affect anyone, I can handle them on my own down the line. Seriously." I restated.
"Well they affect me, since now I know. In those few moments that you… vented, I saw the real you. And I'm not upset or anything. None of us are perfect, neither am I. Many people at school take me for a… smart, hot, intelligent girl. I'm none of those things, I'm like that because of my friends helping me, you included," she continued.
"..."
"I'm a friend?" I said, in a dumbfounded voice.
"I honestly thought she saw me more as a tool."
"Yes, friend. I mean, do you wonder why I call on you for your support with background projects so much?" she asked.
"Because you wish to use me for my organizational skills?" I inquired.
"What? No-, because you have a set of skills that fit the job. That's why." she affirmed, "Nobody can do what you do as well as you do it, that's why. And yes most of my friends question me as to why I let you help, even if they don't see you, they still doubt your help. They always come to appreciate it, either noticing it or not."
"Ah…" I mumbled to myself as she pressed on.
"But even so, knowing you are like this helps no one, if anything it hurts you. So please, can you just… rely on somebody else for a change, it won't hurt you and I promise no matter what, that I won't be hurt. Whatever you did in the past, happened in the past and stays there, why not move on? Do better, improve, together!" she declared.
"Maybe… Maybe I should."
"You sure? After all you know how we are when it comes to these things."
"Maybe this is different? Maybe she really can help us?"
"Yeah help us get tangled up in her web of cohorts for all we know. She could just be using us to y'know, use us."
"And what if she isn't?"
"As if! She is called the queen of the grade for crying out loud. Who else would NOT take advantage of you."
"Still… she seemed genuine."
"And what if? She could just be putting on a good act, just deny her."
"We should move on."
"We can move on at our own pace, not now."
"That's what you think."
"That's what WE think dumbass."
"I'm doing it, she brings up valid arguments, and even if she tries to use that, we can always just seclude back into our corner."
"That's rather tough coming from the same person who broke down into tears when the rest of their 8th grade they spent their time alone."
"We, remember. And also fuck you."
"Sure, alright then, don't come crawling back to me."
"You know having this internal monologue with yourself is rather stupid."
"Stupid yeah, but coherent compared to just random thoughts."
"Fair… Fair…""Alex? You here?" Avery waved.
"Yeah I am, sorry, I was thinking," I nodded.
"So?" She prodded.
"Sure," I agreed.
She seemed to grow her grin once more and gave me a thumbs up, "I'm glad, you're in reliable hands, promise!"
"I hope so," I said with a chuckle as I did a small stretch.
"Right, now as much as I want to get started, I still need to get home so…" she sheepishly chuckled.
"Yep, go ahead, though it seems rather… rough outside," I said as I peered out once more.
The rain seemed to have picked up in intensity. Probably since we were talking.
"Are you going to be fine?" I asked her.
"Yeah don't worry! I mean I'll get a teensy bit wet, but I definitely won't fall, especially with these!" she motioned to her military-style boots.
"I think I can do this, it's only courteous to do so. Especially for all she has done and supposedly plans to do."
"Want my jacket?" I questioned as I unzipped it, "It's a little wet on the back side but otherwise fine."
"Woah- Are you sure? You still have to get home and-" she began to stammer.
"No worries, I don't live in a cabin in the woods, Goldilocks," I joked, "Besides won't I be seeing you tomorrow anyway? Just give it to me then."
"Oh yeah! The party!" she exclaimed excitedly.
My heart felt like it sank. I was referring to school- I forgot I agreed to that.
"Yeah… the party," I mumbled.
She grabbed my jacket as I finished unzipping it unconsciously and began to put it on. It seemed to be a mostly perfect fit as she zipped it up herself and put on the hood. It looked rather… cute? Wait no-
"Thanks, Alex, as much as I want to chat, I really need to get going before Poseidon floods the land or something," she giggled, "I'll see you tomorrow, thanks for the ride as well!"
"Yeah… take care," I said with a half-hearted wave.
She opened and quickly shut my passenger door before sprinting down her driveway. I only stared at her figure running in the rain for a few seconds until, after a bit, she arrived at her porch. Instead of going in, she turned around and gave a wave. I raised my hand to wave back, then remembered that she most definitely wouldn't see me.
"Man what is with me today," I thought out loud as I rubbed my forehead.
Is this the start of something new? I can only pray that Avery is genuine here since if not… If not… It's not good to think like that, I think being internally isolated for too long definitely made me more pessimistic, which makes sense especially since the only therapist I've had is video games, definitely not healthy.
"Well I can do more reminiscing when I get home," I sighed as I inputted my home address.
I was unfamiliar with the way back due to the rain, better safe than sorry. I put my car into reverse and began my way home.
I arrived home to the pouring rain still remaining adamant in getting me and my stuff wet. I could only sigh as I turned off the engine of the car and reached back to grab my backpack from the back seats. I took off my seatbelt and put on my backpack so then I wouldn't be off balance or anything in case I might slip from running inside.
Once I finally finished I put my keys in my pocket before opening my driver-side door. Since I did not have a jacket I was quick not to linger and bolted for the front porch once I practically slammed my door shut. Compared to Avery's household, we have a normal driveway size so it only took a few moments of getting wet for me to get to safety.
"Well, I'm probably going to take a shower anyways so no worries I guess."
I pulled out my keys from one of my pockets and looked around on the keychain for a moment before inserting my house key to the front door. I turned the lock, marking a successful unlock as there was a click that followed. I removed my key and put it back in my pocket as I entered into the house, the rush of cold air hit me as if it was actually a relief compared to the humidity outside. I shut the door quickly and locked it once more.
"Alex is that you?" I heard my mother call out from the dining room.
I began to make my way to my room before responding, "Yeah it is, sorry for being late I was busy."
Expectantly, my mom was not satisfied with that answer, so she pressed on.
"Busy doing what? I don't think the drive from school to here is as long as you took, even in the soaking rain," she interrogated.
I rubbed the back of my head as I was beginning to get out of earshot of my mom.
"Can I tell you in a bit? I want to take a shower first, I feel all messy and stuff due to the rain," I responded.
"Oh don't tell me that Coach made you all practice in the storming rain?!" I could hear her exclaim suddenly.
"My mom always has had it out for Coach JJ for his antics, well not really antics, she just does not trust him as he is relatively new to the school technically."
"No it's um… a long story, I'll tell you later alright?" I reassured her as I began to walk down the hallway.
I passed by my brother's room in which I heard rustling of some kind inside. I rather not let my imagination think of what he is doing so I just sped up my pace. Opening my room and turning on my light I immediately grabbed one of my towels and put it on the floor. After that, I put my backpack lying flat against it so that hopefully the wet parts would be soaked up.
"A stopgap at best, but I can fix it up later, first I shower."
I looked around for my spare towel. As I normally don't use it as often as I should, which is why I forgot where it was to begin with. But the more I looked the more I got reminded to finally organize my book collection that has been starting to grow on my shelf. Alongside that, the gnawing wants to just kind of flop on the bed increased as well. But it quickly washed away as I felt it tucked in one of my corner drawers.
"Let me just take a quick shower as while the hunger subsided temporarily I can feel it starting to come back."
I walked out of the shower and back into my room feeling much more refreshed. I already dried myself and moisturized but even then the feeling of the semi-cold water did wonders to cure my pent-up heat that was starting to accumulate from the humidity, As I closed the door to my room to begin changing, I noticed that my laundry basket was now missing, which meant one thing.
"Hey Mom, did you take my laundry?" I yelled out from inside my room.
A few moments passed before she responded, "Oh yeah I did, I also took that sportswear you brought back as well. Might as well clean it altogether."
"Well shit, now what am I supposed to wear? I could wear pajamas but I would probably get yelled at for trying to eat in them, and I don't want to get a new pair of clothing as that would just be a hassle to take it off again… Hm…"
My eyes wandered to my bag, as I remembered that I left the school uniform I wore that day there. I walked over and started to check where I put it.
"Mom rarely checks it, so that would mean-"
I pulled out my school uniform, a long-sleeved polo with my school logo embellished on it.
"Well better than getting a new pair."
I quickly put on my uniform for the time being. And compared to my sportswear, it was nice and dry even after falling in the water. I double-checked my articles to make sure nothing important got wet in the bag afterward, and as I finished I heard a vibration from my phone which I left charging on my bed stand.
Walking over, I saw it was a text message from Avery. I hesitated for a moment, not sure for what reason, almost unconsciously but I brushed it aside and opened the message.
Avery: "By the way you got an 89, sry for not telling!"
"Oh, so that's what I got on Mrs. Johnson's thing, nice."
Me: "Thanks for telling."
I decided to leave it off there and turned my phone before laying it flat on the counter next to my also charging around I then made my way out of my room to the dining room. I passed by my brother's room and I heard some muffled yells, most likely because he is playing video games.
I turned the corner of the hallway to see my mom's blond hair flowing like there was a strong breeze going by. Though it was probably due to the air thing on top of stoves that was on currently.
"Hello Mom, how have you been?" I asked as I leaned back against one of my walls.
"It's been fine honey, what about you?" she responded, seemingly still mainly entertained with stirring something in a pot.
"It's been um… interesting, but fairly alright I suppose," I shrugged.
"Well that's not something I hear every day, did something happen today or?" she said as she turned around.
"Well yes and no, well soon to be technically," I clarified.
"Oh?" she spoke with a hint of interest.
I rubbed my hair before responding, "Yeah I've been invited to a party tomorrow."
She seemed to slouch from what I said and turned back around to go back to doing whatever she was doing.
"Aw, and I thought you got confessed to or something," she seemed to pout.
"Oh yeah, and I'm going," I finished.
That piqued her interest once more as she turned around again with a glint of curiosity in her eyes.
"Now that's something new!" she squeaked, "Why the change of heart so suddenly? You normally don't go to parties."
"Well I just…," I paused, thinking back to what Avery said about getting past my paranoia, "Somebody convinced me to go, so I'm going."
That seemed to confuse her as she tilted her head slightly.
"Now that's also interesting, well more strange but still," she stated as she brought her hand up to her chin.
"How so?" I was puzzled.
"Well I think me and you both know you are not exactly the social type, well mostly at least," she said as she gestured with her free hand, " Either way it's just odd… was this person who convinced you somebody special or something?"
"Special? What does that mean?"
"What do you mean by special?" I questioned as I raised a brow.
"I mean like…," she came a little closer, "Was it a person you think of as special? Like let's say… a girl? Or a boy who knows, I don't as long as you're happy," she teased with a smile.
"No…?"
For some reason, I could feel my cheeks slightly flush but I hardened my face to hide it, "No- no- it's not that-"
"Oooh? Did I hit the bullseye?" she chuckled.
"No! Change of topic! Why I was late!" I exclaimed in a fluster.
"That's new… why? Was it…"
Her face seemed to stiffen as she gave me a neutral and deadpan look. I was beginning to worry she was really mad at me before she melted into a smile.
"Honestly I was trying to get mad at you, but I feel as if the fact you were late is related to this party thing…," she said as she began to walk particularly nowhere in circles, "I'll let it slide, just this once though!"
"These thoughts are not new… but unfamiliar? I don't know how to describe them…"
"Okay Mom, thanks for understanding," I brushed off her statements.
"No worries, well it depends, what did you get on the Math assignment?" she suddenly brought up.
"Right, studies is the one thing my mom actually takes seriously, which I mean, fair enough."
"An 89, a B+, so that's alright, right?" I responded.
"Well it's better than a B-"
"If you got one more question right you could have gotten an A," I new grouchy voice entered the room.
I turned to the side to see my Dad, not in his work uniform but in his slacks and casual wear. Even so, I immediately can tell that his demeanor is definitely not the best currently.
I leaned back more into the wall, "Well it was a hard test, I'm just glad I did well in comparison to a number of my classma-"
"It's not good to compare yourself to others, worry about yourself first and foremost. I don't care what they did in relation to you, I care about how well you did," My dad interjected.
"Sure you say that but then compare me to others who did better when I do good."
I gritted my teeth in irritation. My mom seemed to have sensed the growing tension so she attempted to lighten the mood by changing the topic.
"Darling, Alex told me he is going to a party tomorrow, isn't that surprising?" she announced.
He turned his gaze from her, then to me, then back to her. I don't know why but I can tell that the meaning behind that was more than just surprise.
"Yeah definitely, I never knew Alex was one to get invited in the first place," he sneered.
I could feel his gaze land on me again to which I returned a light glare. As much as I wanted to retaliate, this was the most I could do as any more would just be signifying disobedience and prompting punishment. As much as I don't deserve it a good chunk of the time.
I clenched my hands but I decided to loosen myself as I turned my attention back to my mom, "Is the food ready, I just want to sleep," I grumbled.
"Uhm, well the power went out for a few moments a while ago so I had a few setbacks with dinner. It should be ready within the hour, however," she apologized.
"Yeah, I'm not waiting here an hour or so with 'Mr. Had a bad day so everybody will have one'"
"I'm going to my room, call me whenever food is ready," I waved as I began to walk past my dad.
He outstretched an arm to stop me from passing him, I turned my head to look up at him in which he gave me an expectant glare.
"Is he just wanting to get me mad?"
"What?" I sighed rather frustrated.
"Where's my 'How has your day been?'" he provoked.
I squinted my eyes but fully turned my body to face him.
"Well from the looks of it, I don't really need to ask as I already know, it's been shitty," I snarked.
"Alex language!" my mom spoke up from her business.
"What? Is it true? Or am I wrong?" I said as I turned back to my dad.
"Oh ho- and why and how would you know that Alex?" he dared.
"Because, you seem to be looking for a fight more than usual, but I'm not dealing with your bullshit today, just leave me alone," I growled as I pushed past him and turned into the hallway.
"Alexander! You get back here!"
"Dear let us not just get-"
"Did you not just hear him?"
"Yes, but just leave the boy alone, you are also to blame-"
"How am I to-"
The voices cut off as I shut my door. I did not bother turning on my light and instead, like a pre-programmed robot, made my way to my bed and threw myself on my sheets. The one thing that remains stable throughout my day-to-day activities. I twisted myself to my side. I could vaguely make out my bookshelf in which I should really get into reorganizing.
I only sighed and turned to the other side only to see my many posters of various shows or books I've read. Some recent, some old, but most I still enjoy. Honestly, their addition to my room makes them kind of stick out in comparison with the books and the old furniture I was using… eh, I'm not one who is adept in aesthetics nor do I care enough to try to.
I shuffled once more and instead just faced upwards. Looking at my bland white ceiling. Nothing special. My school uniform, shoes, and everything, usually uncomfortable, seemed to get softer and lighter. Some thoughts of today surfaced, my outburst with George and the others. Branden being the dumbest woman wooer.
The thoughts disappeared as fast as they appeared. But one seemed to linger, Avery. She seemed to be staying around, as much as I either was trying to brush them aside intentionally or not, they still surfaced.
"I really hope I'm not being dumb here now."
Even with the memories they could not beat the slow wave of sleepiness that continued to reverberate throughout my body. Somehow without using my blanket, I could feel the soft warm embrace of… of… Calmness? Tranquility?
"Maybe I'll take a small nap until the food is ready, just… a small nap, yeah…"
I could only give another yawn before closing my eyes, and letting the sleepiness seep in and take me.
I woke up immediately feeling uncomfortable and disheveled. My mind was definitely groggy but I forced myself to jump up from my resting position and looked around, before realizing I was in my room. My eyes were already adapted so I could tell nothing changed, well nothing but a plate of food on my computer desk. I grabbed my phone and earbuds and turned on the flashlight on the former.
Walking up I also noticed a note from my mom.
"Did not want to wake you, sorry for your father's attitude he has had a bad day-"
"He always seems to have bad days."
"I left a plate of food on your desk, hopefully, you notice it before it gets cold."
It was a soup of some kind, I touched the bowl it was in and surprisingly it was warm. There was an adjacent spoon and I grabbed it before grabbing a scoop to eat. It seemed to be more tomatoey than normal, it might have been one of her 'setbacks' she mentioned. I put my phone and earbuds in my pocket and began eating a little more.
"Well since I'm here, I might as well turn on my computer and watch something on MyTube."
Turning on my computer, it began to hum to life with the monitor lighting up a few moments later. I unlocked my PC and moved to the browser app. Only to get hit with a message saying, 'No Internet.'
"What do you mean no internet? Don't tell me the storm knocked out the WIFI too?!"
I could only sigh in frustration as that would mean ICE would be down as well. So that means I won't be able to play any multiplayer games or games I haven't downloaded. This is bad since… I mostly play those, so my options are limited.
I began to scour through my computer, looking for anything to entertain me as I ate. I did take a few spoonfuls as I did however as I was still hungry. After a few minutes of searching, I eventually found three candidates.
One, 'Gloom Infernal.'
"Well, I already beat the game multiple times over so that's a no. Plus that's not exactly a eat and play game. After all, it's hard to multitask killing multiple angels while dodging their attacks."
Two, 'Olden Amulet.'
"Already beat the game, and the expansion is not due to be released until later. Also, it's not a play-and-eat game… Damn, what happened to all my pure story game games?"
Lastly, 'World's Calamatis.'
"I don't really remember downloading this game really. Maybe I just got it for free or something…? Either way from the looks of it, it's a story game of some sort, which compared to my other options? This might just be it."
Opening the game, it seemed to be in retro style. I was prompted with an intro detailing a world at war with itself. Rivaling factions and bitter tensions that boiled over the span of centuries. It seemed to be a mix of medieval but also… steampunk? Well more like World War One if anything. Nonetheless, it seemed interesting.
As the cutscene ended I was prompted with a choice.
"Oh mighty one! Would you please save our world great hero!"
Yes.
No.
I moved my mouse over to 'Yes,' and I was moved to a new screen.
"Do you wish to be summoned as the Ranged Weapons Hero?"
Yes.
No.
"Ranged Weapons? That seems awfully specific… though does that mean I get like guns and stuff? I mean if I'm fighting those knight dudes with like a M14 I'll probably shred them… yeah that will be cool…"
I moved my mouse over to the 'Yes' once more. But instead of me being moved to another prompt, my screen went completely black. At first, I thought it was just loading, but as a few moments passed I got worried.
"Don't tell me this thing had a damn outage now?!"
As I got closer to the screen to see if maybe my monitor turned off and not the game, I was suddenly blinded by a yellowish-white light coming from the monitor.
"AGH!"
I attempted to raise my hands to block the glare of light, but it seemed to expand… expand out of my monitor. It began to envelop me, wrapping around me as if I was being hugged? Before long I could no longer recognize my surroundings as the bright light seemed to have taken over my whole entire view.
Then a gust of wind blasted me from behind. I was being thrown, or was I moving? I felt like I was falling but I was not, I was on solid ground but I was slipping? Was I even standing? After a few eternally long moments, I felt myself hit something definitely solid as my whole body got practically slammed into… dirt?
"What the fuck is going on?!"
I tried to get my bearings by gripping the dirt.
"When did I get outside?"
My heart began to pound rapidly, either from the impact or from just being flung? Thrown? To I don't even know.
Pushing myself up on my back I realized that the sun was out.
"Is it daytime?"
I used my hands to block the glare and also get myself off the ground. It was a bit arduous but it was doable with my body cooperating with the present situation. Most of the grogginess seemed to wash away the longer this went on so better for me I suppose.
As I got up, I noticed I was in a large clearing of sorts, surrounded by tons of forest. The air was really fresh and the weather seemed pleasant for my senses that were still acclimating to the environmental change. I looked around a little more to maybe get a hint as to where I am not just in some forest, but I was taken aback by the sight of a giant… hourglass…?
"What kind of game show did I get put into?"
But before I could fully comprehend what was going on, I heard a vaguely feminine yell from behind me.
"Where the fuck am I! And who the hell are you!"
End of Prologue Part III
Authors Notes:
Hello everyone! I'm glad you took the time to read my chapter and I hope you enjoyed it. I will apologize for the slightly late post as… the new Elden Ring DLC kind of had a death grip on me for a bit. Anyways, expect everything else to be on schedule as normal. This will be the last prologue chapter of the three-parter.
I hope you all enjoyed this rewrite so far, you all motivate me to continue churning out new and better work so please leave a follow, like, kudos or a review. I did my best to give Alex more a definite character with flaws and issues but also to exemplify his attributes. Now with these I have a 'Larger Canvas' I can literally and figuratively paint with my characters.
I do apologize for it dragging at times, but I think that the start is important as now everything will be him taking his past experiences and applying them to the new world! Remember the next chapter posted will be 25 not 1 as I stated before with my schedule. I hope you all will stick around till then. Now then, I hope you all have a great day and see you all in 2 weeks!
MWP Server: Dis co rd. gg / Bu ha 9 Qa Kz W