Chapter 2: Chapter two
Athena Dupont Pov
"Nathaniel!! Wake up! Wake up!!" I sob as I hold the lifeless body of Nathaniel. "Wake up! I need you..." Crying I hold on to his shirt collar pushing him back and forth. " Nathaniel, you can't leave me...I. I've already lost Mama, Papa, Teddy and Zora not you too." my heart breaks to millions of pieces as I sobbed the words out. Not you too, I can't be left alone.
.
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I grunt as I wake up from the awful memories that have turned into a nightmare. Touching my checks I feel the wetness. I'd cried in my sleep yet again. I sigh standing up I walk to my bedroom toilet. Walking, to the sink I stare at myself in the mirror. My first green eyes are bloodshot red as usual, my cheeks are tear stained. Gosh, why can't it stop? Washing my face I step back into my bedroom. Guess it's another sleepless night.
I just lay on my bed and staring into nothing in particular. Sometimes I feel like a ghost. Like I'm floating in this world just watching as my bodies life unfolds. My body willing me to be the girl I once was but my ghost of a soul refusing. Constantly controlling me to be this sad depressed girl, I don't want to be.
How do I get over this I need sleep but I can't. How can I when these nightmares, these memories won't let go of me, won't set me free. It's depressing that when I do sleep all I dream no not dream but remember is that awful day. Oh, Athena how do you survive living day by day?
Tik, Tok, Tik, Tok
I stare at the clock as time passes 12:00 pm, 01:00 am, 02:00 am, 03:00 am, 04:00 am, 05:00 am, 06:00 am and finally 7:00 am. Funnily sometimes I feel like my life goes by like clips of a movie.
Taking a shower I change into my outfit for today which is a black pair of jeans, boots and a black hoodie over my favourite shirt. Which is a black shirt with a pink doughnut, written doughnutdisturb. I may aswell bring a little humour in my bland life. Even if no one can see it.
Walking downstairs I'm met by Mr Allen.
"Athena you going to school then?" Mr Allen grins like a proud father. The thought squeezes my heart.
"uhh. Yeah, homeschooling doesn't work for me." I mumble awkwardly wondering if he knew why his wife had forced me to go to school. Homeschooling was not working for me because of my lack of attention. It's not easy to pay attention when there is so much to think about.
Mr Allen smiles but says nothing as he goes to take his seat at the dining table. I take mine as well before Mrs Allen and Parker their son walk down the stairs chatting with each other.
"No mommy you talking about the wrong game," Parker grumbles at his mom. The kid is pretty cool his probably the only thing keeping me sane.
"Oh come on, I know games but whatever." She chuckles walking toward me. She stands right in front of me with a huge grin."Look who's ready for school." She smiles a truly genuine smile.
Too bad I don't have the heart to tell her that, I'm not ready for school, I don't want to go to school. Gosh, I don't want to socialize, people will ask questions that I fear I can't answer.
I smile, my usual dull unreal, fake, non-genuine whatever you want to name it. "I'm ready." I lie, well not lie but more like bending the truth. That's not lying, right?
Mrs Allen grins, kisses my cheeks then walks off into the kitchen to check if the chef is done preparing our breakfast.
And yes I said the chef, the Allen family is filthy rich. Mr Allen also known as James Allen is a well-known heart surgeon, he owns his family hospital, Mrs Allen also known as Emerald Allen is a well-known Therapist, she owns her own mental hospital. Anyway, that's that.
Before I know it breakfast has arrived and we are all eating. I've always loved breakfast as it signified the beginning of the day. I happily chew my pancakes. When I feel little hands tap my arm. I smile (a real smile that's only saved for Parker) like I said this kid is the only thing or person keeping me sane.
Gosh maybe his my favourite because his the most adorable kid in the world. His the exact copy of his father. Black eyes, blonde hair and a happy personality.
"Hey, there you." I greet him as I stare at him. He's such an adorable eight-year-old.
"Will you be going to my school?" he questions jumping up and down full of excitement. His literally a ball of energy.
Mrs Allen chuckled, "No Paker she's going to high school and you are in preschool remember?" Mrs Allen, informs the little boy who seemed confused. He frowns for a few seconds before hugging me.
"Good luck, Athy." He mumbles enthusiastically. And Athy is the nickname Parker gave me.
"Well I and Athy need to get going," Mr Allen announces standing up from his spot on the table and heading for his work bag, which was situated on the kitchen island.
I stand up as well, I kiss Parker's cheek and I smile at Mrs Allen giving her a small wave. Grabbing my school bag, which I never knew existed till today. I follow Mr Allen who supposedly is my ride. I take a seat on the passenger side. Mr Allen begins to drive silently. I don't have the energy to start a conversation so I put my headphones on. Right away the song - I can't sleep by powerfu- starts playing.
Hey, what's the matter, honey?
I don't sleep 'cause when I do
All I dream are dreams of you
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out
I don't sleep 'cause when I do
All I dream are dreams of you
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out
Yeah
Yes, I threw away my phone in case you'd ever call
I never leave my house in case I meet you at the mall
Never talk to my friends that you're friends with
Because I know they're gonna ask why we ended
Anything to do with you I keep it on the low
Used to wish that you would stay, now I'm wishin' you would go
So, I came up with a remedy I promised I would keep
To ignore you I'll just never fall asleep
I don't sleep 'cause when I do (when I do)
All I dream are dreams of you (all of you)
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out (yeah yeah)
I don't sleep 'cause when I do
All I dream are dreams of you
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out, yeah
I haven't slept in like a year, my fear keeps me awake
'Cause if I doze off then I might see you face-to-face
I just turn on my tv and sit straight up on my couch
'Cause when I doze off I hear the words from your mouth
Used to wake up uncontrollably crying every time
Getting shivers, and feeling sick, whenever you would cross my mind
So, I came up with a remedy I promised I would keep
To ignore you I'll just never fall asleep
I don't sleep 'cause when I do
All I dream are dreams of you
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out (falling out)
I don't sleep 'cause when I do
All I dream are dreams of you
And in yours, you say your teeth are falling out, yeah
I hum to the song silently as we drive. Houses, Mansions, expensive buildings parks, stores, and companies pass by. Mr Allen parks the car. Staring out the window stood a three-story building with a field, which from my view I could see is a high school.
Did I mention how much I hate school, well if I didn't now you now? "Well, I'm guessing this is my stop," I grumble side glancing at Mr Allen who laughs.
"Come on kid, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself. Remember you gotta live
life to the fullest, you don't know what could happen tomorrow," he advised seeming serious. It's rare to see him serious unless it's something very important. Also he didn't have to say that, I know that saying and understand it more then he does.
" Thanks for the advice, bye! "I exclaim walking out of the car and making my way inside the school. From afar I could hear Mr Allen yell" have a good first day."
Gosh, how embarrassing now everyone knows I'm a newbie. Grunting, I remove my headphones and put them in my bag afterwards I pull my hoodie over my head and begin finding my way to the office. I refuse to ask for help. After, what felt like centuries I find the office. Finally, people began to stare. How am I going to survive this environment filled with teenagers? They just have way too much drama for me to handle, I have my own drama you know.
Sighing I walk towards the secretary who is speaking to a girl with brown hair that has a sort of green highlight and a black pair of jeans, a dress shirt and boots. I bag is hanging loosely on her shoulder.
"It's so early in the morning, I refuse to be here because of something I did yesterday!" Yells the girl seeming furious. See what I mean, teenagers have too much drama.
"Well next time don't get in trouble, now get yourself a seat right now." The secretary orders. The girl huffs but says nothing as she takes a seat by the waiting area.
"Hello," I mumble shyly, the secretary smiles at me.
" How may I help you sweetheart? "she questions in such a kind way.
" I'm new here, My name is Athena Dupont, a tenth grader. "I mumble softly rocking back and forth awkwardly
I watch as she types something on her computer. " There you are! " she grins clapping her hands happily.
" You are so happy about your new prisoner." The girl who was seated in the waiting area mumbles, loudly enough for all of us to hear." Run, run before it's too late, beware of the temptations of this school." She warns in an overdramatic way, that creeped me out.
The secretary is about to scold her again when a boy( I think his a junior year) runs inside the room looking worried."Mrs Robert...Tristan-his - his - in a situation." The boy mumbles nervously. Mrs Robert the secretary frowns
" But it hasn't even been an hour since I left him."She grumbles standing up and about to walk out of the office following the boy. " I'll be back in a few minutes." She says to me before leaving.
I sigh and take a seat beside the girl, I still don't know her name. She turns towards me in a split second. She looks at me as if trying to comprehend what or whose in front of her.
" You must be confused why Mrs Robert left." She grins shaking her head back and forth.
"Why did she leave?" I question a bit curious. She looks at me weirdly before grinning.
"Your accent, where are you from? It's so adorable." She smiles at me. I can already tell she's a nice person even though she seems to dress like a 'bad girl' sorta thing.
"I'm British and French," I mumble awkwardly.
"It's so nice, it's like one second you sound French then the next it's British. I love it!" She exclaimed. "Anyway, Mrs Robert left because Tristan King the richest boy in school is high yet again." She shakes her head in disappointment.
I stare at her confused does she mean high on drugs or something?
"Oh," Is my only reply, that's what I usually say when I don't know what to say.
"You know his not gonna be in trouble,but I am." She grunts slumping on her seat.
"Why are you here?" I question, she seems so nice you wouldn't think she's supposed to be here. For real I think she should just change her sense of fashion so it can match her personality.
"During lunch yesterday, I stood on top of a table and screamed 'all you rich mother fuckers need to stop using drugs!' it was supposed to be a protest but non of these rich kids would join." I stare at her shocked. How can someone seriously scream that in front of the whole school?
" That's-"before I could finish my sentence Mrs Robert walks in with a boy about a year or two older than me.
" Stay here, I'll be right back." She orders. The boy takes a seat beside me. Being the shy type I don't look at him and instead stare at the floor like it's the most interesting thing in the world.
" Tristan King, how're the drugs?" The girl questions. Still didn't get her name.
" Jessica Riley, how have the cigarettes been treating your lungs?" He questioned, I turn my attention towards Jessica that's her name. She seems furious but she smiles instead.
"It's great since I will not kill my whole school by selling it." She nonchalantly mutter's. He stares at her for a few seconds.
"Mind your words, you don't wanna wake up dead." He chuckles. Should I be scared, Is He just joking.? I think his joking.
"Who's your friend here Jess?" he questions and shockingly pulls down my hoodie. I stare at him shocked. Who does that? furious I look up.
I'm met by the most mischievous brown eyes. He smirks showing off his extra white teeth and handsomeness. He looks like, what do my novels call a hot guy....a Greek God yea that.
"What's your name?" he mumbles as his fingers caress my cheeks. I could feel them warming up. I'm sure I'm blushing like crazy.
I can't even talk, luckily Jessica saves me by pulling me away from him. I feel relief yet at the same time I feel myself yearning for his touch. Jessica stands up and helps me up, now I'm standing beside her. Tristan stares at Jessica annoyed.
"Why the hell did you do that?!" he yells furiously from where he is seated. He looks like a King. Jessica holds my forearm tightly.
"Don't touch her with your STD-infected hands, you will infect her." I want to tell her it doesn't work that way but keep my mouth shut. He stares at her silently, rolling his eyes. Standing up he grabs my other hand.
"Give her to me!" Tristan exclaims pulling me towards his direction.
"No!" Jessica exclaims as well pulling me towards her direction.
This continues for a few seconds. Then I finally snap. "let me go!" I yell pulling my hands from both of them. Tears form as I stare at my bruised rist. I take a few breaths knowing what's coming next... A panic attack.
I hate how they always come unexpectedly. I take a seat and look at my fingers... I need to count... I need to count I repeat in my head. I stare at my fingers once again I still can't see how many fingers I have. Gosh, I must be making a fool of myself in front of the two.
Deep breaths Athena, deep breath after a few seconds I feel someone hug me. "You are going to be okay." a male voice whispers in my ear, his voice is so deep yet soothing that it sends a shiver down my spine. Making me shiver.
"Hey let her go, you STD-infected hoe." Jessica insults, trying to pull Tristan away from me. But failing miserably as he's still in one spot and hasn't even, slightly moved.
"Stop it! Can't you see she's having a panic atrack" Tristan whisper Yells before holding me close to him. His holding me so close I can smell his minty breath mixed with something else I can't place my hand on.
After a while, I finally feel myself calm down. I stay in his embrace for a while just to smell just cologne. It's so nice, it smells like I don't know...You know that scent when you get closer to the sea that's what his scent is.
"I know I smell good," he chuckles softly so only I can hear. In that exact second Mrs Robert walks inside the room she stares at both me and Tristan with a raised eyebrow. I quickly jump out of his embrace and stand beside Jessica who I had not noticed was still there. I felt calm, and shocked usually only Mrs Allen can calm me.
" Is everything alright?" Mrs Robert questions.
Before anyone could answer I say. " Yes, I just fall but I'm okay now," I mumble in a rushed tone. She stares at me, Tristan then Jessica. She shakes her head before walking to her desk. She starts tapping something on her computer then the printer turns on. I stand there awkwardly beside Jessica who had her arms folded staring at me.
Mrs Robert walks out of the room and then comes back with an school I.D, books and other stuff in her hands. "Open your bag," she orders coldly, I do as I'm told. "These are your textbooks, notebooks, timetable, and map," she informs putting it all in my bag. "And your locker keys, it has a number so just search for locker B16." I nod my head taking the keys.
She smiles at me a fake one might I add. I close my bag and in return, I give her a fake one as well. What happened to the nice lady I met a while ago?
" Jessica, you will help Athena Dupont find her way around the school. If you do that, you will no longer be punished," she informs Jessica, who snorts at Mrs Robert.
"Oh please, you just don't want me to speak to the school board." She grunts glaring at Tristan who seemed to now be. Asleep? How odd...
Jessica starts dragging me along with her out of the office. When we are a far enough distance she stops. "They leaving him to take those drugs!" she punches a locker in frustration." He used to be such a great person. Instead of getting him help, they are leaving him as is. "She Yells pacing back and forth.
"You care for him, don't you?" I state more than I question. I could see in her eyes that she did care. I look around the hallway to see it empty. I think class already started.
"I don't want to talk about it, come on let's get you to your first class," she mumbles diverting the conversation. I pull out my timetable and show her. She gently smiles. "hey we have almost all the same classes except Maths, English and Music." I smile as well glad I wouldn't be alone for most of my classes.
"That's great," I said shocking myself. Jessica grins before she hangs on me and we start walking.
"By the way you are my new best friend," she tells me, right as we walk into homeroom. Giving me no chance to argue.
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This chapter is dedicated to:
•Those who have insomnia
Beware of the boogie monster to those who don't vote and comment.
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