Chapter 5: Dreams To Reality
In which the past is never forgotten, and the nearby future calls
Bee-eep! Beep. Beep. Beep. Monitors rang. The world collapsed around me. I heard several voices murmur and whisper.
"What's wrong?!" A male voice stressed.
"He's suffered several blows to the head and chest." A female voice calmly replied. "Nothing serious."
"Nothing serious? Nothing serious?! Are you crazy?" The male voice retorted. I slowly opened my eyes. "Ugh..." I groaned, a stinging sensation travelling through my head.
"Close your eyes!" The nurse barked. "It's for your own good!"
"Who else is there? Where am I?" I replied in a daze, closing my eyes.
"Your friend took you here. He was in a classroom a few doors down. His name is John."
"John!" I cried, opening my eyes once again. I didn't care what the nurse said. I just wanted John.
"Alex!" he smiled, rushing to the side of my bed, moving a few strands of loose hair off my face.
"Wha-- what happened?" I stuttered. The nurse scurried off to a separate room, gathering sets of supplies. That left us alone, in peace.
"I heard that you and Jefferson were doing some serious Morse code. When the bell sounded, you screamed at his face. Like, real hard. He punched you several times, making you fall back to the floor, unconscious. I was shocked as hell, and took you to the hospital..."
"You're a lifesaver!" I giggled, sitting up now. I didn't acknowledge all the bruises that scarred my body, but when I did, my mind went blank. They bled. Red, black and blue. Vivid memories stirred. I was beaten. They bled. Red, black and blue.
"Thanks..." he trailed off. "Are you sure you're alright?" He watched my face drain white.
"Y-y-y..." I shook, "No! I'm not, John. Help me!" I pleaded. I was under a spell, a horrific spell of turmoil and trauma. I grabbed John by the shoulders, shaking him furiously.
"Settle down." He motioned for me to recline. I complied, as he placed an ice pack on my head, quickly chilling my bones. He took it off. "There you go. Cold calms the mind. It freezes it, blocking any disturbing, wild, or negative thoughts."
"Where'd you learn that?" I sighed.
"A good psychology book." he chuckled. "Use it at the head, the bruises, and any other areas you feel pain from." he recited. "Another technique I learnt was the technique of pleasant, enjoyable and desirable experience. Put someone through a simulation of pleasure. Pleasure equals happiness. It equals calm. You know what that means?"
"No."
"Ok. I'll show you."
Good Lord, I was under a trance. A trance of whimsical and twirling delight. Good Lord, it hit hard. A smack to the face, you could say. Except it was full of passion. And movement! Good Lord, the power. The sensation. How have I never felt this before? Everything has been too overwhelming, that's why. I've transitioned from nothing to everything in a matter of minutes. And how, you ask? Being loved. That's what it is. He pulled away, and fast too, his eyes glittering.
"Damn!" I gasped, eyes fluttering slightly, "What was that?!"
"That, my friend, is called a kiss. You get better now." He waved a friendly wave goodbye, disappearing out of sight. A minute later, he poked his head back in, "Don't forget the ice pack!" he exclaimed, before departing. I gave him a shaky thumbs-up.
"What was I to do now?" I thought, glancing up to the sky. I caught sight of beautiful wall art glazed upon the ceiling. The title was written neatly in flowing white paint. It read, "A Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh".
"I wish my life was like that. Beautiful, innocent and starry." I wandered off.
But it wasn't. It was cruel, harsh and dangerous. But pockets of light shine through, and they only come every now and then.
"And I just basked in that light!" My brain squealed, "All thanks to dear John. And psychology." I applied the ice pack to each of my wounds in turn, gazing and self-reflecting for a good twenty minutes. John was right. I happened to grow a lot calmer, my self-esteem gradually rising. So much so that I hopped out of bed, a joyful radiance influencing my every action.
"Nothing can stop me no--!" I tripped on a few marbles scattered across the floor. "Except for that." I puffed. I directed my eyes up to the bed next to mine, a lonely looking figure tossing marbles. I picked up the marbles from the ground, holding them in one of my hands.
"I believe these are yours," I spoke, staring into the individuals' eyes. It was James.
"Yeah, just leave 'em there." he croaked, pointing to a small jar. He dropped a few more to the ground, some rolling under beds and some bouncing on impact. I gave him a steely glare.
"Don't drop 'em! You'll hurt someone else!" I raced down the corridor, retrieving each marble. I walked back slowly, recovering from the energy burst.
"I don't care if they slip. Their body can suffer." James maniacally cackled. "You deserved those beatings Thomas gave you. I'll bet they'll scar you for the rest of your life!" He smiled slyly from ear to ear.
"You have one cruel attitude there, James," I muttered, placing the marbles back in the jar and slamming the lid shut before he could drop any more.
"Yeah. Sure," he smirked. "I saw you with Laurens a few minutes ago. Having a real good time, it seems!" he snickered.
"Shut up!" I shouted, blocking my ears and hurrying outside. I wouldn't have a bar of it. I won't have a bar of it. Thank God he wasn't the first face I saw outside, and, well... I'd rather leave our public encounters at a distance. For the record, the first face that met my gaze was a troubled female face.
"Hey, Alex! You ok? Your face... Your head... Your..."
"Eliza. It's fine, really." I reassured her.
I palmed the ice pack to my face, reciting the conversation I had with John in my head.
"Cold calms the mind. It freezes it, blocking any disturbing, wild, or negative thoughts."
"That ice pack looks cold..." she shivered.
"It is. But that's a good thing, mind you." I halted in my tracks, turning to face Eliza. Her hair was blowing gently in the wind.
"Why?"
"Brings back pleasant memories..." My eyes drifted over to a lone tree. To my surprise, two memories struck at once. Wintry leaves twirled their way to the ground. A sharp chill struck my bones. Both associated with winter, and two wonderful people.
"Interesting..." she muttered under her breath. "Pleasantry is linked often to people, so, who with?"
"Your sister!" I spoke quietly, but zestily.
"Good grief, Alex! Which one?" She shrieked, most likely out of happiness. Could've easily been out of shock.
"Angelica."
"Did she...?"
"No. But I bet she would've! If she was sitting upright, that is." I spoke instantly as if I read her mind.
Eliza's eyes were wide, mouth agape. "Well, that's--"
"Surprising. I know." I swear I felt a flush through my cheeks, but it felt more like goosebumps. Goosebumps it is, then.
"No! It's outrageous! She could've... She would've... She can't..."
"What can't she do? What limits are there? I mean, love is as boundless as the sea. Quick like lightning. It teases and intoxicates and messes with your mind! What limits are there?" I maintained a steady gaze, her eyes twinkling.
"Stop quoting Shakespeare!" she clenched her fists, inhaling sharply, "Goddamnit, Alex!" Her eyes twinkled even more now that she had restrained herself. "Because I love you!"
A twinge of guilt coursed through my veins and straight up to the head, along with the usual shock.
"Three people?!" My brain exploded, dialling itself down, as I brought my ice pack onto my forehead, "I mean, what a predicament. And it's only the first bloody day. One was fully requited, one was half and the other... well, unrequited. Oh, Lord, show me how to say no to this..." I trailed off into prayer.
"I'm sorry, Eliza, but... since when?" I asked. If I figure out the origins, then I can link it to true desire, desperation or... perhaps something else. She could be poisoned for all I know.
"Since... like, ever!" she beamed, "As soon as I saw you that first chem class, I didn't know what hit me. And well... my goddamn sister grabbed you! Pulled her onto that magic carpet ride, made you lose all your sense! I knew from then on, I'd have no chance...."
"Well, what a shame..." My thoughts drifted, "I guess I can't leave someone helpless?" My brain mused.
"Er... Eliza!" I blurted, "I mean, it's not all over. It's only my first day, for Pete's sake! Anyway, gotta go!" I dashed off to the cafeteria, leaving Eliza all on her lonesome. I watched her turn around on the spot several times, then screeching out in anger, "Stuff him!" Anger comes in different forms. Eliza's was a tantrum. A girly tantrum.
With everything that was going on, I almost forgot that it was lunchtime. Grabbing a few morsels, I took a lone seat in the corner of the cafeteria. I could use a bit of downtime. I gazed out the window to view a picturesque sky, fluffy clouds and gently glowing sunlight glossing over the Earth. To be honest, today had been exhausting. Not physically. I mean, as much as I wasn't an extremely physical person, I wasn't drained doing any exercise. Not academically, in that sector, I was doing swell. But mentally and emotionally, the transitioning between everything had taken its toll. I drifted into dreamland in a matter of minutes.
Pitch black darkness was all that surrounded me and three items. A note, a key and a lantern. The paper was tattered and barely legible. The lantern illuminated my bare feet. It was almost as if I was invited to pick up the paper. Inquisitive me, of course, I did. It reminded me of my past. Barely intact. The note read,
This is a test of character. Here lies a single key. In front of you lay several doors, therefore several possibilities. You must choose wisely. Choose wrong, and consequences will arise. Your mind will be tormented. It could consume you forever.
I shook on the spot, gently pressing my fingers together. I inspected each of the doors. Same autumn orange frame, same steady structure. The only odd intricacy was the gold doorknob, a tiny symbol engraved in each. One had a small bird. One had a lightning bolt. One had two leaves crossing over one another. And one had that dreaded object that consumed my waking days. A hurricane. I checked the similarly coloured gold key for any markings. There was only one, which read,
The decision lies with you, and only you. A.Ham.
It quaked in my hand. You know what they say. Fortune favours the bold. Tentatively opening the door, I closed my eyes and rushed inside, opening my eyes to a blindingly white room. The door slammed behind me.
"How unfortunate..." I thought to myself.
The floor was caressed with shining flowers and leaves. Over to the back of the room was a blossoming cherry blossom tree and a Japanese style pond, surrounded by pebbles and filled with Koi fish. I sat down by the pond, dipping my hand into the shallow water, which left my fingers with a cool tingling sensation. Everything was oddly tranquil. The tree branched over my head, minuscule birds dancing. The flowers and leaves blew themselves towards me, light as feathers. Clouds settled in the sky, rumbling loudly and growing darker with every passing second. I abruptly jumped up, the note suddenly reappearing in my hand,
You chose wrong...
"I don't know how that happened?! It's a test of character! Was I too complacent?" My brain buzzed. That's when it clicked. The birds. The lightning. The leaves and flowers. All the signs on the other doors had gathered here today, to witness my untimely decision. The hurricane. I backed myself against the wall, which was now flashing red.
"Here it comes!" I spoke aloud, trembling. I couldn't tell whether I spoke in my dreams or reality.
"Wake up or a hurricane'll destroy your hometown!" I heard a voice ring. Reality was calling, but dreamland seemed more comfortable, even with the hurricane. It would come either way. I jerked up and backwards, falling onto the floor. My vision was blurry, consciousness malfunctioning. "You're alive!" the voice cried.
"Y-Yeah. I am..." I replied groggily, still on the floor.
"Then stand up! I don't understand what's wrong with you!" The voice exclaimed. It took some time to compute, later realising it was Hercules.
"Do you say that to every person you see? The... the..." I couldn't force myself to say it, no matter how hard I tried.
"The hurricane thing? No!" he smirked, "I threaten people to wake up. It's kinda just a habit. Like, a few days ago, Laurens drifted off, and I cried, "Get up, or a thousand needles'll pierce you!" He jumped up in nervous sweats!" Hercules cackled.
"Don't you realise how hurtful that is?" I slowly rose from the floor, collecting myself.
"Nah, he ain't hurt. He doesn't mind!"
"Don't you care? Do you have the slightest consideration for me, and anyone else you torment?"
"Torment?" he stared, bemused, "It's just a few light-hearted wake-up calls!"
"It's damaging. You wouldn't want to know..."
"I do! Spill the tea, my friend!" he urged.
"Ahem..." I cleared my throat, "An actual hurricane did destroy my hometown of Nevis when I was seventeen. So, I recommend that you think before you speak..."
"Ok, ok..." he mumbled.
"And don't scare John with needles!" I added.
"He's honestly chill about it, so don't bother." Hercules pressed.
"Fine." I conceded. "Back to schoolwork..." I muttered under my breath, awkward fumes filling the air. He took several paces away from me, glancing down at his shoes.
"Was I causing this?" I sprang, "No. I mean, what could be more awkward than standing over your friends and scaring them with threats?" I reassured myself.
I pulled out my phone, looking at the weather forecast. Apparently, it's supposed to remain sunny for the rest of the day.
"Don't know how much longer that will last..." I sprang up from my chair, returning my cutlery and tray to the cafeteria, and ambling past Hercules.
The next two lessons flew by, being French and History, but weren't jam-packed with anything of interest. Entailed with past participles and the modernisation of China, I sat, nodded, and copied. That's all there is to it, sometimes. No friends, no fun, just boring lessons. I escaped out of History alive, without Washington peering over me and my hands moving at breakneck speed. To make things plain, he was my History teacher. How ironic. And as far as French was concerned, past participles were past news to me. Learned that when I was thirteen, in a fashionable linguistic paper.
"I guess you could say, it was history," I told myself, hoping to gain some liveliness. In truth, it made me cringe, my spirit dwindling even lower.
I made the smart decision to retreat outside for a spot of true relaxation, being the study of coordinate geometry. I particularly enjoyed formulating the different methods in my head, then creating them on paper. Except the drawing often did my head in. Thank goodness today wasn't one of the days where I was bogged down, but rather eager to scribble. Scribble neatly, that is. Before I could comprehend it, the day seeped into dusk, a vibrant swirl of orange and pink lacing the sky. My thoughts were going foggy and my hands were running out of energy, like a robot running out of power. Then it struck me. Like the hands on a clock reaching midnight.
"Me? Tired?! Never in a million years! Over coordinate geometry? Unprecedented. Quitting isn't in my DNA, nor will it overcome me now. Time to begi--"
"Alex! What a surprise!" I heard a voice call.
"Who's there?" I dropped my pencil hard on the table. Shock pulsed through my veins as I threw my head to the left. "Oh... Peggy..." I caught my breath back. "You didn't need to witness that. Sorry."
"No matter." she puffed. Her face was glowing red but was gradually dialling itself down. "Hey, have you seen JLoz anywhere?" she questioned.
My mind went into overdrive. "Who's that? Why is she searching so hard? What's all the trouble? Is it for a project? Is it a new student? Perhaps it's a girl. I mean... the nickname sounds pretty..." The only way I could investigate was by responding. "I'm sorry? Who?"
"Right. You don't know..." she sheepishly smiled, fiddling with her fingers. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. From what I could infer, she was in a state of mental panic. Possibly confusion. Or she could have been thinking of lying. How would I know?
"It's John," she said, a short second or so later.
"R-really? John?" I stammered.
"Yes. Now, where is he?" The urgency in her voice was evident. It didn't tremble or fracture, as I expected, but stayed as steady as a smooth sailing ship.
"Being honest, I don't know. Probably relaxing somewhere, and not partaking in maths work like I am."
"Well, thanks for that." She turned on the spot and dashed off, without giving me any further recognition.
"I'll just continue as per usual, then." I huffed, quickly grabbing my pencil from the table and continuing with the everlasting fascination of coordinate geometry.
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