Chapter 2

Chapter 2

After that incident, when my lampshade burst into flames, I’ve been getting headaches. A week later I was admitted into a hospital from a severe migraine. My parents were worried sick. The doctor suggested that I refrain from watching TV, playing computer or anything that could possibly tire my eyes. I sure doubt I spent a lot of time on those.

During my time in the hospital, they discovered I had anemia. That made my stay there a week longer. Fortunately it was summer and a couple of classmates of mine visited. For that I was happy.

“Estelle, how does it feel like to be in a hospital?” Cammy, my friend since third grade asked. “I’ve never been admitted so I’m curious.”

“It feels annoying, really. People going in and taking my blood every time is not that enjoyable,” I told her. That was the truth. And to be more honest, beside the fact that I’m already 17, I still have a slight case aichmophobia (fear of needles).

Aside from Cammy, other friends came and visited as well. Most of them would say, “Are you ok? Don’t you feel lonely? I hope you get better. Just make sure you make it to prom, kay?” I would laugh at the last statement though prom is not on my list of priorities.

Another friend of mine, Wensel, however, said something that bothered me.

“You have to eat up, Estelle. You don’t want to die young of starvation,” that was what she told me. She was sarcastic but it concerned me a little. Wensel and were friends when she moved here. I was 8 when they moved. We aren’t what you would call best friends but we were close.

“Don’t worry. I’m not planning to,” I took a bite off the apple she brought me.

A week later I was released from the hospital. It felt so weird for me to be out of there. Inside was a view of the color white and out it was finally multicolored. It somehow felt nostalgic.

To celebrate my discharge from the hospital, my mother decided to cook my favorite foods. My family gathered on the table, ate together and talked with each other with that happy feeling. It was much better than being in a hospital.

“Sis, I’m so glad you left the hospital. I can’t imagine a life without someone to annoy,” my sister Janine nudged me. Mom and dad laughed.

“Haha,” I laughed as well but I threw a raisin at her.

“Janine, your sister just got out. Try to behave,” mom told her.

“So, you’re saying I can’t mention about Estelle’s new crush?” I nearly choked. I dropped my fork as well. Janine laughed at me. Mom and dad stared at me. As much as prom doesn’t sound interesting to me, I still have my girly side. And that side is having a crush.

“Estelle, why didn’t you tell us anything?” mom looked at me excitedly.

I looked down. “It’s not like you would expect me to talk about these kinds of things. It’s completely embarrassing. And besides it’s not like he knows about it.”

“Estelle, I don’t want you doing anything too rash. You’re only-” dad pointed at me.

“Yeah, I know. I know. I’m not that kind of girl. Unlike someone I know,” I eyed Janine. She gave me a look that spread innocence all over her. She may be 2 years younger but she had a boyfriend before I did.

“I’m also thankful that you’re out of the hospital. Your fees were giving me a headache,” dad said.

“Don’t worry dad. It won’t happen again,” I smiled at him. Our family laughed and enjoyed. I felt relieved that night. I went to bed with that happy feeling. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

The entire room shifted. The feeling was horrible. I quickly opened my eyes. I realized I was already lying on the ground than on my bed. This is happening again. I was also wearing the same blue green dress as before. I stood up and brushed the dirt off me.

“So Zen how was swords practice?” I heard a voice coming towards this place. I quickly hid behind a tree. I promised myself I’d never climb one again. Who was Zen again? I tried to recall. That’s right! He was the guy who shot an arrow through my arm. I feel guilty of using that to remember him.

“It was a bit difficult,” he said. “By the way, have you seen any random girl climb up any of these trees around here?”

Was he referring to me? They stopped in the place where we last met. The boy who was with him laughed so hard. “You’re kidding right? In case you forgot, Zen, girls don’t climb trees. That’s indecent and uncivilized.” Were they mocking me?! “Maybe you saw a monkey?”

That was it. I have reached my limit! If I threw a stone it would be obvious that a person threw it. So to show I didn’t do it, I threw an acorn instead. It hit him right on the head. I felt so proud. Zen glanced my way; I hid again. I could’ve sworn he saw me.

“Did you see that, Zen?” the guy asked.

“See what?” Then again, maybe he didn’t see me. “We should go back.”

“Eh! But what were we doing here? And didn’t you want to go somewhere?”

“Let’s just say I already saw what I needed to. I guess I’ll just leave this here.”

“What for?”

“Oh, no reason. Let’s just head back.”

I was agreeing with that other guy. For what reason did they go here exactly?  I went out of hiding after I could no longer hear their voices and footsteps. I came to see what Zen had left. It was my handkerchief. So he really saw me, huh. I got it and a note fell from it. I opened it and read it.

You can have this. I don’t need it. You can think of any reason of why I’m giving this to you but don’t get your hopes up. You’re not exactly my type.

What the--!! This guy is so full of himself! Who in the world said I liked him?! He wasn’t my type either! And why would I assume such a horrible reason for this hankie?! If he was here, I’d smack some sense into him. He’s the worst guy who ever existed! But I didn’t finished reading the note though.

P.S. It’s going to rain soon. Good luck.

What was that supposed to mean?! I felt a drop of water on my shoulder. I looked up and saw dark clouds above me. It then poured down. Hard. Right now I’m regretting a lot of things. I sat down on the rock that brought me a few memories. It was where I waited for that playful boy to come out. I smiled at that. But it was also where, 7 years ago, I waited for a long time and just got dumped. If it rained then, I wouldn’t help but cry. But now, I can’t cry. I don’t want too. I felt cold, lonely and even homeless. Is this what’s supposed to happen in my dreams? Is it supposed to make me feel horrible?

I stayed there for a long time. I wasn’t exactly waiting for anyone to come and help me nor was I planning to kill myself by staying out in the cold. It just kept on raining. I stayed there because I knew it was useless to go around. I might end up killed by any animal out there or I might even drop dead while walking. And even if I went to the nearby village, who would want to bring in a stranger who is wet and looks like she’s going to die. I can’t even see a way towards the village. All I can see is rain. Endless amounts of it.

It just so happened that a middle aged and kind woman passed by. She saw me shivering and talking to myself. (I must’ve looked like a lunatic) She offered me her umbrella. “No. You don’t have to. You might get really wet if you give me that,” I denied her offer. She smiled at me. I was puzzled.

“Do you have a place to stay?” she asked me kindly. I told her no. She offered me something I’m sure I wouldn’t have refused. “Then why don’t you come with me to my house and stay there for the night?”

“That would be great,” I smiled and followed her. I still didn’t take her umbrella. I was already wet all over so what’s the use of it? But I wondered why she trusted me so easily. If it was a serial killer, would she have invited him over if he acted the same way I did? I was still thankful that she was the one who found me and not a serial killer.

When we arrived at the village I saw many children playing in the rain. It didn’t seem to bother them that the fact that they stay too long in the cold could cause sickness. The children waved at me and laughed. Some girls around my age were also playing in the rain. Well, I guess dancing would’ve been a more appropriate word. They were smiling and enjoying. I wonder why I can’t be like that.

The woman opened the door to her house. I followed her inside. She told me to make myself comfortable while she tried to fix a room for me. I told her I don’t want to be a bother but she insisted that I stay. I took a bath in her bathroom. It seemed much different than ours. It was more natural if you described it. She also gave me another set of clothes and told me that I don’t have to pay for it. I thanked her many time. I didn’t know such a person existed in this world.

“Here is the room you’ll be using. I’m sorry if it’s not much,” she told me.

“It’s ok. You already did so much for me,” I thanked her again.

“By the way, what’s your name? I didn’t ask for it earlier.”

“Estelle. That’s my name.”

“Well, Estelle, rest all you want. Try to feel better. Then tomorrow I will ask you questions,” she shut the door.

I can’t imagine falling asleep in a dream world like this. Could it even be possible? But I felt so tired. I decided that maybe it wasn’t such a horrible chance. If I do get some sleep I hope that when I wake up I’ll be seeing the real world.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoy :)