TTEOTB -- Ch. 4

Chapter 41

A month of school had passed and I was still sitting alone at lunch. Well, not completely alone, if you know what I mean. You can’t really feel alone when He’s around. 2

I sat at the end of a long lunch table near the doors to the gym/auditorium. From there I could see everyone else eating, talking and having a wonderful time. It kind of irritated me to the point where I wanted to rip their smiles off and shove hot coals in their eye sockets. I really did but I knew if the opportunity ever came up: I wouldn’t. 3

The bell finally rang after what seems like hours and so I got up to head off to the second half of third period. 4

“I still can not believe you’re taking this class…” I shivered at his raspy voice. “You’re going to fail… You know that, right?”5

I glared up towards him. “No I will not ‘shut the fuck up.’ You’re so rude… You’ll never make any friends…” Did he just read my mind? Actually, everything he said… was on my mind.6

And with that he vanished and I entered the classroom. He was right though… I wasn’t smart enough to pass this class… and friends? Forget about it. I used to have some in California but that was another time and sometimes I thought of it as another life. 7

* * * *8

I walked into my house and called for my dad. No answer. I walked down the short hall into the living room and found him fast asleep on the couch. It’s a really good thing that he works from home or else we’d be completely screwed. I went upstairs to grab some money and then head out for groceries. 9

“You are really going to do this, aren’t you? This is not a good idea. You’re going to crash. You’re going to die…”10

“You’re right I—God damnit, shut up!” I whipped around being careful not to look him in the eyes. I’ve finally gotten over his ridicules smell. 11

“I am right, aren’t I?” He turned and floated to the other side of the room. “I always seem to be right, but why?”12

“That’s what I wanna know. Who the fuck are you?” I just stood still, staring at him now dead in the eyes. Who was he?13

“You know who I am.” He replied, eyes flashing sea green, and then he vanished. 14

What the hell? Did his eyes just… No, no way it couldn’t be. My brother? It can’t be. He wouldn’t do this to me. At least, I don’t think he would… 15

I shook off the thought. That was stupid. He wouldn’t.16

I grabbed the car keys and headed out to the drive way. I got into the drivers seat and took a deep breath. This is not a good idea.17

“This is not a good idea.” I heard my words echo and I jerked my head to the right to find Him sitting right next to me.18

“I swear, if I thought it were possible I’d kill you.”19

“Oh but it is all too possible, my dear.”20

“I wish you’d stop with the fucking riddles.”21

“I wish you would stop with the rude comments.” And with that he disappeared. 22

I put the car in drive and pulled out of the driveway slowly, covering the break. I drove cautiously down the road and then turned right twice reaching the grocery store parking lot. I put the car in park, turned off the ignition and hopped out. I pulled the shopping list out of my pocket as I headed into the store. 23

“Bread… butter… crackers… tortillas… cereal… turkey… mayo… mustard… lettuce…” I muttered to myself walking up the first aisle. 24

“You know, they’re not going to come to you just because you call their names.” I heard a voice tell me. “Do you need help?”25

I looked up to face a girl with medium length black hair. Her eyes were a milk chocolate brown. She had sun kissed skin and wore jeans with a bright pink polo. She was staring at me, waiting for an answer. 26

“Oh, no. I’m fine.” I say, a slight blush running to my cheeks, because talking to myself in front of a girl from my school isn’t embarrassing at all. 27

“Liar. Why don’t you tell the girl the truth, Anika?” he sneered. If the girl hadn’t been looking at me strangely through her russet colored eyes, I would’ve snapped a smart remark at him. I guess I must’ve made a face because the inquisitive girl spoke up again. 28

“Something wrong?” Either she was too friendly or too nosy. Considering my social skills and the fact that no one has spoken one word to me at school, I was lucky to be having her talk to me now.29

“No,” I replied with a nervous giggle. “My nose itched.” I hoped she’d buy it.30

“It’s Amber… right?” she asked with a kind smile. Okay, I could live with that. This definitely wasn’t the first time someone’s screwed up my name. 31

“It’s Anika.” I reply trying desperately to smile back. I didn’t want her to think I was a bitch. I probably looked retarded. 32

“Oh, right. I’m Arianna. I sit behind you in Steinbach’s class.” she pointed out. I nodded and looked down at what she was buying. Salad. A little boring. 33

“Yeah, that’s cool.” 34

“I think we should talk more,” she giggled. “You look a little lonely.” Arianna continued. Ugh, don’t tell me she was reading my mind too. 35

“Why would she want to be friends with you?” He hissed. I forced myself not to make a face. 36

“Yeah… that would be awesome.” I replied trying not to sound too over-enthusiastic. 37

“Well, I gotta get going. Mom wants me home. My brother has to use the car and he won’t appreciate it too much if I was late.” Arianna smiled again. Good to know someone’s happy. 38

“Oh, okay, bye.” I responded, walking off in the other direction. She waved and continued her way to a self-checkout.39

I finished finding everything I needed and then checked out. I put the groceries in the trunk and headed home. 40

* * * *41

“Wha… What are you doing?” My dad asked woozily as he entered the kitchen. 42

“Making dinner, what are you doing?” I asked happily. Cooking or baking always seemed to get me in a great mood. 43

“Just took a nap.” He replied, sitting down at the small dining room table. 44

“That’s nice.” I said as I prepared two plates of chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. 45

I placed the plate in front of him and then sat down to eat mine. 46

“Where’s my beer?” He asked not really interested in the meal I’d just prepared.47

“I didn’t know you wanted one…” I told him. 48

“Well, I do, so fucking get me one!” He snarled.49

I got up hastily to fetch him a beer and then set it down in front of him. 50

“Thanks, sweetheart.” He said, smirking, taking the cap off the beer and then taking a swig. 51

I ate slowly while dad ate so quickly I doubt he even tasted it at all. 52

“Great dinner; make sure you clean up the kitchen.” He told me before going off to watch T.V. in the living room. 53

I rolled my eyes. Go to school. Do the shopping. Cook. Clean. Deal with the floating psycho. Jump off a fucking bridge too, while I’m at it. 54

I rinsed off the dishes and put them in the dishwasher; I was too tired to wash them all myself. After loading the dishwasher I headed upstairs, changed and went to bed.55