Mallika Venkatesh - 8IG-A- 2018-19

In a moderate sized house in Pennsylvania, there lived a family of five. Mom, Dad, Ariana, Jacob and I. We were a very odd family. Mom and Ariana both had dark wavy hair. Dad and Jacob had curly scarlet hair, which Dad got from grandma. I had long, blonde, straight hair with a few blue dyed streaks.

 Our backyard was very small. We had a mini playground, a really big treehouse that we never use and just lots and lots of lush green grass.

 “Come on Alex, we’re going out for a movie!” Mom called out from downstairs. I slowly put down my book so I don’t wrinkle any pages.

 “Coming mommy!” I called back. As I was walking out of my room, I noticed something in the corner of my eye. I saw an olive-skinned girl with wavy black hair wearing a green beanie. She was wearing a silver parka and had a bow slung over her shoulder. Then a boy appeared next to her. He had the same olive skin and black hair as the girl. His eyes were black as an endless void. He smiled and waved at me. I widened my eyes and glanced back to the book I was reading, Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse. They looked exactly like Bianca and Nico di Angelo.

 “Alex, honey? Are you okay?” Bianca winked at me and disappeared with her brother.

 “Yeah!”

 I was seven when that happened, when I first started seeing them. I started being able to hear them when I was nine, right after I finished the next series, The Heroes of Olympus. They whispered things. Luke said that I should run away, go to New York. Percy and Piper both said that I should stay.

 Ever since the, I’ve been researching on how strange things have been happening all over the world.

 When I was eleven, I ran away to Long Island to search for Camp Half Blood. That’s when my parents figured out that something was wrong with me, but they didn’t know what.

 Now I’m going to highschool with a mental illness I don’t know how to fix.

~~~***~~~

 “So that’s why I think purses are better than backpacks.” my best friend, Rachel, was telling me why she likes and carries purses over backpacks to school.

 “Jeez Rachel, you’re acting like Drew.” I mutter, searching my bag for my chemistry notebook.

“What?”

“Nothing.” she still doesn’t know about my ‘condition’ and I’d like to keep it that way.

“The female body undergoes different changes during puberty.” our biology teacher, Mrs. Lopez was jabbering on and on about things we’ve learned in eighth grade. “Can anyone name two changes?” nobody in the twenty-five children class raised their hands.

“No one? Okay, then-” she was cut off by the violent ringing of the lunch bell. Everyone rushed out of class, like that stampede in the first Jumanji movie.

“Hey, Alex! You’re going to lunch, right?” Rachel asked. I shook my head.

“No, not really hungry.”

“Come on Alex. You have to eat. This is the third day you’ve gone without having lunch.” Rachel sternly said. I roll my eyes at her.

“Fine, Will Solace.” I mumble.

“Alright, what’s wrong? Yesterday, when I said I didn’t want to go outside because of the sun, you called me Nico. When I called you last night saying I couldn’t sleep because of nightmares, you called me Bucky. Today, you called me Drew and Will Solace. You need to tell me what’s going on?!” she ranted on and on, pacing back and forth and moving her hands around wildly.

“I’m a very dedicated fan?” my voice went up an octave higher.

“Yeah, I completely believe that.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Rachel crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.

“Tell her.” Peter said. He was standing next to Rachel.

“The kid’s right. She deserves to know.” Steve went over to Peter and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Stupid persuasiveness.” I grumble.

“Well?” Rachel’s voice sounded a little irritated. Okay, a lot irritated.

“Okay, ever since I was seven, I’ve been able to see and communicate with the characters in Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus. Then when I watched the whole MCU, I started seeing them too. I haven’t told my mom or dad, or anyone really.” I look at Rachel. Her eyes were wide open and her face was pale. Her arms had dropped to her side. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah! Yes, I-I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? You know what, let’s go for lunch. I think it’s mac and cheese today.”

“You always bring lunch from home. Why do you-waah!” Rachel dragged me across the room and out the door. I stumbled forward and almost hit my head against the door frame.

As I sat down with my food, I looked at Rachel silently eating her burrito.

“You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” Rachel’s head snapped up.

“ . . . no.”

“You hesitated.” Rachel sighed and looked down.

“Is it wrong to think that?” she sounded disappointed, but I didn’t know at whom: herself, at thinking I’m crazy, or me for not telling her.

“No. 99% of the world would agree. The other 1% would say ‘I think she’s normal.’ because they’re crazy too.”

“Alright, then.” Rachel smiles and starts eating her burrito more happily.

I discreetly sigh. If only she knew the half of it.

~~~***~~~

Before I got out of bed, I knew today was going to be a horrible and messed up day. Usually, when I get up, the sun would be shining, there would be a buzz of cars and trucks. I would be able to smell Mom’s pancake and bacon, my sister, Ariana, would be singing in the shower. My brother, Jacob, would practise his pickup lines in front of his ‘magic mirror’ (or so he says).

Today was different. The sky was covered in grey clouds. The honking of cars was way too loud, as if they were right outside my window. Rain fell in sheets, pounding outside my window in a cold fury. I shivered. I don’t really like rain.

Today, there was a smell of something burning. Everyone was running around the house. I could hear footsteps thumping across the whole house.

“Alex! Get up! You’re going to miss the bus!” Ariana yelled. I shot out of bed, took a short shower, grabbed my backpack, kissed Mom goodbye and rushed out of the house.

The bus was rolling away when Jacob flagged it down. The driver noticed him and stopped the bus (well, it was really hard to ignore Jacob. His hair was a literal fire hydrant).

I was running towards the bus when I tripped over a rock and went tumbling through the mud. Ariana pulled me up with the strap of my backpack.

“Thanks Anna.” I said and dust off by bag. My knee had a particularly bad gash on it. I limped towards the bus, muttering under my breath. “Of course I fall on the one day the ground is muddy. Why wouldn’t I?” The rain kept pouring down and me, being stupid, forgot the umbrella in the house.

My hair and clothes were sticking to my skin and I kept blinking water out of my eyes. Every step I took, my shoes squelched and squeaked, causing a few sniggers rolling through the bus. I sit down in my seat, ignoring the looks from people in neighboring seats. I sigh and put my head against the window, watching the landscape blur past.

I knew that this is going to be a bad day.

At school, people were whispering as I walked past them. I dump my bag at my table. I’ve gotten used to the whispers a long time ago.

“Did you hear? She ran away when she was seven.”

“I don’t know about you, but I heard that Alex Gonzales is a psychopath.”

“Gonzales’ friend, Rachel, told me that she was insane and had to get a Thorazine drip.” At this last one, I was a bit confused. Apparently, so was the friend.

“Rachel? As in Rachel Johnson? As in Gonzales’ best friend?”

“Yep. Ooh, but she told me not to tell anyone. Oops.” I rounded the corner and saw two seventh grade girls whispering to each other. The moment they saw me, they paled and ran away.

Fury built up in my chest. Rachel spread rumors about me! How dare she! It’s not like she was a loner and I decided to be her friend! It’s not like when she had a humongous fight with someone, I defended her like nobody’s business! It’s not like I punched any person who bullied her!

I stormed off to go find Rachel and give her a piece of my mind.

I found her laughing obnoxiously with the popular group. I stomped over there and grabbed her shirt collar. Everyone backed away as I slammed her into a locker.

“How dare you spread rumors about me! How dare you earn my trust and then betray me so viciously! How dare you!” I screamed at her face. She was petrified, her eyes darting all over the place. I glance around me and noticed that everyone was watching. I slowly put her down, my face portraying unimaginable sadness. “You know, there was a time where I would have given up my life so you could live yours. Goodbye Johnson.” I solemnly walk away, my head hung low. People slowly started to go to their classes but Rachel just stood there, shocked.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I ran to the bathroom, my face burning. I lock myself in a stall and quietly cry my heart out. Nico appeared next to me and started comforting me and patting my back.

“If she really was your friend, she wouldn’t have done this.” He stated.

“B-but it hurts all-l the s-s-same.” I choke out.

I had just lost my best friend.

~~~***~~~

I sulked the whole week. Wake up, school, come back, eat, sleep. That was my schedule and I stuck to it. On the days I saw Rachel (which was almost everyday), I ‘forgot’ to eat dinner and i ‘forgot’ to talk to anyone. All I would do was read. I would read ten books then reread them. I would scroll through my computer, reading fanfictions. My family worried about me.

Once, I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like eating an apple. On my way to the kitchen, I heard my parents talking.

“I’m worried about her, William. She won’t eat, she barely comes out of her room. Anna tells me it’s because she got into a fight with Rachel, but I think it’s more than that.” Mom said, her voice cracking.

“I am too, Emily. We just have to hope that she gets out of her dark place. Besides, she’s a strong girl, she’ll be fine.”

Once I got to the kitchen, I heard a voice.

“You should tell them.” Nico said. I sighed

“I’ll tell them when I’m ready. They don’t suspect anything yet and I’d like to keep it that way.” I respond, taking a bite of the apple. “Just give me time.”

“If you don’t, I’ll get Clarisse.” he threatens. I roll my eyes.

“Fine, whatever, like she can do anything.” I mumble with a mouth full of apple.

I turn around and feel a puff of spine chilling air blow against my back. I was used to it. That’s how I know that they’re gone.

I slowly walk back upstairs, being very careful so that I don’t wake up anyone. While passing my parents’ room, I noticed that the lights were off and there was a sound of two people snoring.

“I’m sorry.” I whisper and go back to my room for a fitful night of sleep.

In the morning, I sluggishly get ready for school. I trudge down the stairs to a smell, a heaven-like smell of pancakes and syrup. I saw a small note next to a stack of pancakes.

‘Hi Alex! Hope you have a good day at school! Your father and I had some work related problems, so enjoy your breakfast and don’t miss the bus!’ The note read. Ana and Jacob were already wolfing down their breakfast.

The moment I sat down, a loud, foghorn sound ripped through the house.

“Come on Alex! The bus is here!” Jacob yelled, rushing upstairs t grab his backpack.

Of course the minute I sit down for breakfast, the bus comes. I thought as I stuffed a pancake in my mouth and ran out the door.

Today, I had to stay back for detention for not responding to the teacher. It wasn’t my fault. I just found something outside that was more interesting than The Cold War.

Anyways, I had to organize the library because the kids in elementary kept messing it up. I didn’t mind, I like books.

“So first, the kids books will be color coded and the rest are organized by author’s last name.” Introducing Mrs. George, the fifty-something year old librarian with a raspy voice and a fashion sense everyone hates. For example, today she was wearing a bright green dress, neon orange lipstick and a big, red hat covered with enough feathers to cover a full-grown ostrich. Her triple chion and jiggly belly didn’t help either.

“Yes Mrs. George.” I responded blandly. She walks away and I get to work.

By the time after-school ended, I had finished organizing the whole library. Mrs. George had left (which was really irresponsible), so I grabbed my backpack and walked out of the library.

On the way to the bus, someone stuck out their leg and I tripped over it. A face of a football jock loomed over me.

I stumbled up the steps of the bus. Bruises covered my face and blood ran down my nose. My back ached and my stomach screamed in pain. My throat was scratchy and I found it hard to breath. I gently eased myself into my seat, hissing under my breath. My backpack was between my feet, torn and covered with mud.

I bend down to get a book when My back made a ‘pop’ sound, sending a flood of pain across my body. I lean back and stare out the window. The engine started up, my seat vibrating. After a puff of smoke, the school started to blur as the bus rumbled past.

~~~***~~~

My den was basically a refurbished walk-in closet that I expanded a lot. It had a small, sea green, fuzzy carpet spread across a dark wood floor. I had a small reading chair against the wall with an Iron Man lamp on the circular coffee table next to it. On the opposite wall, I had a towering bookcase filled with every single book that I love. They were organized by series and chronological order. For example, The Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series were right next to each other, then Magnus Chase and Trials of Apollo.

My parents allowed me to set up a small TV in the room. It rested on a glass table and had speakers on either side of it. Next to the TV, there was a stack of DVDs of all Marvel movies that came out. All across the den, there were multi-colored beanbags and cushions thrown around. There was also a cupboard stacked with snacks and a mini fridge filled with drinks.

Plastered all over the wall were different Marvel movie posters in a straight line, from Iron Man to Ant-Man and the Wasp. The wall itself was painted an off grey color that helped everything stand out.

Whenever something happens that hurts me, physically or emotionally, I always retreat to my den and stay there for a few hours.

Today was no different. The bus rolled to a stop and I ran off. As soon as I treated my cuts (I went to a First Aid camp when I was eight), I swiftly went upstairs to my den. I grabbed a random book and sank into my reading chair.

When I opened to the first page, I was hit with a thought. ‘What if I died?’ What if I died? I don’t really have anything to live for. My best friend ditched me, I’m constantly being bullied and this stupid condition doesn’t help either.

“Don’t die. You still have your whole life ahead of you.” Nico sank into a coffee brown beanbag.

“You’re just saying that because you don’t want to disappear. Besides, isn’t your dad the god of the Underworld?” My eyes don’t leave the ink and paper in front of me.

“But he’s right, Alex.” Steve stepped up next to me, “Just because your life is taking a turn you don’t like doesn’t mean you have to jump out of the car.” I roll my eyes.

“You just don’t understand.”

Nico gets up and starts pacing. “I’m probably the only one who understands. I’m from the 1940s, when homosexuality wasn’t allowed. Then my sister died, I got played by a ghost and camp rejected me. How do you think that feels?”

“I know exactly how that feels. You have a condition that no one approves of, you lost someone dear to you and you felt rejected by the world before eventually leaving it. I’m going through what you were going through, Nico! I know exactly how that feels!” By that time, I’m standing up and glaring at Nico. He glares back at me and curses in Italian.

“Okay guys, break it up.” Steve separates us to either side of the den. I pick up my book and place it back on my shelf. In the corner of my eyes, I see Steve disappear.

“I just don’t have anything for me here.” I single and wipe my runny nose against my sleeve. Nico’s eyes immediately soften. He mumbles in Italian under his breath.

“Just think about the good and bad of each decision. Think about your family who loves you so, so much.” He mumbles. I shanking my nod. He comes forward and hugs me. I tightly hug him back.

“I’ll-I’ll think about it a lot, Nico. I promise.” Nico steps back and I could see that he was crying as well.

“Just, just don’t leave me yet. Not like everyone else.”

~~~***~~~

One week. I spent one week debating on the ‘Die, not die’ problem and I decided not to die. But I also decided to be a coward and run away from my problems.

“This is not what I meant when I said ‘Think it through’!” Nico shouted over the blaring music in my room. I rush around, grabbing clothes and and inhaler and stuff it all in my bag. I also put some money in a secret pocket.

“Well, I said that there’s nothing left for me here.” I replied, panting slightly. I’ve never been good at sports.

“That doesn’t mean you just run away! Make something for yourself here, make a reason for you to stay.”

“Alright, where’s the kid that ran away when his sister died? Where’s his train of thought?” I sit on my bed and wait for a response.

“He grew up and realized he was being a jerk.”

“You can’t change my mind Nico.” The one reason why I played blaring music was so that no one would hear me opening the window that faced a forest and climbing out.

“If you run away, none of us will ever talk to you again!” Nico shouts through the window. I hesitated. Do I really want to do this? Do I really want to lose the people I’ve called my family for ten years? I tilt my head up. Yes.

“All you’ve ever done for me is make my life a living hell! It was because of you that I have to run away! You have never done anything for me, so don’t tell me that. I don’t care if you disappear! Just let me go!” I run into the woods without looking back.

When we first met, Rachel and I would always use this shortcut through the woods  to get to each other’s houses. Since I trusted Rachel with everything, I left one of my most prized possessions in her backyard. She doesn’t even know I hid it there, much less where to find it.

I ran through the forest, breaking twigs and jumping over logs.

I finally reached the familiar white picket fence with a child’s doodles all over it. I slowly climbed over it and walked to the big apple tree in the center.

It was a typical apple tree with lush green leaves and a thick trunk. The bark was a mix of coffee brown and hazelnut. There was even an old tire swing hanging from the lowest branch.

In between the two largest roots, there was slight depression in the soil. If you dig a little bit, you would find a small black box with a golden clasp. I dug a bit and pulled the box out.

I heard a flick and saw someone coming towards me. I quickly hide the box and look up.

Rachel stood there with a small flashlight.

“Alex?”

“No, it’s the Grim Reaper.”

“Nice to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“More like sarcasm and sass.” There was a period of awkward silence. “ I’m going to go now.” I pick up the box and put it in my bag and moved towards the fence.

“Wait,” Rachel called out. I rolled my eyes and turned back around, “Why are you running away?”

“Why do you think, genius?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Apology not accepted.” I crossed my arms. She must be really stupid to think that I would welcome her with open arms.

“I know what I did was stupid.”

“So why’d you do it?”

“I don’t know,” Okay, now this was a waste of my time, “I think because I was just so angry at the world. My brother went to college and my parents were constantly fighting.”

“So… to help yourself, you rejected and betrayed your best friend.”

“I know,” she looked down, “That was stupid.”

I snort, “No kidding, Sherlock.” I saw a few tears slide down her face. I sigh. I’m definitely going to regret this.

“Next time, just tell me something is wrong before completely shutting me out.” Rachel stats jumping and clapping. Then her smile faded.

“Don’t run away.” I think about it. The main reason I was running was because I was betrayed. Now that Rachel was my friend again, I didn’t really have a reason to run away.

“Okay.” I hop back over the white picket fence and go back home.

~~~***~~~

“Are you going to tell them?”  I jump through my window and dump my bag on my bed.

“I guess. Want to come?” He nodded energetically. I walk across the hall and knock on my parents’ door. When I hear a ‘Come in’, I push open the door and walk in.

“Hi honey, what’s wrong?” Mom asked, drying her hair.

“Can I tell you something?”

“No.” Dad joked. He was on his computer doing taxes.

“Anyway, you know how I acted strangely throughout this whole week?” both my parents stopped what they were doing and looked at me. I took a deep breath and glanced at Nico. He smiled and gave me a double thumbs up. “Well, the reason for that was that since I was nine, I could see and interact with characters I read about. This year, when I told Rachel, she spread rumors through the whole school. So… yeah.”

They both stared at me with with wide eyes and open mouths. “Okay then.”

The next day was Friday. Mom and Dad wanted me to not go to school for some reason. Then they called me down. They sat at the dining table with their hands folded on it.

“So honey, we would like to take you to someone who will help you.” Mom says.

“A psychiatrist.” I said bluntly.

“Yes. Her name is Ms. Summers. She has a very good record.” Dad said.

“Fine.”

We took a long drive to this place called ‘Sunny Crest Mental Center’.

“Hello, we’re looking for Ms. Summers?” Dad asked the receptionist.

“Ah, yes. You must be Mr and Mrs Gonzales. Right this way.” She lead us through a maze of hallways until we reached a colorful  door. She opened it and called out, “Ms. Summers, they’re here!”

A woman in her mid-twenties comes into view.

“Hi! You must be William and Emily! So nice to meet you!” She shakes my parents’ hands very enthusiastically. “And you must be Alex! I’m Ms. Summers, but you can call me Mikaela!” She was a very cheerful person. I wondered if she was into cheerleading shen she was in high school.

“So what time should we pick her up?” Mom asked.

“At around six. She’s in good hands, Mrs. Gonzales, don’t worry. Alright bye!” She herds everyone out and closes the door, “So, lets get started, shall we?”

~~~***~~~

It’s been a few months since my parents took me to Mikaela. I noticed that after every class, whenever they came up (which is becoming less and less), they would always stand at a distance from me and they started becoming more and more transparent. It’s almost like they were disappearing.

Anyways, after Mikaela told me about how she suffered the same thing, she took took me through the same exercises she did, talking about the characters, watching some movies because even movies based on real events have some fiction in them.

I walk through the familiar revolving doors that I see every week.

“Hi Alex! Ms. Summers is waiting inside for you.” Mrs. Miller said, beaming me a smile.

“Thanks Mrs. Miller.” I said in a monotone voice. Millers peppy attitude still annoys me.

It takes time for one to memorize all the ins and outs of the Sunny Crest Mental Center. It was a literal maze with self-motivational quotes hung on the rainbow painted walls.

I knocked on Mikaela’s door and not even a second after that, she opens it.

“Hey Alex, just settle down. I just have to put this stuff away.” Mikaela gestures to the pads of paper spread across the small wooden table. Crayons and color pencils scattered all over the table and the floor.

Every week, the session Mikaela had before me was is with some little kid. I don’t really know anything else. Mikaela has a strict confidential agreement and she doesn’t even tell her boyfriend.

“How’d your date go?” I asked. Mikaela stuffed in the rest of the pencils in the box and smiled widely.

“Dylan proposed!” she exclaimed and showed me a small, glittering emerald ring on her right hand. She started squealing and jumping up and down. I smiled back at her.

“Congratulations! I hope I’m invited to the wedding!” I joked and sat down on the plush couch. Mikaela jumped into the seat next to me.

“So, did you pass your exams?” she asked. I nodded.

“Yup, with flying colors. I applied for Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Cambridge and MIT. Fingers crossed.” we continued the small talk for another few minutes.

This was how every session went. I would come in and wait for Mikaela to finish cleaning up, then we would talk about our lives so far, how Mikaela’s relationship was, how my school was, etc. Then we would play some board games while discussing about politics (mostly how stupid Donald Trump was). Next, we would actually start with talking about my condition and my thought process, etc. Lastly, if there was any time left, I would do homework or read while Mikaela does some paperwork.

I dumped my books back in my bag and Mikaela packed her things up. I was also always the last patient on Fridays that Mikaela sees, so yipee for me.

“Hey Alex?” I hummed in response, “Are your parents going to be here to pick you up?” I look up at the sudden question. Mikaela looked distracted and jittery. I shrugged it off as engagement happiness and all that.

“Yeah, why?” I swung my bag over my shoulder, walked out of the office and waited for Mikaela to lock it up.

“I just wanted to talk to them.” she tucked the keys in her purse and started walking ahead.

We head into the parking lot, where my parents usually pick me up and where Mikaela’s motorcycle was parked.

“Hi Alex! How did today’s session go?” Mom asked. I shrugged my shoulders as much as I could with a heavy backpack.

“Pretty much the same as the rest of them.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales, can I talk to you?” Mikaela asked timidly.

“Yes, of course. Alex, wait in the car.” Dad said. I opened my mouth to protest, but my dad gave me a stern look and I trudged to the car.

Through the, I could see my parents face turn from worried to joyful. Mikaela was also smiling, but but it was more of a sad smile. What could she have told them? Why are they so happy?

I got the answer when we were halfway home. During that time, Mom was making numerous calls while Dad wouldn’t stop grinning

Mom hung up the phone and turned around to face me.

“Ms. Summers-” Mom started.

“Soon to be Mrs. Evans.” I cut in.

“Yes, she told us that you are completely cured!” I gaped at her. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. I knew that I should be happy and jumping from joy, but all I felt was regret and guilt.

“Really?” I asked, trying to keep the sadness from my voice. I mean, I’ve had the idea swimming around my head, but I never thought that it was true.  I would never see Nico or Peter or Percy or Leo or anyone ever again. Mom nodded, but I saw a small frown on her face. I figured she was wondering ‘Why is she not happy? Doesn’t she want to be cured?’. When we rolled into the driveway, I dragged myself out of the car and to the door.

When I opened it, I nearly scream.

“SURPRISE!”

Turns out that all those call Mom made were to organize a quick party and ordering pizza (and yelling at Ariana and Jacob to decorate the house, but who's paying attention, really). I could feel all my sadness and regret just filter away.

“Let’s let Alex take the first slice!” Dad called out. I slowly peel away one extra cheesy slice from the mothership… no, box. Mother-box.

We also binge-watched my favorite show, Castle.

A thought struck my head. We were just getting ready to pop some popcorn and watch the whole Harry Potter movies.

“Can I go to my room for a moment?” Mom nodded.

“Of course, sweetheart.” She barely finishes her sentence when I bounded up the stairs and went to my room.

I quickly dial Mikaela’s number. As I was waiting for Mikaela to pick up, my eyes glanced over to the digital clock on my desk.

11:01 the clock blinks.

‘Oops.’ I thought. No turning back now.

“Hello?” Mikaela’s raspy voice voice comes through the speaker.

“Hello, Mikaela?” I said. She hummed in response, “So my parents told me what you said and…”

“I’ll miss you too, Alex.” she replied, sounding more awake now.

“What? No, that’s not what I was going to say.”

“Then what?”

“Look, can I still come to the wedding?”

“Fine, now let me go to sleep.” She hangs up the phone.

After the “party”, I went to bed (obviously). Just as my head hit the pillow, I fell into a dream-filled sleep.

In my dream, I found myself surrounded by a lush green hills. Behind me, a river roared past. Then I noticed how they started appearing in front of me.

“I guess this is goodbye.” I mumble.

“It has been a pleasure meeting you, Lady Alex.” Thor boomed. He and the rest of the Marvel characters disappeared.

“We’ll never forget you, Gonzales.” Percy sadly said and all the Percy Jackson characters disappeared. All except for one. I turn to my very first friend, Nico di Angelo.

“I-I’m going t-to miss you.” I sob. I rush forward and hug him tightly. He hugs me just as tightly.

“Even when we are gone, we will still be right with you. You’re amazing, Alex. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

This time, I couldn’t actually feel him leave. I usually would feel cold, alone, heavy. Now… now I felt lighter, more free.

I woke up with a gasp. It was the middle of the night and everyone was sleeping. I get out of my bed and got to my dresser.

In the top drawer, there was a small, silver key. I took that key and went to my den.

In the bookshelf, they was a tiny door in the back, covered by books. I moved some of them aside and opened the cupboard. My most prized possession. Multiple pictures fell out and I picked one up.

In the picture, I was sitting on my bed holding my drawing of Nico. Next to me, Nico was sitting there with a small smile on his face. My drawing was very life-like, from the hair to the mouth to the eyes. For some reason, Nico was still there in the picture. Even when I was cured and even when they actually left me, Nico was still in the picture. I smiled as a tear slipped down my face. Even when they were gone they were with me, just like Nico said.

I sat down in my chair and spent the rest of the night looking at each picture and trying to let myself let go.