Pain was surging in and out as she ran faster than she has ever accomplished, regardless if her lungs could collapse at any moment. Her breathing was heavy and her legs were aching for each sprint. All she wanted was to get away from everything. Panicking every time she stumbled or tripped, only to shoot back to her feet and continue her attempting escape from this so-called real world. This imperfect world… for this other world.

Finally a sign of hope; a chunk of the world that had failed to be completed; a blank white universe you can say… it was for now the girl's only safe point. The forest became gradiently whiter, much like an unfinished coloring book. Trees were now just thinning outlines until even they too were absorbed by her haven.

Her knees slammed on the empty ground and she rolled on her back to gain her breather. However, that was just the beginning. Even relaxing felt torturous; every part of her was burning as well as beating with the metronome of her heart, which was quite rapid. Something in her must've pull or expanded after that run and although she wasn't exactly sure what is was; her greatest pain came from under her right lung.

She closed her eyes as she laid there. Her panting soon as restful as the quiet sea, she was finally at peace…

Her eyes latched opened. A loud cracking sound brought her back to her weaken legs. Her heart was racing again, preparing the motivation to get her to dash in the opposite direction of this source. This however was different; she was surrounded by the sound. What was she to do if she wasn't sure where the sound was truly coming from? This white dimension forced heavy echoes, from above and below. Could it be from behind? No, nothing was there.

The girl brought herself to become dizzy; she was spinning at all directions, just so she could spot something unknown. Her eyes were barely focused when she saw it. Like a bullet, a thin black crack was jetting its way toward her. She couldn't react quickly enough, but that made no difference. Just as the fissure reached inches away from her, it forked around her.

The low cracking roared louder now that she and the source were in direct contact. The lightning shaped fault line widen… She was falling. The black hollow dept was going to consume her. The girl was pleading with only her screams; unfortunately, she could not be heard, not in this world at least…

The Other World was erupting as well as morphing once it leeched its victim…

Coraline felt really tired, yet a light sudden whiplash disturbed her. Her eyes popped open to find herself rested in the passengers' seat. She looked to see her mother sitting behind the wheel, holding her usual demeanor look on her face.

She had just awakened in her parent's Volkswagen, stopped at a red-light. Taps of heavy water was pouring all over the top of the roof, while the warm air the cars' heater provided kept them cozy through this rainy trip. It was until her mother took a quick glance at Coraline, she realized her daughter was awake.

Mel: Stay up, will ya'? We're already half way there.

Her mother returned her focus to the crossroad. Coraline rubbed her eyes. Every part of her wanted to defect her mother's orders and just return to sleep. She turned to look out her side window with her elbow resting on its sill, counting each drop of water that rammed the glass surface.

Mel:…You hear me?

Coraline: Yes! I wasn't sleeping…

She was just really bored. Mornings are usually like that for her, however, her mother thought otherwise.

Mel: You wouldn't be sleeping if you've only went to bed on time, like you're suppose to-

Coraline: Mom, please just stop, I get it!

Coraline fired back to her mom's daily criticism, wanting her mother to hear the annoyed tone in her voice. It seems to have work. All her mother could respond with was her sigh, which was an equivalent to her 'Alright, fine' attitude.

The green-light finally gave her mother the go-ahead, which she then prompt the gas, steering the car towards the left. The rest of the way to school was a silent awkward ride. Just the sound of raindrops, followed by the window wipers pivoting back-and-forth. It might've been a less annoying ride if only she woke up on time and her mother not started pestering her to skip breakfast because it was late.

The car slowed to a halt just in front of the school's gates. All the students were obviously in class. The willow-like trees nearly peaked to the top of the two-story bricked building; the rain rendered the concrete sidewalk to a deep pewter color, and the wind now just picking up.

Mel: Give me a sec, I'll write up a note for you.

Her began scavenging for a piece of paper in the glove department. Coraline didn't feel like sitting there while her mother wrote some lame excuse. She hoisted her messenger bag and opened the door to a cold morning rainy breeze.

Mel: Coraline, wait!

Coraline: I'm already tardy; I'll just go as it is.

Mel: Alright, go. I'll pick you up after school-

Coraline: Don't bother!

She took in the fallen particles as she was stepping into the heavy morning rain.

Mel: What if it rains later?

Mel called to her daughter before the door could be shut, her voice barely seeping through the sound of the rain.

Coraline: Well, I'll just have to walk home in the rain then, Thank you!

Coraline used hers hands to gesture her story before she shut the door behind her and rushing to get inside the school. She was too irritated to care what her mother was thinking at the moment, just wanting nothing more than to get on with her day and not worry about any of it.

She barged through the thick wooded double doors where she was welcomed with a healthy warm temperature and a hallway, dead empty, for easy passage. From the outside, the school appeared as an intimidating old building. Internally however, the school presented itself beyond refurbished to be a modernized learning facility. Everything within this layout of the campus was nearly new, from carpet on every inch of floor, classroom furniture, and internet connection. Although the campus is wireless, cell phones cannot be used, literally. The school had static nets installed in its walls to disrupt signals coming in, out, or even within the building to keep students from talking or texting with their phones during class.

She walked the carpet filled hallways to her first class, that no doubt she was already labeled tardy. The wax floor of her old Pontiac Middle School would've made it worse for her, as it always felt like any step with wet shoes could easily be a slip.

Coraline turned her final corner and spotted her first class, History Class! It wasn't a joyful class for her, but what can you do? She reached to open her way in, when she spotted a note in the door's thin rectangular window. On the marker written note, read…

"My class and I will currently remain at the Library for 1st and 2nd Period!"

Coraline narrowed her eyes. She reached out to grasp the chrome hook knob just to be sure, but it would not allow her to unlock it. All Coraline could give was a sigh. Now having to steer herself to the middle of the school to get to the library. Coraline wondered if it might have been less rough if she gotten up earlier, but she threw it from her thoughts, only because it reminded her about her mother.

Coraline went through another set of double doors, which belonged to the library and indeed her class was there. The students were scattered around within the columns and aisles, scanning the shelves for particular books.

You had your face buried in a book and didn't even seem to notice she had arrived. In truth, you figured she had gotten a cold or took a day off to mourn. She did find out that her friend passed away a week ago, after all.

Your teacher spotted Coraline as she entered and gave her a brief description of the assignment. He was a tall yet thin fellow with a checkered vest and was clean-shaven. One thing he had a habit with was his over-explanations, because either he ignored or forgot about Coraline's late arrival, he did not mark her truancy.

Apparently, you had to select a history subject of your own and develop a report from it, simple enough, she thought to herself. She wondered where she could start with. Perhaps the Lewis and Clark Expedition would be a good start for her, as she felt it related to her the most.

Coraline was a self-proclaimed explorer who often had her our set expeditions around her new home which was surrounded by forest, hills, and many other unmarked terrain. Once Coraline went so far out into the forest and spotted a swamp with an old tree house. However, it was dark when she got there so she really wasn't sure if there really was a swamp or a tree house. Could be her imagination for all she knew. It was still a fun adventure, Coraline would not at all doubt.

Coraline headed to find her book on Lewis and Clark then she spotted a familiar person walking through the bookshelves. Coraline started her search at a random aisle; she was not even sure which section she was waltzing through. She fiddled with the spine of the books with the tip of her fingers as she passed by them, not reading any of the titles. Arbitrarily, she plucked a book from the shelf and opened the pages. What book she selected? She did not know, nor did she care. Coraline was only pretending to be active just so she could get a glimpse of this someone close by.

She nudged to her right a bit, so she was able to sneak a peek from the side of the bookshelf. Coraline spotted him again. He was presented with dirty blonde hair that added well with his handsome structured face. He was looking at a book about some U.S President.

Coraline imagined the teen wearing nice loose jeans and a Michigan State Football jersey... or was it a Baseball jersey? She wasn't sure which sports jersey it was, or whether Michigan State even had a Baseball team as long as it looked good on him and substituted the bland school uniform.

???: Hey, Caroline.

Coraline jolted and her skin crawled. The cute boy was right in front of her. She was unaware that he came this close to her or that he mispronounced 'Coraline'. She shelved her randomly selected book back in place and straightened herself up. He was taller than she was, by a least a few inches.

Coraline: Um…

It was all Coraline could manage.

???: Can you put this in that shelf right behind you, since you're kinda in the way?

Coraline slowly look down at the book for a moment, backs up, and then nods. She took the book and wrapped an arm around it. She looked back up to see the same boy, now looking rather perplexed.

Coraline: So, Will. What are you gonna write about?

The boy was a bit hesitated to answer that. He appeared to be trying his best to get over that stare Coraline was giving him.

Will: I'm… not sure, I'm still looking around.

Coraline: I know a few books you could… maybe take a look at…

Coraline fidgety tried to suggest, even though she had absolutely no idea what on earth she was talking about.

Will chuckled.

Will: No thanks, I just need you to move aside so I can find something.

Coramine:…Oh.

Hurt, but she was not going to allow her emotion alter her expression. She moved aside as ordered and he passed by without even a thanks. Coraline wasn't sure what to think. She just made an absolute fool of herself. Coraline now began to wonder if anyone else seen or heard what happened. What if people made fun of her because of it? Is Will the kind of person who would laugh about it with his friends?

Mr. Knight: Coraline.

Coraline straighten up again, she was really beginning to hate this startling habit. She looked up to see her teacher.

Mr. Knight: Class is going to end soon. Do you have a subject to write about?

Coraline was blanked. 'What subject?' That's when it hit her. She was supposed to search for a history book for her report.

Coraline: Uh, Yeah. It's right here!

She indicated the book she was already holding for Will.

Mr. Knight: Well, okay. What or who is it about?

Coraline: Uh…

Coraline pulled the book from under her arm. The front had no name; it just had a wide photo of an old black and white Presidential figure. Instead, she turned the book and spotted the title from its thick spine.

Coraline: "Calvin Coolidge, Together a Divided Nation."

Mr. Knight: Alright, very well then.

He walked passed Coraline only the pause and look back.

Mr. Knight: Oh and I expect that you arrive on schedule next time.

Coraline blinked and stood for a good few seconds before replying.

Coraline:…Yes sir, I'll try to do that.

She let out a silent groan and drug her feet over to the table you were sitting at. She ploped down and dropped her head on the table while you watched. You looked over at the clock and back to her.

Y/N: Almost a whole hour late. Impressive, Jones.

Coraline mumbled something into the table which you didn't understand. The two of you had become friends(?) since you met the week before. And your second week at this new school brought Fall Break. A whole week off of school to celebrate Thanksgiving and.....whatever it was that people celebrated during Fall Break.

Coraline had already invited you and Wybie to a hike which you were actually really happy about. You didn't want to spend a week in the dorms. Most kids were heading home for the week, but not you. Before you could talk to her more, the bell rung.

The teacher tried calling the rest of his students to gather round for a last minute class meeting of some kind, but the students were mousing about, trying to escape to the hallway.

Mr. Knight: Alright boys and girls, be sure to check out those books at the front counter and I hope that you all finish those reports before the end of Fall Break. So when you return from break next week, I need you to remember to turn in both the finish print and the rough draft to maximize your grade. Twenty-Five Hundred words minimum! Alright, you guys can go on to your next class.

Student: Twenty-Five Hundred words!? Oh my goodness!

Coraline and you check your books out (although she wished she were more involved in her search) and exited the library to a crowding hallway. Your Algebra class definitely felt dragged out, whereas Language Arts placed Coraline right at home. From there, the rowdy day went gliding by with eagerness roaming amongst your peers

●○●

During lunch, a lot of the student body discussed with one another about how they were going to spend their Fall Break. Some planned to leave the state of Oregon to either Washington State to drown in the constant rain or to California to fry to death.

Coraline stood in line with a brown foam tray and plastic utensils ready in hand, her physique rather weak from all the classes. This was perhaps the most torturous moment she had to go through, as she had not eaten breakfast this morning. She had her eye on the golden fried chicken, a warm sized honey biscuit, and mashed potato glazed with rich gravy. After several minutes of waiting, she greedily retrieved her choices and paid her fee.

She took a quick glance at the window only to see the weather was still gloomy and rainy. Students usually were freely accepted to eat outside at the school's courtyard. However due to dodgy circumstance, students were regulated indoors.

Coraline headed to her usual indoor lunch spot: a hallway near a soda machine and found you already sitting there, messing with a video camera. She plopped a dollar into the machine and selected a cola brand to go with her lunch. As she grabbed her bottled soda, Wybie came with a brown bag in his grasp.

Coraline: You're not buying lunch?

She sat on the ground, her back against the wall beside you.

Wybie: Nah… but I didn't think they were gonna serve anything good today!

He too inserted a dollar in the machine's slot.

Wybie: If I'd knew, I would've brought more than a dollar.

Wybie took an orange brand soda and sat beside Coraline.

Coraline: Well…

Coraline wanted to say something before being interrupted.

Wybie: Unless you lend me some money.

Wybie pleaded with you with a wide smile on his face.

Wybie: I'll pay you back tomorrow.

You itched your chin for a moment before smirking.

Y/N: Okay, if you wanna wait through all that!

You pointed with your pinky, Wybie turned his head to see. The crowd of gray uniforms was broad with hungry students, the line's length had stretched across the cafeteria and snaked a corner to the opposite hallway. The sight of large amount of people had Wybie's jaw slowly glide open (this remained Coraline of an elevator for some reason).

Wybie: Never mind.

He stared down at his paper bag and popped it open, obviously disappointed. Wybie pulled out a heavily rapped sandwich, a pack of gummy worms, a very small pear, and for some reason a dirt-clod.

Corine: Why is that in there?

She reached to take it from Wybie. It was dried up and bits of it broke apart.

Wybie: Granma must be losing her mind.

Coraline: So is my Mom! She went completely insane this morning.

Y/N: Is that so?

Coraline: Mm' hmm…

Coraline hummed with mashed potatoes in her mouth. Taking in food was the best thing all day; she could almost feel the goose bumps with every flavor she consumed.

Wybie: So…What did you do?

Coraline was pleased with the question for some reason; perhaps she really wanted to get it all off her back after a long day of drowsy hunger.

Coraline: I just woke up late… but my mom has nothing to do with it really.

Coraline looked up to see Wybie's concern face. She lowered her voice so that only Wybie and you could hear.

Coraline: You see I've been having these dreams…weird dreams…you know, that Other World that I've told you about.

You nodded.

Y/N: So is the Other Mother…I dunno, sneaking into your mind or something?

It sounded a bit ridiculous hearing that from you.

Coraline: I don't think so. She's never been able to do that before, so I doubt it. But I'm starting to think that maybe my time in the Other World is starting to effect me some how.

Coraline was bending and cracking the very tip of her foam tray as she recollected her thoughts.

Coraline: That or I just can't stop thinking about it.

Y/N: Did you see her there?

Coraline: No. I've never saw her there before. All I could remember was I was just running.

Wybie: Running? From what?

Coraline: …I'm not sure exactly.

Coraline lowered her head and whispered.

Coraline: All I could think of was running from the real world.

Y/N: You're not planning on going back, are you?

Coraline No! I'm not even thinking of going to that hell hole. Not after all the stuff that happened. Besides, the key is in the well, remember?

Wybie had shown a sign of relieve. Wybie hasn't been able to get those jittered off his mind. The last thing he wanted was another hand eerily made of sewing needles jabbing him. Wybie once complained that he may have saw one stalking outside his window while he slept. Coraline sensed a joke possibly to follow up but Wybie seemed convinced he saw it.

You knew little to nothing about this Other World, so you couldn't imagine what they were dealing with. Seeing Ghosts is different seeing as they couldn't really hurt you. But a weird witch woman who wanted to eat your soul? The danger was real.

The three of you sat there, hoping for this Other World thought would drift away. Of course, that did come true. As you were eating, a group of girls came up to you. Coraline was not sure who they were exactly as she herself particularly didn't care. You didn't know who they were cause you were particularly new.

Riley: Hey, aren't you Caroline?

Coraline: No…It's Cor-aline!

This was definitely a habit. Unlike most people who are uncomfortable saying their own name, Coraline was pretty much force to every time.

Riley: Sorry, but Will just told us that you tried to flirt with him in First Period. Is that true?

Coraline: Hu' Wha-?

Coraline sprang to her feet in panic. She immediately felt her blood rushing to her cheeks. Her legs were shaking at the knees. You thought back to first period. She was an hour late and spoke to Will for maybe five seconds. What were they on about?

The girls almost had that spark of gossipers. They had gleaming eagerness in their eyes.

Riley: Well, is it true?

Based on their expression they didn't mean any harm, just riddled with curiosity.

Coraline: Uh…

Coraline's mind stopped. For her, it was as though the whole world was watching her. Worse, eavesdropping, where she wouldn't be able to see those who spoke behind her back. She could detect a bead of sweat gliding just beside her left eye.

Load ringing struck the cafeteria and the rush of students aching to file out. Coraline quickly turned and threw her bag over her shoulder. She sped walked to dispose her remaining food (sad she wasn't able to eat it all) before stalking away. Coraline desperately fled to save herself further humiliation.

You watched as she walked away, confused by what just happened.

●○●

You walked along a muddy road with your hands stuffed in your pockets. You wore a grey hoodie under a black jean vest with your hood pulled up to protect yourself from the cold. You had gotten a text from Wybie inviting you to the Pink Palace so that you, him, and Coraline could have something of a movie marathon. With it being Friday and you not wanting to stay in the dorms, you agreed. You ended up reaching the Pink Palace but saw no real signs of life. You figured Coraline and Wybie would be inside.

Coraline's parents' car was gone seeing as they would be in the next town over for the weekend, which also meant there were no adults around to really bother you or get annoyed. At least besides the old ladies. You hopped onto the second step and quickly walked up the steps before knocking on the door. You took a step back and waited for an answer. As you did, you failed to notice a figure slowly descending from above right behind you.

The tall and strange looking figure let go of their grip on the porch and landed softly, not making a single sound. You scratched your cheek before you felt a strange presence. You slowly began to turn around only to be met with a tall, lengthy, and blue man staring down at you.

Silence filled the air as you both stared at each other.

Mr. Bobinsky: Who are you?

You blinked.

Y/N: Y-Y/N Laika.

Mr. Bobinsky: A friend of Caroline?

Y/N: C-Coraline.

Mr. Bobinsky: And what is your business here?

Y/N: Movies.

The man leaned down and examined you even closer.

Y/N: Sir, this is the scariest moment of my life, and I don't know how to talk to you.

Luckily the door opened and Coraline grabbed the back of your vest, pulling you inside while she stepped out with her arms crossed.

Coraline: Why are you scaring my friends, Mr. B?

Mr. Bobinsky stood straight up and began to do squats.

Mr. Bobinsky: I have to make sure no bad boy come here to bother you.

Coraline: I can handle that just fine by myself, Mr. B.

Mr. Bobinsky did a half a cartwheel and balanced himself perfectly on his hand, doing push ups effortlessly.

Mr. Bobinsky: Better safe than sorry, young Coraline.

Coraline smiled. She loved her neighbors, hut they could be a bit much sometimes. Mr. Bobinsky pushed off of his hand and landed on his feet. He then did a backflip and landed on the rails of the porch, balancing himself on his hands while his legs remained stretched out.

Mr. Bobinsky: You should bring boy to jumping mouse circus.

Coraline grabbed the door and began to walk back inside.

Coraline: I'll send him an invitation. Bye, Mr. B.

She waved at him as he leaped off the porch to....somewhere else. Coraline closed the door and found you still standing there frozen in fear. You slowly lifted a hand and pointed at the door.

Y/N: Is that guy human?

Coraline: No, he's Russian. Come on, I got a bunch of snacks for us.

She grabbed your arm and pulled you along. It wasn't long before you were sitting on the couch with Wybir and Coraline. Popcorn, candy, sodas, and movies. This seemed like fun. You couldn't actually remember the last time you did something like this.

This was actually really neat.