Previously

'PJ wants to be friends...?'

"Well, only if you want to be," he chuckles nervously.

I lean forward to give him a hug.

"Y-Yeah...friends..." I smile, delighted.

He hugs back, a gentle hum of satisfaction escapes his lips.

"You won't have to run anymore."

Now

It's almost 3, the time when school ends.

Dr. Denmark sits on the chair next to me, one leg over the other. He grips onto his clipboard as he asks me a few more questions, occasionally checking off a box.

"Approximately how many visitors did you see this week?"

"U-Uhhh..."

I look down at my fingers and start counting.

'PJ, Cil, Mr. Ink, Mr. Error, Bunny, Shadow, Ebony, Frisk...'

"I-I think eight...but t-they're all close f-friends and family."

"Okay, how have you been feeling this past week?"

"B-Bored..."

"I'm sorry to hear that but unfortunately, it must be done."

"Y-Yeah...I u-understand..."

"Anything happen that you haven't told me yet? Like coughing up more blood, palpitations, things like that?"

"N-No, nothing really h-happened this week...?"

"Alright," he gets up, leaving his clipboard and pen on the chair.

He goes up to the beat monitor and opens the laptop next to it.

He starts typing in some information in it and starts clicking the mouse beside it.

"This entire week, you had one abnormal palpitation."

"W-When?"

"On..." he pauses for a moment, "Tuesday."

I try to recall that day but it all comes back like a blurry haze.

"Did someone visit you on Tuesday?"

"I-I...I c-can't remember..." I mumble, embarrassed.

"That's okay, I'll just take a look at the visitor log."

'Oh my God, you stoopid!!'

"2 people or monsters signed on that day. Frisk Dreemurr and Paperjam Ossa."

I think back to when Frisk and I were...talking...

"Oh...O-OH...I-I see why..."

"Hm?"

"I-I might have had t-those palpitations b-because we talking a-about...things..."

"Hm?"

"E-Emotional stuff..."

"Okay then. I believe that you are well enough to be released."

"R-Really...?" I ask, astonished and eager to get out of this hellhole.

"Really. However, I will need to give you your medication and I also want to set up an appointment for next Sunday to check up on you. Is that okay?"

"Mm-hm," I nod.

* * * * * *

"Hey, sweetheart," Mr. Ink says in a hushed voice as he waves at me and comes in.

"H-Hi..."

"Error says he's sorry that he couldn't show up today because of well, school."

"O-Oh, that's okay."

A knock comes from the door, interrupting our chattering.

"Mr. Ossa?" Dr. Denmark opens the door and steps in, greeting Mr. Ink.

"Yes, that is me."

Dr. Denmark walks up to him and gives him a firm handshake.

"Great to meet you, sir."

"Likewise. Anything I should know before (Y/N) is released?"

"Yes, a few things that I wanted to go over with both of you. Is that alright?"

"Yes, please."

As he says that, I nod simultaneously.

"Okay, so first off, we need to talk about medication. (Y/N), your soul condition is currently stable but it could be in better condition. We're going to prescribe a pill that will help with the healing process. The daily dose will only be one, two at most. We do not advise more. The pill is not incredibly effective but there will be change after consistently taking it. You will receive the pill at the pharmacy around the corner of the lobby."

"If I may ask, Dr. Denmark is it? What are some dos and don'ts that we should be aware of?"

"I recommend exercise but nothing too much like weightlifting or anything too extreme.

You must also have a balanced diet. Protein, vegetables, grain, fruit, all those things. Don't skip meals because you're going to need energy.

Also, get enough sleep. I know teens your age stay up late on their phones but get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

But this one is the most important thing. Make sure you find a way to manage your stress. Unfortunately, your soul is still fragile and you must take care of it. Avoid school drama, getting too worked up on something, or letting anybody's words get to your head.

I think these are doable."

"W-What about weekly c-checkups?"

"I was just getting to that. In order to make sure you're okay, I ask that you come back here next Sunday at 2:30 to check in your condition. Of course, if I feel like you're getting better, we can stop the appointments but that is until you're at 100%."

He takes a post-it note from the table and a pen from his pocket.

He takes a second to write on it and holds it out to me.

"If there are any questions, problems, or other things, don't hesitate to call the hospital number and get me on the line or call me directly."

I take the post-it note from him.

On it are phone numbers, one labeled Hospital and the other labeled Dr. Denmark.

"T-Thank you..."

"Now, let's try to get you up and walking again."

* * * * * *

I walk out of the hospital, clutching my binder full of school work and a white paper bag with my pills, with Mr. Ink.

I take in a deep breath of the crisp autumn air and instantly feel refreshed.

Mr. Ink leads me to the car and we drive home.

I roll down the windows just a little bit and smile at the little shops and stores, buzzing with activity as we pass by.

We enter the neighborhood.

It's mostly quiet due to everyone being at school. But that doesn't stop my imagination from seeing and hearing small human and monster children playing tag and throwing around a red rubber ball.

I let out a carefree chuckle.

We get out of the car and go inside the house.

It's a lot quieter than usual.

"They'll be home in about 30 minutes. They all have clubs or something to do after school."

"O-Oh."

"Do you want anything to eat?"

At that moment, my stomach growls and answers the question for me.

"I'll take that as a yes," he chuckles.

He goes into the kitchen as I lie down on the couch, browsing through my phone.

I send a text to Skate, Frisk, and the Devil Divas informing them that I'm out of that hellhole.

As for PJ and Cil, they'll get a little surprise when they get home.

As I put down my phone on my stomach, the sound of something sizzling and the aroma of something delicious fills the room.

I hum in delight as I take a whiff of the savory smell.

"Mmm...delicious..." I murmur to myself.

A ding comes from my phone and I pick it up.

Me:

I'm finally out of that hellhole

Ebony:
Thank goodness!

Shadow:
Glad you're feeling better! 😄

Bunny:
Hope you're still up for carpool tomorrow!

Me:
I will
What time will you be here?

Bunny:
Hopefully by 7:40 if Shadow isn't "fashionably late" again

Ebony:
Lol XD

Shadow:
Heyy that was only twice

Me:
Heh alright
Thanks

Bunny:
Not a problem
Also, you're off the hook for punishments

Me:
Really?
Okay then, thanks!

"Food's ready!"

I start shuffling off the couch and make my away to the kitchen, peeking my head through the doorway.

Mr. Ink glances at me as he puts whatever he was cooking onto a plate.

I sit down at the table and thank him.

He smiles in return and leaves the kitchen.

In front of me is some brown rice with pieces of chicken in it and broccoli on the side. Apple slices sit on a separate plate from that one.

As I enjoy the food, I go on Youtube and watch an adorable video about kittens from my recommendations.

Just as I'm about to finish, I hear the front door open and a few voices greeting Mr. Ink.

"We're back, Inky!" Mr. Error exclaims.

"Hi, Dad..." Cil mumbles, sounding like the life was sucked out of him.

'Is he still worried about me...?'

"Cil...what happened?" Mr. Ink asks, his tone changing.

"..." He stays silent.

'Poor Cil...'

"There's a little surprise in the kitchen. You should see," I can hear Mr. Ink audibly smile.

Footsteps draw closer to the kitchen.

The moment Cil sees me, he squeals and rushes up to me, tackling me in a hug.

I chuckle lightly in response and pat his back comfortingly.

"I'm so glad you're back!"

"Heh...m-me too."

* * * * * *

Tomorrow comes quickly and the sky is getting darker every morning.

Winter's coming soon...

I drag myself out of bed after my phone alarm rings for me to get off my lazy butt.

I make my bed and sit down sighing, simultaneously combing out my tangled hair with my fingers.

I finally stand up and find an outfit for the day, recalling that I must wear something gold for Friday.

I rummage through my closet to spot the black sweater with gold sequin sweater Ebony chose for me. I take it out and lay it on the bed, taking it into consideration.

I find another item of clothing that was bought on the same day, Shadow's black skirt with gold lace at the hem.

I pair the two together with a pair of black tights and they look okay to me.

Just as I leave the room to get ready, my mind goes to jewelry.

'Should I...? Oh, wait! Where's the bracelet?'

I go through the top shelf of my closet and find that jewelry box where I store everything.

It is a rectangular jewelry box made of black leather with a pinkish beige color for the inside.

Inside are four rings that were passed down for generations, a few necklaces that could cost a couple hundred dollars, a beautiful pale pink pearl bracelet that I'm too afraid to wear in public in fear of losing it, two pairs of earrings, both made with natural gemstones, and the bracelet I need.

I clip it on, put away the jewelry box, and walk into the bathroom to get on with my day.

I put on the clothes and look at myself in the mirror and shrug.

'Best I can do.'

I get on with my normal routine and walk downstairs to the kitchen.

Mr. Ink is drinking coffee out of an "I hate mornings" mug and Mr. Error is eating a piece of toast with butter on it.

"M-Morning..."

They both say good morning simultaneously, but I could hear the obvious tiredness in Mr. Ink's voice.

I start preparing some breakfast, toast with (your spread of choice) and black tea with cream.

As I sit down and am about to eat, PJ comes in, wearing his usual letterman and navy blue sweatpants.

"Morning."

Everyone including me responds with a tired, "Morning..."

"This room sounds dead," he jokes before making himself some breakfast and taking a seat next to me.

"Outfit looks great on you..." He mumbles quietly, but loud enough for me to hear.

"Hmm— t-thank you..." I reply back, a bit surprised by the sudden compliment.

We all eat in silence, somehow without feeling awkward in any way.

I walk out of the kitchen and into my room to get ready for school.

I grab a light puffer jacket and hastily put it on before swinging my bag over my shoulder.

Just as I walk downstairs, the sound of a car honking fills the ears.

I move aside the curtains and see Bunny's unforgettable Silver Lexus with its windows rolled down.

I tie my sneakers and just as I open the door to leave, PJ follows behind me.

"Bye, dads!" He calls out.

"B-Bye!"

I open the door and am greeted with Undyne, BP, and Skate.

PJ's POV

As (Y/N) opens the door, she looks up at Undyne, BP, and Skate nervously.

BP grabs me by my arm and pulls me aside.

"What the heck is she doing at your house!? Let alone, this early in the morning!?" He whisper shouts.

"I'll explain it all while we wal—"

"H-Hey!" A yelp from (Y/N) interrupts me.

"Undyne, stop!" I hear Skate exclaim.

"Put her down!" I order.

Undyne is holding (Y/N) up by her sweater collar.

"Didn't you swear you wanted her to learn her lesson?"

"Don't make me ask twice," My tone changing significantly.

"You wanted it. Are you going to back down now?" She retorts but obeys me by letting her go.

(Y/N) falls to her knees but gets up and sprints away out of fear.

But I guess I can't blame her for doing so.

"You want to know why I stopped picking on her? Look at that Silver Lexus," I jerk a thumb towards Bunny's car, her windows rolled all the way down. (Y/N) gets in the car as Bunny makes a small fuss before driving off.

"You mess with her, you're messing with the Devil Divas. And you know how big of a deal they are in Underhigh."

"Ugh, fine...but that doesn't mean I have to like her..."

"Suit yourself. But I'm gonna choose to make amends 'cause I can't afford to get blackmailed or anything."

* * * * * *

(Y/N)'s POV

We hang out outside the school as we watch the other monsters walk in.

I catch a few of them glancing over at me and then looking away.

I immediately tense up and avert my gaze, trying to get my mind off of them.

After a while of talking about random things, the bell rings.

* * * * * *

Every class consisted of teachers and monsters alike asking me if I was okay.

'Yes! I am okay!' I wanted to scream, so I wouldn't have to be the center of attention every time I walk into a room.

By lunch, I was exhausted.

Gossip starts to rise about me with the Devil Divas. Monster students would sneak a glimpse as they grabbed their friend by the ear and whisper.

I hold myself close as to not draw too much attention to myself but it doesn't work like that when you're that out-of-place girl sitting at the popular table.

And it doesn't help that I'm a human...

"Why are you sitting like that?" Shadow asks, looking at me oddly.

"T-The others are w-watching..." I murmur just loud enough to be heard.

"Of course they're watching," Bunny responds, without looking up from her salad, "We're popular, so they're gonna watch us no matter what. So this is why we have to watch our every step. One small slip up and we can say goodbye to our popularity."

"P-Popularity is so c-complicated..."

"Yeah, we know it is," Ebony admits, "But that's the trade-off for being so well-liked."

~A/N~
How are y'all doing with self-quarantine and online classes?

For me, I started online classes a week ago and I'm admittedly a little stressed out ^^'
But I gotta do it no matter what

Please stay safe, fellow readers

Also, we're just a few reads short of 2K—

Word count: 2558 words (including A/N)

*nopes out*