Presley's Point Of View;

As we left the apartment Mitchum talked about all he and his friends did that evening. He, Lucus, and James went sightseeing in the city. Going by train station was more convenient because students got a free pass to ride. They rode on it until they reached one of the landmarks called Harris Square and tried the street food around there. Then he told me that he'd send me the pictures and recordings he got of squirrels, butterflies, and even uniquely colored plants.

I smiled as I listened and remembered how I use to be fond of those things but they just don't matter to me very much anymore. He went on to tell me how Lucus tried to climb up a tree to get a picture but the branch broke and he ended up landing on James instead. I guess that would have been funny to see. Then he went on to say that they toured an open house that was home to the city's first diplomats.

Apparently, James knew the tour guide so they were able to get in and meet the coordinator. That sounded a little strange considering what he told me about him before that he was new to the country. Most likely a friend of a family member situation to let them in such an important place.

After all of that, they came back here and it sounded like they had a lot of fun. I'm glad for him, at least there's something that brings him joy. The less time he spends around me the better. I wonder how long they were planning to go out? I guess it was just for Mitchum and them. That's fine, it's better I didn't go cause I would be too nervous walking around in this city to enjoy anything.

"So you'll be in on this next time. And thats not a question, I just proved to you that you can go outside the gates and come back in one piece. I already told them Im bringing you anyway," he said making me stop abruptly and just stare at him.

This made him break into a wide smile. "Well at least I know you're listening. You got me carrying this entire conversation by myself, dude."

He joked then he continued walking, at least I hoped it was a joke. I ran up to catch up with him and he tried to play off the awkward moment. Venturing out to site-see in this city isnt my idea of something relaxing.

When we landed the airport along and was waiting for a cab trying to calm down from the flight. A woman, in passing, was on the phone telling someone that even though HIDCA has great opportunities, it wasn't without risk. Then she stated in an subtle yet angry tone and she slammed the cabs trunk shut that the acronym should stand for a High Intensity Drug Crime Area. I know it was a play on the other acronym HIDTA where Trafficking is used instead but it still made me feel even more unsettled.

I shook my head to clear the thought from me. I couldn't deal with any flashbacks from the city I lived before highschool.

"Hey! You can't say no, you've never even tried it before," Mitchum said in response to me. I didn't know what he was referring to but I shrugged anyway hoping that he wouldnt read too much into it.

"Well even if you have a fear of heights you should at least come for the experience of it." As I continued listening to Mitchum I began to figure out just what I had missed in the conversation.

He was talking about an amusement park that would be coming back to the city every three months. The rides I'd probably solider through like I did on the plane ride here but just thinking about the park itself seemed loud and crowded. That's the entire reason why I can't come to the classroom everyday. I didn't know when it was but I knew I was going to be sick that day; not that I was any better now.

My hands were becoming so cold that I had to put them in my pocket even though it was a rather warm evening. It seemed like they were at a different temperature than the rest of me. Then my breathing was becoming a little more uneven than it was earlier. It felt like I wasn't getting enough air and I could hear my heart pounding as my chest hurt. I knew what this was; the other reason why I didnt come out much.

Mitchum was talking and although I responded to what he said with head nods, I felt like I would soon faint. This was an all too familiar feeling but it terrified me each time. I've never actually fainted from it before but I should have stayed home; I don't want to be seen like this.

Mitchum tapped my shoulder and I think he asked me if I was alright. I tried to get myself together and nod yes. He seemed to say something else but I couldn't really focus on having a conversation now. I looked forward and saw Amelia standing outside.

She looks different from this morning. She wasn't wearing her dark shades so I could see that her eyes were brown just like mine and she wore a white sun dress. She seemed a little taller than I had remembered her but it could be because of the cream-colored broad heels she was now wearing. Her light hazel hair was all down but she also looked more relaxed.

She also had a golden Labrador Retriever with her on a light green leash. He stood right by her side and panted. I didn't know this school allowed dogs but that wasn't my concern at the moment. I wanted to avoid answering any more probing questions from Mitchum so I walked ahead over to her. I hoped when Mitchum saw this he would notice Amelia standing there and focus on her. It would take all my strength to say something so she knew I was here.

"I'm here," I said as my voice quivered. She turned he head towards me as she followed my voice.

"Whose me?" she replied and I took a deep breath fighting to get enough air just to say my name.

"Oh, you sound different. Did you run here?" I didn't know how to answer that but by then Mitchum had come over to us.

Whatever they were talking about I could not longer converse now. It was like in my head someone was screaming and I was the only one who could hear it. I folded my arms for comfort and stood back to let Mitchum talk to her.

Mitchum: Hi, you must be the person that invited Presley, He bought me along because I'm a Biochemistry student. I'm so glad to be here.

Amelia: Don't worry, after a year that feeling will go away. I'm Amelia Marina Morgan and you are?

I heard a small chuckle come from Mitchum and I saw a slight smile from Amelia. As long as it went on like that no one would notice. I'll be fine and get through it without embarssing myself. At least the fact that I didn't eat anything all day helped because I was really nauseous.

Mitchum: I'm Mitchum Charles

Amelia: OK Mitchum I'm glad Presley bought you along also. It will be a good experience for you as a Biochemist.

Mitchum: Thanks, so what's your dog's name?

Amelia: October but for short I call him Octo

Mitchum: You named him after a month of the year?

I winced when I heard the dog barking as Mitchum petted it. It was so loud that I thought my ears seem to be ringing. I knew it was happy but I needed quiet right now.

Amelia: Yep, that's the month that I got him in. Octo is the Latin word for it

Mitchum: You know Latin?

Amelia: My mom taught it to me. She's a teacher of Roman mythology so I guess it came with the territory. But enough talk about names, let's go in and meet the other contestants.

I saw Amelia get her cane that she had leaned against the hedge behind her. So I knew it was time to start moving. As it turned out the place where we had to go in was across from us. I still hadn't managed to relax but the feeling wasn't at its peak point anymore. I remembered reading online once that when you feel this way you should focus on controlling your breathing.

I was doing that all through the process by taking in deep breaths. I wish I had some water with me at least because my throat felt so dry and clogged. This chest-tightening feeling didn't help either. I continued to quietly follow them despite the way I felt as Amelia took us backstage.

I hoped this feeling would pass quickly. I tried to pay attention the best I could but I felt slightly dizzy. Everything that was happening was too much but if I just continue walking with them no one would notice. I had to remained quiet because I knew it would be heard in my voice if I spoke.

I exhaled slowly and inhaled to repeat the process but I lost focus when I heard the noise of a guy yelling. That was like my trigger, all of that anger reminded me of everything that I can't talk about. I felt my hands start shaking but now is not the time to wimp out. My dad isn't here and that guy isn't mad at me.

"And from what I can hear that's Bertie Taksheel over there," I heard Amelia say to both Mitchum and me.

"Do you mean the guy in the sports jacket yelling at that other dude?" Mitchum said turning to see the guy. I looked also and saw the guy was of average height which is the same as Mitchum. So him being slightly taller than me but he was much more muscular.

Along with a Varsity red and white sports jacket, he wore dark jeans and black sneakers. He had a complexion that could fit in between the tone scale of Mitchum and me.

Then I noticed a girl was also standing next to him but she was completely covered up by her hood and her head hung down. Betie was holding the other much smaller-built guy by the collar.

On seeing us watching he pushed the guy off and shouted, "Leave now! I don't want you hanging around here."

The other guy fell to the ground causing his glasses to almost do the same as the rest of him. Then he scrambled to get up and bolted out from backstage. What did that guy do that triggered such a reaction?

"Yep, that's Bertie for you. He's on the college football team, the school council, has a Chemistry scholarship and somehow manages to win this competition for each term during the past two years. This is his third, and I'd like for you both to meet him," Amelia answered nonchalantly.