:: 𝐃𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ::

This chapter is dedicated to: neurotick. She is a VERY talented writer! If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you start reading her book "What She Left Behind." You won't regret it, I assure you!

:: 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ::

𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 wretched bitch, I watch meticulously as she moves around every strand of hair, every piece that tickles his forehead, every rebellious segment that dares to sheath itself over River's eyes and block his view.

Her actions were soothing his soul, any sorts of stress or apprehension that he had flowing through his body had to have simply vanished. I was aware that she had that effect over him. Shortly after her conciliation had commenced, he was already drifting off into a deep sleep.

If he had figured out what it was the girlfriend he claims to know had implemented without his accordance, I just know that he wouldn't be dozing off.

The substitute teacher's supervision was utterly disappointing. She had fabricated an uncomplicated routine that she had prevailed at following. It was embellished with informality.

For ten minutes she would kick her feet up on our usual teacher's desk, and lounge until that timeframe came to a conclusion. Afterwards, she would stretch around and actually investigate each student independently. That endured for just under ten minutes.

Those two tasks that she had assigned herself weren't identical when it came to the time, but they sure as hell were close.

Raina had deceived the replacement teacher with a narrative that even you would easily be convinced by. She had explained that River wasn't feeling well at all, and that he couldn't possibly complete the work that she had given the rest of the class.

I, on the other hand, along with the twelve other students who had received algebraic expression packets, were forced to turn in our assignments before the class wrapped up.

I didn't understand how to workout these problems. I've never experienced such complications revolving around this strenous subject, but I guess there is a first time for everything.

When I was stuck or when I had encountered issues surrounding this topic, I had my grandfather to assist me. It was his favorite course. Somehow, he was fortunate enough to be able to understand every variable, every integer, without failing. I was scoring tremendous grades, I was acing every test that he allocated to me.

Unfortunately, that had all been terminated.

My grandfather, he is the only person I am concerned and candidly care for. Believe it or not, that depressed bitch who doesn't waste her time searching for friends, who blocks everybody out from her life and mutes their thoughts and opinions, there is one man who she ultimately trusts and shows faith in. My grandfather happened to be that character.

When I was younger, when my life wasn't decaying and rotting, he would attend every soccer game that I played, every school talent show that I sung my lungs out for, he was always there to display his everlasting support for me. He owns my heart. He would abandon all of his current assignments and chores that were optional, only to turn around and conveniently generate a staggering Halloween costume that was sure to impress all of our neighbors.

No matter the crucial circumstances that attempted to invade us, I could count on him. He was there to take care of me, and that he did. Every damn time, he would surpass my expectations.

Now, it is my turn to protect him and provide him with everything that is pivotal for his survival. It is my turn to assure that he thrives and survives. It is imperative that he gets better, or else I won't.

You see, I don't remember the exact date, but I know that it happened around two or three months ago.

The doctors and I have no clue as to what negatively impacted his life, but I believe that it is a disease rather serious, one that should be taken soberly. They want him in the house at all times, preferably secured into his bed. It's for his own safety, and I have to agree with them. He shouldn't be driving and he shouldn't have to be put into any situations that require deep contemplation and stressful positions.

I'm the one in the house who has to receive the groceries and the other consequential items that is a necessity for our daily functioning. Every Tuesday, I have to walk five miles to the supermarket, and I have to walk five miles back to reach the house.

Of course I could pay somebody to collect them for me. That would help make this infuriating task much easier. Instead, I choose to keep what remains of our constantly decreasing cash and use it only when there is something quite important that demands for it.

Walking ten miles per day is a great source of exercise, so I shouldn't be complaining. It will continue to be a pain in the ass, but I'll manage. I'll survive.

I'm compelled to immediately disgard my notions when I witness Raina's deadly stare piercing through my soul.

It bothers me so much. So much that I cannot take it anymore. I practically throw my packet onto the table, and I jump out of my chair.

Exasperation is evident in my eyes. It is what reminds me of all she's done to hurt me, to embarrass me. It resides in my clutched fists, and it begs to escape. If I don't leave this room or get away from her, it'll unleash itself. The madness growing within me will reveal its true form.

I ask our substitute teacher if I can excuse myself and visit the bathroom, and she agrees to allow me to go. I thank her, and I inspect Raina before removing myself from the building.

She whispers something that I cannot recognize in River's ears before she gets out of her chair and begins to walk over to the instructor.

I don't have the patience to wait and pay attention to where she is going or what she is asking, so I briskly make my way towards the lavatory.

The metallic doors belonging to the bathroom sway back and forth whenever I thrust them open. The sounds they generate as soon as they collide with the marbled tile send shivers down my spine. It's a horrendous scratching sound that negatively impacts your ears. It makes you wish that you didn't have ears.

I take only a split second to take in my surroundings. I realize that there is a generous amount of stalls lined up directly beside one another on my right side. While on my left side, an impeccable marbled countertop is built against the freshly painted cobalt wallpaper. There resides a symmetrical dolphin that is plopped in the middle of the wall, adding an endearing touch to the fascinating chamber.

I efficiently lock the door of the compartment I enter, so that nobody fortuitously happens to walk on in with me tucked away inside.

My arms are comfortably wrapped around my knees, my cheeks are gently rubbing up against the sides of my knees, and my anxiety is escalating the more I deliberate on what will happen whenever my grandfather dies.

I'm bawling my eyes out on a toilet when I should be attending class. The thought that after he leaves me, I'll have nobody who willingly wants to be there for me is truly heartbreaking.

I will be completely alone; forced to scavenge for myself in the cruel, dangerous world that I have come to known.

I make it seem as though it's one of the worst options that could ever happen to you, but to me, anything is better than being locked up inside of an orphanage; enclosed with people you don't trust, dislike, or you are scarcely acquainted with.

I'd rather circle the globe surviving on nothing but mere scraps than set foot in another orphanage. It will not happen again.

The memories of me operating in that institution fade to nothing but evocative, nostalgic remembrances.

Raina, she doesn't fade away. I remember her extremely well. As if it was yesterday, we were friends. Peacefully playing together in our dormitories. We would play video games when we had free time, talk about boys and crushes the next.

She was the first genuine friend that I ever had. Then, she was what convinced me that no matter who you are friends with, they only use you for their own personal benefits.

It was as River told me, they are bloodthirsty parasites that latch onto you. They then proceed to jump off after they achieve what they were clinging onto you for.

Speaking of Raina, she had just entered the bathroom. She was kicking open one stall at a time, and it was just a matter until she reached the one in which I resided in.

:: 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ::

Word Count : 1571 words.

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you are doing well!

We have now received some background information focusing on Ember's life, and what her struggles and secrets are that she refuses to reveal. Have our feelings changed after reading this chapter?

Some drama is sure to go down in the next chapter. What are you thoughts and suggestions?

I love you guys so much! :))

—Beau