Chapter 7

I once read somewhere that generally when a person is dreaming they usually matches a face from the character in their dream after they wake up. Like they can’t remember the person’s face so they replace it with a face and name they know that fits the character in the dream once they are conscious, but this isn’t one of these things. His face is an image that I haven’t been able to forget since the day I first dreamed of him—which was years ago—I don’t even remember not having him in my dreams. I’m not all of a sudden filling in the first person I see, if I was he would have been filled in a long time ago.

No, I know for a fact that this person is the very same person in my dreams. Even though I don’t remember calling him by any name or even thinking of his name in his dream I’m one hundred percent positive it’s him. I know for a fact that I’m not making it up, I have been dreaming of this boy for over a decade so I know what’s true or not about this so called ‘character’ in my dream.

I’ve been dreaming about Liam.

I know it’s weird especially since Ker obviously has a thing for him and I just met the boy yesterday. The name sounds weird and awkward because I just met him, but it somehow it fits. It makes sense I don’t know how exactly, but it just does. I know I don’t know him in anyway other than he’s Jenny’s step-brother, but I do know that I didn’t just randomly pick Liam’s face in that character’s appearance it is Liam who has been haunting my dreams since as far as I can remember.

I have to admit, I’ve always wanted to know the name of the boy in my dreams but I’d never expect to actually meet him. It seemed too good to be true and extremely awkward. For one, having intimate dreams about a person you don’t know and then one day randomly bumping into them isn’t normal. And if you so happen to have a flashback about one of those intimate dreams while you’re with them—and this dream occurred before you met them or seen them—it’ll just be awkward because the entire time that’s all you can think about.

Maybe to resolve that little issue, I’ll just ignore him. I guess it won’t be too hard, I just have to steer clear of Jen’s house. It’s not as if we’re the best of friends and I’m always there, so that’s not going to be a problem. But then there’s the whole Ker thing…I hang out with Ker and Miranda often and it’s inevitable that they hang out with Jen. What if we all hang out together and I’m stuck at her house? Then there’s an awkward bump in with Liam where I’ll be alone without my girls flanked at my side to distract me unknowingly.

It’s not as if I didn’t already have an unwanted run-in with Liam. I caught him without his shirt on in his room, and I have to say the dream Liam and the real Liam has the exact same body.

I munched on my Cinnamon Toast Crunch savoring the fake cinnamon flavor and exaggerated sugar content it has. I followed my usual Saturday routine of waking up at an odd hour, eleven in the afternoon, and chewed on my cereal while everyone had macaroni and cheese or hot dogs. My family left for something, so I was left in the house by myself. The only thing I can hear is the vague muttering of the TV that I turned on just for background noise. It’s just another typical Saturday morning with no one around.

My phone buzzed irritatingly on the gray counter top. I looked over to see who was trying to reach me, only partially curious. It was Miranda. I scanned the message she sent me after adding another spoonful of cereal in my mouth.

It was a quick message saying, “Lex, wanna go to the Zoo with Ker, Jen, and me? Call me. Were leavin at 1.”

The zoo, well I haven’t been there for a while but then again if I wanted to see wild ferocious animals I would just stay at home and stare at my little gecko, parakeet, dog, and my neighbor’s cats. It’s a zoo in itself. But I didn’t exactly feel like being caged up at home all day today or being forced to go and stay over at my cousin’s house, I had no choice but to accept this offer or wait for someone else to ask me to go somewhere else. But since I know that everyone else has some sort of plans with their family, this is probably the only thing I can do and actually attempt to enjoy.

I quickly texted back, “K. Where do I meet you guys?”

I got the answer quick. I didn’t even get a chance to eat another spoonful of cereal.

I read the message and I paled a bit. It read, “At Jen’s house.”

Not wanting to sound like a bitch and change the meeting place, I sent, “C u there.”

Going to Jen’s house was something that I was going to try and avoid. I can’t even try to change the meeting place because I know everyone is probably already there. I finished the bowl of cereal quickly and placed the bowl and spoon in the dishwater.

Deciding that I should just grow a thicker skin and ignore the boy if it bothers me so much—which it shouldn’t—I went in my bathroom and got ready so I can hang out with my friends; and concurrently see the boy in my dreams.

— — —

I knocked the door hesitantly waiting for someone to answer. I didn’t want to be here…isn’t being here totally going against everything that I was planning on doing? Staying away from Liam, I mean.

The door opened quickly, and my pulse quickened in anticipation. I didn’t want it to be Liam, please don’t be Liam…Thankfully it wasn’t and it was just Carrie who opened the door. She smiled warmly at me.

“Hi Alexandrea.” She smiled welcomingly. “You came just on time; we were just about to plan. Come in! Don’t just stand there.” She laughed at my hesitation.

I tried my best not to blush for just standing there. “Hi Mrs. Walker,” I mumbled quietly.

“Call me Carrie,” she said, lithely moving aside so I can come inside.

I walked through the threshold and into the well-decorated home.

“Okay Stan,” Carrie said in Mr. Walker’s direction. “What were you saying?”

Carrie went to sit in a large arm chair next to Stan; Ker, Miranda, and Jen were all together on a large leather sofa giggling about something; and Liam sat on a sleek loveseat. My options: to either sit on one of the girls, sit on the floor, or gather up all of my courage and sit next to Liam and refuse to have any flashbacks about a dream where he and I were doing something quite intimate at a hotel room in somewhere like New York.

Deciding that I don’t want to look like a complete idiot, I walked to the loveseat to sit next to Liam. He modified his leisure posture to a more upright position so that I’m able to sit on the couch and not feel totally uncomfortable.

I made sure I was as far from Liam as I could possibly can since his presence made me feel awkward. All of my past dreams flashed in my head about the two of us and all that we did in my dreams. Some of the events weren’t racy as the one in the hotel room; some were simple like him just smiling at me. It made being next to him so much harder.

“Girls, does it really matter if Liam comes with you?” Stan asked confused at whatever the girls were trying to do. Knowing Ker and Miranda, they were up to no good.

“Yes!” Jen cried out with so much emotion. “Do you realize how necessary it is for all of us need to spend time together?”

“But does Lee really have to come with the four of you girls?” Stan asked again, still confused.

I laughed. I knew exactly what this is about.

The three girls looked at each other for something to say, but they couldn’t figure out a quick-witted response to explain their needs for Liam to be in the car with them.

“Well, it’s simple really,” I said without realizing it. I surprised myself, but went along with my thought. “If we just so happen to get a flat, none of us will be able to repair it we’d have a big strong man to fix it up so we don’t get stranded there or kidnapped.”

There was a chuckle to my left and I saw Liam looking in amusement. I quickly casted my eyes back at the girls who looked at me proud at the response because it was working.

“Heh,” Stan mumbled. He was clearly thinking for a response to that and Carrie sat next to him giving me a knowing look. “Well, it couldn’t hurt.”

“Yes!” the girls shouted in unison winning the battle.

“You have to come back at eleven,” Stan warned waving his finger but his action and words contrasted to his playful tone.

“Really Dad?” Liam groaned.

He shrugged. “What other ‘big strong man’ is going to be there to protect the girls?” He laughed.

Liam sighed. I saw him slunk down in the couch a bit.

“Oh come on Stan, Liam isn’t that strong,” Jen teased with a wicked glint in her eyes.

Liam flashed his step-sister a deathly look with his steel eyes.

“Or a man,” Miranda added laughing.

Ker nodded sheepishly, her cheeks flushed. She wanted to say something as teasing as Jen or Miranda, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so.

Liam looked at me for some sort of response. I just shrugged.

“Fine,” he said still looking at me. “I’ll go.”

“Excellent!” Carrie said clapping her hands excited. “So when are you planning on leaving?”

Everyone whipped out their cell phones checking the time. I just sat there and waited for one of them to announce the time that I could see clearly on the mantel clock that said it was fifteen minutes to one.

“Right now,” Jen exclaimed. Her tiny body jumped off the couch, making the bright skirt she was wearing sway. “See ya Mom! Stan! We’ll be back!”

She ran out the door and Ker and Miranda followed the girl excited. I didn’t really want to get up, but I guess if I was in a car that means there’d be more space placed in-between Liam and me so it couldn’t be too bad.

I got up from the couch the same time as Liam. I walked through the door and walked the where the girls stood, hovering around the BMW; the entire time I was ever so aware of Liam who only two steps behind me.

Jen took the driver’s seat and Miranda got shotgun. Ker slid in the right side of the car sitting in the seat directly behind Miranda leaving only two seats left directly next to each other. Either seat I was forced to sit uncomfortably close to Liam, but in order to please the girls, mainly Ker, in the only way I know possible.

I opened the door and waited for Liam to follow.

Liam looked down at me puzzled. “What are you waiting for?”

“Sit in the middle,” I ordered hoping he wouldn’t ask why.

“What?” He looked at me like I was insane. “You’re smaller than me, you sit in the middle.”

I shook my head. “I have a slight case of claustrophobia and if I’m touching two people it gets really bad. So I need a window seat. That and my insane case of motion sickness forces me to sit by a window so that I can roll it down so I can have fresh air and not vomit—Ker has it too so she needs a seat by the window.”

“Uh-huh,” he said not believing a word I said.

“Okay buddie, if you say so,” I said pretending to get in the car. “But when I throw up—which I will—I’m going to be aiming at the sucker who wouldn’t let me sit in the seat with the window.”

I had one foot in the car when I was yanked back. I was really waiting for a “hold on!” or “wait” but it works all the same. Although I hate how much I like him touching me and the effect it’s having on me.

“Um, you know what? It’s okay I’ll take the middle seat after all.”

I beamed at him in response, still delirious from his touch.

He hopped in the car easily and I followed him. I scooted far away from Liam so that we weren’t even touching, but there was only a fourth of an inch separating us. I glanced at Liam trying to ignore his body heat and I flinched when I saw he was looking directly at me, his steel gray eyes glinting in amusement with some private knowledge. I looked away and tried to focus on something else, but I was still aware of his stare.

Miranda turned around the car and looked at me suspiciously and admiringly looking above her glasses. I gave her a forced grin and she rolled her eyes seeing right through it.

“Hey Lee,” Jen called trying to get Liam’s attention and make him stop paying attention to me and somehow try to steer it to Ker. “Do you like Ker’s hair? We cut it yesterday.”

Intrigued, I leaned forward a bit and tried to position myself so I can see Ker better as well as not touch Liam simultaneously. “Whoa…” I tried my best not to gasp.

Ker’s hair was cut in choppy places looking disproportional and not at all chic or cool. It just looked messy and was dyed in random splotches with bright pink. I don’t know how I didn’t notice that before, it seems so obvious now that I can’t keep my eyes off of.

“You like it?” she asked beaming. She’s waiting for me to praise her hair, to gush over it.

My gaze flickered to Liam unconsciously and there was a devilish glint in his eye that dared me to tell her that it didn’t look as fantastic as she had hoped it could’ve been. She knows it, he knows it, I know it but can I say it?

“Of course, it’s beautiful,” I drew out the words with carefully placed enthusiasm.

She smiled. “Thanks!” she exclaimed happily.

I thought I heard a muffled laugh besides me. I flashed him a look. Liam just responded with an innocent face with mischievous steel eyes.

“Well,” I started still looking at Liam waiting for his expression to change, “since the ride is going to be half an hour, or more I’m gunna take a nap.”

“So we should turn on some music,” Miranda said flipping on the radio.

“I resent that,” I mumbled.

I stretched myself against the limited space in the car. I shifted my weight so I could be more comfortable. I shut my eyes and took a steady breath. The air-con made the car unseasonably warm. I pulled off my big Berkeley sweatshirt that belongs to my cousin who’s currently attending the college—I stole one of his many sweatshirts since they were so comfy and warm. I threw it on my feet and the coolness of the leather felt good with the contrast to the growing warmth of the car.

I stretched a final time and my bare skin touched something warm and soft. That’s when my dream started.

— — —

There was a bleak hotel room with plain furniture. A simple little makeshift kitchen area with a single counter and a mini-fridge, one bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub, an old-fashioned radio, a plain oak desk with a phonebook, and a queen-sized bed with the same deep maroon color with as the comforter and curtains.

“Lex,” beckoned an extremely familiar voice.

I looked in the direction of the speaker and there he was, Liam Walker lounging on the bed. He looked older with slight stubble on his face, but aside from that he looked like the same Liam in Jenny’s car.

I have to be dreaming.

“Are you just going to stand there all day or you going to join me in bed?” he asked me, slightly concerned. “You have to be exhausted, come on Lex.”

“Lee, how are you going to sleep after what happened—after we were attacked?” My voice sounded strained and my body feels so unbelievably weak.

He sighed watching me carefully with his sandy brown hair getting in my way of seeing his eyes in the most adorable way. “That’s easy, with you in my arms.” He smirked.

“Ha. You’re hilarious,” I scoffed making my way to the bed.

Liam scooted over on the bed so I could fit join him. “Am I wrong?” he asked with his smirk still plastered on his face.

“No.” I laughed. “But still that’s not my point. After everything that happened tonight, you’re still going to sleep?”

I sat on the edge of the bed and I can already tell that the bed is uncomfortable and it wasn’t going to be a comfortable night.

Liam rolled back over and positioned himself so that his head rested on my thigh; he looking up at me with steel gray eyes that were playful. “We have to gain back our strength if we want to defend ourselves, you know that Lex.”

“I know, but still,” I groaned. I feel so ridiculous talking to a head on my thigh.

He rolled his eyes. “Fine if you feel so ridiculous…,” he trailed off. Lee swung his body so that he was sitting to my right, our thighs touching. “Is that better?” he asked slightly sarcastic.

I shrugged, cracking a smile. “I guess.” I had to look up to meet his eyes now.

“Do you want to make everything better?”

Of course I want to make things better. Not only is that my very purpose of my existence, but making things better will make life—especially our lives—a lot easier. That’s such a silly unnecessary question.

“Actually, it’s a very good question,” he replied smugly to my thoughts.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t see me answering your thoughts,” I grumbled, stabbing a finger in his shoulder.

Worry crossed his face. “Can you even read my mind right now?” he asked. The way that he was looking at me told me that he was probably probing me right now, but I could hardly feel a thing.

“I can’t right now. I’m too tired,” I admitted.

He laughed at my response. “Which is why you should sleep,” Liam said dryly.

“I think I can live without that minor detail for a while,” I tried to convince myself as well as him.

“Uh-huh,” he mumbled malcontent with my answer. “Can you really?”

I looked down from his gaze to the floor. “No,” I mumbled.

“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you,” Liam teased.

I snapped my head up to meet his laughing eyes. “I’ll sleep! Okay? But we can’t just run all over the world you know! He’ll find us eventually.”

Liam turned incredibly serious—there was no laughter in his eyes. “And what are you suggesting?” The cold sternness to his tone gave me the shivers even though I knew that he wouldn’t lay a hand on me—in a violent manner—it still didn’t ease the ferocity in his voice.

“Well…,” I trailed off. Where was I supposed to start? What am I suppose to say? How I want to go and—

“No!” he shouted. Liam turned his entire body so that it was facing me, and he gripped my shoulders with his iron-strong fingers forcing me to look at him.

I flinched. I immediately felt bad afterwards because Liam’s eyes softened slightly but his jaw was clenched tightly.

“B-but what if we just meet him head on?” I asked trying not to stutter.

“And what do you think is going to happen?” he roared. The bedpost began to shake uncontrollably and the air went incredibly cold, so cold that I could see my breath.

At that moment I don’t know what to think. “Isn’t it worth it though? Even if we do have to sacrifice ourselves it’ll be worth it, right? We would serve our purpose.”

He shook his head, but his posture was still relaxed. “No we wouldn’t. We would only be making things worse. After we’re gone for good and if we didn’t get rid of him when we planned, then he’s still alive he won’t have us to toy with anymore and he will do whatever he wants without hesitation since there’s no one capable of stopping him.”

The man has a point.

He grinned again, with serious eyes. “I know I do.”

“But we have to confront him,” I pointed out. “Maybe not now, maybe when we’re ready but we have to do it soon; before the new millennium comes.”

“That’s in twenty years, Lex,” he pointed out.

“So? That’s not a lot of time and right now we’re at our peak. We need to confront him so he won’t come back—ever.”

He looked at me skeptically. “And how are you going to get him close enough to do that without him killing us?”

I grinned. “Easy, I’m going to bait him.”

— — —

I woke up in the car and everyone was waiting for me outside. I could see Ker tapping her foot impatiently waiting for me to get out the car.

“Are you coming?” Miranda asked, laughing.

I opened the door reluctantly. “Yeah, yeah…,” I grumbled not really wanting to be separated from my dream.

Immediately I could smell the pungent and unique smells of the combinations of animal waste. How lovely.

The minute my foot touched the ground, I can already how the day is going to go. Ker, Jen, and Miranda gathered together in threesome locking arms as they skipped to the gate as Liam casually walked besides them. I walked as a ghost, shadowing the comfortable foursome as they headed into the Zoo. It isn’t as extravagant as the Oakland or the San Diego Zoo, but it’s a zoo containing animals and I guess that’s the only thing that the girls really care about.

Liam stepped forward to the ticket counter where an adolescent girl, who looked about our age, with extremely bad acne but otherwise was attractive, ogled freely at him. She openly flirted with him. Thank goodness Ker wasn’t paying attention; she was too busy goofing off with Jen while Miranda smiled sheepishly.

After he was done with the exchange Liam when to the girls and handed them their tickets. A slight pang went through my chest as I thought he might have somehow forgotten was I with them or something, but he turned around and looked at me, it looked like he almost smiled.

“Come on Alexandrea,” he said. In his hand he was waving a long ticket that was clearly for me since in his other hand was a single ticket.

I was nervous as I walked over to him and grabbed my ticket. I was slightly disappointed that our fingers didn’t touch and there wasn’t a spark like there would be if life was a movie, but since it wasn’t there was no slight finger touch and there wasn’t a simple mutual spark.

We headed off and gave our tickets to the extremely bored boy over by the gate. He took the ticket and scanned it. I walked along side Liam, both of us walked with the slightest distance between us and the girls who were over excited at the monkey exhibit. They hardly noticed our absence and laughed as the monkey came close and spat in Jen’s face.

“Why aren’t you over there with them?” Liam asked as we both sat on one of the many wooden benches displayed around the Zoo.

I shrugged. “They look fine without me,” I pointed out.

“I didn’t ask that.” His grey eyes sparkled mischievously. I was immediately remembered my extremely vivid dream I had in the car. I didn’t get to finish my dream, but I’m pretty sure I knew what was going to happen later on in the dream…I had the same one earlier, a couple of months ago and what I imagined isn’t for the lighthearted.

“Um, yeah…I guess you’re right,” I fumbled with the words a little mortified at the memories. “I…I don’t know. I guess that there are just too many people over there for my comfort.”

His lips curved up to a smirk. “Three people are too much?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Well, that and they all know each other really well. I don’t want to interfere with their buddy-buddy time, you know?” I said getting slightly defensive.

He tilted his head. “I thought you were friends with them.” It shocked me a little that Liam didn’t hide his confusion.

“I am,” I said quickly hoping he didn’t get the wrong impression. “It’s just I’m closer to Ker and Miranda and I see them every day. They never get to see Jen and I feel horrible for taking their time away from each other. I mean, she’s going to have to go back, right?”

“Not necessarily,” he said. I noticed the nervous flash that went through his eyes. “She might stay.”

I held back the choking sensation of horror and jealous.

“Really?”

Liam looked at me carefully like he could tell that I was in hidden distress. “If she decides she wants to stay, Carrie and Dad will let her.”

I paused for a second and allowed my gaze to move toward the three girls. I watched as they all had a great time without me, not even noticing that I wasn’t there with them. Insignificance filled my body and wore it down. It was a slow and creeping sensation, but it was horrible. I don’t want to be forgotten and I don’t want to be a burden as well.

“Lex…?”

I finally noticed there was a dark figure standing in my way waving its hand in my face. I looked at the face and I screamed in horror, as I clutched onto Liam.

“Well, hi to you too,” Matt said smirking at my discomfort. He stood a foot higher for me—an abnormality—and was wearing his usual attire of dark skinny jeans and a poser skin-tight shirt.

I looked around quickly and saw that only a few people looked curiously at my screech, unfortunately a couple of them were Ker, Jen, and Miranda. Jen and Miranda were struck with horror as innuendo passed through their minds.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed, still in shock. I would have screamed if anyone had appeared in my face like that, but since it was Matt, I took it a few octaves louder than necessary.

He pointed behind him with a dark eyebrow raised. “I’m here to see the monkeys, duh,” he said rolling his eyes.

I studied at him carefully to try and see if I can pry out some real answer from him, but all I can see is a bunch of false arrogance and entertainment from my reaction to his presence. There isn’t any trace of anything else.

“Then why did you come over and say hi? You never say hi at school.” Just beg for my food, but I left that part out.

His dark eyes beyond his tinted glasses watched me as a sneer appeared on his lips. “I don’t?” he asked feigning innocence.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t.”

There was a slight pause. Liam shifted and I forgot that he was even there, not to mention under my grip. I looked at him apologetically and tried to mask my embarrassment—for clinging onto Liam and for screaming at Matt. But he didn’t feel like he minded me grabbing him in haste, regardless I still feel horrible.

Matthew’s eyes suddenly flickered to Liam and his comfortable position. It seemed like he was eyeing the very little space in-between us, finally noticing how I’m clinging onto Liam so desperately. I finally convinced my fingers to let go of Liam’s jacket. Trying not to look as mortified as I felt, I made some space in-between Liam and I so there was no longer and intimate space between us.

“Who’s this?” he asked with tons of humor flowing in his voice. “Did you go and get yourself a boyfriend Lex?”

I opened my mouth, but I couldn’t think of a quick-witted response in time.

Matthew laughed. “Wow, Lex. Just wow,” he snickered.

Heat rushed to my face. Why does he always have to do stuff like this? “He’s not my boyfriend Matthew,” I growled at the boy.

Why does he have to be here? Hell, why is he at a Zoo? This seems like the least likely place I’d ever run into him.

“Sure he isn’t.” Matt winked trying to get under my skin.

“Why don’t you go over to Ker and go bug her?” I suggested trying to get him to leave. He was making it more and more uncomfortable sitting next to Liam.

He stopped harassing me for a second and looked over the area so he could spot Ker. He saw her and she was still staring, blatantly, with the others. She waved enthusiastically at him, but Matt didn’t respond. He just turned back at me and his light brown eyes were gleaming.

“She doesn’t entertain me as much as you do,” he grinned devilishly shrugging.

That is so not true, the boy just likes reveling in my discomfort. “You talk to her all the time in English,” I pointed out trying to make him leave as soon as possible. Sending him to Ker probably isn’t the wisest thing to do, but it sure as hell easier than having him stand here and make wild accusations of Liam being my lover.

“That’s different.” His expression turned dark for a second, like he was thinking about something serious.

“Really? Because I’m under the impression that you hate me,” I told him as honestly as possible.

All he’s been doing is harassing me. I know he’s been gone for a while and he has had no update in my life, but I had stopped having any feelings for him for a long time. But since he came back he just assumed a few months wouldn’t change anything. Well he’s clearly mistaken and extremely wrong…. Well, somewhat wrongish.

For a moment it looked as if he was going to say that he doesn’t hate me, but it looked as if he changed his mind. “I do hate you, very much so.”

His harsh tone made me flinch a little. I guess I wanted him to say that he didn’t hate me which is understandable because how many girls want to be told to their face that someone hates you? Not many people, especially not those with an incredibly fragile self-esteem.

“I hate you too,” I retorted quickly looking away from him and to something else. That something else turned out to be a very confused Liam. I almost forgot about him being here, again. “Don’t you have to be somewhere else Matthew?” I asked a little too harsh since some foreign emotion flickered through his expression before changing into its usually haughty state.

He stood up a little taller so he was looking even further down at me. His eyes made me feel uncomfortable. “You know what? I actually do,” he said fiercely. Matt turned on his heel quickly and walked away without looking back.

“I think you hurt his feelings,” Liam stated observantly.

“What?” I turned my body towards Liam and stole a quick glance at Matthew walking away against the crowds of people. It seemed like he didn’t’ have anywhere to go and just left because it was clear I didn’t want him there.

I saw that Liam did the same and look back at me nodding. “You heard me.”

I moved so that I could see him properly. It felt like Liam was teasing me, but I don’t him good enough to be sure. “Why do you say that?” I said defensively.

The side of his mouth twitched like he was trying his best to suppress laughter. “Um, did you not see his overdramatic exit?” Liam jerked his thumb in Matthew’s fleeting body.

“He does that a lot,” I lied quickly.

Liam didn’t believe me. “Uh-huh,” he said grinning.

I gnawed my lip anxiously. I hope he wasn’t right, otherwise I’d feel horrible. “I didn’t really hurt his feelings, did I?” I asked Liam trying not to fidget.

“Does it matter?” Liam looked at me bewildered. He probably doesn’t get why I’m getting all emotional about making Matthew feel bad.

I felt my eyebrow twitch a bit. “Yes! No…yeah? No, definitely no. Maybe…I don’t know!” I cried exasperated. I ran a hand through my hair frustratedly, refusing to look back at Liam.

He raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Right…,” he said looking at me like I was insane. I guess it’s better that he learned that sooner rather than later.

I heard the patter of footsteps and looked up and saw a wild-eyed Ker standing in front of me. She pulled me up began shaking me. “Lex! Did you see that? Lex?!”

My head thrashed back from Ker’s forces and my colors blurred together. “Whoa…slow down there tiger,” I placed a hand on her shoulder and pushed gently—not enough to cause any damage but enough to make sure that she didn’t do any damage.

“Matt he was here talking to you—”

“I know.” I winced at her excitement. “And now he’s gone so we can forget about the whole thing.” I flashed a look at Liam, directing my words more towards him.

Ker’s expression went from excitement to confusion and sympathy the moment I opened my mouth. “What’s wrong? What happened?” she asked, her big light green eyes asked.

The waves of emotion coming from her made my head sway and I wanted to sit down again.

“Nothing,” I mumbled trying not to swoon. “He just stopped to say hi and then left.” I shrugged.

I saw Miranda and Ker narrow their eyes almost simultaneously, not believing me for a second.

Jenny, on the other hand, looked as if my explanation satisfied her and she turned to the duo. “Come on you guys! We still have to go look at the penguins!” she said giggling uncontrollably.

Ker flashed Jen the best look of excitement that she could muster, but I could tell it wasn’t real and she was still not over my encounter. They walked to the penguins I followed them to the arctic animal with Liam trailing behind us. The entire time Ker shot me warning glances every so often telling me that our conversation wasn’t over with, even if I was done with it.

The penguins could only hold Jen, Ker, and Miranda’s attention for so long until they had to look at another one. They giggled at the oddest of things, making up inside jokes on the spot about whatever happened. I laughed wishing that it could be genuine, but for some reason I felt so drained I don’t know if I can stand up any more. My head started rushing and black spots started to outline my sight and everyone’s voice started to get louder and louder.

“You guys? I’m going to the bathroom.” I pointed at the facilities. “I’ll…be back.”

Before they could even object, I started towards the bathroom and went to the closest open toilet. The bathrooms smelled as bad as it did outside and my head started pound even more. It felt like every single noise was exaggerated in my head and everyone in the zoo was talking all at once in my direction. As the pounding increased, it felt like I could feel it in my toes. I pressed my back harder against the stall door as the pain increased. Today was definitely a bad headache day.

The lights started to flicker angrily above, but I could barely register that detail. I could vaguely hear screams in the bathroom as the people began running out of the bathroom. I could feel something wet at my feet. I tried not to vomit at the thought of whatever was at my feet and to just focus on my unbelievable headache.

“Lex?” a voice called. “Lex!”

My stall door started rattling. Weakly, I unlocked the door and stumbled into Miranda’s arms. I looked up at her panicked face. Why is she so worried?

“You can’t stay in here! We have to get out,” she started tugging at my sleeve.

My head was suddenly clear and I couldn’t hear any of the voices that were in my head a second ago and I was completely aware now. Once I took a look around the room I wish I wasn’t. The fluorescent lights were dangling from the ceiling and they looked like they could fall any second. The sinks were spitting out water at unbelievable amounts of pressure. If even one of the lights fell we’d be shocked. I’m no scientist, but I’m pretty sure that any amount of electricity running through your body is bad. And more importantly, it’ll hurt.

“Crap,” I squeaked with large eyes.

I wadded through the ankle deep water pushing Miranda out of the way. Tons of sparks started tumbling down. I felt the adrenaline rush and felt guilty for being the reason she’s here. Should she really become a crispy critter because of my stupid headaches? I couldn’t live with that even if we only get minor shocks. I pushed her roughly out the door and she made it outside so she wouldn’t be shocked.

Since I used so much force to push her out the door before the sparks hit the water, I stumbled falling into the water. I watched wide eyed ask they hit the water. Simultaneously, there was a tingling sensation that buzzed in my fingers and my headache exploded with a vengeance. That’s when the world went black.