Chapter 28 The dream
Wade's POV
Everything just seemed to be crumbling. The fact that I tried to look strong did not deny the fact that I was dead inside.
Dad was no better than me. He barely came home, blaming work. I knew he was only trying to avoid the coldness of his home, the silence that exuded from the once lively house. He was tired of sitting at Mia's door every night begging her to open it for him.
She wouldn't taste any food unless I cried every single tear left in my eyes before she grabbed a few bites. She refused to see or talk to Dad for days now and it was depressing.
All she wanted was Lily, all we wanted was Lily.
We had already interviewed lots of applicants lately but none fit perfectly like Lily did. Lily was like a big sister to Mia, and much more than words could explain to me.
Who was I kidding when I said traffic caused my lateness to class today? Mr Ken knew that I was lying but he dismissed it for reasons best known to him.
The truth was that Mia had refused to come out of her bedroom this morning, and when she finally did, she had already prepared for school and wore her dress ready to go but refused to take breakfast.
She hadn't eaten anything throughout yesterday and I feared that she might pass out at school seeing how pale and whitish her eyes were.
Merely looking at her made my heart sink.
I was so tired of begging her so i simply sat at the dining table looking at her.
I had neglected myself these few days too. Late night sleep, loss of appetite and stress.
I had also slept late last night. I was busy going through memories of the good old days, when Mum was alive.
I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, begging for sleep to steal me away but it deserted me instead. Then I clutched the picture I took with Lily at the park and that was my remedy for insomnia.
I rubbed my forehead and glanced at Mia again who just sat staring blankly at her food.
Then slowly, I rested my head on the dining table and sleep stole my consciousness.
It took me to a happy dreamland where I was preparing for the Elite Quarterback Camp which I had forfeited in real life. I was so happy and excited in my dream. Lily stood beside me helping me pack my luggage.
She looked so happy and lively. She was my girlfriend in the dream.
When we finished packing, I held her hands and we walked out together.
"Are you guys done packing?" Dad walked towards us with Mia and an unfamiliar woman we called Mum.
Mia ran towards me and hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you so much Wade," she cried.
"Don't miss me too much. Big aunty Lily will be here for you," I said, pinching her nose playfully.
"Take care of yourself Wade," the woman said, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"I will Mum," I said and hugged her slightly.
Then I turned to Lily who was already sniffling.
"It's just for a month Lily! I'll be back," I consoled her, pulling her waist towards me.
"One month feels like eternity. I'm already missing you," she said and a tear rolled down her cheeks.
"Come on Lily, I'll be back. Remember I love you so much," I said, wiping the tears off her cheek. She nodded slowly and rested her head on my chest.
The bus pulled up and Chris waved at me.
"The bus is here Lily," I said gently as she pulled back hesitantly.
"Don't forget you have a girlfriend at home Wade," she said childishly.
"Of course I won't. How would I?" I assured her, planting a kiss on her lips before I walked towards the bus.
They waved at me as I hopped in. As I was about to exchange a handshake with Chris, I felt a tap on my shoulder and woke up to reality.
I sighed painfully and sat up. I didn't want to wake up from this dream.
"Do you know what the time is?" Dad said with a hush in his tone and it hit me like ice water.
I was late for class.
"Fuck!" I screamed and ran into my room, wearing my uniform hastily without stopping to check how I looked. I dashed out of my room, forgetting about breakfast entirely, took Mia's hands and headed to school.
"I'll drive you both," Dad announced and grabbed his car keys immediately.
He sped off and we reached school within a few minutes. After dropping Mia off at her section, we drove to the senior section where my class was.
I stepped out hurriedly but he called me and I stopped.
"I know it's not easy son, but don't go hard on yourself," his voice was filled with concern and somewhat helplessness.
I felt the warmth of his voice and it reduced the tension inside me. I turned and smiled at him before I darted inside.
I couldn't get myself together throughout the class. Blurry vision, grumbling stomach, intense headache, but I hid it all and pretended like I was alright. Only one person knew something was wrong.
Lily.
Throughout class, I saw something different in her eyes: Concern. She stole a few glances at me and each time she did I prayed it lasted longer but she looked away immediately.
Mia also occupied my head, keeping me so distracted and restless. What if something had happened to her?
When Mr Ken gave the test, I pretended to know what I was writing but deep down I scribbled nonsense.
I couldn't wait for the dismissal bell before I dashed out of the class, anxious to know how Mia was faring.
I had just stepped out of class when Mr Ken called my attention.
"Wade, meet me at the office," he ordered, his voice sounding unusual and urgent.
"But sir—" I tried protesting.
"No buts! Follow me now," he commanded, his voice firm and serious.
I had never seen him this way before. It must have been something urgent so I followed.
I shut the door as we entered his office and he motioned for me to take a seat.
"I'm highly disappointed, Wade, or rather concerned about the recent developments I've noticed around you," he started as I sat down. "Your performance has been very poor these few weeks, ranging from lateness to being distracted and coming to class looking unkempt. The last straw that broke the camel's back was your performance during the impromptu test today. Even the weakest student in class scored higher than you." He paused then continued. "This is not you Wade. What's going on?" He asked, looking intently into my eyes.
I stared at him speechlessly, listening to everything he had to say because I didn't know where to start in giving a reply.
"Wade?" He called out, waving his hands across my face to get my attention.
"Mr Ken, I don't know what to say," I said expressionlessly.
"You can start from anywhere. I'm here to help," he said gently.
"I don't have the time to explain sir, but things are not going well at home. We'll figure it out," I said indifferently.
I wasn't one to talk about my family issues. He knew that.
"Wade—"
"Sir, it's dismissal already. I need to check up on my sister," I said, standing up.
"Don't isolate yourself Wade. Everything is going to be alright okay," he said comfortingly but I simply nodded and walked out of his office.
Chris came running up to me, panting.
"Where have you been Wade? I searched the whole school for you. What's going on?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.
"I need to go home," I said.
"Home? What about the practice we scheduled for today?"
"Cancelled."
"Cancelled? You can't just—"
"Chris, it is cancelled," I said and walked away.
I took long strides to Mia's section, managing the blurry vision.
As I walked faster, the headache became worse and everywhere turned black and white.
I managed to keep walking, then I sighted them from afar.
Mia and Lily.
What were they doing locked in each other's embrace?
Mia saw me first and ran towards me looking excited.
"Wade," she muttered slowly and my heart stopped.
Had Mia just called my name for the first time in four years?
I tried to process what I had just heard but my head spun and I staggered. Then slowly, a heavy sharp pain descended on me and everywhere went blank, Completely blank.
All I saw was darkness and heard the fading screams of Mia and Lily