Open Floor

OF - Chapter 10

As dad said, they left an hour later right after Troy arrived from school. I had to explain things to Troy because mom and dad's ride was there already so basically, they didn't have time to explain.

April, Leroy, and Glenn went home for a while to grab a few things for the sleepover but only Glenn and Leroy came back.

"Her mom didn't allow her to sped the night here. She said something about being caught in a fight with her brother," Leroy explained.

We did our homeworks before going to bed. Both guests slept in the guest room and Troy and I in our own rooms.

***

I was looking at an unfamiliar old man's pale face. He had his eyes closed and he was lying inside a coffin surrounded with white flowers. I was crying my heart out. Tears kept rolling from my eyes down my face, sobs escape my mouth every now and then. I was crying. I did nothing but cry, and cry, and cry.

I don't know why I'm crying this much over an unfamiliar man. I was never afraid of a corpse no matter how close it is to me in distance. So this moment right here buzzed me. Why would I cry over this person? Digging deep to recall who that man could be, I tried to keep myself calm but all that did to me is hitch my breath a little more, making it difficult for me to breathe.

A cool pair of hands spun me around and pulled me into a tight hug. I didn't know who she was. All I could see was her long wavy blonde coloured hair. I was a head taller than her, and I could feel her crying on me.

This isn't right. I didn't know who these people were and I just felt the need to get out of the situation. My body seemed to become a bit more cooperative than before because I was able to control myself now. My crying was reduced and my hands felt less heavy. I gripped the girl infront of me by her shoulders and attempted to lightly pull her away but she won't let go. I opened my mouth to speak but I couldn't produce any sound. Literally.

I began to tug her away with a bit more force until I was doing it with my full strength. I managed to get her off of me, and when I saw her face, it looked familiar but I still didn't know her. I quickly made my way through the isle and exited through the doors but I stopped when I came face to face with a man in a black button up longsleeves with a white necktie, and a pair of black pants and shoes. Mr. Ward.

"Sir," was all I managed to say. What was he doing in my dream?

***

"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!" Leroy swiftly pulled off the blanket that was on me. I wasn't wearing my usual pyjamas. Instead, I was wearing a pair of boxer shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. I suddenly felt cold and curled into a ball, eyes still closed.

"Hey, rockstar, get up!" he must've noticed the grafitti I made on my wall for calling me a rockstar. Remind me to cover that part.

"Go. Away." I used a pillow to cover my face.

In a matter or seconds, I felt my body being crushed on the bed. I tried to get him off of me but my effort was a waste since he was at least ten times stronger than me. Okay, that's a little exaggerated but hey, I just woke up. My head's still not functioning properly.

"If you're not up in three seconds, I'm going to tickle you." Leroy threatened.

"Oooh, scary." I said sarcastically. I easily regretted saying that because in less than three seconds, his fingers came running all over my waist and belly, dancing around non-stop.

"LEROY! Oh my god! Get off!" I was easily running out of breath and I tried to fight back but I was weak under him.

"Still not getting up? Are you still sleepy?" he continued to poke his fingers on me.

"No! Get off!"

"You know, our parents taught us to use the magic words. Forgot them already, grandma?"

"Please!" I was desperate.

He stopped and got off me quickly. I paused to catch my breath and when I looked at him, he was looking at the door. I followed his gaze and my eyes landed on Glenn's and Troy's heads that were peeping through the door.

"Are we interrupting something?" Glenn asked the same time Troy said "You're not doing anything weird are you?"

I flushed at the possible things that could be running in their heads right now. I hate situations like this. And I couldn't say a thing because I was still catching my breath from the unexpected tickle attack.

"Why are we up so early?" I asked after letting out a loud yawn. It was only 4 in the morning and as you know, school doesn't start before 7.

We were seated in the dining room with Troy serving the food. Before you get the wrong idea, let me tell you that Troy volunteered to serve for us. He's a great cook so our breakfast was prepared by him, and he did it willingly. He served us his famous pancakes with a secret recipe that he never told anyone, not even me.

"Because, Glenn haven't had a dip in your pool." Leroy said as-a-matter-of-fact.

"Does he need to?" I asked.

Leroy answered "Yeah at the same time Glenn said "No"

"Oh come on man, we can play beer pong in it if you want." Leroy said turning to Glenn.

"How?" Troy asked taking his seat beside me.

"I saw this beer pong floatie in your attic."

"You went in the attic?" My eyes widened at him.

He tried to look innocent but he gave up soon. "I was curious okay?"

I rolled my eyes before proceeding to my pancakes. They tasted so good, I might get my second round.

Glenn finally gave up on Leroy and decided to just have a dip in the pool after breakfast.

I sat by the bar by myself since Troy wanted a swim too. All I did was play some 2FUSE on my iPad, trying to beat April's record.

My phone rang from the kitchen a few rounds later, and when I checked the caller ID, the number was unregistered.

I hit answer and brought the phone up to my ear. "Hello?"

"Hey, it's Ben."

"Ben...?" I tried to think of anyone I know with the name Ben but I was out of ideas.

He sighed softly before saying, "Mr. Ward"

My eyes widened in surprise. How did he get my number? Why was he calling this early in the morning? I was speechless for a while and he broke the silence between us. "I heard that my cousin is staying over your place for two nights."

It took me a while to respond. I was still surprised by his unexpected call. "Y-yes, Mr. Ward."

"You may call me Ben outside of school and I don't usually give that privilege to anyone."

Silence. I figured it was my cue to speak but I didn't know what to say. "Ben."

"Good." I could hear him smile. "Will you come to school earlier today? I need to have a word with you."

"Sure, we'll be there by 6."

"Privately." He added making my heart race.

"Oh."

What does he want?

***

Oooh... They're gonna have a private talk! Behind Glenn! What are they gonna talk about? Hang on, hang on... We'll get there.

But while waiting, please accept this blue banana, and enjoy my friend's story, Second Chance. It's pretty cool, and I don't lie ;)

Red Cupcakes and Green Potatoes!

Vote, Comment, Fan!

-Kat