Tales from PS 3
Chapter 6: The Allure of the Darkness
Part One
Sean tightly clutched his hall pass as he pushed open the heavy wooden door. He wordlessly handed it to the secretary at the desk, who directed him to sit in a row of empty chairs. As he slouched down in his seat, some of his long green hair flopped over his eyes; he didn't bother to brush it out of the way as he didn't really want a visual reminder of the place he didn't want to be in.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed before he heard a pleasant voice calling his name. Miss Mieu, the school's beloved guidance counselor, greeted him with a serene smile and led him into her office. Having been in there several times before, he took his usual seat and waited for her to sit down across from him and take out her notebook.
Hello Sean. How are you today?
she asked gently.
He sighed. Fine, I guess, but I don't know why I'm here.
She frowned. Some of your teachers are worried about you. I just want to make sure everything is okay.
I don't know why they always think something's wrong with me.
Well, we usually don't see you socializing with the other students and -
So?
he interrupted. I like being alone, what's wrong with that?
Her frown only deepened as a concerned look came into her bright, unblinking blue eyes. Everyone needs friends, Sean,
she said softly. It's not healthy to keep everything to yourself all the time.
He glared at her, though she wasn't the direct object of his annoyance. Almost everyone in this school is a total dumbass,
he stated. So many of them say stupid things about me — about the way I wear my hair, my choice of clothes, the music I listen to, the books I read. They think they know me, but they don't, and I'm not going to waste my time trying to prove myself to people so stupid.
Miss Mieu leaned back in her chair and for a fleeting moment, the teenager thought he saw a brief hint of amusement flash across her face. You're right,
she said.
I am?
I don't know if I would have used the phrase
She smiled again. total dumbass
, as it's a little harsh, but you do make valid points. It's foolish to judge people based solely on how they outwardly appear, but unfortunately, it happens all the time in high school. Well, maybe a little beyond high school as well, but it's not so bad.It does get better.
I hope so. If the rest of life is going to be like high school, I might as well call it quits now.
See, now that way of thinking is probably what got you sent down here in the first place.
She folded her hands in her lap and stared directly at the green-haired student, her gaze never wavering. Anyone who tells you that these are the 'best years of your life' is wrong, that's bullshit.
He looked at her in surprise and she chuckled. Don't look so shocked. What, did you think I was some kind of robot?
Sean finally managed a tiny smile. I guess coming down here wasn't all that bad,
he admitted to the caring guidance counselor.
Gee, thanks. So much for my reputation.
Miss Mieu took a pad of hall passes out of her desk drawer and began to fill out the top sheet. As her pen moved across the page, she returned to her usual serious manner. If you ever do want to talk to someone, though, my door is always open to you.
Thank you.
He took the slip of paper from her and headed back to class.
Sean had to admit that he did feel slightly better after his meeting with Miss Mieu. He still had no desire to make friends with his fellow high school classmates, however. The following morning, as all the students started gradually arriving at the campus, Sean slipped into the empty building. His prior attempts to find a quiet place outside where he could do some reading or writing or zoning out to his headphones only resulted in ridicule from those around him, so he preferred to hide out in various places inside the school until it was time to report to his homeroom. He rotated between a few favorite secluded spots; this morning, he snuck into the little-known stairwell that led to the basement of the school, deep underground beneath the swimming pool in the gymnasium.
It was dark, dreary and musty down there, just the way he liked it. He flicked on his cell phone to light the way and was about to plug in his earbuds when he heard a noise coming from several feet away from him. It was too loud to be a rat and when Sean stopped to listen more closely, he could hear the sound of someone breathing.
Hello?
he called into the darkness.
He was instantly answered by a scream. Who...who's there?
asked a soft, feminine voice.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
Using the screen of his phone to illuminate his path, he maneuvered around a stack of boxes and found a small, blonde girl sitting on the floor with her knees pulled to her chest, glowing in the blue light coming from his hand. He thought she looked vaguely familiar from some of his classes, but he generally didn't bother to learn the names of his classmates. Upon closer inspection, he could tell that she'd been crying.
What are you doing down here?
she inquired.
I could ask you the same thing.
Her mysteriously dark brown eyes were staring intently at him and somehow, Sean knew that he would need to answer first. I come down here sometimes in the mornings, I like to be alone before school starts.
Sorry I ruined that for you,
she spat out.
Don't worry about it.
He scratched his head, wondering how to proceed with this awkward moment. Are you, uh, okay? You look kind of upset.
She blinked several times as she decided whether or not she wanted to answer him. With a dramatic sigh, she finally responded. It's nothing. It's just that my sister is ruining my entire life!
Sean didn't have any siblings, but he figured he might as well try to offer a friendly ear to the distressed girl. How is she ruining your life?
Everything's always about her! Laya's so pretty, Laya's so smart, Laya's so popular. Everyone in this school seems to worship her!
Sean recalled having heard about this Laya before and couldn't argue with the description, but he stayed silent as the girl went on. No matter what I do, I'll never live up to her! I'm always being compared to her and it's not fair!
You're right, that doesn't sound fair.
He fidgeted a bit as she looked at him curiously. I don't really know her that well, so I'm probably in no position to judge, but you seem all right to me.
Her lips gradually curved into a tiny smile. Thanks.
Sean extended his hand and pulled her to her feet. I'm sorry,
he said, but I don't think I remember your name.
It's Laya.
Laya? But I thought your sister...
The smile disappeared. I know, right? Apparently she was just so wonderful, my parents freaking named me after her. It's just the first on a long list of similar injustices.
I could call you something else if you'd like...
No, it's okay, it's the only name I've ever known.
Laya it is, then. I'm Sean.
She studied him in the dim light. I think we're in the same math class.
Probably.
You're that quiet guy who sits in the back of the room.
Now it was Sean's turn to sigh. Yeah, that's me.
Maybe I'll join you there today.
The green-haired boy was bewildered by the idea that someone actually wanted to sit near him in class. Whatever you'd like.
I might need help anyway.
He could see her wrinkle her nose as they moved towards the stairwell. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be as smart as my sister.
I'm sure that's not true.
Fourth period math inevitably rolled around and as promised, Laya took a seat next to Sean in the back of the room. The lecture left little time for conversation, but the pair was surprised to find themselves each walking in the same direction following class. You have lunch this period?
Sean asked.
She nodded. You too? I've never seen you in the cafeteria before.
I usually go eat in the library or the courtyard when it's warm enough outside.
That sounds nice. Let me grab my food and I'll meet you out there.
He continued to be perplexed by her actions. Don't you have friends you'd rather eat with?
My friends don't have lunch at the same time as me this year,
she explained with a slight shrug of her shoulders. And while my sister 'graciously' allows me to sit at her table with her entourage, I'm getting a little tired of it.
Sean hated to admit it, but he found himself enjoying his classmate's company. Laya asked him about the book he'd planned on reading and shared that she, too, preferred losing herself in literature instead of the technological distractions that were the top choice of so many of their fellow students. After a friendly discussion about their favorite music and movies, the pair had exchanged screen names so they could continue the conversation even after school ended for the day.
That evening, Sean added her name to his list of virtual companions from around the world and was pleased to see her online. He initially worried about immediately striking up a conversation with her, afraid of seeming too eager, but as she had initiated most of their contact that day, he took a deep breath and sent her a message.
The response had been nearly instantaneous, as if she'd been waiting for him. Sean let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as he tried to think of what to say first. Unlike the other people he chatted with, he'd actually have to see her face-to-face the following day and he was a bit nervous.
Sean cringed as he hoped that his last line didn't reek of desperation too badly. The next line to pop up on his computer screen helped reassure him that his worries were unfounded.
Upon realizing what he had accidentally revealed to this girl he had just met, Sean slumped against the desk, making sure to avoid the keyboard. He had visions of his classmates finding yet another thing to tease him about and prayed that none of his work would ever be discovered by then. As always, though, Laya was full of surprises.
One moment of panic was quickly replaced by a different one as Sean tried to think of a valid response. He considered himself to be intelligent and thought he had a good way with words, but the attentions of the pretty blonde were scattering his thoughts like nothing he had come across before.
Things had been going well so far, so Sean took a deep breath before leaping far outside his comfort zone.
Sean blinked silently as he read her response. He'd actually made plans with a classmate to do something outside of school. There was actually someone who didn't find him to be "weird" and wanted to spend time with him. This was an entirely new situation for him and he wasn't quite sure how he felt. His last thought before saying goodnight to Laya and turning the computer off was about how he hoped he wasn't going to screw anything up.
Part Two
Though Laya never got to eat lunch with her own friends, she was lucky enough to share a study hall with her best friend, Kara. The two girls got along well not only due to their similar temperaments, but because each knew the frustrations that came from sharing a name with a sister and they were able to bond over their misfortune. Though some used the study hall time to actually study, Laya took this opportunity to quietly share some information with her friend.
So I, uh, think I have a date tomorrow night,
she confessed.
Kara put her pencil down and turned her bright blue, inquisitive eyes towards her companion as she pushed her wavy, lime-green hair behind her ears. You think?
Okay, fine. I have a date tomorrow night.
Really? With whom?
You know how I told you I've been talking to that guy Sean a lot this week?
The quiet one with the dark clothes and long hair?
Yeah, him. We were talking and he mentioned something about a poetry reading and asked if I wanted to go.
I didn't know you were that into poetry,
Kara gently teased.
I thought it sounded interesting. Besides, I like him. He's one of the first guys I've met who wouldn't rather hang around my sister.
I understand,
said Kara.
Laya knew she would. It should be fun. Or at least I hope it would be.
Kara noticed the slight frown that had crept onto her friend's face. What's wrong? Are you nervous about going with him?
The blonde-haired girl shook her head. No, it's not that.
She paused as she considered how much she wanted to tell Kara. He showed me one of his notebooks with his own poems yesterday. They were really good, he writes so vividly. It's just that some of them were...
Were what?
A little creepy,
Laya admitted. There was a lot of blood and pain and violent torture. All described very well, of course, but it kind of caught me off guard.
Ew,
was Kara's initial reaction. Are you sure he's not going to cut you up in a bunch of little pieces afterward and spread your remains around town?
No! He's not like that! And, by the way - gross!
Laya wasn't sure why she was so offended on behalf of her future date. He's a nice guy! I really like talking to him! I just didn't know he...thought those things, I guess.
Well, what were you expecting when you read his notebook? Poems about rainbows and fluffy bunnies?
I guess you have a point.
Laya sighed and started playing with the ends of her long hair, a nervous habit that surfaced from time to time. He's just so different from the other guys I know.
She felt the blood rushing to her face and was sure her skin was bright red as she tried to conceal the smile that was creeping onto her lips. But I think I like that,
she whispered.
Kara raised a bright green eyebrow. Whatever makes you happy.
Realizing that she probably didn't sound that excited for her friend, she patted her on the shoulder and gave her a genuine grin. I'm glad you're going out with him, you seem to really like him and I'm sure you'll have a great time.
Thanks. If you don't hear from me on Saturday, assume I'm scattered all over the place in tiny little pieces.
Sean picked her up right on time on Friday night and Laya found herself relaxing during the ride to Dahlia as they eased back into their friendly conversations. At the coffeehouse, he ordered two cappuccinos and found a cozy-looking couch for them in a dark corner. Laya initially wasn't sure how close to him she should get, but as the evening progressed, she found herself leaning into him, especially when someone was reading about love.
She had just found a comfortable spot nestled against him when, to her surprise, she heard his name being called. Flashing her a rare smile, he got up to stand in the front of the room, his wild green hair illuminated by the colored lamps hanging from the ceiling. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, unfolded it, and cleared his throat.
Laya bit her lower lip as she sat frozen in the corner of the room. She braced herself for the inevitable gory descriptions of pain and death that had been the recurring themes in the poems of his she had previously read. The words that came out of his mouth, however, completely astounded her.
Alone in the desert I walked
The only living being around for miles
and miles
and miles
The prince of nothingness, the ruler of the dust
The lord of the empty black hole
The gaping abyss that threatened to
Consume my humanity
The oasis of love beckoned to me from the sands and I
Flung myself into its spiraling whirlpool
The waves of life crashed over my body
Caressing my skin with their icy blue embrace
I allowed myself to sink to the bottom
Staring through the crystal waters I saw
The golden-haired goddess awaiting my arrival
Reaching out to me
Engaging me
Ready to rule beside me
Saving each other from ourselves, we would
Fight together against the raging storms
The evils that sought to oppress us
United, with our words of power
We could vanquish the dark beasts
And turn our domain into a world of magnificent beauty
Rivaled only by the brilliance
Of the shining face of my goddess
For she alone can reach into the depths of my soul
Heal me with her touch
Show me the truth
Fill my heart with the wonder that I never knew until I first
Gazed into the glowing stars that were reflected in her
Dark brown eyes that saw me for who I really was.
The poem seemed to be well-received by the other patrons of the coffeehouse, but Sean only had eyes for Laya as he made his way back to his seat. So what did you think?
he shyly asked.
She stared back at him. Wow,
was all she finally managed to get out.
I know it's a lot different from the other poems I showed you. But...
He scratched his head and looked away from her. I wrote it for you,
he said, confessing the obvious.
Laya felt herself blushing furiously and was glad for the poor lighting in their corner of the room. No one's ever done anything like that for me before,
she told him. Before she could logically think things through, she leaned over and quickly kissed him on the cheek.
His face rapidly turned the same color as hers. Does that mean you liked it?
She giggled at him, something she rarely did. I loved it.
Sean slid his arm around Laya's shoulders and she turned her face up towards his expectantly. Tucked away in their dark corner, their lips found each other as their fingers intertwined and his grasp on her tightened. From that moment onwards, they knew they would be inseparable as Sean had found someone worthy of spending his time with and Laya had finally managed to escape the shadows of her sister.