Surviving a Real Life Horror Story

Chapter Five

I decided to stay that night at Andi’s house. Somehow, the thought of going home and facing Brenda’s hysteria and Krista’s deteriorating progress wasn’t welcoming. I found that staying the night at Andi’s was no better, however.

She had already fallen asleep two hours ago. I found sleep next to impossible to come by. I couldn’t help but think about her every time I caught a glimpse of her. I didn’t want to insult her but the only word I could associate with her anymore was stupid. She really believed that everything was going to be okay for her just because of her appearance.

I wondered what it was like to live in her world. To have no cares, no worries, because you’re the center of your own universe. I couldn’t imagine ever living like that. Somehow it seemed lonely, and desolate. Idly I realized that she might be just too ditzy to realize it. I tried to think about being in that position. It might be nice to not worry about something for a little while, but at the same time, worrying made me a better person.

Honestly, Andi was never a good person.

She couldn’t be when she put herself above everything and everyone. I shivered at that thought. We were supposed to support each other in the arena. If she put herself above me there, I’d die for sure. I knew that I should have confidence in her, but her blithe attitude made me reconsider. Maybe it would be for the best if I ended up working alone out there. I might have to anyways.

When sleep finally did come, I wasn’t happy to be pulled out of it. When my vision cleared I was looking into Andi’s excited face. She was already carefully prettied; her hair was groomed and her usual layer of make-up was over her face.

“Morning!” she said cheerfully, exposing all of her perfect pearl white teeth as she smiled.

“Ugh, already?” I groaned and sat up.

Every joint in my body ached from my fitful night’s sleep. I knew from the look on Andi’s face that my hair and face was a mess. To her I probably looked like a disaster but I just didn’t care.

“You should let me do your hair,” she said as if she had been reading my mind.

I yawned. “I can run a brush through my own hair, Andi.”

She tilted her head to the side. “If you’re sure.”

I didn’t respond as I stood up and went to the bathroom. I trudged over to the sink and splashed cold water on my face to wash away the final traces of sleep. I wetted Andi’s hair brush and carefully ran it through my hair once before I carefully looked at my appearance. I had deep half circles under my eyes that even the most restful sleep wouldn’t fix. I was overly stressed, and because of that I looked aged beyond my years. The thought didn’t bother me, I was almost glad that my appearance matched my brain level.

“I’m picking out your outfit!” Andi called from her room.

I sighed in annoyance but didn’t argue. I had already said no to letting her do my hair. If I didn’t let her go to her happy place she’d be crabby all day. That was the last thing I needed right now.

I walked back to her room to see two pieces of clothing laid carefully out on her blanket. It was a black shirt and skirt. I had no conflict with the shirt, but the skirt I was definitely going to fight. I picked it up in my hands and held it critically as I turned to face her.

“A skirt, Andi?” I asked.

She nodded. “It’ll really show off your feminine side!”

I sighed. “We’ve been through this. I dress for comfort, not for fashion.”

Andi shook her head. “Not today you don’t.”

“Give me a good reason why I should wear this and I’ll consider it,” I said.

“Okay, Rexi. This contest attracts a lot of attention each year. They only choose two people from each county. If you want to be picked then you have to stand out from the crowd. Dressing like a boy won’t help you do that, I promise.”

I glared at her for a moment, unsure of whether she had a point or not. She raised her eyebrows as she looked at me and finally I gave in.

“Fine,” I said holding the outfit as I made my way back to the bathroom.

Andi merely giggled, I knew that was her reaction to whenever she thought she won something. I ignored it as I closed the bathroom door and put on the uncomfortable outfit. They were obviously Andi’s clothes, they had a habit of flattering the more female parts of the body. I didn’t dwell on that thought as I opened the door.

Andi was waiting to greet me. Her eyes lit up as she observed me. “See! You look ravishing!”

“I’m sure,” I replied, reaching up to run a hand through my hair. “Are you ready to go?”

Andi nodded. “As always.”

“Then let’s go,” I said moving towards the door.

Andi made a noise in her throat. “But, Rexi…Aren’t you gonna compliment my outfit?”

“It looks great, as always,” I murmured without looking at her again as we made our way out to her car.

I always thought her vehicle was a little ridiculous since it was a Fiat 500 Cabrio, but it wasn’t important today. It wouldn’t be important in quite some time. I climbed into the passenger seat without a word and Andi got into the driver’s seat. I rested my face against the cold glass as I waited for her to begin driving.

Andi propped herself in the seat, carefully applying lip gloss and admiring her reflection in the rearview mirror. In my mind I was panicking. This car ride was making everything seem more real. Which made me only worry more about having Andi as my partner in the arena.