Foreseeing Death

Chapter One

ADRIENNE

Monday Morning.

I always dread this day of the week. I mean, who wouldn’t? School, studies, all that boring stuff. Honestly, I want to rot in my bed and let time pass.

I stirred awake, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before sitting upright. I yawned, stretching my arms. I reached over to grab the towel from beside my bed and dragged myself towards the bathroom. I had to get ready for school, whether I liked it or not.

Thirty minutes later, I finished getting ready.

I pulled my black hoodie over my uniform. I started to go down the stairs, and I was greeted by the aroma of a hearty breakfast—but it didn’t make my heart feel full. My brother, Gio, and my sister, Maeve was eating while my mom was cooking eggs in the stove.

“Good morning, sis!” Maeve waved.

Gio and Mom didn’t even bother greeting me or looking my way. Figures. They’ve always ignored me ever since Dad died.

“Wow, you look like a mess. Are you really wearing that?” Maeve blurted out.

She had always been brutally honest.

I couldn’t even blame her. I really had changed a lot.

My hair was cut into a short, messy pixie cut, a stark contrast to how long it used to be. And my sense of fashion… well, it wasn’t exactly the best.

I looked down at my clothes.

Yeah. She had a point.

I never really made an effort for my clothes.

My phone started to be flooded with notifications, I knew who it was from.

Cain.

Of course.

I hurried down the stairs, I didn’t bother to spare a glance at my mom and my siblings. Their voices filled the living room with their usual chatter and laughs. I didn’t bother to care, I don’t want to fit in their happy and perfect family. I have myself, that’s enough.

As I stepped out the door, the fresh and crisp breeze hit me. It made my mood feel a bit better. From the street, I could see Cain waving at me.

I was going to cross the street, but he raised his hand, a signal for me to stay put. I frowned and tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for him to cross the street.

“Hey, you ready?” He asked with his usual big grin on his face.

I nodded, not saying anything back. I don’t understand why he’s still hanging around near me. But I guess it’s because we’ve been friends since childhood. If I have to admit, he is really popular and, annoyingly, the most handsome guy among his peers.

Our walk to school was dead silent, which felt wrong but I’m used to it. You see, Cain was the type to talk non-stop, but he’ll switch up the next moment, making his mood unpredictable, not that I was keeping track. It felt..awkward. I don’t know why.

Usually, Cain would go on and on about anything that he could say.

But, I guess it’s not one of those days

I exhaled slowly, “You okay?”

Then as if on cue, a big smile returned on his face. “Aww, you care about me!” He leaned over me a bit.

I rolled my eyes, “Well…that’s for you to guess.”

Throughout the walk, Cain had returned to his usual energy—talkative and hyper. I didn’t want to walk in silence so I’m glad he kept talking.

Finally, after twenty-ish agonizing chatter with Cain, we arrived at the front of the gate. From the side of my eye, I could see his lips parted open, he was going to speak but never got any word out as his friends swarmed in and cut him off.

“Yo, Sam!” Kent, one of Cain’s friends called out. Kent was one of those guys who played for the football team, he was your stereotypical jock. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about him. All the guy cares about is looking at the mirror and flexing his “fluffy” hair.

Cain shoved Kent away, “Back off, man!” he grumbled, glaring daggers at him. Off to the side, Peter stood quietly drinking his juice box. He is honestly pretty cute. But, he looked like a literal carbon of Kent, it’s like he was a clone. Sometimes I wonder if they’re related….?

I stood awkwardly as Cain and his friends continued playing around and laughing. I don’t know why I stayed, I should’ve left. Cain finally spared me a glance, he looked back and forth between his friends and me. He’s probably contemplating whether he’ll go with Peter and Kent or with me.

“Guys, I’ll-” I cut Cain off before he could finish, I didn’t let him finish his sentence. “I’ll see you around later.” I waved, without giving him a chance to say anything back, and I turned my heel and started walking away. My eyes fixed straight ahead, I didn’t look back.

Before I put my headphones on I could hear that Cain called out my name, I ignored it. I continued walking until I reached my locker.

Hm, today is so peaceful. I feel like I can relax and just get on with my day.

I spoke too soon.

“Hey, freak!”

I knew who it was, Vivian and her minion, Jana. Ew, the blonde duo. This day couldn’t get any worse. And, I was actually having a really nice day! It was obviously them. Jana with a lollipop in her mouth as always, I’m surprised her teeth are still intact. Vivian and her stupid bright colored clothes, it hurts my eyes.

“Any new visions? Oh no, am I the next one to die?” Vivian mocked.

I hope so.

I slammed my locker door, I didn’t give them the slightest bit of attention ‘cause if I did? They’ll keep on bothering me until I crack. I was going to walk off but, they cornered me. Their tall figures looming over me. Ick…I forgot they were taller than me, or I’m just short?

“Where do you think you’re going?” Vivian smirked, her face filled with bitterness.

“I’m going to class, where else?” I say absentmindedly.

Jana laughed mockingly, “Talking back now are we? I think we should teach her a lesson, shouldn’t we?” She looked at Vivian for back up.

“You’re right.”

Not this again.

…..

The school was filled with the chatter and laughs of the students as they went to the cafeteria. Some are hanging out by the lockers, some by the bleachers. I didn’t have enough time to go to classes after what happened.. Well, beats listening to Mr. Baron’s class and failing. I pull down my jacket sleeve—trying to hide my bruises. I’ve stopped caring, no matter what I do they’ll continue to bully me.

I needed air, I can’t stay here. I grabbed my lunch, then I went to the library—my safe place. No one can bother me here, well—except for Cain.

“Hey, Adri! Did you also bring me lunch?” He sat down at the seat in front of me. He’s still smiling? I swear this man never stops smiling, it suits him.

I push the lunchbox closer to him. As always I made him lunch. He can’t cook even if his life depended on it. His eyes shone, he licked his lips in delight. He got the extra fork and started to pick one piece of the nuggets up.

“I swear, I’d die without you.”

I cringed at his words, but I did appreciate it. I grabbed my book—A fantasy novel. Cain kept feeding me food from my lunch as I read. This was me and Cain. For a popular boy he sure liked spending time with me.

“Hey! By the way, I called out to you earlier! We were supposed to enter at the same time, right?” He pouted, looking like a little kid.

“You were with your friends.”

“I’ll have you know I was ready to ditch them for you.” He replied matter of factually—Like it was no big deal. He pointed his fork at me.

“Thanks, but you don’t have to do that.”

His fork wavered, I saw his face dropped. I couldn’t care less. I care about him, but I don’t feel any emotions for anyone if that makes sense.

“I miss seeing you smile.”

I pretended I didn’t hear his words.

“We should go, lunch is over.” I grabbed the lunchbox, putting it’s lid on. I stand up, already heading to the door. He followed behind me.

“My sister is coming back to town tomorrow.”

I stopped in my tracks. Oh right, he has a sister—well, step-sister. But hey, its basically the same thing right? I don’t really remember his sister, all I remember is that she’s very similar to Cain. I wasn’t really close to his sister, Cain was always the person I’m most close to even up till now.

I shrugged, “And?”

He chuckled, “I just wanted to tell you. I’ll tell you more later, I have to get to class.” He waved goodbye, then ran to his friends. He looked from behind and gave me a smile.

That stupid smile.

The rest of the day passed like a blur. By the time I looked up, the once-sunny sky had melted into shades of deep orange and yellow hue. The afternoon sunlight spilled across the sidewalks, casting everything in a warm orange glow. Little by little, the students started heading home. I tapped my left foot, I kept glancing at my phone over and over again. Still nothing. With a sigh, I tapped my fingers against my arm, impatiently waiting for him to show up.

After what felt like forever, I saw Cain.

“You’re finally here.”

“Sorry, I got held up by my professor. Let’s go?” He grabbed my bag, slipping it onto his shoulders . It’s always been a habit of his. I swear, he’ll get scoliosis someday because of it.

“What were you going to tell me earlier?” I asked him.

“Oh, right! Just about my sister! Do you still remember her?”

I thought for a while, before I shook my head.

“Oh, valid! It’s been a long time! It’s been what, 7 years?” He chuckled.

He continued, “So, yeah. She’s basically transferring schools here,. Dad keeps pestering me, telling me to look after her.”

“Well, do you not want to?” I tilted my head, raising my left brow.

He tripped over a rock, “oof..I do care! She is my sister, y’know?”

I nodded, I didn’t say anything more. Today was exhausting—I missed my bed. Tomorrow would be a new day, another day I have to survive.

It’s weird though.

I didn’t get any visions today.