Casted

Chapter 18

Weak morning light streamed in through my bedroom window. I watched it from my spot on the floor, wondering if the sun could rise any more slowly. I'd been laying there awake for hours, trying not to move or breathe so that the demons wouldn't hear me and decide to creep into my bedroom. But now dawn was here and the eerie noises had stopped. They always stopped as soon as the sun started to come up.

Maybe they're vampires, I thought as I pushed back the sheets. They were still slightly damp from my sweat. Maybe they only come out at night because the sun burns them or shatters them to pieces or something... maybe I'm going crazy.

I stood up and carefully rearranged the comforter and pillows on the giant bed, even though I knew I'd take it off the next time I attempted to sleep. I sniffed the air as my hand smoothed the wrinkles in the blanket. Something really stunk. I lifted a pillow to my nose, but all that smelled like was dust. I sniffed again. What was that? Finally, I brought the collar of my tank top up to my nose and took a deep breath.

"Jesus Christ!" I exclaimed, reeling away and gagging. My clothes- probably just me in general- smelled like the inside of a gym bag. How many days had I worn this outfit? I just put on a new shirt last night, didn't I? Or was that two days ago? I couldn't remember.

I peeled off the dirty clothes as I walked to bathroom, tossing them onto the floor. Then I grabbed a fluffy white towel from the linen closet and turned on the shower. With a few taps on the touchscreen control panel, I had the water at just the right temperature- freezing cold. I just couldn't get used to hot water. It seemed so unnatural. I scrubbed myself raw soap and a washcloth, then washed my hair with some good-smelling gel that came out a bottle. There was another bottle too, but I couldn't read what it said so I'd usually ignore it. But today I decided to squeeze a bit of it into my hair just for kicks.

I stepped out of the shower and grabbed my towel, intending to dry off and go right to the closet, but my reflection in the mirror caught my eye. My gaze drifted up and down my naked body. Even I had to admit, I didn't look good. Dark rings circled my eyes, while my eyes themselves were pale pink instead of white. My skin- which was usually such a lovely olive hue- had grown pallid. And on top of that, every bone in my body was visible, jutting out all over the place thanks to the frequent vomiting. I looked like a zombie.

I kind of feel like one too, I thought, walking out of the bathroom. I wrapped my towel around me with a sigh and went to the closet. Like always, I was immediately overwhelmed by the choices. The people that walked past my house wore such fancy outfits. I had fancy clothes, I just didn't know how to put them together.

But I was determined to go outside today, into the city, where all the action was. I needed to talk to someone, anyone. I needed to meet people so that my mind would stop drifting to... you know. I shook my head quickly as my stomach started to churn.

My hands leafed through the blouses, tank tops, dresses, skirts. The soft, silky fabrics brushed my fingertips like scraps of clouds. These clothes are so nice, should I really wear them? Won't that just ruin them?

I finally chose a soft, forest green top and a pair of dark jeans- which, by the way, aren't as fantastic as I'd imagined them. They look nice, but they're completely uncomfortable. It's like walking around in cardboard. After adding a pair of strappy black sandals and braiding my damp hair, I turned to the full length mirror on the wall.

Not bad, Harper, I told myself. Not great, but not bad. It was enough to cover up my gaunt appearance.

I bounded down the grand staircase, taking the steps two at a time. A wide smile broke on my face. This was the most alive I'd felt in a while. I was going out today. I didn't know where, but I was going somewhere. I was finally getting out of this giant, stupid, empty house.