Narcolepsy

“You are such a piece of shit.” Sean seethed.

Kyle stepped back, slightly confused by the sudden outburst. The three of them had started walking home and Sean had been quiet the entire time.

They had finished their coffees and then went to a nearby bar to get drunk. Sean had been, for the most part, very despondent until now.

Fuelled by the alcohol, he had turned on Kyle as they were stumbling home. The girl, who Kyle had bought along earlier looked a little nervous by the sudden show of anger.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Kyle yelled. The alcohol escalating his very short temper.

“You were such a dick to Ellie earlier. What the hell is your problem?” Sean continued to raise his voice.

Kyle chuckled then. Was Sean seriously upset about some fat girl that no one else liked? At Kyle’s sudden show of humour, the girl started to inch closer.

“You didn’t seem to spring to her defence.” Kyle pointed out.

At this, Sean’s face went several shades of red. He looked at the pavement and grumbled angrily. He knew Kyle had a point. Why hadn’t he defended Ellie? She was clearly upset. His parents hadn’t raised him to be a bully and yet he had not stood up for her. A mistake he knew he wouldn’t repeat.

“Yeah, well you should have been nicer. She’s a cool girl.” Sean retorted.

“No, she’s a stuck-up bitch. Her parents are loaded. I heard that they pay for her tuition and everything.” Kyle snarled.

Sean looked affronted. Was this what it all boiled down to? Sean frowned then.

“You don’t even know her personal circumstances. Her parents could be pushy. Instead of being an asshole, why don’t you try being a decent guy?” He glared angrily at Kyle.

Sean knew Kyle would never apologise to Ellie and would continue to treat her like an outcast. With that in mind, Sean turned and marched down the street. He heard the girl being swore at and she was soon trailing after him.

Sean scoffed in annoyance. He couldn’t feel any sympathy for her either. She was as guilty as they all were. She had joined in and ridiculed Ellie. He looked at her and noted she was crying. He rolled his eyes. Serves you damn right!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kyle watched them go and turned in the opposite direction. He had no idea where he would go, but it certainly wouldn’t be the dorms.

He continued down the streets, ignoring the flickering of the street lamps as they lit up. He must have walked for ages, trying to take his mind off his ‘friends’.

He thought about his actions towards Ellie. It wasn’t fair that she got to sail through university with help from her parents whilst he had to work for it. She didn’t deserve her place in the dorms or at the university.

He made a promise to make her life even more unbearable starting tomorrow. For now, he would get some more alcohol from the shop and head back to his dorm. If Sean was lucky, he may get forgiven.

Kyle rounded a corner, checking his phone for the time. It was getting on for eleven in the evening. He would need to take a few short cuts to get back to the dorms so he cut through the alleyways. They were usually uninhabited and tonight was no different.

He marched down the last alley. It was the one closest to the campus. He stepped in a puddle and cursed, shaking his foot off to remove the liquid. A sound caught his attention. It was like water droplets dripping from a tap.

He glanced back at the puddle and down the darkened alley way. He swore he could see something, or someone in the inky blackness.

True enough, a figure appeared out of the shadows. Kyle had to squint to see the figure and in the dim light he could see it was another guy.

The guy had long, black hair and alabaster skin. He was dressed head to toe in black. His eyes were trained on Kyle. The glare was that intense that Kyle felt his skin prickle. It was the feeling of sickness that ebbed at the back of his throat that made his nerves run haywire.

The guy walked forward with purpose. Kyle knew now would be a good time to run. He turned to make a run for it, only to feel a cold hand on his shoulder.

There was no way that guy could have made it down the alleyway that quickly. Kyle scowled and spun round, ready to yell at his opponent.

The sight that met him made his blood run cold and a thousand thoughts ran through his mind. The most prevalent being that he was going to die. His scream pierced the serenity of the night and in an instant all was silent again.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ellie’s POV

I awoke to the sound of knocking on my door. A glance at the clock told me it was only just seven. I got up and stumbled towards the door. I opened it and was met by one of the lecturers.

“Good Morning, Ellie. I’m sorry to wake you, but there has been an incident on campus.” He prattled on, and I nodded sleepily.

What kind of incident? I had no idea. He said something about the police and I was suddenly paying attention.

“Are the police here?” I asked, feeling nervous.

“Yes, Ellie. They are going door to door. I have come to inform you that they wish to speak with you.” He replied.

He left me to get dressed, which I did, rather hurriedly, throwing on whatever I could find in my haste.

I reopened the door and was greeted, this time by two police officers and my professor. I allowed them in and sat on the bed, waiting to find out what was happening.

“Good Morning, Ellie,” The female officer spoke first. “My name is DC Dana Phillips and this DC Mark Smith.”

I nodded along with what they were saying. I had fully woke up now and was trembling. The professor said something to them and the female officer nodded and looked sympathetic. She stepped towards me, lowering herself to her knees.

She had very kind eyes and a gentle smile was present on her young face. She reached into her pocket to retrieve something. I craned my neck to see what it was. She lifted a photo and I found myself looking at Kyle. I frowned in confusion at the picture then back to Dana.

“Do you know this young man?” She asked, gently.

“Y-yes, he lives in this dorm.” I mumbled. “His name is Kyle.”

I realised I had no idea what Kyle’s last name was. I looked from the picture and back to Dana. She nodded in understanding, lowering the photo.

“Kyle went missing around eleven last night and his body was found in the Thames this morning, around four.” She continued, solemnly.

My eyes widened and I couldn’t help but feel scared. I had been with Kyle yesterday.

“Have you seen Kyle at all?” She asked, regarding me with calm sympathy and kindness.

“I saw him yesterday teatime at Mugs, the café down the road from the campus. I went there with Sean and Kyle arrived.” I knew I had to tell the whole truth.

The other officer, Mark was writing things down in a notepad. Dana smiled and motioned for me to continue. When I didn’t she started to ask another question.

“What happened whilst you were at the café?”

“Kyle and a girl arrived,” I recounted. “They were being…um….really rude to me so I got up and left just after they arrived. I came straight home and was here all evening.”

Dana stood then and I wondered if that was it. Would she ask me anything else? She offered another warm smile.

“Thank you, Ellie. You’re certain that was the last you saw of him?” She checked again, and I nodded.

She turned and had a word with the professor. They discussed something just out of earshot and then the two officers left, saying goodbye as they did.

“Ellie, as there is an official investigation, classes will be cancelled for the next two days, but will resume again Monday.” He nodded, before leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I stayed sat on the bed for ages, staring at the wall. I sighed and decided not to think too much of it. Perhaps Kyle had offended someone. Although, this part of London was very peaceful and there weren’t many people you could offend.

I picked up my phone and texted Dad to let him know I’d be arriving earlier than expected. If there were no classes I may as well go home. My mind wandered though and I guessed I’d be going to my parents alone. This thought filled me with dread.

The sound of dripping disturbed my thoughts and I glanced round in time to see Jinxx appearing. He smiled broadly and I wondered if he knew about Kyle, but then why would he?

“Where’ve you been?” I asked.

He cocked his head to the side, grinning coyly.

“Nowhere important, El-lie.” He drew out my name.

I had my suspicions, but didn’t voice them. He couldn’t possibly have done something to Kyle.

“W-well, anyways. My classes have been cancelled so I’m going to my parents earlier.” I stood, and grabbed my duffle bag.

I packed clothes and moved round the room, grabbing various things. I paused in front of him and he glanced at me.

“You’re still coming with me, right?” I smiled.

“Yeah, of course I am.” He grinned.

I grabbed the full duffle bag and heaved it over my shoulder. We left the room and walked down the hallway. I wondered why he wasn’t disappearing. We walked down the stairs and just as we went to go through the lounge I grabbed the hem of his t-shirt.

“Aren’t you going to vanish, or something?” I whispered, frantically.

“Aw, Ellie. I’m offended, are you ashamed to be seen with me?” He pouted.

My face heated up and I shook my head. Just the opposite had crossed my mind actually. He may be ashamed to be seen with me.

With yet another grin, he grabbed my hand and dragged me through the lounge. There were a few people in there, including Sean. He looked shocked and got up to come over. I glanced at Jinxx and noticed that he was glaring at Sean.

He turned to me, taking the duffle bag from my shoulder, wrapping an arm round me. My heart thudded against my chest, creating a rhythm in my ears.

I was guided from the room before Sean could walk over. A rush of joy came over me. I shifted a little closer and found I was comfortable with this contact.

We walked down the street towards the Holloway train station. Jinxx glanced down at me.

“I can let go if you’re not comfortable.” He sounded disappointed.

I couldn’t speak, but simply shook my head. He tightened his grip as we carried on walking.

“Are you all right carrying that?” I blurted out.

“Yeah, of course I am.” He chuckled, and I could feel it reverberate through his chest.

I nodded and smiled. Perhaps this visit to my parents wouldn’t be so bad.

Notes