"Isobel–"
"No. Stop. I am coming to that goddamn funeral and you can't stop me, or my mom. My real mom. Do. You. Hear. Me?" Isobel was literally shaking with rage.
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Then, her stepmother hung up.
Alice went still, feeling the rage rippling off Isobel. She didn't move for fear of making a noise, but listened to Isobel's angry breathing around the door frame. She leaned forward further, hoping to catch a glimpse of Isobel.
She managed to see a bit of her: she sat, unmoving, phone at her ear.
Isobel took a moment to catch her breath, practically seeing red. She sagged against the wall, the tears beginning to flow again as she let her eyes fall shut. “I- I’m sorry— Dad—“ she choked out, calling for a father who would never come back.
(the feeeeeeeeeeels)
(Sept huit neuf… Sept huit…)
Alice felt the tears welling up in her own eyes as she had to watch her friend collapse to the floor in wracking, full body sobs. In a moment of weakness, she whispered Isobel's name comfortingly before realising the mistake.
( s o b )
Isobel's head snapped up when she heard her name being whispered, but she quickly lowered it again. I'm hallucination…. ghosts aren't real… that couldn't have been Dad…
*hallicinating
*hallucinating
(OK so Alice is going to be really stupid rn but it's just for the sake of the story)
Alice approached Isobel from behind and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She kneeled behind her and wrapped her arms around Isobel's chest in a hug.
(OK so Alice is going to be really stupid rn but it's just for the sake of the story)
Alice approached Isobel from behind and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She kneeled behind her and wrapped her arms around Isobel's chest in a hug.
(It’s cool
I didn’t make Isobel see her earlier because I wasn’t sure whether or not you wanted me to)
Isobel screamed, jumping forwards and whirling around, heart pounding. Her eyes grew even wider when she saw who it was, and she took a step backwards. “Alice??!”
(No problem. Anything that causes commotion is fine by me)
Alice froze. "Isobel," she said blankly, searching for an excuse for this ridiculously bad situation. "Hi?" she tried.
(Great :)
Isobel took another step backwards, steadying herself with one hand on the wall. The whole room swayed and blurred across her lone of vision, her free hand shook slightly. “Oh god I’m hallucinating aren’t I. Ohgodohgodohgod—“
Alice stepped towards Isobel. "Isobel, calm down. Deep breaths. You're not hallucinating, I promise you're fine."
Alice knew that Isobel would loathe her for being here but she'd much rather assuage Isobel's fear that she was hallucinating– she knew first hand how painful it was.
Isobel took another step back, terror seeping through to her core. “N-no. This- This isn’t possible— ohmygod you’re bleeding- you can’t be real—“ Her voice quaked.
Alice brought Isobel over to the couch. "Sit down," she said calmly. "Come on."
Isobel trembled all over, her eyes glued to Alice. “What the hell Is happening?” It came out as a broken whisper.
Alice paused a second. "You broke down after the phone call," she said slowly.
Fear, real fear, shone in her red-rimmed eyes. “H-How— how do you know that— oh god— this can’t be happening— I’m hallucinating—“
Isobel, please…" Alice said desperately, starting to panic. Stay calm, Ali, keep cool, she silently begged herself. "You have to calm down, now."
Isobel shook her head violently, choking on more tears. “N-no— I— I — I cant— c-can’t—“
"Isobel," Alice said sharply. "Get a hold of yourself. I'm going to go and get you a glass of water. Deep breaths, and don't move."
She stood and went over to the kitchen
It took a while for Isobel to do as instructed. Because she was pathetic. Because she was week. Because she was so hopelessly confused. But eventually, she managed to calm herself down. Shame arose inside her.
Alice went back into the living room with an. apple and a glass of water, both of which she handed to Isobel. "Careful with the apple."
Isobel drank the water, leaving the apple untouched. The cool liquid was very substantial and very real, so unless she was hallucinating that as well…. Alice was actually there. In her living room. She inhaled shakily. “An explanation would be nice.”
Alice blinked, confused. "About what?"