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~ Day Dreams ~
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~ Chapter Seven ~
~ Part Two ~
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~ Reoccurrences ~
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~ June-Third ~
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~ Eighteen-Years-Old ~
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~ Hazel's POV ~
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"Hazel..." a voice whispers, interrupting the silence.

Trees sways in the breeze outside, dark clouds cluttering the sky as I fall further into a sleep-like daze, my head resting on my arms as I splay over the wooden desk.

"Hazel..." the voice whispers again.

Eyes heavy, I begin to blink as my surroundings come hazily into view; taking a deep breath, inhaling the oxygen deeply into my lungs.

"Hazel!" Mrs. Evans yells, slamming a wooden stick against the surface of the desk, causing me to jump suddenly from my slouching position to my feet, standing straight as an arrow.

"Uh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Evans," I said tiredly, with my eyes wide and my cheeks beginning to turn scarlet.

"Didn't I warn you of what would happen if you fell asleep in my class again? Did I not?!" Mrs. Evans spits, her eyes fiery with rage.

"Yes," I agree, sitting back on my seat and sinking down as far as I can, silent tears forming in the corners of my lowered eyes.

Do not show your weakness, Hazel; you're so pathetic, you're weak. I can't do anything right, and I am so tired... I am unable to sleep due to the nightmares that haunt me each time I close my eyes...

"Miss Summers, I want you to leave my class at once and report to the Principal's office immediately!" Mrs Evans yells, my name echoing throughout the entire room.

"Oooh, someone's in trouble again," a group of mean girls sing in unison.

I dump my book into my brown leather backpack, standing up and swinging the bag over my shoulders; I glance down as the shame that begins to consume me becomes clear on my face.

I walk sullenly towards the Principal's office, thinking to myself just how much of an outsider I always have been... I never fit in with all of the classic highschool groupies, never fit in with the crowd. I have zero friends, unless you consider the school shrink.

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I slouch in the leather chair across from the Principal's large mahogany desk, my slender fingers fidgeting in my lap. I was waiting patiently for the Principal to finish writing his notes, the suffocating office full of dark furniture, making me feel small in comparison.

Sitting up straight, I swing my feet back and forth, realizing that due to my short stature, my feet didn't come close to touching the ground.

I can only assume that I inherited my height from my mother's side, though I may be wrong; I was never told many things about my family history, usually my father was always blinded either by his alcoholism or his rage; my father had made it very clear that he blamed me for losing my mother as soon as I was born... Looking back, I believed him but now I know the truth.

The Lockwoods, my foster family, were not exactly a family that I can consider my own; aside from Forest and Emma. Emma is the Lockwoods' maid, and she is the only human being alive that actually listens to me. Living with the Lockwoods was a living nightmare, with their fancy parties, during which I am forced to disappear into my room, pretending as though I don't exist.

Not that I mind, really. My only desire in this broken, twisted world was to make my mother proud of me—and I am afraid I may have already failed her...

Beginning to daydream, I close my eyes and keep my mind open to all possibilities; I begin to imagine a whole different life during which I still have my mother. I wanted time to freeze in that daydream, allowing me to live forever in my fantasy land.

At least I can imagine, right? In spite of everything, if I can hold onto this dream then maybe that's enough.

A sigh escapes my mouth; I feel as though I had been in this office forever and gently remind myself that while I didn't want to be here in the first place, that this was preferable than having to face the embarrassment that would be waiting for me in the last period.

I slump further back into the seat once more, gazing around the office for what feels like the millionth time due to my frequent visits.

The office itself was a very classic design, with old-fashioned mahogany furniture which gave the room a retro sort of vibe; the room smelled like old burning woodland, and I guessed it hasn't been updated since the 19th century.

"Miss Summers," the Principal's voice booms suddenly, his deep voice striking the walls and reverberating through the room.

His voice snaps me back to reality and I sit up once more, this time clearly giving the Principal my undivided attention.

"Why is it that you are always falling asleep during class?" the Principal asked in his deep voice, his eyes glaring at me.

I shrug, gently lifting my shoulders and staring blank back at the Principal before he continues.

"How many times do I need to remind you, Miss Summers, that you're scheduled to see the school Psychiatrist every Monday, Wednesday and Friday," he apprises gently, his fingers interlocking with one another on the surface of the desk.

Shrugging again, and glancing at my hands in my lap. Nobody even bothers trying to understand me, or understand who I am. I cannot let myself sleep because if I do, then the nightmares never end...

The Principal let out an annoyed sigh, his frustration clear on his face; he pushes his glasses further up the arch of his crooked nose, staring at me with his intimidating stare.

"I don't know what to do with you, Hazel. You're lucky you're graduating this year, and that you weren't forced to repeat your senior year," the Principal said quietly, before taking a deep breath.

"Your poor attendance has caused interference, although I'm glad it hasn't taken away the option of graduating altogether," he continues in a firm tone, crossing his arms over his black, nicely tailored suit.

"Oh, and Miss Summers... I'm giving you detention tomorrow; precisely, I'm giving you clean up duty. You're now dismissed," the Principal announces, shooing me out of the office with a gesture of his arm.

Without another word, I stand to my feet quickly, grabbing my backpack and walking towards the door, desperately needing to escape this suffocating office.

Shutting the door with a quiet thud, walking into the corridor without a care in the world; I amble aimlessly, my thoughts flowing through my mind and coming back to the fact that I have yet another detention awaiting me tomorrow.

Suddenly, the bell rings, managing to pull me from my thoughts entirely as it indicates the end of the day.

Thank God!

Walking through the school yard and towards the bus stops that stand just outside the school premises.

Waiting near the crowding bus stop, I thought how much better it would be if I could drive home myself; I have my license thanks to Emma teaching me, but the Lockwoods would never let me drive their car, and Emma needs hers on a daily basis.

The yellow bus appears, approaching the crowd and filling the bus bay with fumes. In line, we march slowly into the vehicle, where I continue towards the back. I like the back seat of the bus; it allows me to sit, listening to the music blasting through my headphones while reading a Jane Austen novel. The music flowers through my eardrums, painting pictures behind my eyes, igniting my imagination and blocking out the commotions of the real world.

The ride home was as boring as it usually was, the only highlight being the beautiful view of Seaside's scenery visible as the bus follows the winding roads.

After about half an hour, the bus stops in my neighborhood; I stand, but before I can make my escape, someone standing by the door decides to pull on my long hair, causing a searing pain to flash along my hairline.

My eyes widen in shock as I try to avoid looking at the offender. I quickly scramble out the door of the bus, the waves of laughter continuing to echo in the distance between us.

I walk briskly down the block, walking up the hill that led to the Lockwoods driveway; as I amble towards the house, I begin to see the large gray mansion come into view.

Finally reaching the glass panel, front doors, tired from the journey I just endured; I unlock the door with ease and once inside, I stand directly under the sparkling chandelier, noticing without surprise that Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood were absent.

I continue my journey through the house, walking up the carpet stairs and toward the second floor that houses my bedroom.

Halting just before the door which stands ajar, pushing the door open with ease. I kick my sneakers off, sending them flying across the room. I drop my backpack as Forest greets me, slinking out from under my bed, her wild blue eyes shining.

"Hey baby girl, did you miss me?" I ask in a soft voice; Forest meows in response, clearly appreciating the attention as I begin stroking her soft, thick fur.

I glance around the spacious room, taking in my surroundings; in the middle of the room was my unmade, king-single bed which holds my teddy—from my long lost best friend and untidy, arranged pillows. A white, fluffy rug lays on the floor with an untidy wardrobe leaning against the wall that separates the walk-in robe and the bathroom. A floor-length mirror stands next to the messy desk against the wall, and there were pot plants covering almost every surface, filling the room with endless nature.

Noticing a parcel with a note attached, wrapped and sitting on the unmade bed with a heavy envelope beside it; I lay Forest down and pick up the note taped to the parcel as my eyes begin making sense of the words written on the page.

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Dear Hazel,

I hope you had a good day at your school and that you managed to keep out of trouble.

I've gone food shopping and will be back soon, but earlier this morning I found an envelope sitting in the mailbox with your name written on it. To me, it looks like an acceptance letter, so good luck!! Fingers crossed you get in!

P.S.
I got you a graduation gift; I hope you like it! 

Love,
Emma

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My heart feels heavy after reading Emma's words; I'll be honest, I wouldn't know what to do without her. Emma is such a sweetheart, and she has been there for me ever since I first moved in with the Lockwoods... Emma is more of a mother figure to me than Mrs Lockwood could ever be, and aside from helping with her sick brother, she basically lives here.

I put Emma's letter down and proceed to open the wrapped parcel; ripping off the brown paper, excitement spiralling through me as I uncover the journal. Opening the first page, glancing at the words Emma wrote to me.

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Hazel, for all of your terrible day-dreams and nightmares

Love,
Emma

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"Aw, thanks, Emma," I said the words aloud as I reach for the envelope, suddenly eager to find out whether or not I have been accepted into college.

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Recipient: Miss Hazel Anne Summers

Seaside Florida State College
June 3rd

To whom it may concern,

Congratulations! Seaside Florida State College would like to confirm that Hazel Grace Summers has been accepted by Seaside Florida State College

We want to commend Hazel Grace Summers on her admission essay, and hereby congratulate Hazel on her acceptance for the following degrees:

Majoring in Master of Arts (writing and literature)
Minoring in Creative Writing and Poetry

Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any further questions. Otherwise, thank you for choosing Seaside Florida State College and we look forward to seeing you soon.

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Once my eyes read 'Congratulations!' I let out a squeal, happy that I was only making a fool of myself in front of Forest and myself. I walk towards the desk, in the process, my foot steps on a tiny piece of Lego as my foot erupts in pain, causing my excitement to fade rapidly.

"Henry! Tina!" I yell, my voice echoing through the large house. Dropping my acceptance letter on the bed, I stomp towards the bedroom door, shouting, "Stay out of my room!" and slamming the door with a quick thud.

My step-siblings were twins, both of whom were homeschooled and basically embody the typical 'evil twins' genes. My foster family would let them get away with murder, and they were spoiled little brats that usually got their way.

Fortunately, I was almost eighteen, which means I was close to leaving the foster care system for good. I'll finally be able to leave, and I'll get to go to college! That was the plan all along, although I had a plan B consisting of staying with Emma while I got a part-time job.

Excitement floods through me as I realize that a new chapter of my life was about to begin! College...

Limping over towards the cluttering desk, my foot still throbbing. I sit at the desk before rifling through the drawers in search of any old journals I may have previously spilled my thoughts to.

I withdrew a dusty book and began flipping through the pages before coming across the worst nightmare I had ever recorded; I had been around ten, and it had been just after losing the most important person in my life... Jake Gilbert Rivers.

Skimming through the pages lightly, noticing a photograph falling to the floor as I did so. Picking up the photograph, I realize it was the picture Jake had given to me on my tenth birthday; we were two kids at the beach, facing the camera and too young to understand the hurt and loss that was coming.

The smiling faces shows our innocence; we never doubted that we would be without one another, and never realized what tragedies were awaiting us. It was taken years ago, before Jake had left and vanished from my life completely.

I remember meeting Jake all too well; we first met at Seaside beach, on our shared birthday that summer. The memory left a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth as I remember Jake's face as he walked away for the last time; everyone always leaves me behind.

I always hated my birthday because it was a day that people usually left... It's like I was a magnet for trouble, attracting awful situations within a ten foot radius.

Teardrops begin to fall from my eyes as I play the scenes from that day in my head once more, just like it had only happened yesterday...

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~ Authors Note~
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~ Important  ~
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Readers, tell us your birthday in the Comments!?
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Mine, however, is on the 24th of August!
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~ Please ~
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~ Vote ~ Comment ~ Share ~
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~ Cheers ~
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Please, tell me in the comments what you thought about Chapter Seven ~*~ Part Two? 🙈 I'll be greatly appreciated, thank you, you very kind soul!
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~ Chapter Seven ~
~ Part Two ~
~ Dedications ~
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HeliiBoh
DebMorey
PeterPetruzzella
CaitlinWoodward9
DaniJones_14
ChloeMayerhofer
savvvy1998
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You guys should totally check out PeterPetruzzella short story! Lighthouse. It's amazing! Please also go check out Peter's YouTube account pure56 for awesome content on movies, tv-shows, and game reviews!
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You guys should totally check out ChloeMayerhofer story! Fallen! It's awesome!
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C.Morey 🥕 xoxo
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