Chapter Text
A short, blue scented candle sat in her yoga studio; a light breeze flowing in from the open window. She had a lot of things on her mind— from what tomorrow’s weather would be like all the way to how her siblings were doing. In this moment, however, that meant nothing, as she stretched out her legs, relaxing her tense muscles. As she began to focus on her breathing, the dim orange sunset suddenly flashed to a blinding midday sunhigh.
The loud voice of a teenager presumably speaking on a phone first caught her attention as she opened her eyes. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the bright sunlight, which forced her to quickly realize that she was, in fact, not in her studio anymore.
Except for those insignificant events, the past seven months seemed like a blur, as if they never really happened at all. At one point, Amelia was convinced she was dead. Well, she did probably die at one point, but maybe that was a dream. All that really mattered to her right now was figuring out what these sticky notes meant, as well as wondering how Charlotte- the piece of moldy bread, the most unlikely friend she had ever made, was doing after her elimination.
Amelia began to wonder if Charlotte had anywhere to go, or anyone to even stay with. She had mentioned she was from Georgia.. maybe Amelia could visit her sometime, if she would ever get eliminated. In the last challenge, Amelia had purposefully lost, and was put up for elimination alongside Tray. Knowing her luck, Amelia knew she would likely stay, leaving Tray to go back to the unknown world she came from.
However, the invisible host, Airy, had fallen and disappeared for the past seven months right before the elimination. Being made out of glass herself, Amelia couldn’t imagine how much pain she was in, especially knowing whatever caused her disappearance made her go away for that long.
Sitting in the shack she and Whippy Creamy made, Amelia sat next to Liam, a green backpack. The two exchanged minimal conversation, and despite Amelia’s seemingly overjoyed demeanor, Liam could tell something was wrong. His suspicions were confirmed after the mysterious voice in the air spoke, after what felt like millenia.
“Hey guys.. Sorry I was gone. I’m going to start the elimination now.”
Upon hearing these words, Amelia’s breathing rapidly increased, as she could feel her heart about to burst out of her chest. Shocked, Liam ran over to her side, holding what would be considered her shoulder close to his chest. “Shhh.. it’s okay,” Liam shushed, attempting to calm his friend from what was now a panic attack. Listening to the sound of his breathing and heartbeat, Amelia slowly but surely relaxed herself.
“Okay… Eliminated contestant leaving in three.. two.. one.”
Amelia kept her eyes open as she knew she wouldn’t be the eliminated contestant. She didn’t even bother to cross her fingers like she did every other round. Soon enough, the feeling of soft fabric disappeared, and she now instead lay on the foam of her yoga mat. Confused, she blinked, attempting to adjust to her new, unfamiliar surroundings. The smell of freshly burned sandalwood incense filled the room, partnered with the pink and orange hues of the sunrise outside the closed window. She quickly realized that she was eliminated from what she deemed “Hell on Not-Earth.”
The door to her yoga studio opened, and a familiar face stood in the doorframe, staring at her as if she were a ghost. “Amelia?” The figure said as he dropped the phone in his hand, running to her. Almost immediately, he began crying, and his words became an incoherent yet overjoyed mess. “Oh my god.. Amelia.. We thought you were.. Where were you..”
Amelia stared at him, as if trying to remember his name. A round melon.. a friend.. Garret! Garret Dennis! She internally celebrated for remembering his name so quickly, before collecting her thoughts and snapping back into reality. “Hi, Garret. It’s a long story. Do you think I can stay at your place for a bit?” Amelia’s words were slurred somewhat, as if she hadn’t talked in years. Garret nodded as he helped her stand to her feet. He immediately noticed the large crack in the upper right corner of her glass. He decided not to mention it right now.
The car ride to his apartment was silent, despite Garret having so much to tell and ask Amelia. She stared out the window of the minivan, her palm resting on her face, as she took in the bright hues of the sunrise. She forgot how much she had taken for granted on February 10.
“By the way.. what day is it?” Amelia asked, half asleep despite the uncomfortable cloth seats of the car. Garret’s eyes glanced over to the radio. “…It’s September 22.” He replied, as he made the turn into the apartment complex. He lightly nudged her arm, and pulled the keys out of the ignition once he parked. “We’re here. You can sleep as soon as we get inside.” Garret softly spoke, causing Amelia to open her eyes and walk with him inside.
After unlocking the door, Amelia stumbled over to the couch, laying down. “Good night,” she mumbled as she fell asleep almost as soon as she closed her eyes. Despite sleeping until sunset, Amelia didn’t recall having any dreams. When she did wake up, however, she remembered the blue sticky notes she held in her hand. Reading the notes like they were flashcards, she landed on one with a poorly drawn picture of her friend, Moldy, and the words
“2763 Dream ST
Brunswick, GA”
Amelia grabbed the twenty dollar bill that was laying on the counter, and left a note for Garret.
“I have to see someone. I’ll be back.”