A Realm to Fantasy - Part 1

Hello everybody and welcome my first fantasy story. I've given it some thought and decided to start posting some stories here for feedback. This is also a nice break from researching for the County Overviews Series, so I hope you enjoy this new story!

"Another useless day - hope for a change day 418?" That was what I wrote in my tiny journal. I've waited patiently for something big to happen. This life I do have is full of... monotony, which was my favorite word.

School was uneventful, the same schedule on and on. I slept rigidly. Perhaps next day could be a bit more... alright. Somewhat.

I woke up the next day and looked outside, the same trees and shrubbery greeted me so quietly. My house was so quiet. I lived alone since both of my parents were dead. I had a sister named Shannon, but she lives in North Dakota with her husband.

To get around money, I worked at a small VHS store that hated me. Every aspect of it felt like I didn't belong. But, it was my only means of getting money.

Today however, was a school day.

I brushed my teeth and took a quick, lukewarm shower. My reflection always felt like a different person. A better Norane looked at me with disgust. All I had done the previous night was drawing maps, possibly for escape routes or where to hide myself.

Walking into my small living room, barely putting on my clothes, I grabbed some yesterday-old melted ice cream on the coffee table and drank it down like spoiled milk.

On the way out, I grabbed my backpack and a small half-filled plastic water bottle before heading off out in the cold. The bus greeted me with a harsh screech and I went on in. Inside, I saw a few kids that were there usually. I didn't care to talk to them, though. My life is too uneventful to talk about anything.

"Hello, Nor," the kid next to me greeted as I sat down. I hated that diminutive. Nor. I'd rather tolerate my full name than somebody calling me Nor. "How's the weather?"

"Abhorrent," I replied blandly.

They nodded and looked out of the window.

I lay back on the chair and napped, trying to regain the sleep I lost. The cold inside of the bus hit hard, but it was pleasurable. I was about to doze off, until someone called my name.

"Hey, Norane," I heard, a soft voice. "Can you help me for the history test?"

I looked at them; it was Esther, the only loose friend I had. I decided to help her, she was the only person who I could comfortably talk to. I moved to the back with my backpack and gave her my history notebook from my backpack.

"Thank you," she said.

I simply told her, "Hand it over by second period."

She nodded and I went back to my seat.

Five periods in school, I already want to leave. School was unfathomably boring, the same damn cycle over and over again. Lunch was coming across the corner, and instead of copying science notes, I'm counting the seconds until the period is over. Mrs. Parker, the science teacher, snaps at me.

"Ms. Zebulon, which type of electromagnetic radiation can be felt as heat?" she asked swiftly, catching me off guard.

I stumbled. "Radio waves?" Stupid me, it's infrared. "Sorry, I meant—"

"You need to pay attention, Ms. Zebulon." Lord, I'm stupid. I scoffed and looked at my empty notebook, disguising my inattentiveness. I danced my pencil in my hands, doodling in my sketchpad on my thighs.

By the time Mrs. Parker finishing lecturing, the bell finally rang and I danced happily out of science class. I headed immediately to the cafeteria, where I met up with Esther. She and I sat on the far ends of the cafeteria, where no one could see us.

"So, what did your boyfriend pack for lunch?" Esther teased. She'd ask this everyday.

I sighed. "Liam is not my boyfriend, Esther. He's just my co-worker." Often, Liam gave me some food when I arrived at work. He's the only person that keeps me sane at my job, since he hates his life too. Most food he gives me though, I save it for tomorrow's lunch.

My lunch consisted of some chips, cold noodles, macaroni, and saltines. Esther almost puked at the sight, the usual. I ate it without saying a word. Then, I got out my journal and began to continue writing my story. "This day has been very uneventful, like yesterday and the yester-yesterday," I wrote. Esther peered over my shoulder.

"Is your life really that boring, Norane?"

I breathed audibly. "Yes, yes it is." I continued writing in my journal, pouring my withered heart into the words. "Can there just be a change in my damned life?" I have wished this for over a year. My birthday wish did not come true.

"Well," Esther started, patting my shoulder, "you could join some club to make it somewhat eventful."

"Esther, I have work to do."

"Oh, right. The VHS store," she said apologetically. "Is it fun?"

"Not really," I replied. "Though Liam makes it enjoyable."

"Again with Liam," Esther jeered. "You like him that much?"

"Esther, please."

Lunch ended a few minutes later.

"Shift's over," Liam said to me. "You can go now." His tone was strong, but not austere.

"I need the hours," I said to him, "rent's a burden."

Liam sighed deeply. "Come on, girl, stop tiring yourself."

"Please."

He sighed again and placed down the box he was holding. He nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, my boss stomped out from his office and tossed my paycheck at me. He gave me a hard glare, which fired every single flaw of me in silence. I left, depressed.

The walk to my house wasn't long, but it was excruciating with the cold weather. My body was numb. My hands were calloused, skin peeling off, every single joint being locked in place. I cried at the agony of it. At last, I could see my house from a few metres away, though the lights were dim.

My house was the only one of three buildings in my tiny neighborhood, with the only connection being the highway. This time, I ran as hard as I can, trying to reach under the awning of the house. Even though my skin felt like it was being penetrated by the soft snow and my bones were glass, I was able to make it to my house. I breathed as loud I could and turned on the heater next to me. There, all better now.

I quickly went in the bathroom where I took a hot shower, even though it felt like I was showering in needles. I brushed my teeth, but something felt uncanny, my vision. It was significantly blurry now as opposed to in the morning. What happened? Perhaps it's the snow coming into my vulnerable eyes. I guess I could sleep it off.

I crawled on my tiny mattress and took out my journal. I began to write.

"Day 419, nothing new or special. Though, my birthday is tomorrow. Hopefully something new may happen."

I shut it and went to bed. I'm too tired...

So yeah... first story blog. Quite shabby, but it may improve over time! I may do a few County Overviews before coming back to Part 2, who knows. Let me know what you guys think of this story! I'll see you guys next time!