Chapter 197: Inspiration (1/2)
The morning sun dwindled over the park as Alton was still lost and confused. ”Where am I?”
”Seriously? You must have had one hell of a dream. You're home stupid. Sunset Peak.”
”Oh, yeah. Of course.” He mumbled back.
Sam rolls her eyes sitting next to him. ”Are you sure you're alright, Alt? You looked troubled.”
Holding his head, Alton shrugs his shoulders. ”I don't remember. I think I'll be fine, though.”
”Well, that's good to hear.” She mocks, punching his shoulder. ”Come on, Destiny and Marco are waiting for us.”
”Destiny… Marco?”
Sam turns her head, staring Alton uneasily. ”Is there something wrong?”
”No… No, lead the way, Sam.”
****
Nothing felt right to Alton, it all felt unnatural more so than usual as a stinging feeling was snapping against the back of his head. Although he had just woken up, Alton couldn't handle anymore tired, weak in fact as he sat idly on the sofa not responding to any words spoken. This was until he felt a flick to his head, snapping him back to this reality. ”Earth to Alton… Hello?” Destiny yelled, waving her hand around. ”I think Alton finally lost the plot.”
”Tell us something new.” Marco chuckled, throwing her the microphone. ”It's your turn.”
”Why do I have to sing for?”
”Does Alton look prepared to sing a Queen song?”
”Ugh, fine. Bohemian Rhapsody… Out of all the songs.”
”Rhapsody…” Alton whispered, looking around the karaoke bar. Memories clashed as Alton reached for the mini-fridge only to find nothing. ”What the? Where's the mini-fridge?”
”Mini fridge? I don't think this place has one.” Marco recalls.
Standing up almost falling over, Alton leaned against the wall feeling worse trembling. ”No, no. There's a mini-fridge there. We get unlimited drinks. I know this.”
”Damn unlimited drinks? That sounds awesome we should put in a suggestion at the front desk.” Destiny orders already writing down the request.
Sam walked into the room startled seeing Alton stumbling around falling over the table. ”Jesus… Alton, what are you doing?”
Slouched on the floor, Alton held his face finding blood pouring from his nose. ”I don't know… My head.”
Marco holds his hand out, helping Alton up slightly thrown back. ”You're frozen to a crisp Alton.”
”I am?” He whispered. ”Where am I?”
”I think you need to sit down Alton.”
Holding himself against the wall holding his nose, Alton shook his head. ”No… I can't give up yet Zinnia.”
Destiny stared blankly looking at everyone else in the room. ”Who's Zinnia? You keeping secrets from us Alton again? Last time that happened, this city was destroyed. Funny what secrets can do.”
”Tell me about it. I'm fucking dead.” Marco laughed. ”But it was sure a wild ride that's for sure.”
”Huh?”
Sam stepped in between the laughter, making Alton focus on her. ”Let's get some fresh air?” Sitting outside the karaoke bar, both friends sat on the side of the road silent. Sam continued to stare down at the ground, speaking up. ”You shouldn't be here Alton if you keep hiding the fact, I can't help you.”
Looking away from his dried bloody hands Alton whispered watching people walk by. ”I'm dying, aren't I?”
”That's why you're here. On the verge of life and death. Just like me. It's been what six years since you brought me into that hospital?”
”You know?”
”I hear you from time to time. You always sound so sad it pisses me off.”
”Pisses you off.”
Sam pivoted around looking annoyed. ”Yeah, pisses me off. You frustrate the hell out of me Alton acting like some fallen warrior always moping around brooding and shit. Get over yourself.”