The World Of Sally

Chapter Six: The Accident in the Laboratory

The dinner ended peacefully. Helios returned to his room before the curfew starts. After bathing, he decided to read a book for a while before sleeping but he can’t seem to focus on reading the book. He keeps on thinking about what Sally told him. No matter how he thinks about it, it was still an absurd reason to avoid people.

‘What does she even mean about it?’ He wondered while staring at the ceiling. He sighed and closed the book. He puts it on his desk and turns off the lamp beside him. Even if he can’t sleep, it is still time for everyone to sleep. He pulled the blanket further to cover his body and force himself to sleep.

He found himself standing in the center of a wheat field. The golden color of the field is breathtaking under the light of the sun setting. The breeze blew towards him and in front of him is a woman standing. Her cream-colored hair was flowing gracefully like the waves of the ocean and her silver eyes were sparkling like stars in the night sky. She’s talking something to him but he can’t hear it.

“What? What are you talking about?” He asked as he tried to understand her, however, he failed. The further she talks the more he felt irritated. “Stop! I don’t understand you!” He yelled. The woman stops talking and stared at him with melancholic eyes. This time, the sun has already set and darkness came devouring the whole place. The wheat withered and the wind becomes colder than before.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I love you but I choose fate. I’m sorry.”

“What does it matter to me!? I don’t care! You’re nothing but a bad memory! Get lost!” He roared in frustration. Water flowed from her silvery eyes and a silent sob came out from her trembling lips. The sight was unbearable that he turned his back from her.

“Then… why are you still sad?”

His eyes widen and he immediately turned around but she’s gone. The wind blows him away like a hurricane and he fell deep down to the dark abyss.

He woke up breathing heavily. Beads of sweat rolled from his forehead and his body is slightly quivering. He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. This is why he’s anxious before sleeping. Bad memories hunt him in his dreams and it’s always that woman that makes his whole body shiver. Is he scared? No, it’s not because he’s scared of her, it’s the wound that makes him feel that way.

“Just, go away…” He whispered in a tired voice and lay down again. “Let me sleep… Just for a while…” He mumbled and closed his eyes again…

Morning came, he woke up earlier than usual thanks to that nightmare he’s having a headache. He’s thinking to visit the infirmary later and ask for medicine before proceeding to his next class. He walked into the hallway leading to the dining hall. He arrived and was about to get food when he saw a glimpse of a lady with ebony hair running outside of the dining hall. An apple is in her hand and a bottle of milk which he guessed as her breakfast.

“Where is she heading for?” He mumbled in confusion. He needs to find it out himself. He took two pieces of sandwiches and warm milk before following her. He saw her going to the back part of the school where the thick forest resides. He kicked his tongue as he chases her.

‘Is she stupid? Beasts reside in there.’ He thought in dismay. He saw her crawling towards the hole and before she completely passed through the wall, he grabbed her ankle. He heard her shriek in surprise.

“Stupid girl! Where do you think you’re going?” He hissed at her. Sally peeked from the hole and saw his angry face.

“S-Sire! Why are you here?”

“I should be the one asking. It’s a dangerous place.”

“Dangerous?”

“There are beasts in there. If you care for your life, get back here.”

Sally let out a sincere laugh at his words yet he seemed more displeased at her behavior. She shuts her mouth and cleared her throat.

“I sincerely apologize, Your Highness but I did not encounter beasts while staying here. It’s a beautiful forest. Would you like to come and take a look?” She asked with a smiling face.

“Are you arguing with me right now?”

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness the crown prince. I just want you to take a look at my precious hiding spot.” She answered.

Helios stared at her for a while before letting go of her ankle.

“Move. I’m coming through.”

“Oh, alright.” She smiled and hurriedly move away from the hole in the wall. He started crawling and he swears if anyone saw him other than the woman in front of her he’ll make sure to shut the person’s mouth. It’s embarrassing to see that he’s crawling in a hole when in fact he can just destroy the whole wall, however, someone might notice and report him directly to the disciplinary committee.

He stood up and remove the dirt from his uniform. Sally is smiling while looking at him from a distance. He roamed his eyes and sparkled at what he saw. It’s like he’s in a completely different world and just like what she said earlier, it’s a beautiful place! The place was surrounded by different types of woods. There are black birch trees, quaking aspen trees, and mahogany trees.

“See? I told you it’s a pretty forest.” She laughed and took a single tulip tree he can saw around the vicinity. “Sire, did you have your breakfast?” She asked.

“Not yet.”

“Would you mind if I eat with you?” She asked him.

“… No.” He took a sit under the tulip tree as well and they started eating. “Are you always in here?” He asked her.

“Sometimes. I’m afraid someone might see me and report me to the disciplinary office.”

“Aren’t you afraid that I might talk to them as well?” Helios inquired further as he gazed at her face. She stops eating the apple and abruptly looked at him with a nervous expression on her face.

“Well, will you, Sire?” She asked trying to confirm it. “Please don’t, this place is too pretty and it will be too sad for it to be hidden.” She pleaded in a sad tone.

“Fine.”

“Really? Thank you, Your Majesty!” She chirped and her mood becomes bright again. “May I ask a question, Sire?”

“You’re already asking.” He muttered in sarcasm.

“Let me rephrase it, Sire. Can I ask questions, please?” She corrected her question.

“Go on.”

“Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“… Why do you ask?” He glanced at her.

“You have bags under your eyes.” She said. He didn’t answer nor say a word either. He thought she doesn’t have the right to know a detail of the things he’s going through. Ironically, Sally understands him. He is a private man and it’s not right to ask him a question about himself. So instead of waiting, she added as if telling him a short story, “I had troubles in sleeping before. It’s a pain in the neck and waking up every morning is a hassle thing to do.”

Helios eyes fell to her and deep within them, curiosity lies like embers.

“Why?” He asked.

“Because of nightmares.”

“I don’t see bags under your eyes.” He muttered after he observed her face. Her lips formed a smile as she spoke again.

“Of course, I’m done with sleepless nights.” She chuckled as she looked up in the blue sky. “It just disappeared all of a sudden.”

“Disappeared?”

“I always said to myself that no matter how dark and long the night is, the day and the light will always come. It doesn’t last long, even nightmares.” She stated cheerfully as her eyes gleamed like a silver stone under the light.

He stared at the pair of silver eyes and unconsciously, the ember of curiosity was now burning bright.

---

Athena was walking in the hallway. She’s increased her pace while heading to her potion lecture because she doesn’t want to be late. While walking, she noticed the odd stares from the other students in the hallway. Those were pitiful gazes and because she values pride, she felt being belittled all of a sudden.

‘What’s happening? Why are they looking at me like that?’ She wondered.

“Hey.” She halted from walking and turn to face the person who called her casually. A man with ash-gray hair went in front of her. His green eyes were fixed only at her and a charming smile formed his soft red lips. It’s Ethan. “How have you been?”

“Oh, it’s you, Ethan. I am fine, how about you?” She asked in return.

“Fine as always. How’s the friendship between you and that freak?” He inquired and felt disgusted at the latter. Athena frowned at him.

“Stop calling her freak Mr. Lionel. You’re being rude.” She walked past through him.

“Being rude? Where’s the rudeness in my words?” He questioned with a puzzled look on his handsome face.

“Ha! Seriously? Do I need to explain every word for you to understand?” She asked in irritation.

“Whoa, easy, Ms. Robia. I don’t want to argue with you. I’m sorry, okay? I’m taking back my words. She’s not a freak, just a little weird.” He said as he raises his hands in the air. Athena’s eyes squinted and sighed before walking again. Ethan followed her.

“Have you heard?”

“Heard about what?”

“Oh, so you never heard it? Anyway, a lot of students saw the crown prince and the freak together having dinner last night.”

“What?” She stopped walking and stared with confusion. “They had dinner together last night?” She asked again.

“Uh, yeah. They had dinner last night and according to them, the crown prince had a displeased expression while looking at the fre—lady in front of him.” He narrated.

‘That’s impossible. They only just met.’ She mumbled to herself and hurriedly went to class.

“Thanks for telling me, Ethan!” She muttered without glancing at him. He only forced a small smile and nodded.

“Yeah, sure.” He said in disappointment and turned around in the opposite direction. Like Athena, he still had classes to take.

Athena arrived in the classroom and immediately approached Sally who was sitting silently behind everyone else. As she arrived beside her, Sally raise her head and looked at her. Her lips formed a gentle smile and greeted her.

“Good morning, Ms. Robia.”

Athena stared at her before speaking.

“Good morning. Did you take your breakfast?” She asked her.

“Yes, I have. How about you, Miss?”

“I have. Although only a little because I’m on a diet right now.”

“A diet? But you’re already thin, Miss.” She muttered in surprise.

“Really? Haha. But what matters is the weight and not the physical appearance.”

“Oh, then I hope you’ll achieve your desired weight, Miss.” She stated genuinely. Athena smiled yet frowned inside. She excused herself and went back to her seat. The professor entered and introduced them to a potion that can turn someone into a child both physically and mentally. The rest of the explanations of the teacher in front of her seemed distant because her mind is preoccupied.

Did she make the wrong choice? What’s with her that Helios was so interested in?

She’s so anxious that she can’t think properly. She needs to tell her. She needs to create a line between them.

“Proceed to the laboratory.” The professor ordered as he cleaned his table. Athena stood up, took her book, and went to approach Sally who’s busy cleaning her desk as well. She was about to call her but some student blocked her way and approach her instead. She could not hear their words but she knows it’s not something good to hear.

“Learn to know your place and don’t drag the prince with your misfortunes, even Ms. Robia. You did not even consider your feelings when approached His Highness, you foolish girl.” She heard one of them said.

‘Should I stop them? But…’ She looked at them again. Her eyes became calm and her mouth closed. She held her book tightly and turned around from them. She sighed and went towards her.

“Excuse me, leave my friend alone.” She said to the girls who approached her.

“M-Ms. Robia!” They flinched and started to walk away, however, they glared at Sally who watched them with numb eyes. Athena looked at her.

“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” She asked as she examined her face.

“No. Thank you, Ms. Robia. You helped me again.” She smiled at her.

“Let’s go now, everyone’s waiting for us,” Athena muttered and went ahead of her. Sally followed her behind. They arrived at the laboratory where everyone is already doing their potions. They were all by pair, good thing they have each other. A big empty cauldron appeared before them and ingredients for the potions are placed beside it. The fire underneath it was burning brightly and the violet-colored water is starting to boil. Athena waste no time and immediately put the bizarre leaf and a toad’s foot while Sally stirred the liquid using the gigantic wooden spoon.

“Did you see how the prince looked at her?” Athena halted from dropping a single drop of mermaid’s tear from the solution.

“Yes. There’s something in the prince’s eyes. It’s like, he’s interested in her…” The other one answered. Instead of a single drop, she dropped the whole bottle in the cauldron creating an explosion.

“Miss!” Sally called in terror as she pushed her away. She hit the pavement, scraping her right elbow and knee. Everyone was shocked and watched the scene with wide eyes. The professor came and helped Athena stood up.

“What happened?! Get out!” He ordered. The students went out except for Athena.

“Sir, Sir I have a friend! She pushed me and…!”

“I know, Ms. Robia but I want you to get the hell out of here now!”

“But…!”

They stopped arguing when they heard a faint cough and groaned. Athena looked in Sally’s direction, however, it’s blurry because of the smoke. Their vision became clearer and in front of them, a six-year-old child was sitting on the ground while looking at them with teary silver eyes. Athena’s eyes quiver as she gazed at the child before her. Her ebony hair was in a mess and her clothes were torn! It’s a very poor image to watch.

“S-Sally?” Athena called. Hearing her name, the child raises her head in confusion and answers.

“Yes? You called me, Miss?” She asked innocently. She tried to stand up but she fell again. Athena was about to approach her but the professor stopped her.

“No. The potion is still all over her body. Don’t touch her or you’ll be like Ms. Esther as well.” He warned.

“My body hurts, my head hurts, and did you hurt me? Why? I did not do anything bad.” She started to cry and sobs leaked out from her mouth. “I am not a bad person, Sir, and Miss. I wasn't raised to be bad…” She muttered between her sobs. Two people rushed into the laboratory. It’s Felix and Helios who were staring at the crying Sally with big round eyes.

***