Rhythm Of My Soul - Chapter 1

"Snow Queen is coming!"

I shuddered and felt my blood boiling when I heard that. Snow Queen used to be one of my favourite books when I was a child. Now, I'm beginning to hate Hans Christian Andersen for even coming up with the character and more so, for publishing this book! Yes, for if his book is not published, I wouldn't have gotten this nickname. Silly blaming the author, I know, because deep down inside, I knew it was my own fault. I just needed someone else to take the blame and who else is better than Hans Christian Andersen. Yes, apparently, that made me feel a little better.

As I walked down the busy hall after my classes, I ignored the staring and whispering from others. Apparently, the more I wished to become invisible, the more I stood out from the crowd like a sore thumb. Everyday, for the past week, as I walk down the halls, everyone would pretend to be frozen at their spot and then broke down in laughter after I walked passed. I thought that the prank would die out within days but instead it got bigger as more students started to join in as well. Even those whom I do not know was joining in. It seems that annoying me is the new pink...haha....what an irony, since pink happens to be my favourite colour.

I felt so stupid when the tears started brimming in my eyes. Over and over again, I told myself that I would not cry but it was beyond my control. I was deeply hurt and it was always worst when I saw my friends among them. Or at least, they used to be my friends. Not that they were entirely to be blamed since I was the one pushing them away. If they only knew that it was for their own good.

I realized that I've quickened my steps and before long, I was running out of the college. Tears were flowing freely from my eyes but I no longer cared. I was either not looking at where I was going or my tears were blinding me when I ran straight into someone. More laughter erupted from behind and I wished the floor would just open up and swallow me in. I just wanted to get away from here as soon as possible.

Mumbling a quick "sorry", I got up and ran off again. I heard someone calling my name but I ignored it. I just ran and ran until I have no energy left. Mind you, it wasn't easy running and crying at the same time.

I finally collapsed on the ground and cried so hard that I could feel my body shaking. It's been a while since I've cried so hard. It took a few minutes before I finally calmed down and wiped my tears away. I don't know for how long I can take this and if weren't for my studies, I would never ever want to come back here again. I finally picked myself up and walked slowly to my favourite hideway. I've accidentally come across this place not too long ago. It used to be a park but it became neglected after the college built a new one on the other side. Nobody comes here anymore which suited me just fine.

I sweep away the dried leaves with my hands before sitting on the bench. I was careful to sit on it gently because it looked as if it is going to give way at anytime. Every single time I sat on it, I knew I was risking my bum hitting the floor. I imagined falling on my back with my two feet sticking up in the air. I laughed to myself at that thought. Luckily, no one was around. If not, they would think that I have turned bonkers for laughing by myself. I have enough nicknames already, I do not need another one like Looney Chelsea or anything like that.

Heaving a sigh, I took out my favourite comic book, The Archies. Yes, I may be 23 years old but that does not stop me from reading it. I love the book, so much that I have bought every single issue. I could read it over and over again and still, I would not get bored. Retreating to my own little world, I zoned out the moment I open the first page. I was suddenly no longer Chelsea, the Snow Queen because for the next 30 minutes or so, the abandoned park came alive with my laughter.

Yes, surprise, surprise, I do laugh after all.

In fact, I laugh a lot.

I was so absorbed into the comic that I did not realize how quickly time has passed by. It was beginning to get darker. I quickly packed my things and was about to leave when something stopped me dead in my tracks. I heard someone cried out in pain and a loud thud, as if he or she has just fallen down hard on the ground. After that, it became completely silent again.

I was not alone.

Someone or worst, something was there with me.

No, I'm not being dramatic.

What? Who said ghosts doesn't exist?

"Who's there?" I ask, my voice trembling in fear.

Silence.

"Show yourself now!" I said, louder after mustering all my courage.

Silence.

I took a deep breath and started walking very quickly away. Suddenly, my hideaway is no longer safe. I silently wondered if I can ever come back here again. I may not be afraid of anything but all these supernatural stuffs are freaking me out. I still remember the movie that I've watched where the girl went missing in the woods after an encounter with a ghost. My life may have no meaning but I definately do not want it to end this way!

Maybe, it was just in my imagination. Yes, that's it. My imagination. I must have been alone for too long now that my mind has started to play tricks on me. There was no one else but myself there. Just as I've finally convinced myself with that theory, everything fall into pieces again.

"Help, please" a weak voice finally spoke up.

I stopped, not knowing whether I should stay to help or run for my life.