On the Edge

Michael's POV

It had been a while since I ran into Cassie or her friend for that matter. I must say, as much as I hated signing the 'Non disclosure Agreement', I couldn't help but muse that they felt the need to do so with me, that they thought I would ever tell someone. Why would I? So that I can be labeled as crazy? And most importantly, whom would I tell? The only person I could have possibly ever told was Jake, who knows now thanks to the entire… Pet...ry...what was it? Whatever, that dog-like thing's unforeseen attack. 

Speaking of Jake, his behavior seemed to me quite odd lately. Usually when I wake up, more or less I can always hear him snore, but I was surprised to find his bed empty yesterday. Automatically I assumed he spent the night at his new girlfriend's place, until he came back heavily sweating through his tracksuit. I followed his entire attire with my eyes and realized he must have been working out. He even bought new jogging shoes it seems.

"Trying to look good for your girl". I snorted. 

Today I slept well and was comparatively in a better mood. Which is why I was thoroughly surprised to receive a snarky reply, "None of your business". I frowned. Usually I am the cranky one. Did we switch personalities during our sleep? Were we in some kind of freaky Friday situation? Don't tell me it's a side effect of being near those Goblin's. 

I let that slide and decided to remain quiet. I am not unfamiliar with the crankiness of that manifests as my general mood most of the time and I know very well that saying something wrong at this moment could worsen the situation further. He huffed as he sat down on his bed trying to calm down. I simply left for my classes leaving him all by himself.

On my way, I recalled all the strange behaviours I noticed this entire week. I think it started with that weird phone call the other day. He was laughing like a maniac vehicle watching a movie, startling me from time to time while I tried my best to concentrate. His phone rang quite a few times so I threw my shoe at him to gain his attention. "What"? He asked me, agitated. I pointed at the loud ringing noise next to him. That was the first time I saw a gloomy expression on his face, something I have never seen. He has been sad before, but not like this.

When he came back he threw his headphones on the bed. I didn't dare ask him because I thought it might have to do something with Linda. Knowing him, he should have been over by it now. The next afternoon he even found him eating in the cafeteria. Moreover instead of his junk food, he took plain salad. Jake? With Salad? That was impossible even in my worst nightmare. His actions in a way mimicked mine, which further creeped me out.

At this point I am sure that he was possessed by some ghost of a diligent person I always believed ghosts didn't exist, but I also thought the same for goblins. God knows what kind of mythical creatures I am yet to encounter. When his behaviour was starting to scare me, I decided to confront him. So, far he didn't make any progress and I was really worried about him. I had to find out why he was on the edge all the time.

He walked in the room, after I was back from attending for all my classes and started to pack aggressively. "Jake" I called out. Whether he didn't hear me, or pretended not to hear me was something I am unsure of. "Jake"! I tried once more, louder this time. 

"What"? He snapped back at me. His face expressed a lot of suppressed emotions that I failed to read. 

"What is going on with you? Why are you behaving so odd lately"? I asked him, equally pissed off.

"Look at you being so chatty, and you think I am the one who is odd. Ridiculous". Jake huffed.

"Because you are the one who is being distant and…"I struggled to find the right words, "Moody, and obsessed with your health lately".

"I am sorry, I forgot that only our majesty, Mike, is allowed to be cranky". Jake's sarcastic remark finally managed to hit a nerve."I am telling you for the last time that it's none of your business!" Jake shouted. 

"Ohh! Suddenly we are playing business are we? How about you mind your own and don't go poking your nose into my business every chance you get! Now that I am asking you why you are behaving so strangely, you suddenly get defensive?? And I have to put up with you all the time and not get angry! You get on my nerves all the time, and I curse the very day I met you! Uggghhhh!" I screamed in frustration.

Jake stormed off the room without replying to me while I took out my anger out on the poor pillow whose only crime was being nearest to me at this very moment. It was a mistake trying to help Jake. I should have never bothered with him and his unbearable attitude. I was fuming in anger when suddenly someone entered through the door. Jacob came back? I wondered. Of course, I was proven wrong.