//------------------------------// // Chapter 16 // Story: Jumper // by lollipopchica //------------------------------// Falling into a dream was a lot like staring into space. One moment you were lost in thought, the next you were thrust into a place that you couldn’t remember going to. You were simply there and in the midst of something new. “Please! Just ask him how he feels about me!” The music was loud and the Halfling sisters found themselves pressed close to each other in a living room full of their schoolmates. Regal had invited most of the school to an end of the year bash. “Cadence... I’m tired and I don’t feel well! Can’t we just go?” Chrysalis huffed. ”This party is fuckin’ lame... and half the people here are weird.” She shuttered as she looked around disdainfully. “Chryssie please!” Cadence begged eagerly, “Do this and I promise I’ll never ask you for anything again!” “Ugh! Cadence...” “Chrysalis!” “Fine! But after this, we’re out! Got it?” “Understood, oh fearless one! Thank you, thank you!” She grinned before throwing her arms around her sister. “Whatever...” “I saw him and some of the other boys in the kitchen last.” “Fine, but first I’m going to the bathroom.” Locking the door, Chrysalis leaned unsteadily against the counter. She’d been feeling so off lately. Everything ached and she was always so tired. Staring at herself in the mirror, she looked as terrible as she felt. “What a fuckboi,” she breathed turning on the faucet and running some water in her hands. ‘Of all the people,’ she thought taking a few cool sips. With what was left she splashed herself in the face before taking her hands through her hair to tousle it a bit. Cadence was too good for that sleazy adolescent, she thought thinking about her demure sister. Cadence with her cerise colored skin, taffy colored eyes and long thick hair. Shapely and youthful, yet toned from years of dance and activity. Her sister could have anyone she wanted, and yet she wanted a wannabe play boy. The thought irritated her to no end. Squeezing her eyes shut, Chrysalis winced as she was overcome by a wave of dizziness. The ground felt like it was moving beneath her feet, and her skin felt scratchy and tight. Bracing herself against the counter, the changeling teen moaned as her body seemed to be in some kind of sensory overload. Just when she thought she’d slump to the ground in a heap, the sensations slowly began to reside and a dull headache took residence in her cranium. Pressing a hand to her head, she opened her eyes and screamed. Cadence stared back at her with a terrified expression on her face. Reaching towards the mirror, her horror was only confounded when the reflection responded in kind. Pressing her hand against the glass, her other hand hesitantly probed the flesh of her face. “No, no, no, no, no... What is this...” She whimpered as her breaths came out shallow and quick. The doorknob jiggled wildly. “Someone’s in here!” She heard Cadence’s irritated shout. At the sound of the alien voice, both her hands slapped over her mouth. “I have to go... Fuck this... I have.... I can’t leave like this!” Tears welled in her eyes. “Am I stuck like this?” Trying to focus on looking more like herself, she realized she hadn’t a clue about how any of this worked. The doorknob jiggled again, this time with hard bangs to door. “Hurry up! You aren’t the only one who needs to use the bathroom!” Chrysalis didn’t bother with a reply as her mind raced to plan an escape. She looked identical to her sister. Maybe she could just slip out the back or something. Forcing herself to take calming breaths, she decided to leave and text Cadence from outside. “Okay...” She moved over to the door trying to ignore the nervous flutters in her stomach. “About time- Oh! Hey Cadence!” Chrysalis smiled tightly. “Sorry about that...” She quickly moved past the person, and set about leaving the house. She halted when she saw a flash of Cadence’s hair in a group of bodies ahead. Cursing, she spun on her heel and decided to go out through the mudroom in the back. Smiling at people who waved, she dodged the subtle reaches of others trying for her attention. She was almost home free, when Regal’s smug face popped up in front of her. She wanted to roll her eyes when she watched the way his eyes roamed up and down her body. She was glad she wore a black leather jacket. Cadence’s style was more colorful and playful than her edgier style of dress. “Taking after your sister, huh?” “Just this once...” She chuckled nervously. “Well, I’m going to go...” “What? Why so soon? At least let me get you a drink or something before you go.” “I really shouldn’t...” Her head was hard to ignore. “Nonsense, c’mon.” He grabbed her by the wrist and led her to the kitchen. At least it was in the opposite direction of Cadence. “Barley, can you make Cadence a drink.” The other boy known as Barley Oats gave him a look. “Give her the good stuff.” Regal instructed before turning back to her. “You having a good time at least?” He looked genuine enough, she thought begrudgingly. “So far so good. I just really want to change, ya know.” Cadence always thought her style of fashion was a bit intimidating. Her sister wouldn’t have been comfortable at all. “Why?” Regal asked. “Not to be weird or anything, but your body is amazing.” “Thanks...” Ew. “I’ve made it weird. It’s just you look nice is all.” He backpedaled quickly having the decency to look embarrassed. “Sooo... Where’s your sister?” “She had to step out. She wasn’t feeling well.” “That’s too bad...” “Is it? Don’t you hate her or something?” “Not at all. She’s a wildcard for sure, but I don’t hate her.” Her headache throbbed. “Interesting...” “Is it? But enough about Chrysalis. Let’s talk about you.” “As a matter of fact,” she grinned, “let’s talk about me.” Let’s get this over with. “Oh.” “How do you feel about me?” The other boy chuckled and Chrysalis had to admit that he was handsome even if his personality and morals were highly questionable. “How’re you still single? You’re a model student, attractive and really nice.” “The million dollar question it would seem.” She imagined her sister would be bashful at this point. “I guess I’ve just been waiting for the right guy.” “Is that so?” She nodded. “Here.” Barley handed her a cup. “Hope you like it.” “Thanks.” She responded taking the red cup from his hands. “After this, I really have to go though.” “Most definitely.” He held up his drink with a smile. “Cheers!” “Cheers...” Something didn’t feel right as her headache intensified, but the changeling pushed the cup to her lips and took a big gulp of her drink. “It’s pretty good.” She smiled pleasantly before an odd calm settled over her. Later, she would remember to regret it. The next morning, Luna was grateful for her cousin’s potions. She didn’t think she’d survive if Chrysalis could feel her turbulent emotions.