Psychology

"Psychology as well," I say. I've always wanted to understand why I'm so...different, and thought that psychology might help me make the world a little less scary.

"Really? Wow! That's great! We could study together, cheat on exams together..."

I smile, though I'm still a little intimidated by her. Her teeth gnash menacingly as she speaks, and I can't take my eyes from them. Nevertheless, her personality shines through, and she seems pleasant enough. I've always had trouble warming to people. I hate to blame everything on my parents but, well, they really did a number on me. They always had cocktail parties. Real socialites, they were, and they loved showing me off. Always inviting people to my house, into MY fucking space.

When I was little everyone towered above me, and I used to wander amongst these giants being petted and prodded. I used to hide under my bed until they left, but one day I really needed to go to the toilet. I tried to hold it in until I felt I would burst, but eventually I had ****. I crept out from my hiding space and stepped into the hall. The door was locked. I was about to turn away when it suddenly opened and out came a large woman in an ill-fitting red dress. She spotted me, and immediately started crooning over me like a fucking puppy. Her face was inches from mine, and I was overcome with terror. The smell of **** on her breath, the thick clumps of mascara amongst her eyelashes and of course the gnashing teeth; they were all too much for me. I started to scream, the woman's face changed to one of horror...

I snap out of my daydream and realize that Rose is still speaking.

"...and just, y'know, help people. What about you?"

I look up at her. "Huh?"

Her face changes from a smile to one of concern. "You OK?"

"I'm fine," I lie. My back is sheathed in sweat, and I have goosebumps on my arms.

"You just look a little pale. Hey, y'know, why don't we go and grab some lunch?"

Maybe a bit of fresh air will do me good, but I'm not sure I can face the crowds of people out there. Right now, I just want to curl up and hide under the bed again.