It's Only a Headache

By Luke M. Schumacher

Headaches are temporary, right? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luke Schumacher
• Release date: May 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798985310924

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Darkness, well, that was the only way to describe the alternate world. The one victim experienced it in full, while completely restrained. The victim’s hands were secured above the head to cuffs held together with force. The tool was the only blue thing in the area that was visible. The victim’s legs were connected to the same device, just down below instead of up high. Searing pain ran over the entire body as the restraining system wrapped around the victim’s ankles and wrists. Almost nothing but the cuffing system remained in the area. The victim hissed involuntarily, and had so many other questions about what was happening.

The victim tried to remember how they had gotten there, but there was nothing. Everything was blank. They remembered the basics. Name, birthday, everything you would expect. But they couldn’t remember how they ended up in this void. It was blank. Not even remember their family. The only thing they could faintly remember is where they last were.

The air was dry and cold, but not a good cold— not the one that cools you off when it’s hot out. Despite the cold, it was somehow still humid and miserable. It was torture. The area knew just the way to make you gloomy without even having to think about it. Every time the victim attempted to take a breath of the frigid air, it clogged up their throat and lungs, causing a gross cough that they couldn’t even bear to hear. Every time they coughed led to them breathing more, which led to even more coughs.

The victim were about to start panicking even more, but suddenly, a mysterious figure appeared out of nowhere. The figure looked over at the victim and smiled, its sinister smile shining more than anything in the void. The victim was not able to talk, despite trying very hard. The only sound in the area was heavy breaths and coughs that no one desired. The figure walked over to the victim, making a loud whoosh sound. So, you have woken up! How do you feel? No response, for obvious reasons. Oh, you can’t talk. The figure walked up to the restraining system and clicked a blue button on the side.

The victim coughed out a gross breath, and started panting nonstop. It was as if a giant weight had been lifted off their chest. They could talk, but not very well. Not only because of the weight, but because of terror. Each sentence had some form of a stutter. W-where am I? Who are y-you? W-what’s going on?

The figure laughed again, walking away from the restraining system. That is not important. The only important thing here, well, is you. But you aren’t even that important in the first place. The figure giggled. Well, I guess I will tell you why you are here. The villain waved its hand again and a screen popped up. It was similar to a hologram, since it also radiated blue light. The magic screen above showed a school— a normal one, despite being somewhat rundown. It was made of brick and had block letters on the top. Two double doors with pavement in front, and glass on the windows and doors. "You are here to help me wreak havoc on this school. Well, I guess you won't be doing it."

The figure glanced away from the screen to the victim again. It may be something small. It may be big. But you won’t know, and likely never will. That is, if the plan plays out. But I know it will.

The victim gulped, as if something was stuck in their throat. W-what do you mean, by me not knowing what will happen?

The figure grinned. Well, I must not tell you my whole plan. That would ruin the fun! The figure curled its hand back, looking at its wrist. The victim shivered, as the figure continuously spoke in a snarky tone. And I am sure you would like to have a peaceful descent.

What descent? What are you talking about? The desperation in the victim’s voice increased. They were panicking, not knowing how to get out. They tried to escape, but the painful, magic handcuffs kept him back. Despite attempts of crying for help, all that came out was a faint whisper.

Well, the closest thing I can tell you is that you’ll live in the shadows. The figure started to pace towards the victim with a horrible smirk on its face.

The victim felt their heart drop into their stomach. They started to cry out in worry. Trying to move was a foolish thing. Not only was it unsuccessful, it only caused more pain. What do you mean by shadows? What the hell is happening? Am I dead? Can you please just tell me-

Suddenly, the figure clicked a button on the restraining system. The victim’s words were cut off. Their head fell down like they were sandbags, and they were off.

Off to their new life.

PART ONE

THE LINGERING PROBLEM

CHAPTER 1

IT'S ONLY AN OUTSET

"I t’s just another day, Adam. Just another day. Keep your posture straight, head up high. Everything is fine."

Adam had been monologuing to himself that morning, like every other morning of every other day. Who cares about splitting headaches? Just carry on like normal. There’s no difference between yesterday and today.

If you had met Adam, you’d think he was just as normal as any other kid. He stood at around five foot two, had wavy blonde hair, and dark green eyes. He had a standard morning routine. Wake up, take a shower, eat a tiny breakfast, brush teeth, and go to school. From an outsider’s perspective, he was just like everyone else. But, there was one thing about him that stood out.

About a year and a half prior, things took a turn for the worst.

Ow, ow! Adam winced in pain as the headache assaulted his forehead. He dropped his homework pencil on the wooden table. This didn’t seem like an ordinary headache. The room had appeared to be a little bit darker, with a tint of blue, and maybe even a bit purple. Adam began to rub his head.

Jessica, Adam’s mom, shot him a concerned look. She was nearby, cooking dinner for Adam and his brother. What’s wrong, honey?

I’m having a painful headache, Adam said, rubbing his head more and more.

Where is it? Mom asked, nervous.

I’m not sure, maybe around… here? Adam gestured to the middle of his forehead, just above his nose and eyes. It’s not really in a specific place, just around my forehead.

Do we need to go to the doctor? Mom asked, mixing some flour into a bowl. She looked like she was starting to sweat. Oh no, what if this is some kind of underlying condition…

You’re being overprotective again, Adam replied, smirking at her.

Shut up, she jokingly said. As she was mixing a salad dressing, she dropped her spoon in the bowl, and bit back a curse. It took Adam a lot of brainpower not to laugh. Have you been tied to the screen in the past couple of hours?

Not really, Adam said, shutting his computer. I went to the park with Rocco an hour ago. I’ve just been doing my homework since then.

Maybe it’s just hormonal, Mom said. Adam cringed inside. I used to get them when I was your age.

How often would they come? Adam questioned, looking at the oven that she had just started preheating. Adam had no idea what she was making; why would she be mixing some kind of dressing while also preheating the oven?

I don’t know, she said. They would just come at random.

Well, Adam said, trying to think of more questions to ask. When would they go away?

I’m not sure, Mom said.

Adam stood up from his chair. His headache was starting to hurt even more. Thanks, Mom, you’ve been a great help.

Watch your mouth, Mom snapped. or Rocco isn’t coming over tomorrow.

Adam quickly sat back down, as if he was in the military following orders. Sorry, he replied. His mom was never that strict in the first place. But, when she wasn’t happy, it was not pretty. Adam knew to follow her rules no matter what.

She continued to work as she spoke. How about you have some medicine?

Doesn’t that help with muscle pain? Adam said, as he stuck a stick of bubblegum in his mouth.

Yes, but also headaches, Mom said. She walked over to the medicine drawer and grabbed the tube of Bylofel, right next to the cold medicine. She took a cup of water from the cabinet and filled it up from the tap water next to her. Here, take a sip of water with the pill.

Adam stood up and grabbed the water and pill away from her. He removed the pink gum from his mouth and choked down the pill. He drank the remaining water in the cup after getting it down.

Hopefully this helps soon. He looked over at the TV in the kitchen, which had the time displayed on the bottom. It was around seven at night, and he felt gross. I forgot to take a shower this morning. Gonna do that.

Isn’t that just as bad as swimming 30 minutes after eating? Mom said with a paranoid look. Adam scoffed and paced his way upstairs, secretly leaving the glass on the chess table on the way there.

As he ran upstairs, he tried to ignore the searing pain in his head. He knew it was probably nothing to be concerned about, but the pain in his forehead was odd. It felt like someone dropped a brick on it, while simultaneously feeling like the air in his head was being sucked out.

As he grabbed a towel in the linen cabinet and walked to the bathroom, his headache started getting less intense. As he closed his eyes, rubbing his head, he bumped into his brother, Jamie. Adam looked down, moving right past him, offering no apology. Right as he was about to step into the bathroom, he looked back, hoping to make up for his disrespectful behavior. Jamie was gone. Although awkward passings in hallways and casual avoidances weren’t uncommon for them, it didn’t make it hurt any less.

Despite the painful beginning, the headaches weren’t horrible at first. Most of the time, Adam would get a mildly painful headache for a couple of minutes. Sometimes, he would see some blue and purple during it. Over time, though, the headaches would become more splitting and treacherous. After that, he began to get hallucinations. They looked like small portals, of some sort—almost like they were messing with the area around him. He even started getting nightmares, definitely more than he would usually get. Over time, his concern grew about the cause of them.

After the first time, Adam didn’t tell anyone about what had been happening. He wasn’t one to talk about his personal life. He mainly kept to himself. He wasn’t necessarily shy, but he found himself to be more secretive than he liked to be.

About a year or so later on a cold winter’s day in late February, the headaches had been coming about every three days. Most of the time, he got them at home, which he had assumed would be better than having them at school. But he had a feeling they were going to get worse.

It was a chill, brisk morning. The cold air brushed against his dry face as he stood there, trying to control his thoughts. Adam wore a snow hat, which made his wavy hair barely visible. Every day, Adam picked up his friends and then the group of four walked to school, discussing what weird things they could do that day.

First on the walk was Rocco. Rocco and Adam were the closest in the group. Most of the time, best friends start at a very young age. They have a defining story that made them friends when they were five or something. But, that wasn’t exactly the case for Rocco and Adam. Adam had only moved to town a couple of years ago, and he hadn’t had the best experience at his old one.

Adam and Rocco hit it off right away. They were forced to be at the same table in class, and although it was awkward at first, it wasn’t long before they were best friends. They shared some common interests, as they both loved to draw. They were never sports people. In their relationship, it was the little things that made them friends.

Rocco was probably the most normal one. He was sort of the stabilizer of the group, making sure things didn’t turn to chaos. He was always the ambitious one. Even though he loved to draw and thought about becoming an artist, he always said he wanted to go to space when he was older. He was probably the most handsome one in the group too, with tan skin and curly space-black hair. Although he was normal, he wasn’t necessarily boring. He wasn’t a huge talker to people outside of his inner circle, and only really got lively when they were there.

As he walked to Rocco’s’s doorstep, Adam didn't ring the doorbell. He only stood there on the pavement as light flurries came from the sky. It’s just another day, he thought. I need to stop overthinking this. Although telling Rocco about my headaches may not go the best, it could also help. It has to be a good idea. This is getting out of hand.

Adam suddenly saw the white door open in front of him, interrupting his train of thought. Rocco was dressed for school, but Adam didn’t see his backpack. Adam? Whatcha doing?

Adam tried to quickly reboot his brain as Rocco said those three words to him. What do you mean?

Well… Rocco replied, quickly looking around the room behind him. I looked through my window and saw you standing at my front door. You looked confused and instead of knocking on my door, you stood there staring at my doorbell. So I came outside, and here we are.

Alright, point taken, Adam said with a slight laugh. Sorry, I was just lost in thought. Ready for school?

Rocco laughed back. Damn right I am! Let me grab my bag.

Adam watched as Rocco ran into his living room. He saw Rocco’s younger sister sitting in the living room, watching some kids’ show on the big TV. Adam waited for a few seconds, awkwardly staring into the house when Rocco came running back.

Sorry about that, I needed to feed the cat, so I didn’t have much time to pack up, Rocco said. He put the backpack to the side and started putting his winter clothes on as Adam continued talking to him.

No problem. Your cat is really annoying. Adam always forgot that Rocco even had a cat. Rocco had always wanted a dog. The only time Adam saw the cat was when she was having her food in the kitchen when he came over.

She’s not even my cat! She’s my stupid sister’s cat, Rocco said, as he put his winter hat over his head.

Sell her on the internet, Adam said in a joking tone. Maybe she’ll find someone better to take care of her there.

Rocco paused for a moment, and shot his gaze towards the kitchen. He slowly turned his gaze back to Adam with a smug look. That’s actually not a bad idea.

Adam shot Rocco a confused glance, a tiny smirk on his face. I was joking.

I mean, though, we could make some real money.

Adam scoffed. Yes, because there’s nothing more ethical than selling your sister's cat on the black market.

Adam and Rocco bursted out laughing. Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Rocco’s sister shoot them an angry glance. Anyways, we should get going. Will is always late.

Rocco shut the door behind him, while simultaneously putting his backpack on. The two stepped off the concrete steps and started to walk. After Adam picked up Rocco, they went to pick up their other friends on the way to school each day. Their town was pretty big, so Adam and Rocco had some time to chat before getting to the others’ houses.

So, are you excited? Adam murmured. Are you excited?

Excited for what? Rocco asked.

Vacation starts tomorrow! I’m psyched to take a break from eighth grade.

Is it because of B.J? Rocco whispered, concerned.

Adam paused for a second. B.J. did bother him–well, a lot–but the headaches were his main problem, not B.J. But Adam decided to lie. Yeah, I guess. He’s been annoying. With his bullying and cyberbullying, and stuff…

The two went silent for a few seconds. Adam’s sentence came out really awkwardly, not believable. He could feel the tension in the air despite the cold. To change the subject, Adam decided to speak up. Anyways, what about you? How’s your eighth grade been so far?

Adam could tell Rocco was still confused, but Rocco answered anyway. I guess it's not as bad as I thought it would be. My grades are decent, and my siblings have been somewhat less irritating than usual.

Nice, Adam said, still sounding awkward. I hate our school. I wish I could go somewhere else. Somewhere where I can do art or something.

I guess I’m fine where I am, Rocco said, although it would be cool to do art more dominantly. Rocco grabbed his backpack and started unzipping it. I want to show you something I made yesterday.

Rocco whipped the drawing over to Adam, which was surprising. Adam thought if Rocco cared about his art, he would be more gentle with it. Adam examined the paper, impressed. Rocco, this is really good!

Rocco took the drawing back with a nervous laugh. I don’t think it’s that good. My mom likes to put them up, so I guess that’s an accomplishment.

Still is, Adam said. Anyways, I have a question for you. Adam didn’t want to come across too strong, but he assumed that Rocco would be fine with it. Do you think you’d date Cindy? The girls in our grade have made it pretty clear she likes you.

Cindy was one of the most popular and prettiest girls in Adam’s grade. She was known for her eyes. Adam didn’t see the appeal, but he thought Rocco might. At the same time, Adam was hesitant to ask. Rocco almost never talked about relationships, which Adam brushed off in the past because they were so young. Adam was curious, though.

No, Rocco said, almost instantly.

Adam raised an eyebrow. That was quick.

I don’t know, Rocco said, looking away. I guess she’s not my type, or whatever.

If you say so, Adam said flatly.

Look, Rocco said, turning over to Adam. You don’t have to be so nosy.

That was nosy? Adam asked. He sighed, not wanting to start an argument. Look, I’m sorry if I crossed a line. I just wanted to ask you.

Whatever, Rocco said. Can we talk about something else?

Sure, Adam said, still a bit taken aback by his response. Luckily, they were pulling up to Melissa’s house so they had something to distract them besides awkward banter.

After picking up Rocco, they went to pick up Melissa Anne Campbellious. Melissa and Adam actually had a different story than Rocco and Adam. Melissa and Adam had actually known each other for a long time. Adam’s mom and Melissa’s mom had been friends back in middle school. Many years later, Adam and Melissa were born. Their parents introduced them to each other, and Adam and his family moved to the Campellious’ town a few years later. Adam and Melissa were actually pretty similar. They both could be very emotional and have angry outbursts.

Melissa was really smart. She almost always got straight As. However, she was more than just a nerd stereotype. She was very honest and open about her feelings, which Adam admired. He wished he had that kind of confidence. Melissa was really tough, though. Although nice to most people, she could be more aggressive in standing up for others, especially ones in her group. One time, she broke up a fight in sixth grade, which caused an outright controversy in the school. She had light skin, blonde hair, and wore black circular glasses.

When they arrived at Melissa’s front door, Adam instantly laughed at the sign. They still had a Christmas sign up despite it being late February. It also weirded him out, considering Melissa was never really religious. However, her parents were probably being lazy.

It is a pretty sign, Rocco said, knowing what Adam was thinking.

Adam rang the doorbell and exactly ten seconds later, like every day, Melissa came out. She had a baby in her arms, even though her jacket was already on. Just seeing the baby made Rocco and Adam smile, as they both thought Harry was super cute. Hey, guys! Give me a second; I need to give this little one his bottle.

Melissa disappeared behind the door with the baby still in her hands. They heard some noise from moving chairs and then some unintelligible yelling. Adam and Rocco shot each other confused but concerned glances. The arguing went on for a couple of seconds. When Melissa got to the doorway again, she was visibly frustrated. She grabbed her purple and green bag and slammed the door behind her, walking down the stairs without saying a word. Adam and Rocco caught up with her and started walking.

Adam and Rocco looked at each other, both wondering if they should say something. Rocco took the lead, which relieved Adam. Melissa, if you don’t mind me asking, did something happen back there?

Melissa looked surprised and re-coordinated herself, like she had been completely zoned out. Sorry, I was arguing with my parents. They’re driving me up the wall!

Puberty... Rocco whispered. Melissa gave him a small jab in the gut. Melissa and Rocco weren’t enemies, but they were the ones in the group who made the most jabs and sly remarks to each other.

I’m sick of fighting, though, Melissa said, kicking some light snow flurries on the sidewalk. They disappeared into the air within a few seconds.

Adam paused. He knew he should say something. Although good with sarcasm, he wasn’t always the best at talking to people about serious things. Sorry about that, he said. He felt embarrassed about not giving a better response and quickly changed the subject. How’s your brother?

Melissa’s expression changed to something a little bit more positive. He’s great! He’s about nine months old.

Is he walking already? Rocco asked.

He’s taken a few steps, but he hasn’t been able to walk steadily yet, Melissa said, with a small smile on her face. Her expression changed after a few seconds. She sighed, looking down. I really hope he will be okay. I don’t want our fighting to impact him. I can’t imagine that happening to me as a child.

Rocco and Adam exchanged glances. Adam felt badly for trying to change the subject. Melissa just wanted to talk about her family. He couldn’t imagine having to grow up with parents that were constantly fighting, especially since he only had a mom.

Sorry, I don’t want to make this heavy, Melissa said. Adam was about to object, but she changed the subject. Look! We’re here.

The last up in the group was Will. His full name was William Joseph Burr, but almost everyone called him Will. He was only two streets over from Melissa, which made the commute pretty easy. Will was even more of a recent friend. In fact, Will had only been in the group for about five months–more of a newbie than Rocco was.

Will and Adam actually didn’t hit it off right away. Initially, Melissa, Rocco, and Adam were all friends. They had all seen Will once or twice, but rarely had spoken to him. One late Friday night, Will asked to join the online game the trio was playing. That’s when they became fast friends. After some more chatting in school, Will joined the group. They hung out almost every day since.

Will was the jokester of the group. He was the tallest and most muscular. He played baseball at school, but never really acted like the stereotypical jock. He wasn’t super masculine or particularly intense. He was probably the most sensitive in the group, and definitely the nicest. He had dark skin and short black hair.

After picking Will up, the group started walking to school as always. It took about fifteen minutes to get from Will’s house to school, so they had some time to chat and discuss what to do that day.

So, I was thinking we should do something this break! Melissa said.

Like what? Rocco asked Melissa.

I’m not completely sure yet, Melissa said. but I want something to do. All we usually do is just watch movies if we’re not on vacation.

Maybe we could all learn a new language, Adam added.

That’s not really a one week project, Rocco said, thinking of ideas.

Adam tried to think of ideas, but it wasn’t easy. Every time he thought of something, there was a reason why they couldn’t do it. Well, Adam thought. Learning a language is too much for a week. Melissa hates to draw. None of us can sing except Melissa. Rocco and Melissa hate sports.

After a few more seconds of trudging through the snow and thinking, Will perked up. I have an idea! One second, Will announced, as he went digging in his backpack. The group tried to look in the backpack to see what he was getting, but it wasn’t clear. So, you see this room? Will said, pointing his finger at the shiny, laminated photograph. The group nodded, but Adam was confused as to why he had a laminated photo just sitting around in his backpack. Since I recently turned fourteen, my mom said I could stop sharing my room with my brother.

I envy you, Rocco said, rolling his eyes. Living with seven other people is not easy. Rocco was notorious for having a huge family. He had two brothers, one sister, his parents, aunt and grandma. Rocco didn’t have to share a room with any of them, but Adam could tell how chaotic the home was whenever he slept over.

"My mom said I can move into that room if I wanted, but I would have to decorate it and add the