Chapter Sixteen: Reality Isn't Real, Says The Madman

Marilyn Lobos finally comes over, ironically not when Tyson wants her to come. He has a lot of homework that he needs to focus on. Ty doesn't really know how to interact with a girl outside of school, so they stand awkwardly for a while.

Then Tyson gets out his homework, and Marilyn follows. They still barely speak, only talking if they're really confused on a question. The tension is so thick that they can't even face each other while doing homework.

Nathalie wonders if the pranks against her will ever stop. Not that whoopee cushions are as bad as bright pink hair dye, but she's still blushing after the fact.

Tyson is exhausted after all that homework and girl's business, so he's dead to the world. Thorne doesn't really know what to think about being a child, all these voices and stuff are confusing, but Rosaline can speak to him now. He does like his bunk bed, even if the mattress is a little harder then he would like.

Thorne dreams of a world where he can soar like a star, just flying without ever falling. A small smile plays on his lips as his dream-self realizes that the voices can't follow him into his dreams.

Nathalie tries martial arts and finds it's a really soothing sport. "Take that you stupid piece of wood!" She screams with happiness shining in her eyes.

After yet another explosion, Tyson quickly rushes to clean himself up before he has to go to school. He might be late, but chemistry is so much more fun then a stupid telescope!

The first day of school was stressful for Thorne, unable to keep the voices from lurking in his mind without Rosaline as a distraction. He tries to forget about their evil words with a stroke of his paintbrush, trying to paint a dream world filled with bright colours and fluffy clouds. Rosaline loves the painting so far, though she wonders if the brightly coloured round thing was a hut or a stack of hay.

Thorne stands nervously in front of his completed painting. He isn't sure whether he likes it or not, so he just puts it in his inventory for safe-keeping.

"Love paint thiiiiiiiiis much!" Rosaline stretches out her arms in support. Thorne isn't sure what to think of this, does she really like his painting or is she only saying it because it's his painting?

As if reading his thoughts, Rosaline smiles and rocks back and forth. "I like lots, you good artist Thorne. Not let others get you sad. You my friend, I tell truth always to friend."

Thorne is flattered, and hugs Rosaline with what he hopes is a smile. He's not really the smiling type, but he'll try for his rosy Rosaline.

Rosaline walks away with sadness in her bright blue eyes, and Thorne follows, distraught.
"What did I do wrong Rosa?" He yells out, nearly in tears. Rosaline shakes her head as she looks out the bay window.
"I is only half real. I want be real being. You my friend, but will you leave as grown boy? I no want be alone." Thorne gasps, suddenly feeling guilty for subconsiously making Rosaline a half-real thing. "Thorne, you no feel guilt, I chose grow with you. Just I want more." Rosaline frowns, starting to understand this emotion called sadness.
"Tyson's being experimenting with his potions, maybe one of them will make you real?" Thorne tells Rosaline, trying to reassure her despite his growing despair over her situation.
"Maybe." She whispers to herself, and they look out at the dark starry night together.

Nathalie doesn't know what to do with her little boy. He seems to be lost in a world of his own creation, but she just doesn't know how to fix something like this. "Maybe it's just a phase?" She asks herself halfheartedly.

During his few moments of relaxation, Ned wonders if he has the strength to leave Nathalie, knowing he's going to be an elder soon. He'll become weaker and weaker, and he'll need support. "But she cheated on me, created an illegitimate son and didn't tell me." He thinks sadly to himself as the bubbles fade into a slimy, sludge-like film.