Soon

[Kira & Lee Norris]

Lee raised the gun, pointing it directly at Professor Hoodham. Finally, his dreams were coming true.

One hour earlier...

Angry and upset, Lee stormed off down the halls, determined to track down Kira, Brian or Jude- someone who would provide him with the excuse he was looking for. He couldn't believe how angry he was- so bloody angry he was shaking. And it was at himself. Lee wasn't upset that Madeleine now knew about Will and him... well, he was, but not like usual. Nah, he'd just gotten mad.
And gotten one hell of an adrenaline rush.
"Lee!"
A swirl of nut brown hair, and pair of wide, shining eyes and a high-pitched squeal of greeting. It was Ellie.
"Heeey!" she gushed, jumping straight in his path and throwing her arms around him.
He stopped dead, momentarily stunned, then heard Libba's angry hiss. Roughly, Lee wrenched himself out of Ellie's light grasp, stepping back. She stopped short, quite put out.
"Okay, sorry, then," she said, narrowing her eyes, and turning away.
"No!" Lee cried, struck by sudden inspiration as he reached and span her around. "No, Ellie, really, I'm sorry. It's just... agh. I've been awful lately."
She paused, her curiosity aroused. "How so?"
"It's because I've been so tired," Lee hung his head, the picture of shame. Immediately, Ellie's arms were around him again, this time in sympathy.
Put on a pair of puppy dog eyes, and you'll have her eating out of the palm of your hand.
"Awk, no, Lee, don't say that," she cooed, biting her lip. "Look... Brian told me about your dreams..."
Lee nodded slowly, not meeting her eyes. "I thought he might've. It's just... Ellie. I think they're getting worse."
Her eyes seemed to pop slightly. "W-worse?"
He nodded again, this time more fervently. "They're hell, Ellie. They're absolute hell. I need... I mean. I went to Nurse Gornray, but she couldn't do much to help. I think... I think I have to see Professor Hoodham."
"Of course!" she cried, jumping back immediately, playing the part of the overly-concerned, helpful friend he'd knew she'd slip into perfectly. "Of course- Lee, do you want me to come too?"
He smiled weakly at her. "Gee, Ellie... thanks. I'd really, really appreciate that."
She beamed. "What? Did you think I'd let you go on your own?"
He laughed. "I should have more faith."
Ellie smiled. "Yeah, you really should."

Ten minutes ago...

Feverishly, Lee came out of the boiling hot classroom and into the hall, coughing slightly. It was so hot in there, he'd thought he was melting away. Stupid teacher never opens the windows. Ellie looked particularly disgruntled as she too followed him out.
"I'm sweating like a pig," she complained loudly, causing a couple of classmates to jump in alarm. "Gee, I must reek. Do I smell bad, Lee?"
He glared at her. "No. You're fine."
She didn't seem to notice his obvious frustration at something. "Hmm. I hope so. Anyway, are you ready for Professor Hoodham?"
Oh, thank GOD.
Lee didn't think he could've taken this stupid waiting any longer.
They made their way up in good time, Ellie chanting the whole way. She was really rather repetitive.
"Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be nothing."
"Don't worry, Lee! I'll be right outside. I'll make sure no-one comes in."
"Lee, it'll be fine. He'll give you something, and you'll be on your way. Simple."
"Lee, don't look so gloomy! It'll all be over soon."
"I know," he replied blankly, every time. "I know. Yes. Thank you, Ellie. Dunno' what I'd do without you, Ellie."
She flushed with pleasure.
Finally making it to Professor Hoodham's office, Ellie bounded forward, and knocked confidently on the door.
"Come in."
Immediately, the door swung open, to reveal a fairly long, wide expanse. The room was incredibly well-kept- the books seemed to be colour-coded, and the desk was bare except for a large book which the Headmaster was writing in. Glancing upwards, a slight frown furrowed Hoodham's forehead, as he surveyed his two unlikely students.
"May I help you?"
Ellie shoved Lee forward. "Sorry to disturb you, Professor."
"Not at all," Professor Hoodham waved it away. "But... may I ask why?"
"Lee's been having nightmares," Ellie replied promptly. "Really bad ones. Fits and... the like..." She trailed off, looking at Lee hopefully for some input.
"It's fine, Ellie," Lee said stonily. "You can... you can go keep watch. Warn me if someone's coming, okay?"
"Okay," she beamed, and let herself out of the office, closing the door with a loud bang.
Professor Hoodham tilted his head, watching Lee with the most curious expression on his face.
"So, Mr Norris... would you care to tell me more about these nightmares?"
Lee looked up, meeting the man's eyes for the first time. "Yes, sir."
"Well..." Hoodham gestured politely towards the chair.
Lee shook his head. "It's okay."
Hoodham shrugged. "Alright, then. Now... shall we talk?"
"Call them a... realization, Professor," Lee cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "Call it... call it a wake-up. Call it someone... something happening to me."
Hoodham's eyes were confused as they looked at him. "Lee, please tell me what's wrong."
Smoothly, Lee slipped his hand in his pocket, and felt the gun form in his hand. Then, in one swift motion, he pointed it straight at Professor Hoodham.
"Nothing's wrong, Professor," he said clearly. "In fact, soon, nothing will ever be wrong again."