Chapter 3: Rising Action
I found myself in a dimly lit office, the rich smell of leather and earthy tones enveloping me almost instantly. A strange sense of mystery washed over me, accompanied by a warmth I hadn't expected.
Derek, the college football team captain, had pulled me aside earlier, asking me to meet him after my computer science class. Beneath the shadows of the hypnotist's office, I saw an amalgamation of deep brown furniture and subtle lighting that was both eerie and inviting - the perfect backdrop to unravel hidden thoughts.
Derek, with a smirk-like smile, informed me, "You've been selected to meet our campus hypnotist, Nicky."
A door creaked open, revealing a distinguished figure whose calm presence was almost intimidating. We exchanged cordial greetings.
After a few icebreakers, he asked me to recline on an elaborate leather chair. My heart raced as I wondered what would happen.
The hypnotist spoke softly, "Derek here thinks you'd make a great addition to our squad as a personal cheerleader. But you already are, you’ve always been a bubbly submissive cheerleader who loves to please the jocks.
In this state, you remember only that," the hypnotist stated, his eyes gleaming in anticipation. Suddenly, my recollections shifted, and the memories I had of being a nerdy, introverted kid with glasses faded away, leaving me grasping for straws.
There was a pause, and Derek leaned in with a smirk, "That was always my favorite part, Nick." The way he pronounced my name sent an odd shiver down my spine.
I wondered how Nicky had evolved into the nickname Nick, as I struggled to recall my actual past. Derek gave a gentle pat on my shoulder, which should have felt like a weird attempt at comfort if I weren't awash with this odd calmness that consumed me-a state that felt strangely intoxicating.
A pleasant haze filled the hypnotist's office, a sensation akin to a light breeze gently caressing my skin. In this state, a revelation occurred - I was no longer the nerdy introvert I once thought I was.