by Raathi Chota
“I was frustrated because I couldn’t dance,” he groaned. “But you kept telling me not to give up.”
“We were not that bad.”
“True, but over the years I’ve learned a thing or two,” he said, then twirled me around to “Single” by The Neighbourhood. I laughed as we came face to face, our hands still intertwined as the music echoed through the room.
“Care to show me what else you’ve learned?” I teased. Benny’s smile twitched up into a smirk as his hands went to my hips and he pulled me closer. I took my hands and placed them around his neck as we swayed to the beat of the music.
“I never gave up,” he whispered in my ear. I lowered my head to see his hands firmly placed on my waist as his head rested on my shoulder. I closed my eyes as the alternative music played.
The song ended, but we didn’t stop as Benny’s arm went around me and up my back, caressing it. I opened my eyes and saw my mother over Benny’s shoulder. She had an amused look as she leaned on the doorframe with her arms folded. Her mouth opened, but it cut off as we heard a loud honk from outside. A coldness swept through me as Benny and I pulled away from each other. I raised my brow as I strolled to the front door and opened it. I stepped outside with Benny right beside me. We stood on the porch as I overlooked the garden. Miranda, Ethan, and Aidan’s cars stood in the driveway as everyone piled out. I was puzzled. They were busy taking bags out of their cars.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked as Marcus took out sleeping bags from Miranda’s trunk. Liam and Aidan rushed out of the car and stood in front of me with big toothy grins.
“Sleepover!”
My eyes widened as realization hit me. It was part of Aidan and Liam’s idea. I watched as they set out their overnight bags on the porch. Benny went to his car and took out his bag and smirked at me.
“There must be a huge mistake,” I said as they formed a circle around me. “You can’t sleep here! Do you know how my dad will fre—”
“Lana, sweetie, he isn’t here,” my mother piped up. I snapped my head to her as she held another plate of cookies. Liam and Aidan stood next to her as they devoured them.
“Mom, you knew?” I gasped.
“She was part of it!” Liam cheered.
“It will get your mind off things. Plus they’ll witness what you face at night,” my mother stated as she handed Aidan the plate. I watched as she walked up to me with a genuine look.
“Yeah, we wanna know about these nightmares…” Ethan trailed off.
“So you’re gonna help me by sleeping here?” I asked with a blank look.
“We’ll take it in turns,” Carter stated. “When we go to sleep, two will be up to watch for forty-five minutes. Then when that’s up, another two will be up.”
“And this will benefit us how?”
“Maybe if you have different people around you, it might make you sleep better,” Melissa said as her eyes shifted toward Blake. I rolled my eyes as I looked at my friends. Each of them had an overnight bag.
“Besides, it’s rare that the sheriff isn’t in town. We should use it to our advantage,” Nick said with a smirk plastered on his face.
“No parties!” Mom blurted out as she took the empty plate from Aidan. “I have guests coming on Sunday, and it took me a very long time to get this house into shape.”
“Don’t worry, it’ll just be us.” Liam grinned.
“And I’m leaving Miranda in charge!” Mom added as she walked back into the house.
“Oh, shit, there goes our fun,” Aidan commented, which resulted in Miranda flicking him. My mother came back outside with her doctor’s coat and bag. I watched as she approached me and left a gentle kiss on my forehead.
“Behave,” she warned everyone but managed to smile. “And I hope everything goes well.”
***
Blake
It was weird to spend my Friday night at Lana’s house, especially since her mother invited eight teenage boys. Although I was curious about her nightmares. We loaded in the living room and watched movies for the first few hours. After the films, the girls decided to get changed into their sleepwear. Us guys decided to get changed down here. Once they were upstairs, I spun around to look at Ethan.
“I call dibs on the sofa,” I announced as I watched him eye it with interest.
“Dude, you never bring a sleeping bag.” Nick groaned.
“Yeah, because I don’t want the only thing separating me from the ground be a piece of material,” I scoffed as I took off my shirt and slipped on a hoodie.
“Do you even have a sleeping bag?” Marcus asked.
“Nope,” I said as I collapsed onto the big sofa.
“These are my favorite winter pajamas!” When I glanced up, I saw Liam in a pair of baby blue pajamas with small trains on it, while my cousin wore his stupid nightgown.
“You look stupid.” Aidan eyed Liam.
“Look who’s talking.” Liam scoffed as he motioned to Aidan’s nightgown. The rest of us wore hoodies, shirts, sweatpants, or pajama pants. Not like the two idiots who thought it was a real sleepover.
“I look ridiculous.” We turned our heads to see the girls. Melissa wore white sweatpants and a black tee while Miranda wore black sweatpants and a white tee. I bit my lip as I looked at Lana. She wore similar pajamas as Liam, but hers were purple with teddy bears. Liam ran toward her. He embraced her and literally picked her up.
“Twins!” he cheered as Lana tried to pull away. “I knew you’d back me up, Lana.”
“You guys look fucking adorable,” I said, and Lana glared.
“Isn’t she cute?” Miranda cooed. “I got her those for Christmas last year.”
Lana managed to pull away from Liam’s tight grasp and walked toward me. To be honest, she looked cuddly; the pajama top was big, which made the sleeves overlap. I watched as she sat next to me with a smile displayed on her face.
“Mom said you guys can sleep in the guest room, but you have to keep it clean,” Lana said to Melissa and Miranda. They nodded then sat down next to their boyfriends. After that, everyone seemed to get into his or her own conversations. Yet I felt Benny stare in my direction. I looked at Lana, who made eye contact with him. I raised a brow as I watched the two communicate with their eyes. It was creepy the way everyone talked, and they’d look at each other. I remembered that Benny was here before all of us. Please don’t tell me we interrupted their little study session—yet if we did, I was glad. I turned to Lana and knocked my knee against hers. She blinked then looked at me.
“Do you know the time?” I asked and mentally slapped myself.
“Err…it’s almost midnight,” Lana answered as she pointed at the clock displayed across the room.
“You should probably get some sleep,” I said, then rested my palm on her thigh and caressed it. “I have a feeling you’ll get a nice rest.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” she whispered, then stood up. “Err…I’m gonna call it a night, guys. You can chill or whatever.”
“Goodnight.” She strolled to the stairs. The TV played in the background as I watched her walk upstairs. Once she was out of sight, I saw Melissa’s grin. I sent a questioning look to which she shook her head.
“Who’s taking the first forty-five minutes?” Miranda asked. It was quiet as everyone looked at each other. Nick let out a sigh as he raised his hand. I shrugged and raised my hand too. Melissa smiled. Weirdo. “Okay, cool, then Melissa and I will go to the guest room while you two stay up,” Miranda said as she grabbed a blanket that Mrs. Willson left for us.
“Wait—then who will take the second shift?” Aidan asked as the guys started to set out their sleeping bags.
“Marcus and me,” Liam volunteered as he raised his hand and held up Marcus’s with the other. I decided to get up and fulfill my duties, as I didn’t want to be in the same room as Marcus and Liam, who quarreled. Nick said he’d be around the house and would call me once we’re done. I was kind of surprised when Benny didn’t volunteer
to go first. I knew he liked Lana, heck everyone knew that, but I couldn’t wrap my head around as to why. He bullied her, and now suddenly, he’s her knight in shining armor. I mean, what did he do that made her forgive him for all the brutal years he put her through? I shook the thought away as I reached Lana’s room. I entered it and took in the familiar surroundings. Her room was still in top shape as everything was neatly placed on her desk, books in the shelves, and posters in line as they stuck to the wall.
“You my first babysitter?” Her voice sounded soft as we made eye contact. Lana was in bed as she fluffed her heart-shaped pillow. My lips turned into a grin as I shut the door and strolled toward her. The bags under her eyes showed as she stared at me. I gave her a blank look as I raised a brow.
“Sleep,” I demanded as I shoved my hands in my pockets. Lana seemed taken aback by my tone but eventually turned to her side and brought the blankets up to her chin. I watched as she slowly closed her eyes as silence filled the room. I got curious as to what kind of nightmares she had. Benny told us that they’re kind of sad since her parents were worried. They even insisted on a psychologist, but Lana refused.
“I can’t sleep.” Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked down to see her gaze on me. I let out a huff as I pulled the blankets open and climbed in. Lana moved a bit and gave me space as I laid next to her. I took my phone out and glanced at the time. Thirty-five minutes to go. I didn’t know why I got in, but it’s way better than standing next to her bed and watching her like a creep. “Can you put music on?” she asked. I playfully rolled my eyes as I went to my music and scrolled through the artists.
“Aerosmith?”
“Nah.”
“Calvin Harris?”
“No.”
“The Killers?” I asked with a grin.
“Nope,” she murmured, to which I scoffed. I felt her head on my chest as I scrolled further. I was taken back by her actions but gladly wrapped my arm around her as I went through the music.
“Coldplay?” I asked. Thankfully, she nodded, and I hit shuffle. “Spies” came on, and I raised a brow at the first song. I turned the volume up as I set my phone on the table. I felt Lana’s breath on my chest as we listened to the beat. I ran my hand through her hair as Coldplay echoed through the room.
After a few Coldplay songs, I decided to turn the music off. I picked up my phone and realized there were ten minutes left. I heard Lana’s light snores on top of me as she slept. I tried my best to slip out of her hold, trying not to wake her. Once I was out of her bed, I pulled the blankets over her. She looked so peaceful. Her brunette locks fell to her face as she breathed in and out. I looked around her room, since I had plenty of time. I walked to her desk and sat on the chair as I gazed around. From the corner of my eye, I saw a plain box peek out of a drawer. I squinted my eyes as I reached out for the carton of cigarettes. Yet they weren’t any box of cigarettes…those were mine. However, it was an old pack that could be from two months ago. I slowly opened the pack and noticed a few were missing. It confused me.
“Mm.” I snapped my head up to see Lana stir in her sleep. I put the cigarettes back in the drawer and got up to stand next to her bed as I observed her. She moved and mumbled out, “no, stop” and “please,” yet I watched. The sweat ran down her forehead as she grabbed imaginary things. I realized she tried to get her pillow. My hand suddenly jerked forward as she gripped onto it.
“Please, no,” she cried as her grip on my hand tightened. I crouched down on my knees so I was eye level.
“Lana.”
“No!”
“Lana!” I yelled as she gasped and sat up. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched her. Our hands were still entwined as she breathed rapidly. She had a horrified look as we made eye contact. “A-are you okay?” I blurted out as I stood up. She looked away, then let go of my hand. I watched as she tied her hair up and lay on the pillow.
“No.”
Not knowing how to answer that, I crouched down and hovered over her, our faces inches apart as she watched me. I placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, then her forehead. I replaced my lips with my own forehead as I pressed mine against hers.
“Please…don’t ever let me witness that again,” I whispered as I shut my eyes.
“Then just go, Blake,” she whispered. I pulled away from her as I stood up tall and gazed at her. Her eyes were bloodshot as the dry sweat made her glow. The moonlight shone through the window, which suddenly made her stand out.
“Get some sleep,” I said, then stormed out of the room because I didn’t want to be there anymore. I got downstairs to see Nick on his phone while everyone slept. It was almost one in the morning, and I felt the tiredness kick in.
“Is everything okay? I heard voices,” Nick whispered. I gave a curt nod as I walked to the sofa and saw Miranda and Marcus. I raised an eyebrow because she was supposed to be upstairs in the guest room with Melissa. I woke Marcus up and told him that it was his turn, as well as Liam. Miranda woke up, and I asked her why they’re not sleeping in the guest room, yet I had the sudden urge to roll my eyes at her response.
“There’s a spider in there.”
I collapsed on the sofa and placed the blanket on me as I watched Liam go upstairs to check on Lana. Marcus followed, and I relaxed because everything would be okay.
As time went by, my eyelids got heavier as I watched Marcus come back down and cuddle next to Miranda. That was the last thing that came into view before my eyes shut.
***
“No—please!”
My eyes shot open as I jolted up. I glanced around the room to see everyone asleep, yet something didn’t feel right.
“I’m sorry!” The familiar voice echoed through the house as my eyes widened.
“What’s going on?” Benny murmured from his position on the floor. Everyone got up as we heard a commotion from upstairs.
“What the hell is going on?” Aidan asked as he rubbed his eyes. A loud bang erupted through the house as I jumped up and searched the room.
“Who’s supposed to be on watch?” Carter asked as he turned on the lights. I glanced at the clock and paled since it was three in the morning.
“Where’s Liam?” Miranda asked as she looked around the room.
“Stop!” someone yelled, and we froze for a second.
“Lana!” Miranda shouted as she bolted upstairs. We followed behind her as Lana’s screams drove my anxiety through the roof. It wasn’t a scream from a nightmare; it was a cry for help.
“It was an accident!”
We ran down the hallway to see Lana’s door closed. Benny grasped the handle as he rattled it to open. He suddenly stopped and turned to us with a frightened look on his face.
“It’s locked.”
“What?” I yelled as I began to bang on the door. Aidan tried to pick the lock. Everyone else stood there hopeless of the situation as Benny and I banged on the door.
“Lana, it’s just a dream,” Aidan shouted out as he pressed his ear against the door.
“Where’s the spare key?” Benny asked Miranda.
“We-we’ll go look for one,” Miranda said as she, Marcus, Melissa, and Carter ran down the hall.
“N-no please!” Lana cried as I heard shuffles on the other side of the door.
“I just wanna break the fucking door down!” I yelled as I fell to my knees. While everyone twisted the doorknob, banged on the door, and assured Lana that it was a dream, I looked through the hole below the doorknob. I didn’t know what made me more nervous—Lana’s screams for help or the figure I saw in her room.
Chapter Thirty
Blake
It was like a shadow, yet it seemed so real. I couldn’t tell from the small hole. The way the figure moved around the room made me jolt up intently. Everyone ran around the house, either in search of a key or something to knock the door down.
“W-wait, where’s Liam?” Nick asked, and we froze. I glanced around, and there was no sign of the tall brunette. Benny
let out a huff as he banged on the door.
“Liam, if it’s you in there, open the fucking door. It’s not funny!” he shouted as he rattled the doorknob.
“Huh?” a familiar voice asked as we turned our heads. There he was, Liam Sanchez, in his “choo choo” pajamas with a bag of chips in one hand and a fruit cup in the other. Nick walked to him and flicked him on the head, which made all his food fall.
“Lana is locked in her room, and here you are demolishing her kitchen!” Nick yelled.
“My shift ended two hours ago,” Liam said with an innocent look. “I was hungry.”
Nick threw his hands up in exasperation as Liam held a look of confusion. Behind him, Miranda ran toward us with a keychain in her hand.
“I got these from her dad’s study.”
“Okay, which one is it?” Benny rushed out as we made way for her.
“I-I don’t kn-know,” she stuttered as she began to try various keys.
“Don’t worry, Lana. We’re coming!” Aidan yelled beside me with a frying pan in his hand.
“Do you guys hear that?” Melissa asked as we halted.
“Hear what?” Ethan asked.
“Exactly,” she whispered as the only sound to be heard were the attempts of multiple keys. It was quiet as Benny leaned his head against the door. Not a sound to be heard, which made me anxious.
“Fucking hurry up!” I scolded Miranda. After a few more keys, one finally went through. She turned the key and pushed the door open. We stood there ready to take on the figure in her room as Carter held up his shoe, Aidan held a frying pan, and Liam held his bag of chips in one hand and a chip as a weapon in the other. The first thing that we saw was Lana with her back toward us. I saw movement by her window. Aidan, Carter, and I bolted toward it as we saw a guy climb down. A frightened look crossed my face as I nudged Carter. He gave me a short nod as he, Aidan, and Ethan dashed out of the room to capture the guy. I looked over my shoulder to see Miranda’s arms wrapped around Lana. I noticed something dangling between Lana’s fingers as she froze. Melissa took the pair of shoes and raised a brow. They couldn’t be Lana’s because they were a pair of black high tops. They looked dirty as well as big for her small feet. I looked at everyone else and noticed a panicked look on Benny’s, Liam’s, and Nick’s faces. Their attention was on the shoes as mine was on Lana and the way she hugged her best friend like there was no tomorrow. Her hair in all directions was sweat soaked, and tears streamed down her face. She finally released from Miranda’s hug, and her eyes immediately locked with Benny. Like earlier, they stared at each other and communicated. I raised a brow at their strange actions as I stepped forward and gently placed my hand on Lana’s shoulder. I caught her by surprise, because she jumped, then turned to me.
