Finally, the dismissal bell rang. When I reached the main hallway, it was filled with students trying to get to their lockers. This felt as if it had been the longest week at school in history and it showed on everyone’s face. Even the teachers looked grateful about the end of the day.
I got to my locker and shoved all my books in. It was a perfect guarantee for me not to tempt myself to study all weekend like I would normally do. I shut my locker hard and said goodbye to my friends, wishing then a good time during the weekend. Swerving through the sea of students, I steadily made my way out of the building.
Outside the school, all the buses were lined up and students happily loaded. The same rush was going on outside as it was on the inside. I really didn’t want to ride home with all those noisy kids today and I wasn’t in the mood to spend the rest of the afternoon picking spit wads out of my hair. Not to mention, overcrowding was a big problem and the bus drivers never seemed to care what went on during the ride home. The only thing that ever caught their attention was if a fight broke out. They would have to stop the bus and break it up and usually they called the student’s parents to come and get them, leaving the entire bus of students to wait for them on the side of the road.
My house was only a mile from school, so I decided to walk. It was a nice day. The sun was warm and bright. A light breeze was blowing. I was glad I had chosen to walk. The scenery seemed to be as relaxing as any warm bath could be.
I walked down the sidewalk away from the school. The busy hustle of kids, hurrying to get home slowly dissipated as I got farther away. I was glad to have a little peace and quiet after a day full of hearing so much noise. The road by the park was as busy as the outside of the school had been. People were beginning their weekend chores. Some were in flower gardens and some were mowing lawns. The smell of the fresh cut grass, the warmth of the sun and the breeze was very welcoming after such a hard week.
I had almost reached the park gate when I heard a voice whisper to me. It was no more than a hint of sound in my ear. I couldn’t quite make out the words, but the voice was familiar in a way that frightened me. I stopped by the gate trying hard to concentrate on the soft voice. Several seconds passed without me hearing it again. I brushed it off and started walking again. I had made it a few steps farther when the voice said, “Danger is near.”
Immediately, I stopped and turned to see if there might be someone behind me, but I was alone. Chills ran over my body and I was suddenly more aware of everything. I tried to shake the voice from my head and continued on my way home again.
The beautiful voice was easy to remember. It belonged to the woman in white from my dream. It was silly to be hearing her in my head. I must be completely exhausted from all the studying and the dream was still fresh in my mind. That was the only reasonable explanation I could come up with at the time. It seemed like a good enough reason for me.
My house was another couple of minutes from the park, just down the road and cut across the street and I would be there. I slowed my pace to try to relax the startled feeling I had, but it was no use. I was approaching a part of the park I was never very comfortable with to begin with.
The bushes grow very thick by the roadside. The trees are so tall that they block out the sun on the brightest days. It was always creepy, but today it had a different feeling. It feels so much darker and more dangerous than normal. An unseasonably cool wind blew making me shiver.
“Danger my child, RUN!” The voice thundered in my head. The sheer power of it compelled me to run without question. I could feel something behind me, almost chasing me but I didn’t slow down to look. I ran harder and faster with each breath I drew in. I hadn’t even looked to see if there had been any cars coming before I ran across the street. I was too scared to look at anything other than the front door of my house.
Once more, I felt the urge to stop and look at whatever it was that was chasing me and as soon as my pace began to slow I heard her voice again.
“Don’t stop Princess. He will kill you if you do.”
I ran faster than I had in my entire life until I reached my front door. If I hadn’t slowed down, I would have plowed right through it. I quickly pulled my keys from my pocket and shoved it in the lock with more force than necessary. The lock turned and I jumped in the house slamming the door behind me. I locked the deadbolt just to be sure.
Standing there trying to catch my breath, I pulled the shades back on the window half expecting to see something hideous standing by the door, but thankfully there was nothing there. Everything looked as it would on any other day. I sighed in relief and went into the kitchen to get a drink.
The coldness of the water extinguished the fire that was burning in my throat. Dull pain flooded my leg muscles. Sweat dripped from my forehead onto the front of my green silk blouse. Frustration set in. Stomping up the stairs, I unbuttoned my blouse. As I entered my room I noticed the -shirt was still lying on my bed from this morning.
I searched my dresser for my favorite pair of denim shorts. After a few minutes, I found them and changed out of my jeans. The denim was old and faded. A small hole had started to form just under the front pocket, but they were great for outside work.
I returned to the bathroom to straighten my ponytail. Looking in the mirror, I noticed there was something on the sleeve of my shirt. It looked almost like a handprint. Long, black lines, shaped almost like fingers wound around the hem on my sleeve. If I didn’t know any better, I would say someone with extremely dirty hands had grabbed my shirt.
A cold empty feeling made my stomach roll. Staring at the shirt, I questioned how the handprint could have gotten there in the first place. Nothing came to mind. It was fine when I put it on last night for bed. I don’t think I noticed anything on it this morning when I woke up either. I wasn’t paying too much attention to anything this morning because I had been in such a hurry.
Disgusted, I decided to throw it away. As took the shirt off and tossed the shirt in the wastebasket, I noticed my hand was glowing again. The closest place that I could think of to go was into the bathroom. Circles of blue electricity surrounded my hands as I turned on the water in the sink. The water froze on contact with my skin. Ice crystals grew covering the faucet and base. Everything down to the floor has been covered with frosty, blue shards. Quickly, I stepped back and looked at the amazing sight in front of me. How could this really be happening? This can’t be real. As I held my hands out in front of me to see if the ghostly flames had disappeared the medicine cabinet iced over leaving a frosty covering on the mirror.
Not knowing what else to do, I turned the faucet off and left the bathroom. The fear that was settling deep inside me had taken over. My emotions sent me reeling and I fell to the floor of my bedroom in a hopeless, crying fit.
I must have cried myself to sleep. The pressure of what is happening to me had overcome me in a terrible way.
My bedroom wasn’t as bright as it had been before all of this mess started. The sun was beginning to set. Oranges, pinks, and blues filled the darkening sky. A light breeze was blowing the leaves on the tree outside my window. After everything that has happened today, I really don’t feel like going outside anymore. Honestly, I don’t feel like doing anything. Just sitting here was hard enough. The thought of leaving my room wasn’t very appealing at all to me.
I was afraid to go outside again. What if someone was trying to chase me down? I would be safe in the house, right?
Still sulking, I washed my face and straightened my messy hair. I put it back up in a ponytail even though it was wet. My eyes were slightly swollen from all the crying I had done. Mirrors don’t lie. They will always tell you the truth whether you like it or not.
The water was back to normal. There wasn’t a single sign of ice left behind. That made me feel so much better. There were no blue lights coming from my body. Everything seemed to be back to normal. It was just a dream, I told myself for the millionth time. But it wasn’t a dream at all. It had happened.
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br /> My imagination did get a little out of hand sometimes. Mom says it’s the type of books I read. Maybe she’s right. This was only a side effect of lack of sleep and my obsession with supernatural fiction. Oh, who was I trying to fool? This is exactly like me, just keep on lying to yourself Bailey, I said aloud. It’s what I do best here lately. I thought it was a pretty good method of coping if you ask me.
I changed into my favorite pajamas and headed to the bookcase that was neatly filled with books from my favorite authors. My hands found the book I have been reading, “Night World.” As I walked toward the platform next to my window, flipping to the page that I had left off, I noticed the time. It was almost seven. The time had passed quickly during my failed attempt to shake off the events of the day. At least I will be able to lose myself in a great book.
My father had designed my bedroom room perfectly. Level with the bottom of my bay window is a heavily cushioned platform the size of a queen bed. Curved steps the length of the platform led down to the floor of my bedroom. It’s my favorite place. I can sit here and think without being asked a zillion questions. More conveniently, I can sunbathe there as well.
With the book in hand, I grabbed a few small throw pillows and bounded up the steps. I arranged my pillows so I could still be sitting up but lying back as well. Leaning back against the cushions, I looked out the full pane window. Still normal.
I read almost six chapters before I made myself put the book down. The story was amazing and it was hard to put it down, but my eyes were heavy and I was having a hard time keeping focus on the lines I was reading.
I felt like getting a little fresh air. Stale air seemed to linger in my lungs. Nothing smelled right. My nose didn’t seem to work accurately. It wasn’t a dirty smell, but it reminded me of burning wood and flowers. Not strong or overpowering. It was light, just barely noticeable with my window closed. One of the neighbors must be burning brush.
The scent of the wood rushed in my bedroom as I opened the window. It was relaxing. I laid back down on the mountain of pillows, looking out the window at the trees. I heard the leaves rustle as the soft breeze whispered through them. A few restless birds chirped nearby. Everything still seemed to be normal outside. Normal enough for night time.
As the cool evening breeze blew in the window, I pulled the blanket up over my shoulders and rested my head on the pillows. My eyes grew heavier after a few minutes. Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.
CHAPTER 2
I woke to the smell of fresh cut grass. The air felt moist. I had slept on the platform all night with the window open. I laid there looking out. I was so comfortable I didn’t want to get up.
I had a lot of chores to do around the house today and I was in no hurry to get started doing them. I reluctantly dragged myself off the platform. First things first, I had a date with my toothbrush. Staggering to the bathroom, I began my morning rituals.
After taking a quick shower and getting dressed, I brushed my teeth and put my hair up. I gathered the few towels from the bathroom and tossed them into the hamper. I left the hamper lid in the floor and headed to the utility room.
That was another detail my Dad had to do for my mother. He says it makes absolutely no sense for the utility room to be downstairs when the majority of the laundry goes upstairs. He didn’t want Mom to have to carry the heavy baskets up and down the stairs. It was a great idea. Mom really appreciated it and so did I. Dad really does spoil Mom. He will go to any length to make things easier for her. The only thing he can’t figure out is how to make her job easier.
I hope when I manage to actually get a boyfriend that is as considerate and loving as my father is. I don’t think I could want anything different. He is so good to my mother and even after all the years they have been together, I can still see the love in their eye’s for each other.
My mother is the owner and head attorney of Sims and Associates Law Firm. Besides my mom, there are two other attorneys and a small team of assistants at the firm. They have a tremendous caseload, so mom works a lot. When she finally makes it home, I hear her on the phone in her study downstairs. She also works on most weekends. She rarely complains about anything, except the laundry not being done of course. She is just as wonderful as my father. She’s extremely caring and isn’t afraid to love with her whole heart. I just hope I can be as happy as they are someday.
She had placed ads in several newspapers for new attorneys to join the firm. A large number of people have responded to the ads. She was optimistic and I hope mom will find someone that has the experience she is looking for. I feel bad for her. She tries to find time outside of working to be with my dad and me. That doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, we always have a great time and I’m grateful for every minute I get to spend with her.
I do most of the chores around the house to help her out. It’s not hard to keep our house in order. Both my parents work a lot and are hardly home long enough to make any kind of mess. I’m the only one here that makes a mess. I think sometimes I do it on purpose just to have something to do.
After loading the washer, I returned to my room. I had realized how much it needed cleaning. I headed to the bathroom cabinet to get cleaning supplies. Mom always keeps it stocked for me. I got the window cleaner and furniture polish out and made my way to the window.
As I sprayed the window, something caught my eye. There was a quick movement in the trees. I scanned the tree line for minute, but I didn’t see anything. It was probably just one of the neighbor’s dogs chasing birds again. But I can’t help wondering if something bad was out there. Just waiting for me in the shadows.
I finished cleaning the windows, occasionally looking around to see if anything was not the norm. The dreams that I have been having, honestly, have me scared to death. I find myself searching my surroundings for anything out of the ordinary.
Now that my room is clean, I decided to watch a little TV until my clothes got dry. I channel surfed for a few minutes until I found a rerun episode of Charmed. My mother and I had watched the show without fail until the series ended.
This episode made me miss her. It was her favorite one. It is too bad she had already left for work. She would be in here with me, lying on the bed with her eyes glued to the television.
The note she left on the TV in my room was brief as usual. Sorry I have to work today. Interviewing more applicants. Looks promising. Could take a while. Here is $50.00. Use it wisely. Love U sweetie.
I finished watching the show and checked my clothes. They were finally dry. I folded what needed to be folded and put them in the dresser and hang the rest in the closet. I sat on the edge of my bed contemplating how to spend the rest of my day. Staying inside was not an option. I was stir-crazy as it is. I needed fresh air and sunlight.
I had seen a t-shirt I wanted last week at a local clothing store just inside town. With that in mind, I took a shower and got dressed. For some reason I had a good feeling about today. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but I was certain something good is going to happen.
The sun was like gold in the sky. Everything seemed more vibrant than usual. The fog of tired eyes had been replaced with fresh new ones. I seemed to notice every detail of the outside world. It was as if I had been blind and had gotten my sight back. This must be another result of the power I had received. Along with my hearing being better than normal, my eyesight was like something out of a dream itself. No matter how much I wanted to deny that something had indeed happened to me, I couldn’t. The proof is clear.
The birds were singing happily in the trees. Two squirrels chased each other around the tree trunks. Before I had realized, I had reached the park. I had been paying so much attention to everything, except where I was going. Its a million wonders I didn’t walk out into the street and get ran over by a car. I’m completely out of it for some reason, but I liked it. The new found fascination was exciting.
Children were playing on the playground as their parents watched. Swings soared high as laughte
r filled the air. The park was full of people. Birdwatchers, parents and an occasional park security guard walked around in the playground area.
Spring blossoms lined the tall black gate that surrounds the park. Pink and red rose vines climbed the fence. The sight of it reminded me of something out of a fairytale. Unfortunately, this is no fairytale. Just a regular day with regular people leading normal lives.
People filled the sidewalks and shops. A steady stream of trucks with boats, Jet Skis and ATV’s passed me as I entered the town square. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the beautiful spring morning. I suddenly realized I had been in such a hurry to get out of the house that I had forgotten to eat breakfast. A loud rumble came from the pit of my stomach. I suppose the t-shirt would have to wait.
I was absolutely starving by the time I got to the diner. It wasn’t as crowded as the streets had been. The back corner booth was empty. It’s as good a place as any I thought to myself and made my way to sit there. It’s too bad none of my friends were home. Sitting here alone made me miss them.
The waitress took my order. Cheeseburger and curly fries for breakfast, my favorite. My food came sooner than I expected. I was glad of it too. I smothered my fries with ketchup and began eating.
Halfway through my meal, the diner door opened. A guy walked in slowly and scanned the room for a seat. He walked over to the only other empty booth. It was right next to mine. Quietly, he slid into the booth. I was surprised as to how still he became. The only movement he made was to get the menu and an occasional blink. He didn’t even twitch or adjust himself in the seat. I found that to be a little odd. Actually, it is more than a little odd.
My attention was drawn to him and I couldn’t break my gaze. I stared at him praying he wouldn’t notice. My face flushed as I recorded every detail of his face in my mind. Every feature was perfect. His eyes were a smoky blue color that drew my gaze to him against my will. His slightly tanned skin reminded me of a sandy beach. Not a single strand of his night black hair was out of place.
Eternity (Circle of Light) Page 2
