Umbra: Feed on my Fear

Momentary Relapse

The whole day is emotionally draining. I clock my way out of the office and say goodbye to Reese and Ben.

Like any other afternoon pattern, I head straight to the café where I buy my cappuccino.

This is not a bad day altogether. In fact, my boss 'praised' me for not being almost late. I  arrived thirty minutes early and there were no major problem in the systems whatsoever.

But for some reason, it troubles me. It's like I am mad for some reason but I can't explain why. There is this feeling where I think that the whole world is conspiring against me.

Cooling down my face, I pat my cold hands onto the apples of my cheeks and slide my fingers on the lids of my eyes.

Am I having PMS?

Maybe. But it's so not me to suffer from this. I have never felt this level of grumpiness before. This is the first.

I feel bad for Austin. What I said was not right. When I see him this time, I will apologize.

But he's been torturing you all your life and not to mention, he killed Gaby.

I push the thought away when a familiar voice calls me.

"Heidi?"

I turn to the familiar hazel eyes that once rendered me speechless. The guy wears a designer suit and a sly smile. His black hair is shorter now and it looks like his complexion is slightly orange that I would have guessed he got from an excessive use of tanning spray.

I am not really surprised to see him here because I know that we will end up bumping into each other in this small town.

"Tim. Why are you here?" I scan the whole area if he's with his associate, Mark Wehler whom I do not want to see. Thankful that he's not here, I claim my cappuccino.

"Investments. You know, the usual. How about you? Anything good?"

"Uh...yeah, it's perfect. So far." I mentally roll my eyes as I pray to God that I can get out of here soon.

"I'm sorry. I was a jerk back then. But let me make it up to you. Come sit with me."

"I have somewhere to be."

"You can watch Netflix later. Come."

"Sure. If it stops you from being an asshole," I mutter the last sentence. I follow him towards the wooden chair that shapes like a tree log. Placing my cup at the mahogany brown table, I look outside through the window and back to him.

"So, how are you doing, really? The city suits you better than here," he says. It sounds condescending but I brush it off.

"Actually, I disagree. I am happy where I am. My life is here now."

He is the guy that left you. Who belittled you. You hate him for a reason.

"Well, that'll change. You never know how downsizing works especially in a small town like this."

"You're still the same controlling person. I feel sorry for whoever lands you."

I am extra bitchy today and I am aware of it. But, I can't say that I love this side of me.

But he deserves it.

"I am engaged. And no, she is delighted to have me." He may notice the shock on my face because of the wide smile plastering on his face. In the most arrogant tone that he can muster, he says, "Oh, you haven't heard. Her name is Zoey Rothschild. She came from an elite family that owns half of the city and she's a Harvard graduate. She's perfect for me."

"Unlucky girl."

"Hm. Charming. I have somewhere to be. It's not so nice seeing you again."

"Likewise."

He toss a hundred dollar bill on the table but I stop him.

"I can pay for my coffee. You keep your nickels." Well, the word nickels is an understatement.

"Well, then, miss Independent."

He tucks his money on his pocket and casually walks away. Confident, as always.

It didn't last long though.

The next thing I know, his face comes in contact with the ground.

It looks like someone pushed him. Tim lands on a table that cause it to break. Because of the impact, his tight slacks rip from the back.

Other diners show shock on their faces and others are taking their time to take a picture.

I stand up, my eyes wide. But deep down I am rather glad of what I'm seeing.

At the far end of the room, I can see Austin's satisfied expression. He glances at me and his expression changes into a straight face.

Before I can take my step forward, he steps out of the café.

With Tim struggling to stand up, one of the staffs tugs his hand to bring him back up. I should go. This is getting awkward and tiring at the same time. I do not want to deal with it at this moment.

My eyes capture my reflection at a nearby glass and my heart stops. There standing is me but only its eyes are pure black and lifeless.

I muffle my scream with my hands.

This is not good.

I rub my eyes vigorously. This is fatigue mixed with PMS.

It might be.

It should be.

Then I must go home and rest. I force myself into believing that this is just a simple side effect of the Xanax that I took two hours ago.

I gather my things and almost bump the nearby table. Passing by an embarrassed Tim, I speed my way out of the scene.

Darkness greets me as soon as I step inside my home. I roam my hands to find the switch and immediately turns it on.

I drop my bag and coat on the headrest of the sofa and head straight to the bathroom.

Warm water splashes over my face as I catch my breath. An uneasy feeling washes over me as I feel like someone is watching me... from behind.

With shaky fingers, I turn the water off.

"My light is stronger than the darkness."

Whoever or whatever is behind me seems to be advancing towards me.

"My light is stronger than the darkness."

Closer...and closer.

"My light is stronger than the darkness."

"You're afraid," an eerie low voice, almost demonic replies. It resonates through the whole space that makes my heart beats faster than ever before. Beads of sweat mixes with the water droplets on my skin.

I can hear my heavy breathing as I slowly peek onto the mirror.

My eyes widen and I freeze.

Suspended at the ceiling is a ghostly pale girl with long horns. Her eyes are the shade of vermillion.

Backing up until I bump onto the corner, I mutter a silent prayer.

"You are afraid and your heart is full of rage. You are an easy target." The voice comes from all over the room. It did not come from the child itself, rather it consists of multiple voices coming together in a nauseating sound.

"No! Get out of my head!" I cover my ears, tuning out the voices roaming. "I am strong! I am!"

I let out an ear-piercing scream when the creature darts towards me. It crashes into me like a tidal wave that knocks me to the hard gray tiles.

I may be strong. But maybe...not this strong.