My Worst Nightmare

Claire sprinted through the dark forest, her heart pounding wildly against her chest. Thick branches whipped against her face as she pushed herself harder, desperate to escape. Behind her, a massive beast crashed through the trees, its terrifying roars echoing through the darkness. "Get away from me!" she screamed, her voice trembling with fear. The beast only ran faster. Claire glanced over her shoulder, then her foot caught on a tree root. She crashed to the ground. A sharp pain shot through her ankle. "Ahh!" She gritted her teeth and reached for the gun strapped to her waist. With shaking hands, she aimed and pulled the trigger. Bang! Bang! Bang! The bullets struck the beast, but it barely flinched. It let out an earth-shaking roar and continued charging toward her. Claire pulled the trigger again. Click. Click. Her eyes widened. She was out of bullets. "Oh, shit..." The beast leaped into the air. "No!" --- Claire shot upright in bed with a gasp. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as sweat trickled down her forehead. She looked around her room, making sure she was safe before letting out a shaky breath. "The nightmare... again." For seven years, it had haunted her every single night. "When will all this stop?" she whispered. Her eyes drifted to the wall clock. 9:00 a.m. "Oh, crap!" She jumped out of bed, rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, threw on her uniform, and hurried outside to catch a taxi. *** "As we all know," Mrs. Jane said, writing on the board, "history is..." Bang! The classroom door burst open. Claire stumbled inside, breathing heavily. "I'm sorry," she said between breaths. "I'm really sorry for being late." Every student turned to look at her. "Claire Josh," Mrs. Jane said sharply. "Yes, ma'am." "Do you have any idea what time it is?" Claire lowered her head. "Yes, ma'am." "And yet you still decided to stroll into my class?" "I... got caught in traffic." Mrs. Jane raised an eyebrow. "Traffic?" "Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. It won't happen again." "It had better not." "Yes, Mrs. Jane. Thank you." Claire hurried to her seat. The moment she sat down, a quiet chuckle came from behind her. She looked back. Agatha and her friends quickly looked away, trying—and failing—to hide their laughter. Claire simply rolled her eyes. A folded note landed on her desk. She glanced up to see Jessica, her best friend, grinning from the seat in front of her. Claire unfolded it. Really? What happened? Why were you late? I scribbled a quick reply. I overslept. She passed the note back. Seconds later, another one landed on her desk. Claire sighed before opening it. Seriously? Is it because of the nightmare again...? Seriously? Is it because of the nightmare again...? Her smile disappeared. She folded the note without finishing it and slipped it into her bag. No. She didn't want to think about it. She forced herself to focus on Mrs. Jane's lesson while Jessica continued passing notes she refused to read. Twenty minutes later, the bell rang. History class was finally over. Jessica spun around in her chair. "Why were you ignoring my notes?" "Mrs. Jane was teaching." Jessica crossed her arms. "Fine. Then tell me now. What really happened?" "I already told you. I overslept." Jessica gave her a look that clearly said, 'Don't lie to me.' Claire sighed. "I'm starving. Let's just go get lunch." Jessica's expression softened. "Claire..." Claire paused. "Is it the nightmare again?" Her hands froze. Jessica reached over and gently squeezed her arm. "You know you can tell me anything, right?" Claire forced a smile. "I know, Jessie. But I'm okay." "Are you sure?" Claire laughed. "Yes, Mom." Jessica rolled her eyes. "Come on. Let's go before I die of hunger." She stood up... ...but didn't move. Claire frowned. "What?" Jessica stared at Claire's chair. "Am stuck." Claire looked down. Someone had glued her chair to her skirt. Jessica's eyes widened. "Who the hell did this?" The entire classroom turned to stare. A voice echoed from the doorway. "I did." Claire looked up. Agatha stood there with her group, smirking. Of course it's you. "I was wondering when you'd finally notice." Jessica stormed toward her. "What is wrong with you?" Agatha shrugged. "What? It was just a prank." "A prank? You embarrassed my best friend!" "So?" Agatha smirked. "What are you going to do about it?" She shoved Jessica. Jessica clenched her fists and stepped forward, but Claire quickly grabbed her wrist. "Jessie. Don't." Jessica stared at her. "Seriously? You're just going to let her get away with this?" Claire met Agatha's eyes. "She's not worth it." Agatha's smile disappeared. "What did you just say?" "You heard her," Jessica snapped. Claire gently pulled Jessica toward the door. Before they could leave, Agatha blocked their path. "I asked you a question." She raised her hand to slap Claire. Claire caught her wrist before it landed. The classroom fell silent. Claire tightened her grip. "Listen carefully," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I can ignore your insults. I can ignore your stupid pranks. But don't ever try to lay your hands on me again." She shoved Agatha's hand away. Agatha stumbled back in shock. Without another word, Claire walked out of the classroom, dragging the chair behind her as every student watched in stunned silence.