The Dream Demon

Chapter 4 - The Hell That Is School.

I made a quick grab for my phone to check the time. 7am. Thank goodness I hadn't over slept. It was a Monday, so no Bible Study class tonight. I couldn't see my parents letting me go to the library after school, especially after what happened last night. I fired a quick text message out to my best friend, Jess. Hopefully she'd be able to cover for me.

Abi: Jess, could you ask your mum if she'd be able to call mine and ask if I can come over to yours after school? Get her to say we have to study for an important project please! xx

Jess: Ok, sure thing. I'll get her to call in about half an hour though, if that's ok? I didn't hear her come home until like 3am last night. She's probably hungover still! Ha! xx

Abi: Thanks Jess, You're the best! See you at school xx

Jess: xx

I just hope my parents fell for it. It was only a 'half' lie anyway. I did plan on doing some studying, just not at Jess' house. Right now Typhon was all I was interested in researching.

It was tempting to tell my parents about the dream, but I couldn't risk it. They would accuse me of being crazy, and most likely ship me off to some shrink. They'd love that! Besides, I'm still not sure of things myself. Maybe I am crazy.

Jumping in the shower, I washed quickly and brushed my teeth in record time. I got dressed in my uniform, making sure my skirt covered my knees. I didn't want my father to give me another backhander before I left the house.

I ran downstairs opening the front door, so that I could bring Polo inside. He was sat on the doorstep as if he was almost waiting for me. He sauntered inside and followed me to the kitchen, waiting for me to fill his bowl with food. As he happily ate away, purring to himself, I put some bread in the toaster for me. We both ate in peace with him coming over to me and demanding some cuddles when he'd finished.

My father walked into the kitchen with his newspaper folded under his arm. He took one look at me and raised his eyebrow. I could feel my stomach drop yet again. What exactly is wrong now?

"You managed to cover up your lip pretty well. It's not even swollen" he said without a hint of shame.

I gingerly touched my lips expecting to feel the same pain that I'd felt last night. They weren't throbbing, or even sore anymore. Lowering Polo to the floor, I walked to the hallway to have a look at my face in the mirror. My lips were perfect. There was no cut, no bruise or swelling. Only warmth. The same warmth that I felt flow from Typhon's fingertips when he touched my lips.

Lifting the sleeve of my jumper, I was expecting to see the bruises that Josh caused, littered up and down my arms. Nothing. Just the same warmth. My heart once again started thumping in my chest.

My mother walked down the stairs and stopped in front of me.

"Jess' mother just called and asked if you could go over to their house after school. Something about studying for a project?" she almost whispered, keeping her voice low. She probably didn't want my father to hear.

"Yes Mum, I don't have bible studies tonight. I just thought it'd be easier going over to theirs. It would give you and Dad a bit of a break" I smiled.

"Ok, just make sure you're home by 7pm. Your father is working late tonight, but he may end up finishing early. You and I both know he wont be happy if he returns home before you do."

"Thank you Mum, got to go. Don't want to be late" I said with a nod, grabbing my back back and breezing out of the front door.

I wanted to get ahead of Josh. I didn't need him terrorizing me on the way to school too. Thankfully it was only a 10 minute brisk walk. Knowing Josh he was only now just waking up.

I got to school in record time, keeping my eye out for Jess. I walked over to my locker, opening it and taking my supplies out for today's first lesson, Art.

"Well, if it isn't Scabby Abi.."

I didn't want to turn around. I already knew who that ugly ass voice belonged to. It was Melody. The school b***h, and also my number one bully along with Josh. The ironic thing is, Melody's father is our church's lead Priest, yet she was as evil as Satan's spawn itself.

"Good morning Melody, Have you had a good weekend?" I said turning around slowly.

She grabbed a fistful of my hair right at the roots, and shoved me hard, back in to my locker. She lowered her lips close down to my ear, spit flying over my face as she began to speak.

"I know your 18th birthday is two weeks away. So far I haven't received an invite. Am I not a good enough friend to you Abi?" She feigned with fake hurt.

"Melody, I'm not even doing anything to celebrate it. To be honest, I've barely thought about it" I tried reasoning.

She gripped harder on my hair, literally foaming at the mouth. "Listen you stupid b***h, Don't lie to me. Josh already told me you'd be having a big party. Did you think I wouldn't find out how I was the only one not invited?" she spat.

"You have it wrong Melody! You know how strict my parents are with that kind of thing!" I replied almost begging.

"Well then, I guess you have two weeks to convince them otherwise. For your own sake, I hope you manage it. This little conversation secures my invite I assume?"

"Yes Melody, If they allow me to have a party, you're invited" I winced, slowly nodding as she let go of my hair.

"Good! Then all that's left is for me to pick out an outfit. Toodles!" she said, walking off with a wave of her hand.

My head started to throb, feeling sore. I quickly turned back in to my locker, finding my hairbrush wedged in the middle of my books. I gave my hair a quick brush to smooth it back down. Thanks to Melody, I looked like I'd been in a fight with a bush and lost.

Jess came bounding over, rushing as usual, knowing that we have minutes before the bell rings.

"Hey baby girl, you look a bit flustered! Is everything alright? Did your Mum give you the go ahead to 'study' around my house later?" she giggled, holding up her fingers signaling quotation marks.

"Yeah Jess, I'm ok. Just had a bit of a run in with Melody. She's under the impression that I'm having a party for my 16th, thanks to my 'Brother of the year'. As if my parents would allow that!" I sighed.

"It's not for 2 weeks yet, Abs. Perhaps you should try and persuade them? If not we could hold it around my house? My Mum wouldn't mind. Knowing her she'd be well up for it!" she said excitedly.

The ringing of the bell signals the start of class, bringing me out of my thoughts. I'm screwed now. I already know I am. I didn't have much time to dwell on it as Jess practically yanked my arm out of it's socket, dragging me to our Art class.

I loved Art. Art and writing are two classes I excelled at. I could lose myself in my imagination and not think about the mess that is my life.