Dancing In The Dream

Stalker

I wake in my room, a sigh of relief leaves my lips, just another dream I sighed. I roll over to my side, but a pang of pain jolts me up. I reach to face and feel the scratches on my face. I gasped as I realised. It wasn’t a dream. Panic set in. He’s real, he’s very real with a taste for my blood. My white plastered walls felt like they were closing in on me, the room felt like it was getting darker. A bitter taste formed in my mouth. My heart was now racing.

I flung my body off my bed, barely keeping my balance. My purple mink blanket slid off gracefully behind me, caught on my foot. I reached for my bedside table to steady me as I let out raspy breaths.

I have to tell my mother, but how do I even begin to explain what happened? She’ll think I’m crazy!

I clutch at my chest, remembering the feeling of choking I felt when the cloaked man had me in some kind of invisible vice. The terror washed over me like a raging sea.

A knock at my door awoke me from my raging thoughts. “Honey? Are you okay in there?” My mother’s sweet voice carried through the cracks of my bedroom door, instantly calming my racing heartbeat.

“I’m fine,” I barely manage a whisper. I’m really not, I am so far from okay. Before I even had time to compose myself, my mother peaked her head through the door, her long blonde hair falling around her face, her face a shadow of sadness. She’s been crying again, of course she would have been, we only just laid my sister to rest. Wait, is it still the same day? Come to think of it, I can’t actually remember what happened, my mind is so foggy. The only thing I can remember is the cloaked man, and the rotten stench that followed him.

My chestnut hair fell in front of my eyes as I looked down, trying to avoid my mother’s gaze. My fingers moved back up to my cheek as I caressed the painful scratches, I winced slightly as I brought my hand back down.

“Mum?”

“Yes honey?”

“What happened today? How did I get home?” I twiddled my thumbs together, still not looking at her. Partly ashamed of myself for running away from the funeral and leaving my mother to deal with it on her own.

“You mean yesterday Alex?” she sighed as she sat down on my bed fiddling with the part of my blanket that was still left on my bed. I moved to sit next to her, trying to comprehend that I’d slept from yesterday until now. I looked at the clock next to my bed, seeing only now it was 2:00pm.

“I came looking for you after you left. I couldn’t just stay there knowing you were by yourself. That’s too much for anyone, even for you my stubborn girl.” She planted a kiss on my forehead as I stifled a giggle, not a real giggle. More of I don’t want to cry type.

She sighed as she continued. “I couldn’t find you, but than a gentleman approached me asking if I was looking for a girl. He told me, he found you amongst the trees and that it looked like you had taken a nasty fall.”

I pulled away from her slightly. That must be the other voice I heard before I closed my eyes. I wished I knew what he looked like. My mind wondered as I let his voice ring through my mind, his sweet voice. He stopped that thing from killing me. I smiled to myself, a kind of sad smile. I needed to find out who it was.

“What did he look like?”

She shook her head slowly, patting me on the shoulder as she left the room. How could a woman in so much pain be so graceful? I sat on my bed for a while longer, realising I was still in my black dress, covered in dirt and grass.

Walking down the hallway with fresh clothes, I dreaded what I would look like in the mirror. I probably looked like a sight for sore eyes. I paused before I reached the door, looking over at Lilly’s room, her door closed so no one had to deal with the heartache of seeing all that remained of her. A tear rolled down my cheek and I moved quickly to wipe it away. I closed the door behind me and slid down the wall, holding tight to my knees. Deep breaths I told myself as I reached for the sink.

“Wow.”

“I really am a sight for sore eyes.”

I slipped into the shower that barely worked, just a slight splatter, enough to clean yourself. What I wouldn’t give to have a high pressure one right now. I scrubbed frantically, trying to get rid of the dirt, but mostly the horrid feeling his hand left on my body, making me feel so unclean, that soap didn’t even help.

Finally after an hour of scrubbing every part of my body at least five times, I felt somewhat clean. The dry blood washed from my face, the scratches now consumed in pink and purple blotches that still stung too touch. My wet hair in waves caressed my wet body as I slowly dried myself. His evil smile still flashing in my mind every now and again, I let out a small whimper holding my hand to my chest. I never want to feel that suffocating feeling again.

The sound of the phone ringing in the living room, pulls me from the terrors in my head. I edge the door, curious to see who had called. My mother’s voice echoed through the house, although she has a calming voice, she also is quite loud when she talks.

“Yes, she’s okay, she’s just in the shower. I’ll tell her to charge her phone.” She pauses for a second as if she’s listening intently. “Ok Kayla honey, take care.”

I quickly run to my room, clothes in hand still wrapped in my towel. I almost slip over, leaving wet spots through the house, a footpath to my room. I practically jump from my door to my bed, tossing everything aside, searching for my phone. I hear my mum clear her throat behind me as she stands behind me, witnessing the destruction of my room unfold. I turn to see her hand outstretched with my I-phone.

“Thanks mum!” I quickly grab it from her and fiddle with the charger. I didn’t turn back around, but I could hear her footsteps receding. I paced the room impatiently almost methodically, waiting for it to turn on. How could I forget to check my phone? Kayla has probably sent me a hundred messages by now.

Kayla has been my best friend since I was about 12, she moved here from some god awful little town that she doesn’t like talking about. Her dad was in the army, so she used to move around a lot, making it hard to keep friends. Shortly after she moved here, her mother put her foot down, and told him they refused to move again, borderline almost causing a divorce.

She has always been very bubbly and extremely talkative, which I don’t mind, because I on the other hand don’t usually have much to say. Kayla was away on holiday when my sister went missing and only just came back yesterday morning. The last time I spoke to her, she was apologizing between sobs because she couldn’t be with me at the funeral. I cried a lot that day and so did she.

Lilly hung out with us a lot. We had an unusual bond for sisters, we did everything together, barely ever fought. I miss her so much already.

The familiar ding of my phone turning on stops me in my tracks, I pick it up waiting for all Kayla’s messages to ring through. Hmm better turn my phone on silent, this is going to take a while, I thought to myself as the messages started bombarding my phone.

(Yesterday)

(Kayla) Hey Alex, let me know how it goes okay?

(Kayla) Alex??

(Kayla) Are u ok? L

(Kayla) Talk to me, I’m getting really worried!

We’re on our way home now.

(Kayla) I’m home now. Call me!!

(Kayla) Alex!!

(Kayla) OMG! I JUST HEARD WHAT HAPPENED!!

(Kayla) Sorry I couldn’t be there babes. Message

me when you wake up!!

(Today)

(Kayla) Hey!! Your mum said ur awake now!

                                                                                                      (Alex) Hey, yeah I’m awake now! I was asleep

From like 12pm yesterday. Apparently I had

A nasty fall.

(Kayla) So I heard! Will you be at school tomorrow?

                                                                                                     (Alex) Yeah I should be.

(Kayla) k. ill let you get some more sleep. Message

Me in the morning.

                                                                                                     (Alex) Okay will do. Ttyl.

I sigh as I put down my phone, she must be just as exhausted as I am. I lay down on my bed, contemplating about if I actually want to go to school tomorrow. It will be the first day back after our holidays, the first day walking through those gates without my sister by my side. The first day of the last year in high school.

A wet droplet slid down my cheek. I didn’t even realise I was crying. It’s going to an emotional roller coaster tomorrow. I roll to my side, letting the droplet fall to my pillow. Bunching my blanket up, I snuggle into it, my eyes closed and my breath steady and calm. I just want to sleep again, but I’m deathly afraid that if I do, he’ll come in my dreams, that’ll make me relive Lilly’s death again. I start panicking at the thought he could reach me in my dreams. What if he could hurt me without physically being here, he’s already tearing every wall down emotionally, my heart breaking even more with every dream he invades and engulfs in darkness. I don’t think I could handle another nightmare right now. I mustn’t fall asleep.

I sit back up. Still cuddling my blanket. Maybe if I let some sun light in, it might make me feel a little less alone. I shuffle over to my curtains pulling them back, letting the light was over my room, somehow making it feel bigger than before, making me feel less constricted. I watch the maple tree outside, its vibrant green and yellow leaves blowing gently almost dancing in the soft breeze. Some falling gracefully to the grass below. Summer is okay, but the way the sun lights up the Autumn orange just doesn’t compare. There’s so much beauty around me. So much for me to take in, yet I feel too depleted to really notice.   

The wind begins to pick up, the leaves moving a little more aggressively. I slide my window open letting the breeze swirl around my room, my loose papers, protesting. The breeze felt nice on my skin, I close my eyes taking in the scent of nature outside.

My serenity is short lived as I creeping feeling forces me to open my eyes. Not the same feeling with the cloaked man. Just a feeling I was being watched. My eye’s scan outside, searching for who or what was out there. My eye’s focus on the maple tree and as I trail down I see someone standing beneath it, obviously trying to remain out of sight. A black hood cloaking their face. My heart raced a little. Their hands remained in their pocket as they slowly looked up at me. I still couldn’t make out their face. I fall backwards tripping over the mess on my floor I had made previously, grabbing my curtains on the way down ripping them from the bars that held them up. I land on the floor creating a loud thud enough to peek the curiosity of my mother.

“Alex! Alex, are you okay?” she yelled as I heard her heavy footsteps reach my room.

I start scrambling backwards towards her, grasping at my towel as began to come lose. “Honey, what happened?” I start shaking violently as I point to my now bare window.

“There was someone out there, they were watching me” My voice now shaky, threatening to turn into whimpers.

My mother raced to the window, looking from side to side, before kneeling at my side, taking me into her smooth arms. “Well they’re gone now honey, I’ll fix your curtains. You go get dressed in the bathroom.” She planted a peck on my forehead as she headed off to fix the mess I made. I raced into the bathroom still shaking. My fears now coming true. Was it the same person or thing? Or is there more than one after me?

I gripped the sink tightly begging myself to calm down. I’m sure if it was the same man he would have already bounded through the window and cut me down then and there. My deep breaths slowly began to shallow and my heart went back to normal.

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I didn’t sleep in my own right last night, I stayed cuddled up to my mum, which I’m pretty sure she didn’t mind the company. I didn’t dream of the cloaked man that night, instead I dreamt of the person in the hood beneath the maple tree. It was just a replay of them constantly staring, never moving. I couldn’t tell what they were feeling, there was no emotion that I could see with the hood covering their face. It didn’t feel as threatening, after a while, I started feeling stupid. Like whoever it was, wasn’t a threat. I shook my head. Who the hell stands in front of someone’s window just staring at them with no wicked intentions?

My cheeks flushed red as it dawned on me, the realisation that I was only wearing a towel, maybe it was just a peeping tom? I giggled at how paranoid I was being.

The sunlight filled my mum’s room, bringing out the beautiful pale gold of her walls. I lay there for a while, taking in the scent of the Lilies on her nightstand. Flowers that were given to her by a friend of hers as gift at the funeral. Mum actually named Lilly after the flower because it was her favourite. I smiled as I ran my fingers over the smooth petals, and inhaled the smell one more time before making my way to my own room.

My mother had already left for work, she works at the local hospital as a junior nurse, so she is usually out of the house by 5 AM. It was now 7:15 and I was left alone. I hated being left alone, especially after everything that’s happened and I’m too afraid to tell anyone, in case they think I’m crazy. I sigh as I start searching my wardrobe for my uniform. A blue and white polo, with a hummingbird on the right side. Humming Bird High School. Class 12.

My phone begins to buzz in my pocket as I finish off putting my hair into a messy bun. I fumble getting it out of my pocket, unlocking it to see Kayla’s name on the screen.

“Hey Kay, what’s up?”

“I’m outside your house. I figured I’d get up early and walk with you… Oh wait, you haven’t left yet have you bec-“

“No I’m still home, I’ll be out in a sec, just finishing my make-up”

“Okay ta-ta, meet me outside!”

Hanging up my phone I made my way to the bathroom to put some mascara on. It felt so empty in there, without Lilly’s make-up sprawled from one end to the other, usually there was not a single bit of bench available for my own. I used to get so mad over it, but now I find myself desperately missing all the things I hated.

“Alex get your butt out here girl!” I could hear Kayla’s slightly squeaky voice calling from outside.

I ran outside, my bag in tow. Slamming the door behind me. Kayla’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. It was always so good to her, she has a way of making everything seem okay. Her red hair usually hip length was now tucked neatly behind her ears. Her slim dark blue eyes sparkling with delight. She was slightly shorter than me, with a few more curves.

I sprint to her and give her the biggest bear hug, we both start giggling. “I’m so happy you’re back! Also I like your new hair, very cute.”

“It is cute isn’t it?” She can’t seem to wipe the smile off her face.

“So are you ready for today?” Kayla asked. I nodded, probably not too convincing, but after what I’ve been through, I think she would understand.

After what seemed like forever, we were almost at the high School. The whole walk there I got the same feeling I did yesterday that I was being watched, that someone was following me. Kayla kept tilting her head to the side, kind of like a curious puppy every time she caught me nervously looking around. Surprisingly she didn’t ask me about, which I’m glad. I’m just not ready to drop my psycho bombshell on her just yet.

As we approached the school gates, something catches my eye. I suddenly realise, it’s the person from yesterday with the same black hood. Now, I also realise that, the ‘person’ is actually a guy, I still couldn’t get a look at his face, but his body type gave his gender away. I stopped dead in my tracks, almost knocking Kayla over, who was following shortly behind me, chatting away about her trip. But her words are now hushed out by the drumming of my heart.

“Hey what the hell Alex?” She follows my gaze to the guy standing only metres away. She looks to me confused. Of course she would be confused, I have told her a damn thing.

The guy quickly turns away from me and slips down an alleyway, out of sight, but definitely not out of sight. Is he actually following me? I feel an elbow to my back, jolting me into the real world and out of my thoughts. “Ouch!”    I squeal. “I tried talking to you, but you’re off in your own little world.”  She shrugs and continues on the path. “So he was super mysterious looking don’t you think. His butt did look really good in those black jeans though.” Kayla playfully nudged me, and winked for added effect. All I could do is shake my head and laugh. My gaze followed the alleyway as we walked past, hoping he wasn’t still there, and thankfully he wasn’t. This is the first time in my life, I have actually wanted to be at school, I felt like I would be safe with all those other teens behind those walls.

It didn’t take us much longer to get to school. We both separated as soon as we got there. Our classes in different buildings spread out across the school grounds. It is quite a large school, 6 large building, and each 3 stories high. It was also old, with chiselled brick walls and vines covering most of the walls. It is quite aesthetic for a school. The gardens are always well kept and beautiful to the eye, the gardener takes great pride in his work, which is always nice to see.

I pull out my class list from my purple backpack. I like purple by the way. My first class is English. At least I’ll start the day with a class I actually like. Hmm building 4, Class 8, I tap the piece of paper, looking around at the different buildings. It doesn’t take me long to spot the building I needed, before folding the paper up and putting it in my bag.

Pulling out my phone I quickly text Kayla.

                                                                                           (Alex) Hey, Is Eli here yet? Pretty sure he is in my

                                                                                                      English class.

(Kayla) Hang on, I’ll check.

(Kayla) Yep he’s in your class.

(Kayla) He said he’ll be there in like 5

                                                                                            (Alex) Thanks!

I put my phone back in my pocket. My mother got me a phone under one condition. I am not allowed to text any males, even if they’re only friends. I roll my eyes as I think of what a shitty rule it is. I’m 17 now and my mother still doesn’t like the idea of me having anything to do with anyone of the opposite s*x. Eli is the only exception seeing as his and my mum are friends and both work at the hospital, still doesn’t exempt me from the no texting boys rule. If Lilly had a phone, she would have broken that rule, quicker than you could drop a hat. I on the other hand like following the rules. It’s probably the reason she never got a phone. I chuckled to myself at that thought. My laughter soon turning to whimper knowing she’d never get a chance to break that rule.

“Hey you!” I feel an arm around my shoulder, startling me, I turn to see Eli, smiling his adorable crooked smile. He’s a bit goofy, and has a very dark sense of humour, but I like that about him.

“What are you? A damn ninja? I didn’t even hear you behind me!” His laughter fills my ears. “It’s because you’re always off in your own little world. One day it might not be me creeping up on you” He winks, but his smile fades when he sees I’m not the least bit amused by his comment.

“Sorry Alex.” He pouts, gripping my arm lightly and starts to drag me towards our class.

Just as we reach class the bell echoes through the school, bouncing off the walls. Filling my ear drums. I really hate that bell, especially in this building. It’s way too loud. Eli lets go of my arm, but drags his fingers across my hand, lingering for only a few seconds. My heart starts pounding in my chest, for once a good kind of pounding.

If I was allowed. He would already be my boyfriend. It’s obvious to anyone that sees us together that we like each other.

I stand in the door way lingering, watching as he takes his seat at the back. Only my teacher’s cough, Mr Edison pulls me from my puppy like trance. I start blushing and hang my head, making my way to the seat next to Eli by the window. He quickly pokes his tongue out me, before focusing back on the teacher. Ahhh, so immature. I smile to myself as I take in the sight of him. His ash brown hair hung over his olive green eyes, one of his eyes were part blue, they were quite mesmerizing to look at, but so was his body. He’s slim, but muscular. I have seen him shirtless once when we were swimming in the river. The water dripping across his abs were definitely a very pleasant sight.

“Miss Anette!” I hear Mr Edison clearing his throat. I shake my head trying to get rid of Eli’s shirtless body out of my mind

“Ah yes?”

“Who wrote Hamlet?”

What kind of question is that? “Shakespeare sir.”

“Good.”

Mr Edison continues his class as I thoughtlessly look out the window, twirling a lose strand of hair in my fingers. Not really looking at anything in particular, just enjoying the blankness of my mind for once. Inviting the quietness that I haven’t had the pleasure of having in weeks. Slowly my eyes wonder over the scenery, beautiful tall trees, and the flowered gardens beneath the windows. The gym class playing cricket out on the field. It felt like I was in dream, a nice dream that I didn’t want to wake from.

That was until my eyes skipped over a familiar and not so enticing site. THE. GUY. IN. THE. BLACK. HOOD. He was standing by the school fence, just staring at me, could no one else see him? I stifle a scream as I stand up with such force I knock over my chair. Eli rushes to my side asking if I was okay, I shook him off shaking my head no. Everyone else in class including the teacher just stared wide at me.

“I need to go.” I whisper trying to hold tears back. I begin to run out of the room as Eli talks to the teacher. I see Mr Edison nod as I leave the room. I mouth “Thanks” To Eli.

I got my mother to come pick me up from school, she wasn’t happy, but I just told her I wasn’t coping with Lilly being gone, which wasn’t a lie, but not the whole truth. As soon as I got home, I gave my mother a kiss on the cheek as she left back for work. I slid inside. Closed the curtains, locked all the doors and laid in bed until I fell into a deep sleep, praying tomorrow he wouldn’t be there, staring and watching my every move. “Tomorrow,” I whispered to myself.