Down the Rabbit hole

It Was Just a Dream, Right?

Running through the still sleeping town, I felt as if I was being watched. The mere thought sent shivers down my back but, I didn't dare look back as I focused my gaze at my feet. Making my way through town my one and only thought was to run. Exhausted my legs wanting to buckle beneath me I pushed harder not wanting to stop even for a second. I needed to get as far away as possible from that whatever it was back there.

Without realizing it I ended up at home before collapsing on the front porch. Panting, I heaved a heavy sigh forcing myself to get up. I couldn't let anybody find me like this. Trying to push my fears aside grabbed the key from under the welcome mat. Hands shaking I fumbled the key almost dropping it more the once. Finally, with trembling hands, I managed to get the key in the slot. For a second I balled my hands into fists trying desperately to stop the shaking. When the shaking refused to stop I flung the door open and returned the key before racing to my room; all the while praying no one in the house woke up.

Climbing into bed I glanced at the glaring red numbers of my alarm clock,1:00 a.m. I groaned throwing my gaze to the window to see the darkness of the night. Plopping down on the bed; I buried my head in the pillow as I let the screams crawl their way out of my throat. Images of my horrific blood-drenched awaking imprinting themselves on my mind I pushed my head further into the pillow.

Screaming my lungs out a steady stream of hot tears slowly soaked the pillow. My world had just fallen to pieces and I shuddered at the thought that maybe I killed someone. Voice going hoarse my screaming slowly died while the tears ran dry. Not being able to hold on any longer I crashed into a dreamless sleep.

---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------

Bang!Bang!Bang!

"Grrrrr, "I groan as I shove my pillow over my head.

Bang!Bang!Bang!

"Grrr, go away, " I shouted into the sheets.

Bang!Bang!Bang! Only this time a voice accompanied the banging "Zayda get your ass up now!"

Mom, of course, it was my mom who else would it be. Groaning loudly I tried to voice my frustration before throwing the covers off. Jumping out of bed checked my alarm clock, 12:14 p.m.

`"Okay, okay I'm up..., " I shouted at the door only to start yawning, "Now what did you want? "

"Zayda I can't believe you......., " She let out a heavy sigh, " Just get your ass dressed and come down Tessa is waiting for you" she exclaimed before walking away from the door.

Tessa, that's right we are going shopping for spring formal today. Letting out a groan I made my way to the closet. Stepping out of the yoga pants and tearing of the blue t-shirt the events of last night came flooding back. I faltered in my steps as images of the bloody gym overcame me.

Taking a couple of deep breaths I to the back shoved the gruesome images to the back recesses of my mind. "Come on Zayda, snap out of it," I told myself shaking my head, "It was only a dream anyway nothing too worrying about. Yeah, probably just a nightmare from watching those horror films with Bryce. " Groaning I shuffled through the various shirts and blouses hanging in front of me. Finally settling on blue-green off shoulder blouse I sighed before biting my lip.

Snatching I pair of fringed cropped capris with white floral designs off the shelf I felt the liquid warmth before the metallic tang caressed my taste buds.

"Grrrrrrrrr, "I groaned as I raced to the bathroom to inspect the damage done, grabbing my essentials and undergarments on the way

"Everything okay up there?" My moms' calling up to me with concern.

Poking my head out the bathroom door I called down to her, "Yeah, mom, I'm okay be down in a sec." Not waiting for her response I closed myself back in the bathroom, planting myself in front of the mirror.

Staring at what looked like a zombie I cringed as I reached up to touch my now bloody lip. Pulling my finger away from my mouth, I glared at the crimson smudge before scoffing at the sight. Turning on the faucet I shoved my finger under while grabbing a small towel. Dampening the towel, I went and dabbed at my lip trying to clean it up. With the blooding stopped and blood cleaned away I looked on in horror at my reflection.

"Damn it, Bryce, "I cursed wishing he were here so could punch him.

Gripping the counter, I took yet another deep breath. I needed to get my focus back, I wasn't functioning how was I supposed to go shopping like this? Fuming, I lifted my head back up to the crumbling girl in front of me. Shaking from irritation I practically ripped off my bra and underwear.

Standing naked now I watched my reflection slowly turn from side to side inspecting my body. It was nothing to fawn over, I wasn't fat or skinny I guess I was somewhere comfortably in the middle not like I was complaining or anything. My tan was patchy at best mixing oddly with cream coloured skin. As the images of what I hope to be just a dream flashed before my eyes I peeled myself away from the mirror hoping in the shower. Warm tendrils of water calmed my nerves for the first couple seconds before images of blood and lots of it started flowing down the drain. Without soaping up I grab a hanging towel and trying to calm my erratic breathing.

"C-come on Zayda, it was only a dream nothing more, "I whispered to myself placing my hand on my hammering chest. "Bryce, I love you, but you are going to pay for bringing me to watch those damn movies. " I groaned letting the towel fall; shoving my hands to my temples as the blood-soaked gym forced its' way in making my head throb.

Gritting my teeth, I held back a scream of agony crashing to my knees in the process. And just like that, it was gone. Scrambling to my feet I quickly I got dressed; questions racing through my head.

I was so confused.

What was happening to me?

I wasn't losing my mind, right?

It was all just stress, nothing more?!

And of course...it was all just a dream, or better yet, a terrifying nightmare, right?

Walking out of the bathroom, after applying some eyeliner and lipgloss, I kept replaying that last question in my head. Ever as I greeted Tessa with a hug it echoed on... it was just a dream, right?... sending shivers down my spine.