Deeply in love

Chapter 7-Claire

"I think I saw something last night," Claire whispered to Mia.

"What? Did you have a bad dream?" Mia looked up while peeling the potatoes.

"No. I don't know. It was terrifying. A human-like but not a human, definitely not. It had long nails and its skin was tearing off. I couldn't see properly, but whatever it was, it's not good."

"Claire, you've been watching these horror series lately, I'm sure this is the outcome."

"But it was in the backyard, near the garbage pile."

"What were you doing in the backyard at night?" inquired Mia.

"I saw it from the balcony, from my room. I was too afraid to go out and see." she sighed.

"Claire, seriously stop watching these unhealthy shows."

"But, it's not,"

"I know it seems real, but it's an illusion. Your mind wants you to believe it."

"Mia, what if it's a demon?" Claire questioned innocently.

"I think you've banged your head hard Ms Claire." Mia shook her head disapprovingly.

"You think I'm crazy?" She demanded.

"You sound crazy."

"Mia, I'm older than you, obviously more experienced, I demand more respect."

"One year older." Mia clarified.

"Whatever, It might be a dream." Said an offended Claire.

"Finally, you make sense. Thank God."

"Girls you're not getting paid to talk. There is so much work pending. Stop talking and get back to your duties." interrupted Mrs Regina. She carried the grocery bags and left it on the table while eyeing the kitchen assessing the efforts in her absence.

Claire started popping the air bubbles in the dough and sighed. She wasn't too sure it was a dream but then again, she wasn't confident it was real.

"By duties, I meant working Claire, not playing."

"Okay," Claire responded.

"Are you okay girl? You sound off." Mrs Regina inquired.

"I'm fine."

Mia started giggling but stopped when Mrs Regina stared at her.

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Serra

Nobody liked her in the mansion, she was sure of it, nevertheless, she could comprehend their situation. She was an unwelcome guest. It was bearable but meal times were the hardest, no one paid attention to her or Eric. It was as if they were invisible to everyone in the mansion except the workers and the twins, Elif and Elin. She was sitting on the bench in the garden. The cool breeze touched her cheeks making them pink.

Everything seemed like a dream, a month back, she had been dreaming of higher studies and had plans of marrying her beloved. But here she was, in a strange place married to a stranger.

"You look pretty." Elin disturbed her thoughts. She looked at the cute little girl standing before her. She was wearing a light pink skirt and a grey blouse. Her long hair was put in a ponytail and she was wearing a pair of grey slippers.

"You're prettier." I smiled.

"Really? She was excited, "But you're eyes are too lovely."

"Thank you."

"Is it real eyes?" She asked.

"What?" I laughed.

"No, because mommy sometimes wears fake eyes."

"No dear, this is real."

"Did your mommy have violet eyes too? I think so, your mommy might be very pretty. I have brown eyes like my mommy."

"My mom has black eyes."

"Elin! Get ready for bed!"

"My mommy is calling me. Bye."

Eric told he would enroll me in the university tomorrow. My dreams were coming true but not in the way I expected. But without Eric, I would be lost in this big city. I wondered what my mother was undergoing. Of course dad never hurt her, although he didn't think twice before hurting me.

"I miss you mom," I whispered looking at the stars while tears streamed down my cheeks.

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It was midnight when Mia heard a shrill scream from Claire's room. She got up hurriedly and went to check what was happening. The door to Claire's room was locked. But she could hear her crying.

"Claire! Claire!' Mia banged on the room door. The voices woke Mrs Regina who came out of her room.

"What happened?" She investigated.

"I heard Claire screaming a few minutes back." Claire screamed once more sending shills down both of their spines.

"Claire! Open the door dear! " Mrs Regina knocked the door.

After a few minutes, a shaking Claire finally opened the door. She was cold and was hardly standing. Her eyes were red and she looked pale.

"What happened my dear? why are you in this state? Mrs Regina asked while holding the poor girl.

Claire looked at Mia and said, "It's wasn't a nightmare, it was true." Then she collapsed on the floor.