I SHOULD HAVE WALKED AWAY

MY NIGHTMARE

I woke up very early the next morning. I didn’t expect it, but I had slept very early the night before, so maybe that was why I woke up so early.

I took my bath and got ready for school even before Mrs. Laura finished preparing breakfast. She looked at me in surprise.

“What’s the occasion today?” she asked.

I smiled and sat at the dining table. “Mrs. Laura, I just woke up early today… maybe because I slept early yesterday.”

She nodded and continued preparing breakfast.

Within minutes, I was done eating. I rushed out of the house to meet Mr. Samuel, the driver, and by exactly 7:00 a.m., I left the house.

We arrived at the school gate and drove inside. The entire school was still empty.

I smiled brightly. “Finally, I’m the first to arrive today.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Mr. Samuel said. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

I scoffed lightly. “I can take care of myself, don’t worry.”

I carried my bag, jumped out of the car, and closed the door. I walked back briefly.

“You can go now. I’ll be in class,” I said.

“Are you sure you can walk alone?” he asked worriedly.

“Yes, I can. Bye,” I said quickly and ran off before he could insist.

I ran excitedly through the stairs.

“I’ll be the first in class today!” I said happily.

But suddenly, I heard voices.

I stopped.

My smile faded slightly. “I guess I wasn’t first after all,” I muttered.

I slowed down and began walking carefully toward the classroom. The voices grew louder.

Something felt strange. My body reacted immediately—I recognized them.

I stopped completely.

It was Nancy’s voice.

“Nancy is already in school?” I thought in shock.

I also heard Jessi.

“It’s almost late… when is he even coming?” Jessi said.

“Who is coming?” I wondered quietly.

“He’ll be here soon. He wouldn’t disappoint me,” Nancy replied.

“You two are really cruel. What kind of game are you plotting now?” Maya’s voice suddenly cut in.

“Maya,” I gasped silently.

“Stay out of it, Maya,” Nancy said angrily.

“What is all this about? Why don’t you just tell Judy that you and Ray are already—” Maya tried to speak.

“Shut up, Maya!” Jessi shouted.

“Mind your business and stay out of it!”

“I’m out,” Maya said coldly. “I wonder when that stupid girl will figure it out.”

“Maya, if Judy finds out anything, I’ll know it was you—and I’ll mess you up,” Nancy said sharply.

I felt my whole body freeze.

“What is going on?” I whispered, my heart pounding violently.

I quickly hid behind a wall.

“Is Ray involved in this too?” I thought, confused and shaken.

“What is going on between Ray and Nancy?” I asked myself, trembling.

I slowly sat down in the corner, my strength fading.

I felt empty.

“Even Ray…” I murmured weakly.

Then suddenly—

Ray arrived in a rush.

“Nancy!” he called out.

My heart jumped at the sound of his voice.

“I thought you didn’t get my message,” Nancy shouted, frustrated.

“I did… something came up,” Ray replied.

“What happened? Still thinking about that girl, Ray?” Nancy snapped angrily.

“Nancy, I’m sorry. I’m here now,” he said softly.

I listened silently, unable to move.

My mind felt blocked.

“Ray…” I whispered, barely breathing.

Nancy’s voice turned sharp. “I’ve got this under control. Judy is mine already.”

My body shook violently.

“What does that mean?” I gasped in fear, biting my lips as tears filled my eyes.

I couldn’t breathe properly.

Then suddenly, my phone rang loudly.

I jerked in shock and accidentally screamed.

I quickly turned it off, covering my mouth.

“They must have heard me…”

Panic took over.

I ran.

“Who’s there?!” Jessi shouted, rushing out.

But I was already gone.

I could hear footsteps behind me.

“Who is that?!” Nancy shouted as they started chasing me.

My heart was racing. I was shaking. I couldn’t breathe properly.

I looked everywhere—nowhere to hide.

The entire area was open.

Then I spotted the swimming court.

I ran inside quickly. It was empty, dark, and quiet.

The doors were locked.

The footsteps got closer.

I panicked.

Suddenly—

Someone grabbed me.

I almost screamed, but a hand covered my mouth.

It was Maya.

Before I could react, she pulled me and jumped into the water.

We went under.

Cold water swallowed me as I struggled to breathe.

Maya held me tightly, signaling me to stay still.

My heart was pounding violently. Everything felt heavy, confusing, unreal.

I tried to stay calm and hold my breath, but the shock was too much.

My strength faded…

And everything went black.