The Last True Blood

Chapter 2

The teacher drones on about the lesson, but I can't focus. The mark is all I can think about. I start to feel my anxiety brewing, my heart racing, rubbing my sweaty palms together, I try to take deep breaths, but it's of no use. my thoughts are spiraling out of control.

Suddenly, the bell rings, and I'm released from my thoughts, at least for a moment. I gathered my things and head out into the hallway with Stacy.

"We need to talk," I say to her.

"I know," she replies. "Let's go somewhere we can have some privacy."

Me and Stacy head to the library, finding a quiet corner to talk. We sat down, facing each other, and I take a deep breath.

"I need to tell you something," i say. "But it's kind of crazy."

Stacy looks at me with a reassuring smile. "I'm ready for anything," she says. "Just tell me what's going on."

I then take a deep breath and begin to tell her about the mark on my arm, and the strange dream I had. I even mentioned the mysterious voice i heard and the familiar presence I felt.

As I finish telling my story, Stacy sits there for a moment, taking it all in. I wait with bated breath, hoping she'll have some answers for me. But instead, she simply asks, "What do you think it all means?"

I shrug my shoulders. "I have no idea," i say. "It's all just so strange. I feel like I'm losing my mind."

Stacy takes my hand in hers and gives it a gentle squeeze. "You're not crazy, Selena" she says. "This is just all very new and unusual.

"Let's try to break it down," Stacy suggests. "Let's start with the mark on your arm. What exactly does it look like?"

I think for a moment, trying to recall every detail. "It's like a tattoo, but it's not a tattoo," I say. "It's black and it's shaped like a crescent moon. It almost looks like a birthmark."

Stacy nods. "And it just appeared out of nowhere?"

I nod. "It wasn't there this morning, and then suddenly it was."

"Okay," Stacy says.

"Let's move on to your dream," Stacy says. "You said you were in a forest, in some sort of Cave, held captive and you heard a voice. What did the voice say to you?"

I closed my eyes, trying to remember the voice. "It was a female voice,"I say. "She said 'Remember who you are.' And then she said something else, but I can't remember what it was."

Stacy thinks for a moment, considering what I've told her. "It's all very mysterious," she says.

"That's right," Stacy says. "You mentioned something about your mom wanting to meet you at the park. What do you think she wants to talk to you about?"

I let out a sigh. "I have no idea," I say. "She's been acting really strange lately. She's been really secretive, and she keeps mentioning that there's something she needs to tell me."

Stacy looks concerned. "Do you think it's something bad?" she asks.

"I don't know," I say. "But it's definitely got me worried. I've never seen her like this before. She's always been so open with me, and now she's acting like there's this huge secret she can't share."

"That's definitely concerning," Stacy says. "Maybe she's just trying to protect you from something, or she's worried about how you'll react."

"But what could it be?" I ask. "What could be so bad that she's acting like this?"

Stacy, shrugs.

"Maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves here," Stacy says. "Let's focus on one thing at a time. Why don't we start with the mark on your arm? Has anything else unusual happened since you noticed it?"

You think for a moment. "I've been having these really weird dreams," I say. "They feel so real, like I'm actually there. They're scary, and they're definitely strange."

Stacy looks intrigued. "What are the dreams about?" she asks.

"The first one was about a tree," I say. "It was in the middle of a field, and it was huge. Its branches reached up into the sky, and its roots went deep into the earth. It was like it was the center of everything. And then, a door appeared in the trunk of the tree. It was old and wooden, and it looked like it had been there for centuries.

All creatures were out watching,it was more like everything got still while I walked towards the tree and I opened the door, and there was nothing inside but darkness."

Stacy's eyes widen. "That's really intense," she says.

"The next dream was about a river," I say. "I was standing on the bank, and the river was flowing by really fast. It was so clear and blue, and I could see fish swimming in it. And then, the water started to slow down, and it became like glass. And then, I saw my reflection in the water. But it wasn't really my reflection. It was someone else, a woman with long black hair. She was smiling at me, and then she faded away."

Stacy, is silent for a moment, taking it all in. I'm as confused as she is.

"The last dream I had was about a garden," I say. "I was standing in the middle of a huge garden, filled with all kinds of flowers. And then, I noticed a path leading away from the garden. I followed the path, and it led to a door. The door was made of stone, and it was covered in moss and vines. It looked ancient, like it had been there for thousands of years. I opened the door, and on the other side was a forest, filled with trees that were taller than anything I had ever seen. And then I woke up."

Stacy is speechless.

"This is all really strange," Stacy says. "And it's kind of creepy, to be honest. But I think it's good that you're going to see your mom. Maybe she'll have some answers for you."

"I hope so," I say. "I just want to understand what's happening. I feel like I'm losing my mind."

"Don't say that," Stacy says, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure there's an explanation for all of this.

"In the meantime," Stacy says, "try not to dwell on it too much. Just focus on your day, and when you see your mom, I'm sure things will start to make sense."

"I'll try," I say. "It's just so hard not to think about it. I can't stop wondering what it all means."

"I know," Stacy says. "But just take a deep breath and relax. You'll get through this."

I nod, feeling a bit calmer. "Thanks, Stacy," I say.

"Of course," Stacy says. "I'm always here for you, no matter what. And I'll be happy to listen to anything else that's on your mind, if it'll help."

I smile at her, grateful for her support. "You're the best," I say. "I'm so glad we're friends."

"Me too," Stacy says. "Now, we better get going. We don't want to be late for class!"

"Right," you say, and the two of you start walking to class.

The Day's over and it's time to go home. I walked up to Stacy" I have to leave now Mum's probably waiting for me" she hugs me" See you on Monday,Bye"she says.

I'm on my way to meet Mum now. I'm kind of nervous, but I know she'll explain everything to me. I just hope it's nothing too serious. As I drive, I can't stop thinking about what she might say.

I reach the park and see Mom sitting on a bench. She smiles at me as I approach her. "Hey, honey," she says.

I sit down next to her on the bench. "Hey, Mom," I say. "So, what's going on?" I ask, trying to sound casual. "Well, it's a bit complicated," she says. "But I promise I'll do my best to explain everything." I nod, feeling a bit relieved that she's willing to talk to me about whatever it is. "Okay, I'm all ears," I say. Mom takes a deep breath. "Well, it's about your history, your roots" she says. "About who you really are."

I feel my heart skip a beat.

"Your Dad and I have decided to tell you. I just wanted to give you heads up on what awaits you. It could change you but just know we have your back no matter what. Your Dad will be taking you somewhere as soon as you leave here".she says and envelopes me in her warm embrace "I love you Mum" I say.Tears welled up in my eyes.

"I love you too, honey," she said. "No matter what happens, I just want you to know that. I'm so proud of you and I'll always be here for you." I nodded, unable to speak. I hugged her again, feeling grateful for her love and support. "We're going to be okay," she said, gently patting my back. "I know it's a lot to take in, but we'll get through this."

After a moment, we pulled away from the hug. "I have to know, I have to go meet Dad now,Mom," I said. She nodded with a sad smile.

I got in my car and drove to the pack house to meet Dad in his office tending to pack duties.