Door To Another Realm

Horrible Surprise

Candice couldn't believe her luck. If her dreams were any indication, Mike was going to be her forever. She quickly went to her kitchen, still clutching his note.

She looked at her phone and sat on the bar stool, at the island in the kitchen. She decided to send just a quick text to Mike, nothing big, yet.

Candice: It's Candice. Have a good night.

Mike texted back almost immediately.

Mike: I was hoping you would text me soon! I hope you have sweet dreams. Good night!

1 minute later-

Candice: Sweet dreams :)

Candice couldn't help but smile big. As she made herself a quick salad and put away her groceries, she couldn't help but daydream about Mike. He was so kind and caring. He was a literal dream man. She finished putting away the groceries and went up to her room. Upon entering her room, she decided to just change and lay down for bed. She watched the nights shadows dance across the room from the moon light outside.

After laying there for an hour she decided to get up and expell some of the extra energy she had. She decided to check on the attic room. Candice climbed the stairs to the attic and when she stepped into the main area of the attic, she noticed the flowers on the table were slowly beginning to droop. After she was finished with the room she would change the flowers out, she quickly noted. She opened the door and stepped into the room. For some reason she always felt at home here. It was a weird sensation to her. She sat on the bed and grabbed the picture frame of the woman who look like her. "Who are you? And why do you look just like me?" She thought aloud. Still baffled by the situation at hand, she got up and placed the frame back after noticing the sun was slowly peeking over the horizon. It really felt like she had only sat there for a few mins. Yet it seems she sat there much longer. She was still full of energy, so she decided the stairs with the case of flowers and gather some fresh from the garden outside.

After replacing the flowers and placing them in fresh water, she put them back on the table and notice something sparkling from the corner of her eye. She turned to the chair to the right of her and pulled up the cushion to see what it was. She picked up a locket. 'Where did this come from? I didn't notice this before.' She thought to herself. She opened the locket to find a picture of the woman who looked like her on one side. On the other side was a picture of a man who looked just like Mike. "Okay this is getting weird!" She almost shouted as she dropped the locket. She picked it back up with shaky hands. She decided she may have to ask Mike if he knows who the man is and maybe they can slowly piece together the mystery of this house.

She kept the locket away in her purse until she would see Mike again. She busied herself with some cleaning, when there was a sudden banging on her door! Just as she was about to open the door, she also received a text. As she took her phone, reaching for the door, she saw it was a text from Krystal.

K: They are coming for you! They found out I helped you and made me lead them to you!

'Oh NO!!!' She thought... 'Is this them?' Just as she thought that Kim yelled from the other side of the door, "Candice it's me! Krystal was able to send me a message to let me know that your family was coming. I came to make sure you are safe and I will not leave until we know for sure that you are safe." Candice quickly opened the door and let Kim in. "I called a cop friend of mine, he will patrol the neighborhood for the next couple of days to make sure someone is always around to help you," Kim quickly blurted out.

Candice had slowly made her way towards the kitchen with Kim following. She set the coffee pot and set two cups on the counter for herself and Kim. "I don't know if this helps you any, Hun, but I am here and won't let anything happen to you!" Kim looked at Candice with as much sincerity as she could. "It's ok, Kim. I knew this day would come. I just didn't expect it to be so soon!"

Candice thought they would look, but had hoped they wouldn't care enough to try. They sat in silence until the coffee pot dinged, indicating the coffee had finished brewing. She poured them both a cup and offered the creamer for Kim after pouring hers. With a sigh, they continued on in silence enjoying their coffee, when suddenly there were heavy bangs on the front door. They both exchanged a look and Kim held up her hand indicating for Candice to wait. Kim stood and went to the front door, opening it gingerly. "Hello, can I help you sir?" Candice could hear the man at the door respond, "where is she?" Candice's eyes widen and she had to cover her mouth to suppress the whimper that threatened to retreat it. Her father's voice brought that fear back in an instant. "I'm sorry sir, I'm sure I have no idea what you mean!? Who are you? Maybe I can help you find what you're looking for." Candice couldn't help the tears that slowly descended from on her eyes, down her cheeks. "I know she's here and I will get her back home, one way or another," the man's brutish voice was heard! Was he threatening Kim? Candice's eyes widen again, knowing her father would find a way if he really wanted to. He was hell bent on making her life hell, no matter who he put in harm's way. What she heard next made the tears fall faster and her heart pound hard against her ribs. "I'm sorry, but are you threatening me, sir? I'll have you know I have a police officer near at all times and can have you cuffed in less than a minute with one text!" Candice could hear her father's frustrated growl as he spoke, "you have no idea who you're messing with lady! I always get what I want and I will be back for my daughter!" Kim's response almost made Candice laugh, "I'm sorry, like I said I have no idea what you are talking about! Have nice day!" With that Candice could hear the front door slam shut as Kim quickly locked it and headed back to Candice in the kitchen.

As Kim walked into sight, Candice couldn't help it any more and burst into tears. With a sigh Kim walked up and grabbed Candice in for a bone crushing hug. She slowly stroked Candice's hair and shushed her slightly, "I know Candice, I know. I am here and nothing will happen while I'm here!" With that promise, Candice slowly reigned in her composure and calmed a bit. "Thank you Kim, really! I don't know how I would have faced him by myself." Candice shuttered at the thought. She was happy to finally have someone by her side. What would she do now though, knowing he would stay by close, watching to find her?